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The British Journal of General Practice... Jul 2019The overall clinical impression ('clinical gestalt') is widely used for diagnosis but its accuracy has not been systematically studied. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The overall clinical impression ('clinical gestalt') is widely used for diagnosis but its accuracy has not been systematically studied.
AIM
To determine the accuracy of clinical gestalt for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS), and streptococcal pharyngitis, and to contrast it with the accuracy of clinical decision rules (CDRs).
DESIGN AND SETTING
Systematic review and meta-analysis of outpatient diagnostic accuracy studies in ambulatory care.
METHOD
PubMed and Google were searched for studies in outpatients that reported sufficient data to calculate accuracy of the overall clinical impression and that used the same reference standard. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2), and measures of accuracy calculated using bivariate meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The authors identified 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The summary estimates for the positive (LR+) and negative likelihood ratios (LR-) were LR+ 7.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.8 to 11.5, and LR- 0.54, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.65 for CAP in adults, LR+ 2.7, 95% CI = 1.1 to 4.3 and LR- 0.63, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.98 for CAP in children, LR+ 3.0, 95% CI = 2.1 to 4.4 and LR- 0.37, 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.46 for ARS in adults, LR+ 3.9, 95% CI = 2.4 to 5.9 and LR- 0.33, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.50 for ABRS in adults, and LR+ 2.1, 95% CI = 1.6 to 2.8 and LR- 0.47, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.60 for streptococcal pharyngitis in adults and children. The diagnostic odds ratios were highest for CAP in adults (14.2, 95% CI = 9.0 to 21.0), ARS in adults (8.3, 95% CI = 4.9 to 13.1), and ABRS in adults (13.0, 95% CI = 5.0 to 27.0), as were the C-statistics (0.80, 0.77, and 0.84 respectively).
CONCLUSION
The accuracy of the overall clinical impression compares favourably with the accuracy of CDRs. Studies of diagnostic accuracy should routinely include the overall clinical impression in addition to individual signs and symptoms, and research is needed to optimise its teaching.
Topics: Acute Disease; Clinical Decision Rules; Community-Acquired Infections; Humans; Odds Ratio; Pharyngitis; Pneumonia; Rhinitis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sinusitis; Streptococcal Infections
PubMed: 31208974
DOI: 10.3399/bjgp19X704297 -
Medicine Jul 2020Chronic pharyngitis is a common disease with a dry throat, sore throat, pharyngeal itching, dry cough, and difficulty in swallowing, bringing inconvenience to patients'...
BACKGROUND
Chronic pharyngitis is a common disease with a dry throat, sore throat, pharyngeal itching, dry cough, and difficulty in swallowing, bringing inconvenience to patients' daily life. Banxia-Houpo-Tang (BHT) has proven to be effective in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis, yet its real extent is not well understood. To prove this point, we will perform a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of BHT for chronic pharyngitis.
METHODS/DESIGN
We will search for electronic databases both English and Chinese from inception to December 2019. Two experienced researchers select the qualified articles from: The Cochrane Library, EBM Reviews, OVID, Web of Science, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database (CAJD), China Biomedical Literature database (CBM), VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP). Journal Integration Platform and WAN FANG Database. We select the appropriate searching language. The primary outcome was remission rate, and the secondary outcomes include clinical symptoms, clinical examination, adverse event. Data extraction and quality assessment will be conducted by 2 experienced researchers independently. Data analysis and the risk of bias assessment will be determined by RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
Based on the current proofs, we will get the exact evidence about the safety and effectiveness of BHT in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis.
CONCLUSION
Our study is the first meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BHT in the treatment of chronic pharyngitis, and it will provide evidence for alternative treatment for the management of chronic pharyngitis.
OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER
DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/QNF6X.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Zingiber officinale; Humans; Magnolia; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Perilla; Pharyngitis; Phytotherapy; Pinellia; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Wolfiporia
PubMed: 32791655
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000019922 -
Revista Paulista de Pediatria : Orgao... 2022To describe clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of the periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To describe clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic characteristics of the periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome.
DATA SOURCE
Literature review in the PubMed database by using specific descriptors to identify all articles published in the English language in the last three years; 38 articles were found. After performing selection of titles and abstract analysis, 13 out of the 38 articles were fully read. Relevant studies found in the references of the reviewed articles were also included.
DATA SYNTHESIS
The PFAPA syndrome (Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis and cervical Adenitis) is a medical condition grouped among the periodic fever syndromes. The etiology is uncertain, but possibly multifactorial, and its symptoms are accompanied by recurrent febrile episodes although weight and height development are preserved. It is a self-limiting disease of benign course with remission of two to three years without significant interference in the patient's overall development. Treatment consists of three pillars: interruption of febrile episodes, increase in the interval between episodes, and remission.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite several attempts to establish more sensitive and specific criteria, the diagnosis of PFAPA syndrome is still clinical and reached by exclusion, based on the modified Marshall's criteria. The most common pharmacological options for treatment include prednisolone and betamethasone; colchicine may be used as prophylaxis, and surgical treatment with tonsillectomy can be considered in selected cases.
Topics: Child; Fever; Humans; Lymphadenitis; Pharyngitis; Stomatitis, Aphthous; Syndrome
PubMed: 35703722
DOI: 10.1590/1984-0462/2022/40/2021087IN -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Mar 2021Mahanintangtong is listed in the Thailand's National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). It is used to treat non-specific fevers and illnesses such as pharyngitis and...
Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Mahanintangtong and its constituent herbs, a formula used in Thai traditional medicine for treating pharyngitis.
BACKGROUND
Mahanintangtong is listed in the Thailand's National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). It is used to treat non-specific fevers and illnesses such as pharyngitis and chickenpox. In this study, we investigated the biological activities of the different medicinal plants used in the Mahanintangtong formula.
METHODS
The plant materials were extracted by maceration and decoction. Antimicrobial activity, assessed by disc diffusion method, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were compared with commercially available standard antibiotics. To elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms, inhibition of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) production was tested by Griess and ELISA techniques. Antioxidant activity was measured by ABTS and DPPH scavenging assays.
RESULTS
The extracts with the best antimicrobial activities were carbonized Tectona grandis showing against Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The ethanol extract of Dracaena loureiroi wood exhibited the highest NO and IL-6 inhibitory activity with IC values of 9.42 ± 1.81 and 12.02 ± 0.30 μg/mL, respectively. The ethanol extract of Pogostemon cablin had the highest TNF-α inhibitory with IC values of 10.68 ± 0.02 μg/mL. In anti-free radical testing, the ethanol extract of D. loureiroi displayed high antioxidant activity by both ABTS and DPPH assays.
CONCLUSION
The ethanol extracts from carbonized T. grandis and Mahanintangtong showed good antimicrobial activity, especially against S. pyogenes, and good anti-inflammatory activity. These findings are relevant to the pathogenesis of pharyngitis and justify additional studies to see if Mahanintangtong could have clinical utility.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Lamiaceae; Medicine, East Asian Traditional; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Mice; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Pharyngitis; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; RAW 264.7 Cells; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus pyogenes; Thailand
PubMed: 33785002
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03274-6 -
Australian Journal of General Practice 2022Australia has relatively high rates of antibiotic prescribing in the community. The aim of this study was to identify clinical insights regarding antibiotic prescribing...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Australia has relatively high rates of antibiotic prescribing in the community. The aim of this study was to identify clinical insights regarding antibiotic prescribing choices for the management of common upper respiratory tract infections through analysis of anonymised primary care electronic medical records (EMRs).
METHOD
EMR data relating to 1926 antimicrobial prescriptions for tonsillitis, pharyngitis and acute rhinosinusitis in adults and acute otitis media (AOM) in children were extracted from 11 general practices in Victoria and analysed for consistency with Australian Therapeutic Guidelines recommendations.
RESULTS
The analysis suggests that underdosing of amoxicillin for AOM in children, prescription of phenoxymethylpenicillin at doses not consistent with Therapeutic Guidelines recommendations for tonsillitis and pharyngitis in adults, and potential overprescription of antibiotics for patients with acute rhinosinusitis are not infrequent in general practice.
DISCUSSION
Anonymised EMR data provide an opportunity to analyse antibiotic prescribing practices at scale and provide insights relevant to clinical practice.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Humans; Pharyngitis; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Respiratory Tract Infections; Victoria
PubMed: 35098270
DOI: 10.31128/AJGP-07-21-6073 -
BMC Public Health Dec 2023This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of patients with chronic pharyngitis in Suzhou, China toward laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of patients with chronic pharyngitis in Suzhou, China toward laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with chronic pharyngitis in Suzhou, China at the otolaryngology outpatient clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between November, 2022, and May, 2023. Data was collected through a self-designed online questionnaire encompassing the sociodemographic characteristics and three dimensions of KAP. The questionnaire was administered using SoJump, and data were exported from this platform. Subsequently, statistical analysis, including Structural Equation Modeling, was performed using SPSS 22 software to evaluate the KAP scores.
RESULTS
A total of 487 valid questionnaires were collected, with 275 (56.35%) female patients. The mean score of KAP were 4.76 ± 2.93 (possible range: 0-11), 33.10 ± 4.46 (possible range: 8-40), 31.29 ± 6.04 (possible range: 8-40), respectively. Pearson's correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between knowledge and attitude dimensions (r = 0.413, P < 0.001), knowledge and practice dimensions (r = 0.355, P < 0.001), and attitude and practice dimensions (r = 0.481, P < 0.001). Structural equation modeling revealed that education exhibited positive effect on knowledge (β = 0.476, P < 0.001) and attitude (β = 0.600, P < 0.001), and having family history of chronic pharyngitis showed positive effect on knowledge (β = 0.580, P = 0.047), experienced with reflux symptoms showed positive effect on knowledge (β = 0.838, P = 0.001) and attitude (β = 0.631, P = 0.085). Moreover, knowledge showed positive effect on attitude (β = 0.555, P < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.351, P < 0.001). Attitude, in turn, showed positive effect on practice (β = 0.511, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Patients with chronic pharyngitis had inadequate knowledge, positive attitudes and suboptimal practices toward LPR. Education, family history of chronic pharyngitis, experienced with reflux symptoms might have effect on their KAP.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Surveys and Questionnaires; Pharyngitis; China
PubMed: 38115020
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17463-0 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Jun 2020Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is a key initiator of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). In New Zealand, ARF cases occur more frequently among persons of certain...
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is a key initiator of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). In New Zealand, ARF cases occur more frequently among persons of certain ethnic and socioeconomic groups. We compared GAS pharyngitis estimates (1,257,058 throat swab samples) with ARF incidence (792 hospitalizations) in Auckland during 2010-2016. Among children 5-14 years of age in primary healthcare clinics, GAS pharyngitis was detected in similar proportions across ethnic groups (≈19%). Relative risk for GAS pharyngitis was moderately elevated among children of Pacific Islander and Māori ethnicities compared with those of European/other ethnicities, but risk for ARF was highly elevated for children of Pacific Islander and Māori ethnicity compared with those of European/other ethnicity. That ethnic disparities are much higher among children with ARF than among those with GAS pharyngitis implies that ARF is driven by factors other than rate of GAS pharyngitis alone.
Topics: Child; Humans; New Zealand; Pharyngitis; Rheumatic Fever; Scarlet Fever; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 32441618
DOI: 10.3201/eid2606.181462 -
Trials Mar 2021Acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis are common respiratory diseases for which children seek medical care. Their main clinical manifestation is sore throat which interferes...
Evaluation on immediate analgesic efficacy and safety of Kai-Hou-Jian spray (children's type) in treating sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis in children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis are common respiratory diseases for which children seek medical care. Their main clinical manifestation is sore throat which interferes with patients' quality of life. However, there is no proven effective or safe method to treat it. It is necessary to find an excellent strategy to reduce sore throat and reduce the burden of acute illness. We designed the randomized controlled trial with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to determine the clinical positioning of Kai-Hou-Jian spray (children's type) (KHJS) through evidence-based research. This trial aims to evaluate the immediate analgesic efficacy of KHJS on sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis (wind-heat syndrome/heat exuberance in lung and stomach syndrome) in children and to observe its safety.
METHODS/DESIGN
This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. It will include 240 children with acute pharyngitis/tonsillitis from 7 study sites across China. All participants are randomly assigned to two parallel treatment groups, one with KHJS and the other with placebo sprays, for 5 consecutive days. The primary outcome is the time of analgesic onset. Secondary outcomes include duration of analgesic effect, area under time curve of 0-3 h Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBS) score (AUC0-3 h), rate of analgesic onset, rate of disappearance of sore throat, changes of WBS score (in days), effective rate of pharyngeal signs, and effective rate of TCM syndrome. The incidence of adverse events during the trial is the primary safety outcome. In addition, vital signs and laboratory tests before and after medication are monitored.
DISCUSSION
To our knowledge, this will be the first clinical trial to explore the immediate analgesic efficacy of a Chinese patent medicine spray for acute pharyngitis/tonsillitis induced sore throat in children in a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group, placebo-controlled manner. Not only might it prove the efficacy and safety of KHJS in the treatment of sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis/tonsillitis in children, but it might also provide evidence for the treatment of acute sore throat with Chinese herbal medicine.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, very low-dose, parallel controlled trial for the immediate analgesic effect and safety of Kai-Hou- Jian spray (children's type) in the treatment of sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis in children. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000031599 . Registered on 5 April 2020.
Topics: Analgesics; Child; China; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Pharyngitis; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tonsillitis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33736674
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05148-1 -
International Journal of Medical... 2022Post-anaesthetic sore throat (PAST) is a well-recognized consequence of tracheal intubation; however, quantitative morphometric measurements remain challenging. This...
Post-anaesthetic sore throat (PAST) is a well-recognized consequence of tracheal intubation; however, quantitative morphometric measurements remain challenging. This study aimed to introduce a special laser projection device that can facilitate computer-assisted, digitalized analysis and provide important information on laryngeal mucosa change, pre and post-surgery under general anesthesia with intubation. The laryngeal images were captured and divided into the control group and the intubation group. Image processing techniques were used to quantify the post-extubation laryngeal variation, with its distinct color space and texture features. Meanwhile, the maximum length of the vocal fold, vocal width at the midpoint, and maximum cross-sectional area of the glottic space were determined and calculated. These parameters were analyzed and compared pre and post-surgery. A total of 69 subjects were enrolled in this study, comprising 32 subjects in the healthy group and 37 subjects in the intubation group. The color space and texture analysis with contrast and correlation profiles all shows trend toward higher measures in the intubation group than in the healthy group, with statistical significance and outstanding discrimination ability, especially in the interarytenoid region. The incidence of PAST was approximately 46% (17 patients). The gender difference, type of surgery, and the fixation position of the tube were not significantly related to the PAST occurrence. All the eigenvalues showed significant differences pre and post-surgery in the interarytenoid region and a significant trend toward red and increased contrast texture profiles was revealed. Furthermore, the glottic area showed a significant decrease of 25.29%, while the vocal width showed a significant increase post extubation. Our equipment and processing can measure subtle laryngeal changes that would allow a clinician to diagnose postoperative laryngeal inflammation in a simpler and less invasive way. The trend toward red, the increased contrast texture and vocal width, and the reduced glottic space were all compatible with post-intubation inflammatory response, especially in the interarytenoid region. This is important to know so that one can take appropriate steps to alleviate PAST in the future.
Topics: Adult; Anesthesia, General; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Larynx; Pharyngitis; Postoperative Period
PubMed: 35370474
DOI: 10.7150/ijms.69425 -
International Journal of Pediatric... May 2021The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected millions of people since its outbreak in December 2019. Limited data exist on otolaryngology manifestations of...
BACKGROUND
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected millions of people since its outbreak in December 2019. Limited data exist on otolaryngology manifestations of COVID-19 in pediatrics. This study aims to discuss the clinical features of COVID-19 in pediatrics, with an emphasis on otolaryngology manifestations.
METHODS
The study included 660 COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed positive pediatric patients (aged 3-15 years) diagnosed at King Abdullah Specialist Children Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were retrospectively retrieved from January to July 2020 from electronic medical records and included patients' epidemiological and clinical features. Patients were then followed-up via phone calls to document any symptoms encountered after the first visit. Patients were categorized into three main groups according to age (3-6 years, 7-10 years, 11-15 years).
RESULTS
Nearly half of the patients (43.6%) had asymptomatic infections. Fever and cough were the most commonly reported manifestations accounting for 39.2% and 19.8%, respectively. The most frequently reported otolaryngology symptoms were sore throat (17.3%) and rhinorrhea (14.4%). Moreover, 10.4% and 13.1% of children aged 7-15 years old experienced smell and taste disturbances, respectively. Older children (11-15 years) were more likely to report taste disturbances when compared to the younger children (17.2% vs 9.8%, p-value 0.02). Children aged between 3 and 6 years had significantly higher rates of admission (13.7%) and mortality (0.9%) when compared to the older groups (p-value 0.00).
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 in pediatrics has a milder disease course and a better prognosis than adults. Multiple otolaryngology symptoms were reported in pediatric patients with COVID-19, which can help identify the suspected cases before the test result.
Topics: Adolescent; COVID-19; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Olfaction Disorders; Otolaryngology; Pediatrics; Pharyngitis; Retrospective Studies; Rhinorrhea; Saudi Arabia; Taste Disorders
PubMed: 33845420
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110701