Sensitivity and specificity of hearing tests for screening hearing loss in older adults

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the most appropriate hearing screening test to identify disabling hearing loss for adults aged 65 years or older.Methods: This study included 577 older adults. Four hearing screening tests were considered in the study, including the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly Screening(HHIE-s), three single question tests, the whisper test, and the finger rub test. The sensitivity and specificity of these tests referenced to the hearing threshold of disabling hearing loss were estimated.Results: Among all tests, only the single self-perception question(0.7064 for sensitivity;0.7225 for specificity) and whisper test(0.7833 for sensitivity;0.7708 for specificity) could obtain both sensitivity and specificity higher than 70% for adults aged ≥65 years.Conclusion: Overall, we suggest using the whisper test to identify disabling hearing loss(>40 dB HL at the better ear) for adults aged 65 years or older. However, if the conditions do not permit, the single selfperception question is also acceptable. Moreover, HHIE-s might not be a good test to detect disabling hearing loss for adults aged 80 years or older.

Evaluation of the Sensitivity and Specificity of the New Clinical Diagnostic and Classification Criteria for Kashin-Beck Disease,an Endemic Osteoarthritis,in China

This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the new clinical diagnostic and classification criteria for Kashin-Beck disease （KBD） using six clinical markers： flexion of the distal part of fingers, deformed fingers, enlarged finger joints, shortened fingers, squat down, and dwarfism. One-third of the total population in Linyou County was sampled by stratified random sampling.

Alpl prevents bone ageing sensitivity by specifically regulating senescence and differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells

Mutations in the liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase(Alpl) gene cause hypophosphatasia(HPP) and early-onset bone dysplasia,suggesting that this gene is a key factor in human bone development. However, how and where Alpl acts in bone ageing is largely unknown. Here, we determined that ablation of Alpl induces prototypical premature bone ageing characteristics, including bone mass loss and marrow fat gain coupled with elevated expression of p16INK4A(p16) and p53 due to senescence and impaired differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs). Mechanistically, Alpl deficiency in MSCs enhances ATP release and reduces ATP hydrolysis. Then, the excessive extracellular ATP is, in turn, internalized by MSCs and causes an elevation in the intracellular ATP level, which consequently inactivates the AMPKα pathway and contributes to the cell fate switch of MSCs. Reactivating AMPKα by metformin treatment successfully prevents premature bone ageing in Alpl+/-mice by improving the function of endogenous MSCs.These results identify a previously unknown role of Alpl in the regulation of ATP-mediated AMPKα alterations that maintain MSC stemness and prevent bone ageing and show that metformin offers a potential therapeutic option.

Effect of biopsies on sensitivity and specificity of ultra-rapid urease test for detection of Helicobacter pylori infection:A prospective evaluation

AIM:To prospectively assess the sensitivity,specificity and time to positivity of theUltra-rapid urease test (URUT) for Helicobacter pylori(H pylori),and compare the results of one with those of two biopsies. METHODS:Five antral biopsies were taken in consecutive patients undergoing upper endoscopy:one and two biopsies for URUT,and one each for H pylori culture and histology. URUT was read at 1,5,10,20 and 30 min,1,2,3 and 24 h after biopsy insertion into the reagent.A positive histology and/or culture was used as positive reference“gold standards”. RESULTS:URUT was more sensitive for detecting Hpylori with two biopsies rather than one,at all time points up to 120 min.The sensitivity improved from 3.6% to 82.1% for one biopsy and 10.7% to 85.7% for two biopsies from 1 to 120 min.The sensitivity reached 96.4% at 24 h for both, but the specificity reduced from 100% to 96% and 92% for one and two biopsies,respectively. CONCLUSION:Development of a positive URUT result is hastened by doubling the number of gastric biopsies.We recommend taking two instead of one biopsy to achieve an earlier positive URUT result so that H pylori eradication therapy can be initiated before patient is discharged from the endoscopy suite.

Significance of carcinoembryonic antigen detection in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer:A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a prevalent malignant tumor involving adenomas that develop into malignant lesions.Carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)is a non-specific serum biomarker upregulated in CRC.The concentration of CEA is modulated by tumor stage and grade,tumor site in the colon,ploidy status,and patient smoking status.This study aimed to evaluate current evidence regarding the diagnostic power of CEA levels in the early detection of CRC recurrence in adults.AIM To evaluate current evidence regarding the diagnostic power of CEA levels in the early detection of CRC recurrence in adults.METHODS A systematic search was performed using four databases:MEDLINE,Cochrane Trials,EMBASE,and the Web of Science.The inclusion criteria were as follows:Adult patients aged≥18 years who had completed CRC curative treatment and were followed up postoperatively;reporting the number of CRC recurrences as an outcome;and randomized,clinical,cohort,and case-control study designs.Studies that were not published in English and animal studies were excluded.The following data were extracted by three independent reviewers:Study design,index tests,follow-up,patient characteristics,and primary outcomes.All statistical analyses were performed using the RevMan 5.4.1.RESULTS A total of 3232 studies were identified,with 73 remaining following the elimination of duplicates.After screening on predetermined criteria,12 studies were included in the final analysis.At a reference standard of 5 mg/L,CEA detected only approximately half of recurrent CRCs,with a pooled sensitivity of 59%(range,33%–83%)and sensitivity of 89%(range,58%–97%).CONCLUSION CEA is a significant marker for CRC diagnosis.However,it has insufficient sensitivity and specificity to be used as a single biomarker of early CRC recurrence,with an essential proportion of false negatives.

Point shear wave elastography method for assessing liver stiffness

AIM: To estimate the validity of the point shear-wave elastography method by evaluating its reproducibility and accuracy for assessing liver stiffness.

Discrimination of Metastatic from Non-metastatic Mesorectal Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer Using Quantitative Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Preoperative detection of lymph nodes（LNs） metastasis is always highly challenging for radiologists nowadays. The utility of quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging（QDCE-MRI） in identifying LNs metastasis is not well understood. In the present study, 59 patients with histologically proven rectal carcinoma underwent preoperative QDCE-MRI. The short axis diameter ratio, long axis diameter ratio, short-to-long axis diameter ratio and QDEC-MRI parameters（Ktrans, Kep, fPV and Ve） values were compared between the non-metastatic（n=44） and metastatic（n=35） LNs groups based on pathological examination. Compared with the non-metastatic group, the metastatic group exhibited significantly higher short axis diameter（7.558±0.668 mm vs. 5.427±0.285 mm）, Ktrans（0.483±0.198 min-1 vs. 0.218±0.116 min^-1） and Ve（0.399±0.118 vs. 0.203±0.096） values（all P〈0.05）. The short-to-long axis diameter ratio, long axis diameter ratio, Kep and fPV values did not show significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, our results showed that for LNs larger than 5 mm in rectal cancer, there are distinctive differences in the Ktrans and Ve values between the metastatic and non-metastatic LNs, suggesting that QDCE-MRI may be potentially helpful in identifying LNs status.

Propofol vs midazolam plus fentanyl for upper gastrointestinal endomicroscopy:A randomized trial

AIM:To compare the endomicroscopic image quality of integrated confocal laser endomicroscopy(iCLE)and sedation efficacy of propofolvs midazolam plus fentanyl(M/F).METHODS:Consecutive outpatients undergoing iCLE were prospectively recruited and randomized to the propofol group(P group)or M/F group.The patient,performing endoscopist and endoscopic assistant were blinded to the randomization.The quality of endomicro-scopic images and anesthetic efficacy outcomes were blindly evaluated after iCLE examination.RESULTS:There were significantly more good quality endomicroscopic images in the propofol group than in the M/F group(72.75%vs 52.89%,P<0.001).The diagnostic accuracy for upper gastrointestinal mucosal lesions using confocal laser endomicroscopy favors the P group,although this did not reach statistical significance.Adverse events and patient assessment were not significantly different for M/F vs propofol except for more frequent intraprocedural recall with M/F.Procedure duration and sedation times were significantly longer in the M/F group,while the scores of endoscopist,anesthetist and assistant assessment were all significantly better in the P group.CONCLUSION:Sedation with propofol might increase the proportion of good quality endomicroscopic images,and may result in improved procedural efficacy and diagnostic accuracy during iCLE examination.

Contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography for assessment of lymph node metastases in pancreatobiliary carcinoma

AIM: To assess the usefulness of contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CH-EUS) for lymph node metastasis in pancreatobiliary carcinoma.METHODS: All patients suspected of pancreatobiliary carcinoma with visible lymph nodes after standard EUS between June, 2009 and January, 2012 were enrolled. In the primary analysis, patients with successful EUS-fine needle aspiration (FNA) were included. The lymph nodes were assessed by several standard EUS variables (short and long axis lengths, shape, edge characteristic and echogenicity), color Doppler EUS variable [central intranodal blood vessel (CIV) presence] and CH-EUS variable (heterogeneous/homogeneous enhancement patterns). The diagnostic accuracy relative to EUS-FNA was calculated. In the second analysis, N-stage diagnostic accuracy of CH-EUS was compared with EUS-FNA in patients who underwent surgical resection.RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients (143 lymph nodes) fulfilled the criteria. The short axis cut-off &#x02265; 13 mm predicted malignancy with a sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 85%, respectively. These values were 72% and 63% for the long axis cut-off &#x02265; 20 mm, 62% and 75% for the round shape variable, 81% and 30% for the sharp edge variable, 66% and 61% for the hypoechogenicity variable, 70% and 72% for the CIV-absent variable, and 83% and 91% for the heterogeneous CH-EUS-enhancement variable, respectively. CH-EUS was more accurate than standard and color Doppler EUS, except the short axis cut-off. Notably, three patients excluded because of EUS-FNA failure were correctly N-staged by CH-EUS.CONCLUSION: CH-EUS complements standard and color Doppler EUS and EUS-FNA for assessment of lymph node metastases.

Predictive accuracy of the Braden Q Scale in risk assessment for paediatric pressure ulcer: A meta-analysis

Aims:Paediatric pressure ulcers are a serious problem to healthcare service.Thus,effective and early identification of the risk of developing pressure ulcer is essential.The Braden Q scale is a widely used tool in the risk assessment of paediatric pressure ulcer,but its predictive power is controversial.Hence,we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the predictive power of the Braden Q scale for pressure ulcer in hospitalised children and offer recommendations for clinical decision.Methods:Studies that evaluated the predictive power of the Braden Q scale were searched through databases in English and Chinese,including Medline,Cochrane Library,Embase,CINAHL,SinoMed,CNKI,Wangfang and VIP.The studies were screened by two independent reviewers.QUADAS-2 was used to assess the risk of bias of eligible studies.Demographic data and predictive value indices were extracted.The pooled sensitivity,specificity and receiver operating characteristics(ROC)were calculated by MetaDiSc 1.4 using random-effects models.Results:Cochran Q=26.13(P=0.0036)indicated the existence of heterogeneity;the I2 for pooled DOR was 61.7%,suggesting significant heterogeneity among the included studies.The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.73(95%CI:0.67-0.78)and 0.61(95%CI:0.59-0.63),respectively,yielding a combined DOR of 3.47(95%CI:2-6.01).The area under the ROC curve was 0.7078±0.0421,and the overall diagnostic accuracy(Q*)was 0.6591±0.0337.Sensitivity analysis showed the results were robust.Conclusion:The Braden Q scale has moderate predictive validity with medium sensitivity and low specificity for pressure ulcers in hospitalised children.Further development and modification of this tool for use in paediatric population are warranted.

Possibility of non-invasive diagnosis of gastric mucosal precancerous changes

AIM: To assess the possibility of non-invasive screening of atrophic chronic gastritis for preventing further development of gastric cancer.METHODS: One hundred and seventy-eight consecutive Helicobacter pylori ( H pylori)-positive dyspeptic patients after detection of serum levels of pepsinogen-1 (PG-1) and gastrin-17 (G-17) by enzyme immunoassay were proposed for endoscopy and histology. The serologic and morphologic results were compared with estimating the sensitivity, specificity and prognostic values of the tests.RESULTS: There was statistically significant reverse dependence between the grade of stomach mucosal antral or corpus atrophy and the proper decreasing of serum G17 or PG1 levels. The serologic method was quite sensitive in the diagnosis of non-atrophic and severe antral and corpus gastritis. Also, it was characterized by the high positive and negative prognostic values.CONCLUSION: Detection of serum G-17 and PG1 levels can be offered as the screening tool for atrophic gastritis. The positive serologic results require further chromoendoscopy with mucosal biopsy, for revealing probable progressing of atrophic process with development of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia or gastric cancer.

Fecal immunochemical test accuracy in average-risk colorectal cancer screening

AIM: To assess the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) accuracy for colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced neoplasia (AN) detection in CRC screening.

Comparison of three PCR methods for detection of Helicobacter pylori DNA and detection of cagA gene in gastric biopsy specimens

AIM:To comparatively evaluate PCR and other diagnostic methods (the rapid urease test and/or culture) in order to determine which of the three PCR methods (ureA,glmM and 26-kDa,SSA gene) was most appropriate in the diagnosis of Helicobacterpylori(Hpylori) infection and also to evaluate the detection of a putative virulence marker of H pylori,the cage,gene,by PCR in biopsy specimens. METHODS:One hundred and eighty-nine biopsy specimens were collected from 63 patients (three biopsies each) undergoing upper gastroduodenal endoscopy for various dyspeptic symptoms.The PCR methods used to detect H pylori DNA directly from biopsies were the glmM,26-kDa, ureA and then cagA was used to compare the culture technique and CLO for urease with the culture technique being used as the gold standard. RESULTS:Thirty-five percent of the biopsies were positive for H pylori DNA using the 3 PCR methods,while 68% of these were positive for the cagA gene.Twenty-four percent of the biopsies were negative for H pylori DNA in all PCR methods screened.The remaining 41% were either positive for ureA gene only,glmM only,26-kDa only,or ureA+glmM, ureA+26-kDa,glmM+26-kDa.Out of the 35% positive biopsies,41% and 82% were positive by culture and CLO respectively,while all negative biopsies were also negative by culture and cagA.Cag A+ infection was also predominantly found in H pylori DNA of the biopsies irrespective of the clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSION:This method is useful for correctly identifying infections caused by H pylori and can be easily applied in our laboratory for diagnostic purposes.

Development and Application of a PCR Approach for Detection of Bovis, Sheep, Pig, and Chicken Derived Materials in Feedstuff

A PCR method for detection of bovis, sheep, pig, and chicken derived materials in feedstuff was established, and the existing method was improved according to the research on general primer and species-specific primers. First, general primer designed according to 16S rRNA gene sequence of hovis, sheep, pig, chicken, fish, and horse mtDNA was used for primary detection of animal derived materials in feedstuff. Species-specific primers designed according to conserved sequence of mtDNA of bovis, sheep, pig, and chicken were used for amplification of a 271,274, 149, and 266 bp fragment, respectively. Further confirmation of the detection result was then carried out. PCR method for detection of animal derived materials in unknown feedstuff was developed by using general primer, relevant PCR system, and PCR condition. Also a PCR method for detection of each species （bovines, sheep, pig, and chicken） was designed by using our speciesspecific primers. High sensitivity and specificity of our method were confirmed with a minimum detection level of 0.1%. Method for detection of animal derived materials in this research is not only cheap and easy for operation but also precise and reliable results can be obtained. It could be one of the effective methods for the detection of animal derived materials in feedstuff.

Evaluation of Cytogenetic Effects of Isoproturon on the Root Meristem Cells of Allium sativum

Objective\ To validate the use of Allium sativum as a reliable test model for genotoxicity, isoproturon, a substituted phenylalkylurea herbicide, was evaluated on the root meristem cells by this plant system. Method\ Test concentrations were selected by determining EC50 and root tips were exposed to various concentrations for 6 or 24 hr. EC50 concentration was calculated to be 70.8 ppm for the root growth. In addition to root growth retardation exposure to isoproturon induced morpholoogical changes like discolouration and stiffness of roots. Results\ Exposure to various experimental concentrations of isoproturon (35-280 ppm), including EC50, significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the mitotic index and induced chromosome breaks/mitotic aberrations at 6 or 24 hr. Conclusion\ The frequency of aberrations was found to be decreased in a dose dependant manner at 24 or 48 hr post exposure, however in comparison of control cells the frequency of aberrations was considerably high which indicates genotoxicity potentials of isoproturon. Further, present study also suggests that Allium sativum is a sensitive, efficient, and reliable test system for measuring the genotoxicity potential of environmental chemicals.

Technetium-99m-labeled macroaggregated albumin lung perfusion scan for diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome: A prospective study comparing brain uptake and whole-body uptake

BACKGROUND Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is an arterial oxygenation defect induced by intrapulmonary vascular dilatation (IPVD) in the setting of liver disease and/or portal hypertension.This syndrome occurs most often in cirrhotic patients(4%-32%) and has been shown to be detrimental to functional status,quality of life,and survival.The diagnosis of HPS in the setting of liver disease and/or portal hypertension requires the demonstration of IPVD (i.e.,diffuse or localized abnormally dilated pulmonary capillaries and pulmonary and pleural arteriovenous communications) and arterial oxygenation defects,preferably by contrast-enhanced echocardiography and measurement of the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient,respectively.AIM To compare brain and whole-body uptake of technetium for diagnosing HPS.METHODS Sixty-nine patients with chronic liver disease and/or portal hypertension were prospectively included.Brain uptake and whole-body uptake were calculated using the geometric mean of technetium counts in the brain and lungs and in the entire body and lungs,respectively.RESULTS Thirty-two (46%) patients had IPVD as detected by contrast-enhancedechocardiography.The demographics and clinical characteristics of the patients with and without IPVD were not significantly different with the exception of the creatinine level (0.71±0.18 mg/dL vs 0.83±0.23 mg/dL;P=0.041),alveolararterial oxygen gradient (23.2±13.3 mmHg vs 16.4±14.1 mmHg;P=0.043),and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (81.0±12.1 mmHg vs 90.1±12.8 mmHg;P=0.004).Whole-body uptake was significantly higher in patients with IPVD than in patients without IPVD (48.0%±6.1%vs 40.1%±8.1%;P=0.001).The area under the curve of whole-body uptake for detecting IPVD was significantly higher than that of brain uptake (0.75 vs 0.54;P=0.025).The optimal cut-off values of brain uptake and whole-body uptake for detecting IPVD were 5.7%and 42.5%,respectively,based on Youden’s index.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of brain uptake> 5.7%and whole-body uptake> 42.5%for detecting IPVD were23%,89%,and 59%and 100%,52%,and 74%,respectively.CONCLUSION Whole-body uptake is superior to brain uptake for diagnosing HPS.

Comparison of smear cytology with liquid-based cytology in pancreatic lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)is a safe and accurate technique to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic cancers.Recently,numerous studies comparing the diagnostic efficacy of smear cytology(SC)and liquid-based cytology(LBC)for pancreatic lesions yielded mixed results.AIM To compare and identify the better cytology method for EUS-FNA in pancreatic lesions.METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed,Embase,and Cochrane was undertaken through July 18,2020.The primary endpoint was diagnostic accuracy(sensitivity and specificity).Secondary outcomes included sample adequacy and post procedure complications.In addition,factors affecting diagnostic efficacy were discussed.RESULTS Data on a total of 1121 comparisons from 10 studies met the inclusion criteria.Pooled rates of sensitivity for SC and LBC were 78%(67%-87%)vs 75%(67%-81%),respectively.In any case,both SC and LBC exhibited a high specificity close to 100%.Inadequate samples more often appeared in LBC compared with SC.However,the LBC samples exhibited a better visual field than SC.Very few post procedure complications were observed.CONCLUSION Our data suggested that for EUS-FNA in pancreatic lesions(particularly solid lesions),SC with Rapid On-Site Evaluation represents a superior diagnostic technique.If Rapid On-Site Evaluation is unavailable,LBC may replace smears.The diagnostic accuracy of LBC depends on different LBC techniques.

Detection of anti-Helicobacter pyloriantibodies in serum and duodenal fluid in peptic gastroduodenal disease

AIM:To study the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori(H pylori) infection through the determination of serum levels of anti- H pylori IgG and IgA antibodies,and the levels of anti-H pylori IgA antibodies in duodenal fluid. METHODS:Data were collected from 93 patients submitted to upper digestive endoscopy due to dyspeptic symptoms. The patients were either negative(group A)or positive (group B)to H pylori by means of both histological detection and urease tests.Before endoscopy,peripheral blood was collected for the investigation of anti-H pylori IgG and IgA antibodies.To perform the urease test,biopsies were obtained from the gastric antrum.For the histological evaluation,biopsies were collected from the gastric antrum (greater and lesser curvatures)and the gastric body. Following this,duodenal fluid was collected from the first and second portions of the duodenum.For the serological assaying of anti-Hpylori IgG and IgA,and anti-Hpylori IgA in duodenal fluids,the ELISA method was utilized. RESULTS:The concentration of serum IgG showed sensitivity of 64.0%,specificity of 83.7%,positive predictive value of 82.0%,negative predictive value of 66.6% and accuracy of 73.1% for the diagnosis of H pylori infection.For the same purpose,serum IgA showed sensitivity of 72.0%, specificity of 65.9%,positive predictive value of 72.0%, negative predictive value of 67.4% and accuracy of 69.8%. If the serological tests were considered together,i.e.when both were positive or negative,the accuracy was 80.0%, sensitivity was 86.6%,specificity was 74.2%,positive predictive value was 74.2% and negative predictive value was 86.6%.When values obtained in the test for detecting IgA in the duodenal fluid were analyzed,no significant difference(P=0.43)was observed between the values obtained from patients with or without H pylori infection. CONCLUSION:The results of serum IgG and IgA tests for H pylori detection when used simultaneously,are more efficient in accuracy,sensitivity and negative predictive value, than those when used alone.The concentration of IgA antibodies in duodenal fluid is not useful in identifying patients with or without H pylori.

Diagnostic role of secretin-enhanced MRCP in patients with unsuccessful ERCP

AIM:To evaluate the value of MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)in patients in whom endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)was unsuccessfully performed by experts in a tertiary center. METHODS:From January 2000 to June 2003,22 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria.The indications for ERCP were obstructive jaundice(n=9),abnormal liver enzymes(n=8), suspected chronic pancreatitis(n=2),recurrent acute pancreatitis(n=2),or suspected pancreatic cancer(n=1). The reasons for the ERCP failure were the postsurgical anatomy(n=7),duodenal stenosis(n=3),duodenal diverticulum(n=2),and technical failure(n=10).MRCP images were evaluated before and 5 and 10 rain after i.v. administration of 0.5 IU/kg secretin. RESULTS:The MRCP images were diagnosed in all 21 patients.Five patients gave normal MR findings and required no further intervention.MRCP revealed abnormalities(primary sclerosing cholangitis,chronic pancreatitis,cholangitis,cholecystolithiasis or common bile duct dilation)in 20 patients,who were followed up clinically.Four patients subsequently underwent laparotomy(hepaticojejunostomy in consequence of common bile duct stenosis caused by unresectable pancreatic cancer;hepaticotomy+Kehr drainage because of insufficient biliary-enteric anastomosis;choledochoj- ejunostomy,gastrojejunostomy and cysto-Wirsungo gastrostomy because of chronic pancreatitis,or choledochojejunostomy because of common bile duct stenosis caused by chronic pancreatitis).Three patients participated in therapeutic percutaneous transhepatic drainage.The indications were choledocholithiasis with choledochojejunostomy,insufficient biliary-enteric anastomosis,or cholangiocarcinoma. CONCLUSION:MRCP can assist the diagnosis and management of patients in whom ERCP is not possible.

Glycated albumin as a biomarker for diagnosis of diabetes mellitus:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Glycated albumin(GA),the non-enzymatic glycation product of albumin in plasma,became a glycemic marker in the beginning of the 21st century.The assay is not affected by hemoglobin levels and reflects the glycemic status over a shorter period as compared to HbA1c measurements.Thus,GA may contributes as an intermediate glucose index in the current diabetes mellitus(DM)diagnostic system.AIM To search and summarize the available data on glycated albumin measurements required for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.METHODS Databases,including PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL),among others,were systematically searched.The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool was applied for the assessment of quality,and the bivariate model was used to pool the sensitivity and specificity.The hierarchical summary receiver operator characteristic curves(HSROC)model was utilized to estimate the summary receiver operating characteristics curve(SROC).Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the association of the study design and patient characteristics with the test accuracy and meta-regression to find the source of heterogeneity.RESULTS Three studies regarding gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)and a meta-analysis of 16 non-GDM studies,comprising a total sample size of 12876,were included in the work.Results reveal that the average cut-off values of GA reported for the diagnosis of GDM diagnosis was much lower than those for non-GDM.For non-GDM cases,diagnosing DM with a circulating GA cut-off of 14.0%had a sensitivity of 0.766(95%CI:0.539,0.901),specificity of 0.687(95%CI:0.364,0.894),and area under the curve of 0.80(95%CI:0.76,0.83)for the SROC.The estimated SROC at different GA cut-off values for non-GDM exhibited that the average location parameter lambda of 16 non-GDM studies was 2.354(95%CI:2.002,2.707),and the scale parameter beta was-0.163(95%CI:-0.614,0.288).These non-GDM studies with various thresholds had substantial heterogeneity,which may be attributed to the type of DM,age,and body mass index as possible sources.CONCLUSION Glycated albumin in non-DM exhibits a moderate diagnostic accuracy.Further research on the diagnostic accuracy of GA for GDM and combinational measurements of GA and other assays is suggested.