Synergy of Xpert (MTB/RIF) and Line probe assay for detection of rifampicin resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Introduction: Early diagnosis and successful treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) demands rapid, precise, and consistent diagnostic methods to minimise the development of resistance. Therefore, this comparative study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Xpert (MTB/RIF) and Line probe assay (LPA) for detecting drug-resistant TB.

Methodology: This study comprised 389 (279 pulmonary and 110 extrapulmonary) samples from patients suspected of having TB.

Drug-induced orthostatic hypotension: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Background: Drug-induced orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common, and its resulting cerebral hypoperfusion is linked to adverse outcomes including falls, strokes, cognitive impairment, and increased mortality. The extent to which specific medications are associated with OH remains unclear.

Methods And Findings: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the extent to which specific drug groups are associated with OH.