Real-life Performance of Multiplex Celiac Antibody Test in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Celiac Disease.

Objective: Tissue-transglutaminase antibodies (TGA) may be used to diagnose celiac disease (CD) without biopsy in selected cases. We aimed to investigate real-life performance of a CD serology automated analyzer (Bioplex2200), and to explore the correlation between TGA levels and intestinal biopsies in children.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed in 2 pediatric gastroenterological centers, between November 1, 2018 and April 1, 2020 and included patients with both TGA serology testing and duodenal biopsies.

Early effectiveness of BNT162b2 Covid-19 vaccine in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare personnel in six Israeli hospitals (CoVEHPI).

Background: Methodologically rigorous studies on Covid-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection are critically needed to inform national and global policy on Covid-19 vaccine use. In Israel, healthcare personnel (HCP) were initially prioritized for Covid-19 vaccination, creating an ideal setting to evaluate early real-world VE in a closely monitored population.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study among HCP in 6 hospitals to estimate the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccine in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Anti-tissue transglutaminase titers are associated with endoscopic findings and severity of mucosal damage in children with celiac disease.

We aimed to assess the correlation between clinical findings, serology, endoscopic findings, and histology in children diagnosed with celiac disease. Medical records of children diagnosed with celiac disease (2010-2017) at the Schneider Children's Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Correlation between serologic measures anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG)/anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) and other variables including mucosal damage, endoscopic findings (scalloping of duodenal folds), and clinical findings (abdominal pain, diarrhea, and anemia) was assessed.

Increased serum C-reactive protein levels are associated with shorter survival and development of second cancers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by a heterogeneous clinical course, ranging from stable to more aggressive disease. Herein, we determined the prognostic significance of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with CLL Methods: A retrospective cohort study reviewing the records of 107 consecutive treatment naïve patients with CLL and a control group comprised of apparently healthy individuals attending for periodic health examinations.

Results: The median CRP level of patients with CLL was 0.

Celiac disease screening assays for children younger than 3 years of age: the performance of three serological tests.

Background And Aims: The optimum serological test for celiac disease (CD) in young children is not known. The objective of our study was to compare the performance of three serological tests (IgA + IgG DGP, IgA TTG, and IgA + IgG EMA) for children younger than 3 years of age.

Methods: We identified all subjects younger than 3 years of age (n = 6,074) that were tested for CD serology and included those with biopsy data.

Use of the six-minute walk test poststroke: is there a practice effect?

Objectives: To determine whether a practice effect occurs across 2 trials of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) among community-dwelling people within 1 year poststroke and to identify characteristics distinguishing people who show a practice effect from those who do not.

Design: Secondary analysis of scores on 2 trials of the 6MWT administered approximately 30 minutes apart at baseline in a randomized controlled trial.

Setting: General community.

Harmonization of the Bayer ADVIA Centaur and Abbott AxSYM automated B-type natriuretic peptide assay in patients on hemodialysis.

There are two fully automated high-throughput clinical instruments for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) assays, the Bayer ADVIA Centaur assay, and the Abbott AxSYM assay. Although both recommend a cut-off value of 100 pg/mL, we are unaware of previous studies that have compared the unadjusted results of the two methods, required for proper evaluation of patients undergoing this test on different platforms. From 43 hemodialysis patients, 80 paired samples were collected by venipuncture into plastic evacuated tubes containing EDTA.

Outcome of IgM- and IgG-seropositive cases of varicella zoster in pregnancy.

Objective: To study the outcome of IgG- and IgM-seropositive cases of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in pregnancy.

Study Design: The VZV immune status of 120 pregnant women who had been exposed to VZV and did not recall a history of VZV infection was determined, and 109 were VZV immune. Eleven women were both IgG and IgM seropositive, and the outcomes of their pregnancies were studied.