Articles related to TESTING/LABS

A retrospective study of 606 pediatric patients found serum specific IgE testing for allergic rhinitis was frequently negative in children younger than 3 years and became more informative with age. Findings may aid diagnostic decision-making, though prospective validation is needed.

Analysis of 900 fungal isolates from pediatric invasive fungal infections found low overall resistance rates to azoles and echinocandins across most species. Isavuconazole demonstrated activity comparable to established triazoles against many clinically important molds and yeasts.

A man in his early 30s presenting with post-viral chest pain and bilateral forearm numbness posed a diagnostic challenge when automated ECG interpretation missed findings later consistent with acute pericarditis, including diffuse concave-upward ST elevation, PR depression, and a positive Spodick sign.

The new method, called MethylScan, works by analyzing cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which carries molecular signals that reflect what is happening throughout the body.

“The results demonstrate robust effect sizes and good classification accuracy, which are needed for this assay to be adopted and widely used in the early detection and monitoring of AD.”

“We may be the only specialty that continues to do major abdominal surgery without a shred of evidence of benefit.” —Steven Clark, MD, Baylor College of Medicine