Setting: The diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and gaps in linkage to care are the principal health challenges in Mozambique. Five GeneXpert machines and GxAlert, an eHealth platform, were installed in Sofala and Manica Provinces between 2012 and 2014.
Objective: To test the effects of Xpert MTB/RIF testing and GxAlert on rifampin-resistant TB (RR-TB) diagnosis and second-line treatment initiation rates.
Design: We conducted a retrospective clinical review of patients with RR-TB from March 2012 to September 2015 at these five sites. Time-series analyses were conducted to investigate the impact of Xpert on case detection and treatment. Pre- and post- analyses were conducted to investigate the impact of GxAlert.
Results: A total of 32 182 Xpert tests were conducted: 4010 (12.5%) detected TB without rifampin resistance, and 306 (7.1%) had RR-TB. Of the RR-TB cases, 161 (52.6%) were started on MDR-TB treatment, 6.9% had documented culture results, and time from diagnosis to treatment initiation decreased over time. The absolute number of patients diagnosed and started on MDR-TB treatment increased by 0.26 (95%CI 0.15-0.38, < 0.001) and 0.16 (95%CI 0.089-0.24, 0.001) every 6 months. GxAlert did not affect treatment initiation rates.
Conclusion: Implementation of Xpert testing was associated with increases in the number of patients diagnosed and started on MDR-TB treatment.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.5588/ijtld.17.0901 | DOI Listing |
Clinics (Sao Paulo)
January 2025
Department of Hematology, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China. Electronic address:
Background: The common drugs used for the treatment of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (NDMM) include bortezomib and lenalidomide, but the adverse effects of lenalidomide cannot be ignored, especially when it is used in the initial therapy.
Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a modified DVD regimen (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, bortezomib, and dexamethasone) followed by lenalidomide in the treatment of NDMM. A total of 40 NDMM patients were treated with a reduced dose of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (20 mg/m) on day 1, subcutaneous bortezomib (1.
J Med Internet Res
January 2025
Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.
Background: Digital gaming has become increasingly popular among older adults, potentially offering cognitive, social, and physical benefits. However, its broader impact on health and well-being, particularly in real-world settings, remains unclear.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the multidimensional effects of digital gaming on health and well-being among older adults, using data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study conducted in Matsudo City, Chiba, Japan.
JMIR Form Res
January 2025
Department of Design Innovation, College of Design, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States.
Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a birth defect of the heart that requires long-term care and often leads to additional health complications. Effective educational strategies are essential for improving health literacy and care outcomes. Despite affecting around 40,000 children annually in the United States, there is a gap in understanding children's health literacy, parental educational burdens, and the efficiency of health care providers in delivering education.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJMIR Ment Health
January 2025
Department of Psychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Background: Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting millions worldwide, with significant impacts on daily functioning and quality of life. While traditionally assessed through subjective measures such as the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the advent of wearable technology has enabled continuous, objective sleep monitoring in natural environments. However, the relationship between subjective insomnia severity and objective sleep parameters remains unclear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Neurosurg Case Lessons
January 2025
Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Azad Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background: Pedicle screw insertion in posterior spinal surgery can cause vascular injuries, including rare intercostal artery pseudoaneurysms, which are typically discovered incidentally during reimaging. Onyx embolization is an effective treatment for small artery pseudoaneurysms.
Observations: A 36-year-old man who had initially presented with back pain that remained unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was diagnosed with a T7-8 sarcomatous lesion confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy.
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