Consensus Report (consensus + report)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Epidemiology and diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection

HELICOBACTER, Issue 2002
Hazel Mitchell
There have been no major breakthroughs in the field of epidemiology and diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection over the last year, thus for this reason, these two topics will be treated in the same chapter. Information on the incidence of infection, as in the study of Malaty et al. are now being published from long-term cohort follow-ups. The route of transmission of H. pylori remains controversial, with circumstantial evidence for infection via exposure to animals, contaminated water supplies and oral reservoirs being reported. The value of citric acid to improve urea breath test (UBT) results has been documented. A novel stool test has been released on the market and we are awaiting more information, while detection of antibodies in urine gave satisfactory results. However, the most interesting data comes from the study of McColl et al. who clearly proved on a large sample and a 1-year follow-up that the ,test and treat' strategy using UBT, as proposed in the Maastricht Consensus Report, is definitely the method to use. [source]


Diagnostic Value of Flecainide Testing in Unmasking SCN5A-Related Brugada Syndrome

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2006
PAOLA G. MEREGALLI M.D.
Introduction: Provocation tests with sodium channel blockers are often required to unmask ECG abnormalities in Brugada syndrome (BrS). However, their diagnostic value is only partially established, while life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias during these tests were reported. We aimed to establish sensitivity, specificity, and safety of flecainide testing, and to predict a positive test outcome from the baseline ECG. Methods and Results: We performed 160 tests with flecainide in subjects determined to be at risk for BrS. P wave width, PQ duration, QRS width, S wave amplitude and duration in leads II-III, in addition to ST morphology and J point elevation in V1-V3 were measured before and after flecainide administration. Moreover, leads were positioned over the third intercostal space (V1IC3 -V2IC3). Flecainide tests were considered positive if criteria from the First Consensus Report on BrS were fulfilled. In 64 cases, the test was positive, while 95 were negative (1 test was prematurely interrupted). The sensitivity and specificity, calculated in SCN5A-positive probands and their family members, were 77% and 80%, respectively. Baseline ECGs exhibited significant group differences in P, PQ, and QRS duration, J point elevation (leads V1-V2 and V1IC3 -V2IC3), and S duration in II, but an attempt to predict the outcome of flecainide testing from these baseline ECG parameters failed. No malignant arrhythmias were observed. Conclusion: Flecainide testing is a valid and safe tool to identify SCN5A-related BrS patients. Baseline ECGs do not predict test outcomes, but point to conduction slowing as a core mechanism in BrS. [source]


Periodontal diseases and health: Consensus Report of the Sixth European Workshop on Periodontology

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 2008
Denis Kinane
Abstract Introduction: The remit of this group was to update the knowledge base on periodontal diseases and health. Material and Methods: The literature was systematically searched and critically reviewed in five specific topics. Results: Prevalence of periodontitis: The data suggest a trend towards a lower prevalence of periodontitis in recent years. Adverse pregnancy outcome: The findings indicate a likely association between periodontal disease and an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is no evidence that treating periodontal disease decreases the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Prevalence and distribution of periodontal pathogens: Genetic analysis of bacteria has demonstrated an unanticipated diversity within species. Carriage rates and particular subsets of these species vary between ethnic groups. Few of these differences can be related to differences in disease prevalence. Diabetes mellitus: Evidence on the association supports the concept of increased severity but not extent of periodontitis in subjects with poorly controlled diabetes. It is inconclusive that periodontal treatment results in improved metabolic control. Cardiovascular diseases: Evidence suggests that having periodontitis contributes to the total infectious and inflammation burden and may contribute to cardiovascular events and stroke in susceptible subjects. The impact of periodontal therapy must be further investigated. [source]


Current concepts in the management of Helicobacter pylori infection,The Maastricht 2-2000 Consensus Report

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 2 2002
P. Malfertheiner
Significant progress and new insights have been gained in the 4 years since the first Maastricht Consensus Report, necessitating an update of the original guidelines. To achieve this, the European Helicobacter Pylori Study Group organized a meeting of specialists and experts from around the world, representatives from National Gastroenterology Societies and general practitioners from Europe to establish updated guidelines on the current management of Helicobacter pylori infection. The meeting took place on 21,22 September 2000. A ,test and treat' approach is recommended in adult patients under the age of 45 years (the age cut-off may vary locally) presenting in primary care with persistent dyspepsia, having excluded those with predominantly gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug users and those with alarm symptoms. Diagnosis of infection should be by urea breath test or stool antigen test. As in the previous guidelines, the eradication of H. pylori is strongly recommended in all patients with peptic ulcer, including those with complications, in those with low-grade gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, in those with atrophic gastritis and following gastric cancer resection. It is also strongly recommended in patients who are first-degree relatives of gastric cancer patients and according to patients' wishes after full consultation. It is advised that H. pylori eradication is considered to be an appropriate option in infected patients with functional dyspepsia, as it leads to long-term symptom improvement in a subset of patients. There was consensus that the eradication of H. pylori is not associated with the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in most cases, and does not exacerbate existing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. It was agreed that the eradication of H. pylori prior to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduces the incidence of peptic ulcer, but does not enhance the healing of gastric or duodenal ulcer in patients receiving antisecretory therapy who continue to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Treatment should be thought of as a package which considers first- and second-line eradication therapies together. First-line therapy should be with triple therapy using a proton pump inhibitor or ranitidine bismuth citrate, combined with clarithromycin and amoxicillin or metronidazole. Second-line therapy should use quadruple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, bismuth, metronidazole and tetracycline. Where bismuth is not available, second-line therapy should be with proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy. If second-line quadruple therapy fails in primary care, patients should be referred to a specialist. Subsequent failures should be handled on a case-by-case basis by the specialist. In patients with uncomplicated duodenal ulcer, eradication therapy does not need to be followed by further antisecretory treatment. Successful eradica- tion should always be confirmed by urea breath test or an endoscopy-based test if endoscopy is clinically indicated. Stool antigen test is the alternative if urea breath test is not available. [source]


Magnetic resonance techniques for the in vivo assessment of multiple sclerosis pathology: Consensus report of the white matter study group

JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 6 2005
Massimo Filippi MD
Abstract On October 9,11, 2003, the third meeting of the White Matter Study Group of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine was held in Venice, Italy. This article is the report of the meeting on how to use MRI in the diagnostic workup of multiple sclerosis (MS) and allied white matter disorders, and to define the nature and the extent of MS pathology in vivo. Both of these steps are central to the design of future treatment strategies aimed at limiting the functional consequences of the most disabling aspects of this disease. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:669,675. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple sclerosis: Consensus report of the White Matter Study Group,

JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 5 2002
M. Filippi MD
Abstract On June 24,26, 2001, the first meeting of the White Matter Study Group (WMSG) of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) was held in Bordeaux, France. This paper is the report of the consensus reached among the delegates of the meeting on how to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to make an early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), to measure MS activity accurately and reliably, and to monitor the effect of treatment on disease evolution. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2002;15:499,504. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Duty Hours in Emergency Medicine: Balancing Patient Safety, Resident Wellness, and the Resident Training Experience: A Consensus Response to the 2008 Institute of Medicine Resident Duty Hours Recommendations

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 9 2010
Mary Jo Wagner MD
Abstract Representatives of emergency medicine (EM) were asked to develop a consensus report that provided a review of the past and potential future effects of duty hour requirements for EM residency training. In addition to the restrictions made in 2003 by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the potential effects of the 2008 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on resident duty hours were postulated. The elements highlighted include patient safety, resident wellness, and the resident training experience. Many of the changes and recommendations did not affect EM as significantly as other specialties. Current training standards in EM have already emphasized patient safety by requiring continuous on-site supervision of residents. Resident fatigue has been addressed with restrictions of shift lengths and limitation of consecutive days worked. One recommendation from the IOM was a required 5-hour rest period for residents on call. Emergency department (ED) patient safety becomes an important concern with the decrease in the availability and in the patient load of a resident consultant that may result from this recommendation. Of greater concern is the already observed slower throughput time for admitted patients waiting for resident care, which will increase ED crowding and decrease patient safety in academic institutions. A balance between being overly prescriptive with duty hour restrictions and trying to improve resident wellness was recommended. Discussion is included regarding the appropriate length of EM training programs if clinical experiences were limited by new duty hour regulations. Finally, this report presents a review of the financing issues associated with any changes. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1004,1011 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source]


Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dyspiasia/Cardiomyopathy:

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2000
Need for an International Registry.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is a heart muscle disease characterized by peculiar right ventricular involvement and electrical instability that precipitates ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. The purpose of the present consensus report of the Study Group of the European Society of Cardiology and the Scientific Council on Cardiomyopathies of the World Heart Federation is to review the considerable progress in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis, morbid anatomy, and clinical presentation of ARVD/C since its first description in 1977. This article will focus on the important hut still unanswered issues, mostly regarding risk stratification, clinical outcome, and management of affected patients. Because ARVD/C is relatively uncommon and any one center may have experience with only a few patients, an international registry is being established to accumulate information and enhance the numbers of patients that can be analyzed to answer the pending questions. The registry also will facilitate pathologic, molecular, and genetics research on the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease. Furthermore, availability of an international database will enhance awareness of this largely unrecognized condition among the medical community. Physicians are encouraged to enroll patients in the International Registry of ARVD/C. [source]


Diagnosis and phenotypic classification of Wilson disease,

LIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2003
Peter Ferenci
Wilson disease is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder of hepatic copper metabolism leading to copper accumulation in hepatocytes and in extrahepatic organs such as the brain and the cornea. Originally Wilson disease was described as a neurodegerative disorder associated with cirrhosis of the liver. Later, Wilson disease was observed in children and adolescents presenting with acute or chronic liver disease without any neurologic symptoms. While diagnosis of neurologic Wilson disease is straightforward, it may be quite difficult in non-neurologic cases. Up to now, no single diagnostic test can exclude or confirm Wilson disease with 100% certainty. In 1993, the gene responsible for Wilson disease was cloned and localized on chromosome 13q14.3 (MIM277900) (1, 2). The Wilson disease gene ATP7B encodes a P-type ATPase. More than 200 disease causing mutations of this gene have been described so far (3). Most of these mutations occur in single families, only a few are more frequent (like H1069Q, 3400delC and 2299insC in Caucasian (4,6) or R778L in Japanese (7), Chinese and Korean patients). Studies of phenotype-genotype relations are hampered by the lack of standard diagnostic criteria and phenotypic classifications. To overcome this problem, a working party discussed these problems in depth at the 8th International Meeting on Wilson disease and Menkes disease in Leipzig/Germany (April 16,18, 2001),. After the meeting, a preliminary draft of a consensus report was mailed to all active participants and their comments were incorporated in the final text. [source]


EAACI/GA2LEN task force consensus report: the autologous serum skin test in urticaria

ALLERGY, Issue 9 2009
G. N. Konstantinou
Injection of autologous serum collected during disease activity from some patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CU) into clinically normal skin elicits an immediate weal and flare response. This observation provides a convincing demonstration of a circulating factor or factors that may be relevant to the understanding of the pathogenesis and management of the disease. This test has become known as the autologous serum skin test (ASST) and is now widely practised despite incomplete agreement about its value and meaning, the methodology and the definition of a positive response. It should be regarded as a test for autoreactivity rather than a specific test for autoimmune urticaria. It has only moderate specificity as a marker for functional autoantibodies against IgE or the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc,RI), detected by the basophil histamine release assay, but high negative predictive value for CU patients without them. It is usually negative in other patterns of CU, including those that are physically induced. Positive ASSTs have been reported in some subjects without CU, including those with multiple drug intolerance, patients with respiratory allergy and healthy controls, although the clinical implications of this are uncertain. It is essential that failsafe precautions are taken to ensure that the patient's own serum is used for skin testing and aseptic procedures are followed for sample preparation and handling. CU patients with a positive ASST (ASST+) are more likely to be associated with HLADR4, to have autoimmune thyroid disease, a more prolonged disease course and may be less responsive to H1-antihistamine treatment than those with a negative ASST (ASST,) although more evidence is needed to confirm these observations conclusively. [source]


Exercise-induced hypersensitivity syndromes in recreational and competitive athletes: a PRACTALL consensus report (what the general practitioner should know about sports and allergy)

ALLERGY, Issue 8 2008
L. B. Schwartz
Exercise-induced (EI) hypersensitivity disorders are significant problems for both recreational and competitive athletes. These include EI-asthma, EI-bronchoconstriction, EI-rhinitis, EI-anaphylaxis and EI,urticaria. A group of experts from the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology met to discuss the pathogenesis of these disorders and how to diagnose and treat them, and then to develop a consensus report. Key words (exercise with asthma, bronchoconstriction, rhinitis, urticaria or anaphylaxis) were used to search Medline, the Cochrane database and related websites through February 2008 to obtain pertinent information which, along with personal reference databases and institutional experience with these disorders, were used to develop this report. The goal is to provide physicians with guidance in the diagnosis, understanding and management of EI-hypersensitivity disorders to enable their patients to safely return to exercise-related activities. [source]


The Management of Peyronie's Disease: Evidence-based 2010 Guidelines

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 7 2010
David Ralph MD
ABSTRACT Introduction., The field of Peyronie's disease is evolving and there is need for a state-of-the-art information in this area. Aim., To develop an evidence-based state-of-the-art consensus report on the management of Peyronie's disease. Methods., To provide state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the prevalence, etiology, medical and surgical management of Peyronie's Disease, representing the opinion of leading experts developed in a consensus process over a 2-year period. Main Outcome Measures., Expert opinion was based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate. Conclusions., The real etiology of Peyronie's disease and the mechanisms of formation of the plaque still remain obscure. Although conservative management is obtaining a progressively larger consensus among the experts, surgical correction still remains the mainstay treatment for this condition. Ralph D, Gonzalez-Cadavid N, Mirone V, Perovic S, Sohn M, Usta M, and Levine L. The management of Peyronie's disease: Evidence-based 2010 guidelines. J Sex Med 2010;7:2359,2374. [source]


Implants, Mechanical Devices, and Vascular Surgery for Erectile Dysfunction

THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 1pt2 2010
Wayne J.G. Hellstrom MD
ABSTRACT Introduction., The field of erectile dysfunction (ED) is evolving and there is a need for state-of-the-art information in the area of treatment. Aim., To develop an evidence-based, state-of-the-art consensus report on the treatment of erectile dysfunction by implants, mechanical devices, and vascular surgery. Methods., To provide state-of-the-art knowledge concerning treatment of erectile dysfunction by implant, mechanical device, and vascular surgery, representing the opinions of 7 experts from 5 countries developed in a consensus process over a 2-year period. Main Outcome Measure., Expert opinion was based on the grading of evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate. Results., The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is indicated for the treatment of organic erectile dysfunction after failure or rejection of other treatment options. Comparisons between the IPP and other forms of ED therapy generally reveal a higher satisfaction rate in men with ED who chose the prosthesis. Organic ED responds well to vacuum erection device (VED) therapy, especially among men with a suboptimal response to intracavernosal pharmacotherapy. After radical prostatectomy, VED therapy combined with phosphodiesterase type 5 therapy improved sexual satisfaction in patients dissatisfied with VED alone. Penile revascularization surgery seems most successful in young men with absence of venous leakage and isolated stenosis of the internal pudendal artery following perineal or pelvic trauma. Currently, surgery to limit venous leakage is not recommended. Conclusions., It is important for the future of the field that patients be made aware of all treatment options for erectile dysfunction in order to make an informed decision. The treating physician should be aware of the patient's medical and sexual history in helping to guide the decision. More research is needed in the area of revascularization surgery, in particular, venous outflow surgery. Hellstrom WJG, Montague DK, Moncada I, Carson C, Minhas S, Faria G, and Krishnamurti S. Implants, mechanical devices, and vascular surgery for erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2010;7:501,523. [source]


Nonadherence Consensus Conference Summary Report

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2009
R. N. Fine
This report is a summary of a ,Consensus Conference' on nonadherence (NA) to immunosuppressants. Its aims were: (1) to discuss the state-of-the-art on the definition, prevalence and measurement of NA, its risk factors and impact on clinical and economical outcomes and interventions and (2) to provide recommendations for future studies. A two-day meeting was held in Florida in January 2008, inviting 66 medical and allied health adherence transplant and nontransplant experts. A scientific committee prepared the meeting. Consensus was reached using plenary and interactive presentations and discussions in small break-out groups. Plenary presenters prepared a summary beforehand. Break-out group leaders initiated discussion between the group members prior to the meeting using conference calls and e-mail and provided a summary afterward. Conclusions were that NA: (a) is more prevalent than we assume; (b) is hard to measure accurately; (c) tends to confer worse outcomes; (d) happens for a number of reasons, and system-related factors including the patient's culture, the healthcare provider and the setting and (e) it is not currently known how to improve adherence. This consensus report provided some roadmaps for future studies on this complicated, multifaceted problem. [source]


Standardization of the renogram technique for investigating the dilated upper urinary tract and assessing the results of surgery

BJU INTERNATIONAL, Issue 3 2003
P.H. O'Reilly
OBJECTIVE To recommend a standard technique for the renographic evaluation of the dilated upper urinary tract, and for evaluating the results of surgery. METHODS This review is an update of the previously recommended consensus report of the 9th International Symposium of Radionuclides in Nephrourology. RESULTS State-of-the-art recommendations are detailed for standardizing common radionuclide investigations. CONCLUSIONS Where open, laparoscopic or endourological techniques for treating pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction are under study, results can only be compared by standardizing the investigational techniques. The guidelines produced here are recommended for this purpose. [source]