Delayed diagnosis in inflammatory bowel disease:Time to consider solutions

In this editorial,we discuss a recently published manuscript by Blüthner et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology,with a specific focus on the delayed diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).IBD,which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis,is a chronic intestinal disorder.A time lag may exist between the onset of inflammation and the appearance of signs and symptoms,potentially leading to an incorrect or delayed diagnosis,a situation referred to as the delayed diagnosis of IBD.Early diagnosis is crucial for effective patient treatment and prognosis,yet delayed diagnosis remains common.The reasons for delayed diagnosis of IBD are numerous and not yet fully understood.One key factor is the nonspecific nature of IBD symptoms,which can easily be mistaken for other conditions.Additionally,the lack of specific diagnostic methods for IBD contributes to these delays.Delayed diagnosis of IBD can result in numerous adverse consequences,including increased intestinal damage,fibrosis,a higher risk of colorectal cancer,and a decrease in the quality of life of the patient.Therefore,it is essential to diagnose IBD promptly by raising physician awareness,enhancing patient education,and developing new diagnostic methods.

Physician-dependent diagnosis delay in Crohn's disease:A pseudoproposition or not?

The challenge of diagnosis delay in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)has emerged as a significant concern for both patients and healthcare professionals.The widely accepted notion that there is an extended time frame from the onset of symptoms to the definitive diagnosis is often attributed to the heterogeneity of IBD and the non-specificity of clinical manifestations.Specific to patients with Crohn’s disease,the issue of delayed diagnosis appears to be more pronounced across different regions globally.The intricate interplay of real-world factors has led to debates regarding the primary contributors to these diagnostic delays.Drawing a comparison solely between patients and physicians and implicating the latter as the predominant influence factor may fall into a simplistic either-or logical trap that may obscure the truth.This letter,grounded in published evidence,explores areas for improvement in a forthcoming paper within the field,hoping to pinpoint the culprit behind the diagnosis delay issue for IBD patients rather than simply attributing it to so-called“physician-dependent factors”.Our objective is to motivate healthcare providers and policymakers in relevant fields to reflect on strategies for addressing this problem to reduce diagnostic delays and enhance patient outcomes.

Delayed diagnosis of abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura in children:A case report

BACKGROUND For children with abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura presenting abdominal pain as an initial symptom and severe clinical manifestations,but without purpura appearance on the skin,the diagnosis and treatment are relatively difficult.This study summarized the characteristics of this group of patients by literature review and provided additional references for further refinement of glucocorticoid therapy in this vasculitis.CASE SUMMARY A 6-year-old girl presented mainly with repeated abdominal pain and had received short-term out-of-hospital treatment with hydrocortisone.On day 7 after onset,gastroscopy revealed chronic non-atrophic gastritis and erosive duodenitis without purpuric rash,and no obvious resolution of the abdominal pain was found after treatment against infection and for protection of gastric mucosa.On day 14 the inflammatory indices continued to rise and the pain was relieved after enhanced anti-infective therapy,but without complete resolution.On day 19,the patient presented with aggravated abdominal pain with purplish-red dots on the lower limbs,by which Henoch-Schonlein purpura was confirmed.After 5 d of sequential treatment with methylprednisolone and prednisone,abdominal pain disappeared and she was discharged.CONCLUSION Henoch-Schonlein purpura-related rash may appear after long-term abdominal pain,and should be distinguished from acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases at the early stage without typical rash.For bacterial infection-induced Henoch-Schonlein purpura,glucocorticoid therapy alone without clearing the infection may not relieve symptoms.

Diagnosis Delay and Assessment of the Quality of Life of Patients with Endometriosis Using the Endometriosis Health Profile 5 Questionnaire in a Sub-Saharan Population

Context: Endometriosis is a pathology that directly affects the daily lives of women with frequent impairment of their quality of life. In our environment, medical, socio-cultural, financial factors and factors related to the organization of the health care system greatly delay its diagnosis. The objectives of the present study were to determine the diagnosis delay and to assess the quality of life before surgery of women with endometriosis using the specific Endometriosis Health Profile 5 (EHP-5) questionnaire. Methods: We carried out a descriptive, observational, retrospective study in 8 medical centers in the City of Kinshasa, from January 2019 to October 2022. A total of 80 women with endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy (16 diagnostic and 64 operative laparoscopies) and histopathology were interviewed. We used the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASMR) classification, the Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) score was calculated for infertile women and the EHP-5 questionnaire to assess quality of life. Our data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Analysis Software 16.1 (STATA 16.1). Results: Diagnosis delay of endometriosis was on average 12 ± 4.3 years. The overall mean EHP-5 score of all patients showed a severe deterioration in quality of life (604 ± 235). A negative relationship was observed between the age of the patient, the diagnostic delay, and the alteration of the quality of life in patients over 36 years old and those with about 11 years of diagnostic delay presenting the slight alteration. Patients with a high social level had very severe quality impairment. Women on hormonal treatment, those with a history of pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage and abortion had a slight and significant deterioration in quality of life (p 0.05). Conclusion: Despite some limitations, our preliminary study highlights that in sub-Saharan Africa, the diagnosis of endometriosis is delayed and associated with a severe alteration in quality of life. Moreover, diagnosis of endometriosis seems to be restricted to women with high social levels. Therefore, further efforts are required to develop a health policy to decrease delay for diagnosis with potential benefits on symptoms, quality of life, fertility while limiting stigma and psychological effects of this debilitating pathology.

Exploring the Pathways of Leprosy Patients from Their Communities to a Diagnosis in the Districts of Mayuge, Yumbe and Kasese-Uganda

Background: Leprosy is known to cause disability that leads to severe outcomes like stigma, discrimination, mental health problems and participation restriction. Furthermore, in cases of infectious leprosy, longer delays increase the risk for the spread of the disease. Despite being preventable and curable, a significant proportion of new leprosy patients (39%) in 2019 had grade 2 (Described as Visible disability) at the time of diagnosis signifying late presentation. The aim of this study was to describe patient journeys from first symptoms suggestive of leprosy to a diagnosis and individual and community level factors associated with health seeking behavior of leprosy patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional explorative study implemented in Kasese, Mayuge and Yumbe districts .A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Qualitative assessment included patients, family members, health workers, voluntary health teams and the district health team. Descriptive statistics were presented in terms of percentages, frequency tables, pie Charts and graphs for easy interpretation and discussion. Results: The results indicate that 53% of the respondents identified as female. The median age of the respondents being 34 years, with a range of 1 to 76 years (Mean: 44.7, Mode: 65, Standard-Deviation: 19.6, Kurtosis: 0.6). The most common first symptom noticed by respondents was skin lesions (65%) followed by deformities (18%) (P value = 0.05%) occurring mostly in the feet (P-value = 0.48). Majority (52%) of the patients had taken more than 24 months (SD 18.72 OR 2.75) for a diagnosis to be made with a maximum delay of over 60 months. The most common cause of delay in seeking health care was lack of knowledge on leprosy (P value=Conclusions: There was a delay of 2 years in seeking health care for the majority of the patients. Key barriers to early diagnosis were lack of knowledge and infrastructure. Community sensitization and strengthening capacity building are needed to achieve early diagnosis of leprosy and proper management.

Delayed diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cutaneous tuberculosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Tuberculosis(TB)is a widespread infectious disease,with an incidence that is increasing worldwide.Cutaneous TB(CTB)occurs rarely,accounting for less than 1%of all TB cases.Due to the clinical presentation and diagnostic difficulties,CTB is often clinically neglected and misdiagnosed.CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old man underwent several debridement surgeries and skin flap transplantation after trauma.The wound remained unhealed,accompanied by sinus formation.According to empirical judgment,T-cell spot of TB test,and bacterial culture of pyogenic fluids,he was diagnosed with CTB due to infection with exogenous Mycobacterium tuberculosis.A comprehensive anti-TB regimen that included isoniazid,rifampicin,ethambutol,and pyrazinamide was applied.The sinus was filled with a hydrophilic fiber-containing silver dressing,and woundprotecting sponges were applied to part of the wound.The wound healed after 40 d.No ulceration was found within 2 mo after discharge;further follow-up will be conducted.CONCLUSION A non-healing wound may be caused by TB infection.Comprehensive treatment of CTB is effective.

Consultation, Diagnosis and Treatment Delays for Breast Cancer among Patients Followed up at the YaoundéGeneral Hospital, Cameroon

Introduction: Breast cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage in Cameroon. The objective was to analyse consultation, diagnosis and treatment delays for breast cancer among patients followed up at the Yaoundé General Hospital (YGH) in Cameroon. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from the files of patients followed up for breast cancer at the YGH from January 1, 2014 to April 30, 2018. A total of 183 patients were included. We measured time elapsed between the awareness of first signs of disease and the initial consultation (consultation delays), time lapse between the initial consultation and pathological diagnosis of breast cancer (diagnosis delays), interval between pathological diagnosis and treatment onset (treatment delays), time elapsed between the initial consultation and management (health system delays) and time elapsed from awareness of first signs of disease to treatment onset (overall delays). Results: The delays (median, IIQ) were: (5.1 months;IIQ: 1.7 - 12.4), (25 days;IIQ: 10 - 67), (27 days;IIQ: 13 - 63), (2.2 months;IIQ: 1.2 - 5.8) and (9.9 months;IIQ: 4.4 - 17.6) respectively for consultation, diagnosis, treatment, health system and overall delays. The risks associated with a delay in initial consultation of greater than 3 months were (OR;95% CI): unschooled patients (2.01;1.66 - 2.40);monthly income below the minimum wage (2.70;1.81 - 5.96);unemployment (2.14;1.02 - 3.24) and absence of a family history of cancer (2.44;1.66 - 6.10). The main reasons for a late first consultation were: ignorance (60.2%), financial challenges (17.6%) and a preference for alternative treatment (11.1%). Conclusion: The consultation, diagnosis and treatment delays for breast cancer are very often long in our setting than those reported in developed countries. Both patients’ and institutional factors are demonstrated. There is a need to increase public awareness on the value of early diagnosis of breast cancer. Also, health system should be improved to enable early diagnosis and treatment of this affection.

THE USEFULNESS OF ^(99)Tc-PMT DELAYED HEPATOBILIARY IMAGING IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SMALL HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

This investigation was aimed to assess the usefulness of delayed hepalobillary Imaging in the diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sixty-two patients with this hepatic cancer were Included in the study. 56 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 50. 6 yr. (32 - 72 years old). All patients were performed by surgery, verified histologically, and these tumors were smaller than 5 cm. Liver scans were performed 5 minutes, 2 hours and 5 hours after the administration of radlopharmaceutices. In 31 of the 62 patients (50%), the tumor exhibited equal radioactivity uptake or greater radioactivity uptake than the surrounding liver in delayed imaging. And the sensitivity was 33. 3% (2/6), 41.2% (7/17), 60.0% (9/15) and 54.2% (13/24) In the tumor size was ≤2 cm, 2-3cm, 3-4 cm and 4 - 5 cm, respectively. The smallest mass to be detected was only 1. 2 cm. The uptake of radiopharmaceutic was nonsignificantly related to serum AFP level and hepatic cirrhosis (P>0. 05). These results show that 99-Tc-PMT delayed hepatobiliary imaging can be useful in the diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

A delayed diagnosis of unsuspected retinoblastoma in an in vitro fertilisation infant with retinopathy of prematurity

Dear Editor,I am Dr.Tian Tian,from the Department of Ophthalmology,Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,Shanghai,China.I write to present a rare case report of a delayed diagnosis of unsuspected retinoblastoma（RB）in an in vitro fertilisation（IVF）infant with retinopathy of prematurity.

Delayed diagnosis of ascending colon mucinous adenocarcinoma with local abscess as primary manifestation: Report of three cases

BACKGROUND Colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma is a distinct subtype of colorectal adenocarcinoma that is not sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy,and its prognosis is worse than that of nonmucinous adenocarcinoma.Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment may be the key to improving the prognosis of patients.Ascending colon mucinous adenocarcinoma with the primary manifestation of a local abscess caused by non-intestinal perforation has never been reported.Moreover,since the lumen of the ascending colon is large,and early stage ascending colon cancer lacks typical clinical manifestations,the diagnosis may be delayed easily.We herein report three cases of delayed diagnosis of colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma.CASE SUMMARY We present three patients(two females and one male)with mucinous ascending colon mucinous adenocarcinoma with the primary manifestation of a local abscess(the right area of the lumbar spine,right groin,and lower right abdomen)caused by non-intestinal perforation.At the initial clinical visit,the common causes of those abscesses,including spinal tuberculosis and urinary tract infection,were excluded.The treatment of the abscess was through an incision and drainage.However,the source of the abscess was not made clear,which led to an abscess recurrence and a delayed diagnosis of colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma.After the patients were referred to our hospital,a definitive diagnosis of ascending colon mucinous adenocarcinoma was made with the help of tumor markers and colonoscopic findings.Because of the delayed diagnosis of the disease,two patients(case 1 and case 2)missed the chance of surgery due to disease progression and died in a short follow-up period.Only case 3 underwent radical surgery for the tumor in the right colon and partial abdominal wall resection and achieved a better prognosis.CONCLUSION Abscesses in the right area of the lumbar spine,right groin,or right lower quadrant caused by non-intestinal perforation as the primary clinical manifestation of ascending colon mucinous adenocarcinoma are extremely rare.Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon may be one of the causes of such abscesses.Performing colonoscopy as soon as possible is of great significance in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Reduced delay in diagnosis of odontogenic keratocysts with malignant transformation:A case report

BACKGROUND In rare cases,odontogenic keratocysts(ODs)transform into squamous cell carcinoma.Intervals between the first attendance of a patient and the diagnosis of OD with malignant transformation vary from weeks to years.In this article,we report a case of malignancy derived from OD with a five-day delay in diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY A 54-year-old woman was referred to Tongji Hospital in Wuhan,China with complaints of moderate pain,recurrent swelling,and pus discharge around her left maxillary lateral incisor for over 10 years.Physical examination revealed a fistula at the palatine-side mucoperiosteum of the left maxillary lateral incisor and enlarged lymph node in the left neck.Cone beam computed tomography revealed a cystic lesion with massive bone destruction from the left maxillary central incisor to the left secondary maxillary premolar and local bony destruction in the left first mandibular molar.The patient was clinically diagnosed with OD.Enucleation rather than marsupialization was performed given the risk factors of long history,recent aggravated pain,and massive bony destruction.Malignant transformation of OD was confirmed by pathologists 3 d after the operation.Radical surgery was performed,and lymph node metastasis was observed.The patient was subjected to postoperative radiotherapy and synchronous chemotherapy,and no local recurrence or distant metastasis was noted at one-year follow-up.CONCLUSION Our case suggests that clinicians should be aware of the malignant transformation of OD,especially when patients present with a long history,massive cyst,chronic inflammation,recent persistent infections,aggravated pain,numbness around the cystic lesion,and lymph node enlargement.

Surgical treatment of an old avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity and ischial ramus: A case report

BACKGROUND Avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity is a relatively clinically rare type of trauma that is mainly incurred by adolescents during competitive sports activities.According to previous literature,the most commonly involved sports are soccer,sprinting,and gymnastics,in descending order.Dance-induced avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity and ischial ramus is extremely clinically rare.CASE SUMMARY A case of a neglected avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity and ischial ramus was diagnosed in a young female dancer who complained of pain and restricted movement of her right hip.She stated that she had suffered the injury while performing a split leap during a dance performance 9 mo prior.Eventually,she underwent surgery and obtained satisfactory treatment results.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis of these fractures is important to ensuring early proper treatment towards a quicker recovery.For old fractures with nonunion and chronic buttock pain,surgery is a preferred therapeutic choice with good treatment outcomes.

Presentation delay in breast cancer patients and its association with sociodemographic factors in North Pakistan

Background： There is strong evidence that delayed diagnosis of breast cancer is associated with poor survival. The objectives were to determine the frequency of breast cancer patients with delayed presentation, the reasons of delay and its association with different socio-demographic variables in our settings.Methods： We interviewed 315 histologically confirmed breast cancer patients. Delay was defined as more than 3 months from appearance of symptoms to the consultation from doctor. Questions were asked from each patient which could reflect their understanding about the disease and which could be the likely reasons for their delayed presentation.Results： A total of 39.01%（n=123） of patients presented late and out of those, 40.7% wasted time using alternative medicines; 25.2% were not having enough resources; 17.1% presented late due to painless lump; 10.6% felt shyness and 6.5% presented late due to other reasons. Higher age, negative family history, 〈8 school years of education and low to middle socio-economic status were significantly associated with delayed presentation（P〈0.05）. Education and socioeconomic status were two independent variables related to the delayed presentation after adjustment for others [odds ratios（OR） of 2.26, 2.29 and 95% confidence intervals（CI） was 1.25-4.10, 1.06-4.94 respectively].Conclusions： Significant percentage of women with breast cancer in North Pakistan is experiencing presentation delay due to their misconceptions about the disease. Coordinated efforts with public health department are needed to educate the focused groups and mitigating the barriers identified in the study. Long term impact will be reduced overall burden of the disease in the region.

Factors Affecting the Duration between Symptom Onset and Diagnosis in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Background: The prognosis of patients with tumors is partly influenced by the stage when patients are diagnosed. Therefore, the time of confirmed diagnosis after onset can be considered as a prognostic predictor. Although a few of studies work on it, factors that influence the duration remain poorly understood in different areas. Methods: This retrospective study involved patients with gastric cancer. Participants completed questionnaires by either phone or face-to-face interviews. Results: Females are with a longer interval than males. Farms lived in rural area and with New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme are associated with a longer time interval. Patients whose income is mainly from their spouses also have a longer interval. Abdominal pain seems to be associated with longer interval time, while vomiting leads to a shorter time interval. Taking medicine after symptoms appear is associated with longer time intervals, especially those take medicine nonstandardly and more than 2 weeks. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the medical resource in rural area should still be enhanced;meanwhile taking medicine without doctor’s advice should be cut down. Additional efforts must be made to devise strategies to properly guide patients’ behavior.

Delayed Management of High-Grade Renal Trauma in a Child with Bilateral Lower Polar Artery: A Case Report

High-grade renal trauma rarely occurs due to low-velocity mechanisms. With its clinical presentation, delayed diagnosis rarely happens. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl diagnosed seven days post-trauma with grade IV renal trauma complicated with infected urinoma and bilateral lower polar vessels. She was non-operatively managed with ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage of the urinoma, which resolved, and had unremarkable six months follow-up. We discuss the role of preexistent hydronephrosis in low-velocity impact, pitfalls of diagnosis in resource-constrained settings, and management of high-grade trauma.

Late Diagnosis of Anorectal Malformations in Children

Anorectal malformations (ARM) include a wide spectrum of congenital defects of the anus, anal canal and rectum, which are often associated with congenital anomalies of other organ systems. They appear with different clinical presentations ranging from simple imperforate anal membrane to very complex defects. They are usually detected immediately after birth or early at neonatal age, but some patients with the milder defects are diagnosed at a later age. Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence of patients with ARM diagnosed after neonatal period, clinical features and consequences of delayed diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Since 2010 we performed a combined retrospective and prospective analysis of a total of 76 patients with anorectal malformations, diagnosed and treated at our clinic between 2005 and 2014. We analyzed patients’ age at the time of diagnosis, sex, type of defect, associated anomalies and postoperative functional outcome. Results: 18 patients with ARM (23.68%) were diagnosed beyond the neonatal period. Of them 11 were female (61.11%) and 7 male patients (38.89%). The earliest diagnosed patient was a male of three months of age, while the latest diagnosed patient was a female of 8.5 years of age. All patients had low type anomalies, presented with anal stenosis (16), perineal fistula (1) and vestibular fistula (1). Six patients (33.33%) were also diagnosed with associated anomalies. Conclusion: High incidence of delayed diagnosis of ARM highlights the importance of a careful, comprehensive clinical examination of the perineum of newborns. All patients with severe and chronic constipation must be evaluated for eventually missed diagnosis of low type anorectal malformations.

Profile and determinants of delayed care-seeking and diagnosis among patients with imported malaria: a retrospective study in China, 2014–2021

Background: In areas where malaria has been eliminated, delayed care-seeking and diagnosis of imported malaria are constant threats. This study aimed to describe the profile and determinants of delayed care-seeking and diagnosis among patients with imported malaria in China.Methods: This retrospective study assessed surveillance data obtained from 2014 to 2021 in the Chinese provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) of Anhui, Henan, Hubei, and Zhejiang, and Guangxi. Epidemiological characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Furthermore, factors associated with delayed care-seeking and diagnosis among imported malaria cases were identified using multivariate logistic regression.Results: Overall, 11.81% and 30.08% of imported malaria cases had delays in seeking care and diagnosis, respectively. During the study period, there was a decreasing trend in the proportion of imported malaria cases with delayed care-seeking (χ^(2) = 36.099,P < 0.001) and diagnosis (χ^(2) = 11.395,P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors associated with delayed care-seeking include PLADs (Guangxi as reference), consultations in high-level facilities for the first medical visit, infections with non-Plasmodium falciparum species, and older age. However, PLADs (Guangxi as reference), the purpose of traveling (labour as reference), and infections with non-P. falciparum species increased the risk of delayed diagnosis. Delayed care-seeking (adjusted odds ratio: 1.79,P = 0.001) and diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio: 1.62,P = 0.004) were risk factors for severe disease development.Conclusions: Based on this study’s findings, we strongly advocate for improved access to quality healthcare to reduce the rate of misdiagnosis at the first visit. Infections caused by non-P. falciparum species should be highlighted, and more sensitive and specific point-of-care detection methods for non-P. falciparum species should be developed and implemented. In addition, education programs should be enhanced to reach target populations at risk of malaria infection. All these factors may reduce delayed care-seeking and diagnosis of imported malaria.

Risk factors for mortality in children with diabetic keto acidosis from developing countries

Diabetic keto acidosis(DKA) is the major cause for mortality in children with Diabetes mellitus(DM). With increasing incidence of type 1 DM worldwide, there is an absolute increase of DM among children between 0-14 year age group and overall incidence among less than 30 years remain the same. This shift towards younger age group is more of concern especially in developing countries where mortality in DKA is alarmingly high. Prior to the era of insulin, DKA was associated with 100% mortality and subsequently mortality rates have come down and is now, 0.15%-0.31% in developed countries. However the scenario in developing countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are very different and mortality is still high in children with DKA. Prospective studies on DKA in children are lacking in developing countries. Literature on DKA related mortality are based on retrospective studies and are very recent from countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. There exists an urgent need to understand the differences between developed and developing countries with respect to mortality rates and factors associated with increased mortality in children with DKA. Higher mortality rates, increased incidence of cerebral edema, sepsis, shock and renal failure have been identified among DKA in children from developing countries.Root cause for all these complications and increased mortality in DKA could be delayed diagnosis in children from developing countries. This necessitates creating awareness among parents, public and physicians by health education to identify symptoms of DM/DKA in children, in order to decrease mortality in DKA. Based on past experience in Parma, Italy it is possible to prevent occurrence of DKA both in new onset DM and in children with established DM, by simple interventions to increase awareness among public and physicians.

Determinants of delayed diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in Cambodia:a mixed-methods study

Background:Cambodia is among the 30 countries in the world with the highest burden of tuberculosis(TB),and it is estimated that 40%of people with TB remain undiagnosed.In this study,we aimed to investigate the determinants of delayed diagnosis and treatment of TB in Cambodia.Methods:This mixed-method explanatory sequential study was conducted between February and September 2019 in 12 operational districts in Cambodia.It comprised of a retrospective cohort study of 721 people with TB,followed by a series of in-depth interviews.We assessed factors associated with time to TB diagnosis and treatment initiation using Cox proportional hazards model.Subsequently,we conducted in-depth interviews with 31 people with TB purposively selected based on the time taken to reach TB diagnosis,sex,and residence.Transcripts were coded,and thematic analyses were performed.Results:The median time from the onset of symptoms to TB diagnosis was 49 days(Interquartile range[IQR]:21–112).We found that longer time to diagnosis was significantly associated with living in rural area(Adjusted hazards ratio[aHR]=1.25;95%confidence interval[CI]:1.06–1.48);TB symptoms-cough(aHR:1.52;95%CI:1.18–1.94),hemoptysis(aHR 1.32;95%CI:1.07–1.63),and night sweats(aHR:1.24;95%CI:1.05–1.46);seeking private health care/self-medication(aHR:1.23;95%CI:1.04–1.45);and higher self-stigma(aHR:1.02;95%CI:1.01–1.03).Participants who received education level above the primary level were inversely associated with longer time to diagnosis(aHR:0.78;95%CI:0.62–0.97).The median time from TB diagnosis to the initiation of treatment was two days(IQR:1–3).The use of smear microscopy for TB diagnosis(aHR:1.50;95%CI:1.16–1.95)was associated with longer time to treatment initiation.Seeking private health care and self-medication before TB diagnosis,lack of perceived risk,threat,susceptibility,and stigma derived qualitatively further explained the quantitative findings.Conclusions:TB diagnostic delay was substantial.Increasing public awareness about TB and consciousness regarding stigma,engaging the private healthcare providers,and tailoring approaches targeting the rural areas could further improve early detection of TB and narrowing the gap of missing cases in Cambodia.

Reversible lesions in the brain parenchyma in Wilson's disease confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging:earlier administration of chelating therapy can reduce the damage to the brain

The aim of this study was to evaluate the resolution of brain lesions in patients with Wilson’s disease during the long-term chelating therapy using magnetic resonance imaging and a possible signiifcance of the time latency between the initial symptoms of the disease and the introduction of this therapy. Initial magnetic resonance examination was performed in 37 patients with proven neurological form of Wilson’s disease with cerebellar, parkinsonian and dystonic presentation. Magnetic resonance reexamination was done 5.7 ± 1.3 years later in 14 patients. Patients were divided into： group A, where chelating therapy was initiated 〈 24 months from the ifrst symp-toms and group B, where the therapy started≥ 24 months after the initial symptoms. Symmetry of the lesions was seen in 100% of patients. There was a signiifcant difference between groups A and B regarding complete resolution of brain stem and putaminal lesions （P= 0.005 andP=0.024, respectively）. If the correct diagnosis and adequate treatment are not established less than 24 months after onset of the symptoms, irreversible lesions in the brain parenchyma could be ex-pected. Signal abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging might therefore, at least in the early stages, represent reversible myelinolisis or cytotoxic edema associated with copper toxicity.