D-dimer Test Research Articles

The Relationship Between D-dimer and Prognosis in the Patients with Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein-Positive Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background:Alpha-fetoprotein-positive gastric cancer (AFPGC) is a subtype of gastric cancer that is rare in clinical practice and extremely malignant. Malignant tumors are often associated with hemorrhage, thrombosis, and even disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The D-dimer test is used as a sensitive index in the diagnosis of DIC and fresh thrombosis in malignant tumors. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between D-dimer values and the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with serum AFPGC (AFP ⩾ 15 μg/L) patients.Methods:Overall, 120 healthy subjects and 120 AFP-negative gastric cancer (AFP < 15μg/L) patients from May 2017 to July 2018 at the Shanxi Cancer Hospital served as the control group in this retrospective cohort study. Additionally, 120 patients with pretreatment advanced serum AFP were chosen to analyze clinicopathologic features and factors that affect prognosis. The predictor was the D-dimer, and the outcome variable was overall survival (OS). Other variables included age, sex, tumor site, T-stage, distant metastasis, and preoperative serum tumor biomarkers. Differences in OS rate were analyzed by GraphPad Prism 9.2.0.332. The Cox regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis.Results:In comparison to AFP-negative gastric cancer, we discovered that D-dimer had a meaningfully higher presentation in patients with AFPGC (P < .001). Based on D-dimer median levels, the AFPGC patients were divided into two groups, including 39 patients with low D-dimer (<1000 ng/mL) and 81 patients with high D-dimer (⩾1000 ng/mL). The variables, including T-stage, distant metastasis, and expression of HER2, were associated with the value of D-dimer. The D-dimer levels were weakly related to the levels of tumor markers. The differences in AFPGC patients, with an OS rate of 30.76% for patients with low D-dimer (<1000) and 12.30% with high D-dimer (⩾1000; P = .0027), were statistically significant. Cox multivariate analysis of various parameters indicated that T-stage, distant metastasis, vascular embolism, level of D-dimer, and tumor biomarkers of AFP were independent risk factors for survival.Conclusion:Serum D-dimer levels may be a valuable indicator for predicting AFPGC metastasis and progression.

Absence of Effect of Emicizumab on D-Dimer Concentrations in Adult Patients with Severe Hemophilia A.

The D-dimer (DD) assay is an essential biological test for the diagnosis and monitoring of thrombotic conditions. DD testing is usually not performed as part of the routine laboratory management of patients with hemophilia (PWH). There is an increasing concern about the risk of thrombotic complications in PWH, which is likely related to age, cardiovascular risk factors, invasive thrombogenic procedures, over-correction of Factor VIII (FVIII) or FIX, or administration of new therapeutic agents mimicking FVIII or rebalancing coagulation. This retrospective study sought to assess the basal DD levels in PWH treated prophylactically with FVIII, and to evaluate potential changes after switching to emicizumab. Patients over 18 years of age treated with emicizumab within a single center over the period 2017-2022 were included in the study. DD levels were measured in 40 adult PWH (37 severe/ three moderate / two with FVIII inhibitor) with a median age of 46 years (range: 19-82; Q1-Q3: 30,25-56,5), before and at least 3 months after emicizumab initiation. No significant changes were revealed, with DD median values of 257 ng/mL (range: 250-2876; Q1-Q3: 250-493,5) before and 250 ng/mL (range: 50-6205; Q1-Q3: 250-380,25) after the switch (p = 0.9). Most adult PWH on prophylaxis using FVIII display DD levels within the normal range, which remain unchanged after switching to emicizumab. In view of these reassuring results, monitoring of DDs at the start of emicizumab treatment does not appear necessary but could be considered when combined with other bypassing agents or high dose FVIII.

Markers of activation of coagulation in cancer patients.

Prothrombotic tendency is characteristic of tumors. The aim of the study is to investigate the changes in the laboratory parameters for coagulation and fibrinolysis, namely in fibrinogen, thrombin-antithrombin complex (ТАТ), tissue factor (ТF), prothrombin fragment (F1+2), antithrombin III (AT III), D-dimer and screening coagulation tests in cancer patients before initiation of chemotherapy. Levels of F1+2, fibrinogen, ТАТ, AT III, TF, D-dimer, PT, aPTT and TT were measured baseline in 80 patients with breast and lung cancer before systemic treatment. The same parameters were investigated in 65 healthy volunteers. TF, ТАТ, F1+2 were measured by ELISA; AT III, D-dimer, fibrinogen and screening coagulation tests were measured by automated coagulation system Sysmex CS 2000i. RESULTS: Levels of F1+2, fibrinogen, ТАТ, TF, and D-dimer in cancer patients were significantly higher than those in the control group, while the levels of ATIII activity were significantly lower (p < 0.001). The highest area under the ROC curve was for D-dimer, which made it a good marker for the risk of thrombosis. Higher levels of TF, ТАТ, F1+2, fibrinogen and D-dimer and lower activity of АТ III in cancer patients support our hypothesis of an association between malignant disease and coagulation disorders. Cancer patients are at an increased risk of thrombosis wherefore antithrombotic prophylaxis may be considered (Tab. 6, Fig. 2, Ref. 34). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: coagulation, fibrinolysis, cancer.

Serum Presepsin Levels among Patients with COVID-19

Background: Presepsin provides information about prognosis of various inflammatory diseases and helps guide therapy. The present study was aimed to evaluate presepsin levels in COVID-19 patients and assess its predictive value on severity and mortality of the disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 259 patients were divided into two groups according to severity of the disease. Patients with mild–moderate illness constituted group 0 and those with severe–critical illness constituted group 1. Biochemical parameters including hemogram, coagulation tests, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, creatine kinase, troponin, D-dimer, presepsin, and liver and kidney function tests were assessed for each patient. Results: Group 1 patients were older and had a higher length of hospital stay and mortality compared to group 0 patients. Blood levels of urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase, ferritin, procalcitonin, CRP, activated partial thromboplastin time, troponin, and presepsin were statistically significantly higher and lymphocyte and albumin levels were significantly lower in group 1 patients than that of group 0 patients. Presepsin had a weak positive correlation with LDH (r = 0.147, P = 0.018) and troponin levels (r = 0.141, P = 0.024), and had a weak negative correlation with albumin level (r = −0.134, 0.031). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, only lymphocyte count was an independent predictor of hospital mortality. Presepsin with a cutoff value of 42.79 pg/ml predicted severe–critical infection with 64.4% sensitivity and 52.5% specificity. It had a lower diagnostic value for prediction of disease severity compared to procalcitonin and CRP. Conclusion: Presepsin might be used in risk stratification of COVID-19 disease. Further studies are needed to delineate its prognostic value for survival.

Evaluation of the diagnostic management of deep vein thrombosis in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Santa Catarina, Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

Venous thromboembolism is an entity that encompasses both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. Although protocols for the diagnosis of these diseases are well defined, there is evidence of inappropriate use of diagnostic resources. To define the epidemiological profiles of patients admitted to the emergency department with suspected deep vein thrombosis, to determine rates of inappropriate ordering of D-dimer assays and color venous Doppler echocardiography of the lower limbs, and to identify whether these requests followed the recommendations contained in the 2015 Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery guidelines. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study that retrospectively evaluated 168 patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis for whom D-dimer assays were requested. The most common risk factors were measured and the pretest probability was calculated with the Wells score. The epidemiological profile of these patients and the rates of inappropriate D-dimer testing were assessed using descriptive statistics. The D-dimer requests were inadequate in 55 (32.7%) patients. Venous color Doppler ultrasound was used to examine the lower limbs of 14 (8.3%) of the patients with a low probability according to the Wells score and a negative D-dimer result. No additional diagnostic methods were used in 19 (11.3%) of those with a low probability according to the Wells score and a high D-dimer result. There was unnecessary use of CDUS in 35 (20.8%) cases. The overall rate of inappropriate workup was 53.5%. Differences were found between clinical practice and the recommendations for diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis, with inappropriate use of diagnostic tests.

Evaluation of the correlation of D-Dimer tests with tomographic findings in Covid-19 patients

Evaluation of the correlation of D-Dimer tests with tomographic findings in Covid-19 patients

A Feasibility Study on the Identification of Potential Biomarkers in Pulmonary Embolism Using Proteomic Analysis.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common emergency with a high morbidity and mortality. Most clinical presentations are non-specific and there is a lack of suitable biomarkers for PE. For example, the traditional D-dimer tests shows a rather high sensitivity for PE, but yet a rather low positive predictive value due to its lack of specificity. Research on novel biomarkers for PE is thus of interest to improve early diagnostics and reduce the number of unnecessary computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) scans performed. In this study we evaluate the feasibility to use label-free quantitative proteomics to discover potential biomarkers for acute PE and to monitor changes in proteins levels in PE patients over time. Blood was collected from 8 patients with CTPA verified PE and from 8 patients presenting with same symptoms but with a negative CTPA. The samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and thirteen protein concentrations were found to be significantly changed in PE patients compared to the CTPA negative controls. This exploratory study shows that proteomic analysis can be used to identify potential biomarkers for PE as well as to monitor changes of protein levels over time.The complement proteins play a part in PE but further studies are needed to clarify their specific role in the pathophysiological process and to look for more specific proteins.

SERODIAGNOSIS OF EARLY NEONATAL SEPSIS IN EGYPTIAN NEONATES

Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening disease. Early diagnosis is essential, but no single marker of infection has been identified. Sepsis activates a coagulation cascade with simultaneous production of the D-dimers due to lysis of fibrin. D-dimer test reflects the activation of the coagulation system.

Прогностическая ценность D-димера у больных, перенесших инфаркт миокарда в условиях пандемии новой коронавирусной инфекции

In conditions of new coronavirus pandemic and high prevalence of myocarditis, myopericarditis, the issues of differential diagnosis, especially in patients who had previously undergone myocardial infarction, appear to be relevant. Against the background of COVID-19 both recurrent acute coronary disease and myocarditis, or myopericarditis are possible, and the differential diagnosis is significantly complicated by the similarity of clinical picture (pain in the heart area (not always typical), increased titers of cardiac troponins). Particular difficulties in diagnosis arise in patients who have undergone myocardial infarction, are in a coma and have unstable hemodynamics, since the detection of zones of local hypo- or akinesis on EchoCG has no proper diagnostic value; changes on ECG can be ambiguous; and the absolute majority of hospitals that provide care to COVID-19 patients have no possibilities of making MRI with gadolinium. In such cases, additional diagnostic methods may be helpful in making a definitive diagnosis. In such cases, additional diagnostic methods may be helpful in making a definitive diagnosis. The most available and well-studied laboratory indicator is D-dimer, which is a marker of hypercoagulation syndrome, however, some scientists also considered it as a marker of necrosis in myocardial infarction. This review shows the advantages and disadvantages of D-dimer in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome; the possibility of its use in patients with coronavirus infection, who had previously undergone myocardial infarction; the prospects for further research on this issue are outlined. The combined use of D-dimer test with electrocardiography, echocardiography, and clinical manifestations in patients with coronavirus infection to diagnose recurrent myocardial infarction was substantiated.

Avaliação do manejo diagnóstico de trombose venosa profunda no departamento de emergência de um hospital terciário em Santa Catarina: um estudo transversal

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism is an entity that encompasses both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. Although protocols for the diagnosis of these diseases are well defined, there is evidence of inappropriate use of diagnostic resources.ObjectivesTo define the epidemiological profiles of patients admitted to the emergency department with suspected deep vein thrombosis, to determine rates of inappropriate ordering of D-dimer assays and color venous Doppler echocardiography of the lower limbs, and to identify whether these requests followed the recommendations contained in the 2015 Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery guidelines.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional observational study that retrospectively evaluated 168 patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis for whom D-dimer assays were requested. The most common risk factors were measured and the pretest probability was calculated with the Wells score. The epidemiological profile of these patients and the rates of inappropriate D-dimer testing were assessed using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe D-dimer requests were inadequate in 55 (32.7%) patients. Venous color Doppler ultrasound was used to examine the lower limbs of 14 (8.3%) of the patients with a low probability according to the Wells score and a negative D-dimer result. No additional diagnostic methods were used in 19 (11.3%) of those with a low probability according to the Wells score and a high D-dimer result. There was unnecessary use of CDUS in 35 (20.8%) cases. The overall rate of inappropriate workup was 53.5%.ConclusionsDifferences were found between clinical practice and the recommendations for diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis, with inappropriate use of diagnostic tests.

Key considerations for elective surgery in patients who previously had COVID-19.

Key considerations for elective surgery in patients who previously had COVID-19.

COT-9 Prognostic impact of hypercoagulation in glioblastoma and molecular mechanism thereof

Introduction: Pathological features of glioblastoma include intravascular thrombosis, suggesting that the thrombus formation in tumor microenvironment contributes to progression of gliomas. Meanwhile, glioblastoma has been known to be high risk malignant tumor for venous thromboembolism, however, it remains unclear how the coagulation-fibrinolysis system is disrupted, which essentially grow within the cranium in a localized manner, and how the disruption contributes to the malignant transformation. Methods: Total 64 patients with glioblastoma between January 2014 and April 2021 who underwent a D-dimer test before the therapeutic intervention were divided into two groups: the high D-dimer group (D-dimer level >3.0μg/ml) and the low D-dimer group (D-dimer level <3.0μg/ml). We compared the two groups in the maximum gadolinium-enhanced MRI lesions, MIB-1 index, and gene abnormalities (IDH mutation, TERT promoter mutation, and MGMT promotor methylation). The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Furthermore, in 23 patients who underwent a D-dimer test at recurrence, the time to death after recurrence was analyzed. Results: The PFS in high D-dimer group was significantly shorter than that in the low D-dimer group (log-rank p = 0.0075). The D-dimer increase at the time of recurrence significantly correlated with the decrease in post-recurrence survival duration (log-rank p = 0.0226). Moreover, the gadolinium-enhanced lesions in the high D-dimer group were significantly larger. Conclusion: The Pre-intervention D-dimer levels and PFS suggest that glioblastoma-induced systemic enhancement of the coagulation-fibrinolysis system plays a role in the malignant transformation. The D-dimer increase during the treatment was found to be a predictor of poor prognosis after recurrence. Furthermore, the MRI findings revealed a correlation between the D-dimer increase and the size of intratumoral necrosis. Meanwhile, no correlation with the MIB-1 index was found, suggesting that the mechanism of malignant transformation by hypercoagulation differ from enhanced cell proliferation.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of test output in haemostasis laboratories.

IntroductionThe high incidence of thrombotic events in patients with COVID‐19 affects health care worldwide and results in an increased workload in haemostasis laboratories due to more frequent testing of D‐dimer, haemostatic parameters and anti‐Xa tests. However, the impact of this increase in assay requests on the quality of performance in haemostasis laboratories remains unclear. In this study, the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the quality of performance and management of haemostasis laboratories was evaluated.MethodsThe impact on the quality of performance was studied using external quality assessment data from 2019 to 2020 derived from ECAT surveys. A questionnaire was sent to Dutch haemostasis laboratories to identify challenges and management strategies. Furthermore, the number of assays performed in 2019 and 2020 was supplied by four Dutch hospitals, located in regions with different disease incidence.ResultsNo differences in response rate nor the quality of the measurements were observed between the EQA surveys in 2019 and 2020. The questionnaire results showed a large increase of >25% in the number of test requests for anti‐Xa, D‐dimer and fibrinogen assays in 2020 compared to 2019. Extreme peaks in test requests were also observed in the four evaluated hospitals. Additionally, 84% of the respondents indicated that they had experienced increased work pressure, and increased sick leave was observed in 71% of the participating laboratories.ConclusionsThe enormous increase in test requests, especially for D‐dimer assays and anti‐Xa activity, did not affect the quality of performance within haemostatic laboratories during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

C15. Biventricular Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis: a rare and unusual case report

Abstract Backgrounds Systemic sclerosis (SSc), chronic multisystem autoimmune disease, characterized by excessive fibrosis and vascular endothelial dysfunction. Cardiovascular involvement may be induced by various pathways, either primary or secondary to pulmonary hypertension or renal involvement. Case Summary A 46 years old woman presented to emergency department with cold, dark purplish ulcers in fingertips with progressive worsening pain in upper extremities, claudication intermitten, and dyspneu since 4 months ago. She had a mask-like facial, shiny skin, microstomia, restricted mouth opening, calcinosis cutis, Raynauds phenomenon, and sclerodactyly. There were pansystolic murmur grade III/6 in tricuspid area, and rales in basal lungs. ECG showed sinus rhythm with fragmented QRS, poor R-wave progression. Chest X-Ray revealed pancardiomegaly with pleural effusion and HRCT thorax revealed interstitial lungs disease. The laboratory revealed leucocytosis, increase D-dimer (870 ug/L), negative ANA and ds-DNA test, positive anti SCl test. Echocardiography showed biventricular dysfunction with decreased LVEF 37% (Teichz) and TAPSE 10 mm, RA RV dilatation, severe TR with high probability for PH. Extremities Doppler showed normal arteries and veins system. These findings indicates that primary and secondary cardiac involvement in SSc. Heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and cyclophosphamide medication were administered Discussion Primary cardiac involvement, a direct consequence of SSc, may manifest as fibrosis of the myocardial, conduction system, pericardial and, valvular disease. Furthermore, a secondary phenomenon due to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and kidney pathology. Though the burden remains low, it may worsen the outcome, consequently, all patients with SSc should undergo screening.

C15. Biventricular Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis: a rare and unusual case report

Abstract Backgrounds Systemic sclerosis (SSc), chronic multisystem autoimmune disease, characterized by excessive fibrosis and vascular endothelial dysfunction. Cardiovascular involvement may be induced by various pathways, either primary or secondary to pulmonary hypertension or renal involvement. Case Summary A 46 years old woman presented to emergency department with cold, dark purplish ulcers in fingertips with progressive worsening pain in upper extremities, claudication intermitten, and dyspneu since 4 months ago. She had a mask-like facial, shiny skin, microstomia, restricted mouth opening, calcinosis cutis, Raynauds phenomenon, and sclerodactyly. There were pansystolic murmur grade III/6 in tricuspid area, and rales in basal lungs. ECG showed sinus rhythm with fragmented QRS, poor R-wave progression. Chest X-Ray revealed pancardiomegaly with pleural effusion and HRCT thorax revealed interstitial lungs disease. The laboratory revealed leucocytosis, increase D-dimer (870 ug/L), negative ANA and ds-DNA test, positive anti SCl test. Echocardiography showed biventricular dysfunction with decreased LVEF 37% (Teichz) and TAPSE 10 mm, RA RV dilatation, severe TR with high probability for PH. Extremities Doppler showed normal arteries and veins system. These findings indicates that primary and secondary cardiac involvement in SSc. Heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and cyclophosphamide medication were administered Discussion Primary cardiac involvement, a direct consequence of SSc, may manifest as fibrosis of the myocardial, conduction system, pericardial and, valvular disease. Furthermore, a secondary phenomenon due to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and kidney pathology. Though the burden remains low, it may worsen the outcome, consequently, all patients with SSc should undergo screening.

Multiple Myeloma, Clinical Characteristics, and Increased COVID-19 Risk Using Real-World Data

Background: A question that was commonly investigated during the COVID-19 pandemic was which clinical characteristics would make one more susceptible to contracting COVID-19? This was especially a concern for those who were considered “high risk” as they would be more prone to suffering from more severe COVID-19 symptoms and at times even death. In this abstract, we investigated which clinical characteristics of multiple myeloma (MM) cancer patients could make them more prone to contracting COVID-19. We also investigated which of these conditions make patients more at risk for experiencing more severe COVID-19 symptoms (PMID: 32950467, PMID: 32353254). Knowing what medical conditions that would make a patient more at risk for contracting or experiencing a more severe case of COVID-19 has been a concern for many, especially for those who suffer from more severe health conditions such as cancer.Methods: MM patient data and demographics were collected through HealthTree ® Cure Hub for Multiple Myeloma. We analyzed medical conditions including hypertension, heart condition, neuropathy condition, and BMI. We also looked into lung condition, kidney condition, diabetes, stroke, smoking history, drug use history, HIV, and Mediterranean descent but did not include in the figure due to small population sizes. We determined whether a patient had to be hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, needed oxygen therapy, or needed a D-dimer test as a severe COVID-19 case. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to quantify the risk for contracting COVID-19 for patients with specific medical conditions and which medical conditions made COVID-19 positive patients more at risk for experiencing a more severe case of COVID-19.Results: Out of the 962 patients that were involved in this study, we found that patients who were overweight were 2% more likely to contract COVID-19 than those who were not overweight. Other medical conditions did not increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. Furthermore, there were 35 patients that were involved in investigating how certain medical conditions may affect the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. We found that overweight patients were 12% more likely to suffer from more severe COVID-19 than those not overweight. Patients who suffered from neuropathy conditions were 3% more likely to experience a more severe COVID-19 case than those who do not have that condition. It is important to note that these results were not statistically significant, although are still informative.Conclusion: Our results show that MM patients who are overweight have a greater tendency to not only contract COVID-19 but experience a more severe case of COVID-19. Somewhat surprisingly, we found that patients who experience neuropathy, common among MM patients, had a higher tendency to experience a more severe case of COVID-19. We speculate whether MM patients, a high-risk group due to their immunocompromised state, took extra care to follow safety recommendations and caution to avoid contracting COVID-19. A logical next step would be to compare medical condition interactions to examine whether patients with more than one condition experience additive or synergistic risk, as well as comparing out results to other high-risk groups. These findings, although not statistically significant, may help MM patients identify which of their own medical conditions may put them more at risk for contracting COVID-19 and thus take precautionary measures. [Display omitted] DisclosuresAhlstrom: Takeda: Other: Patient Advisory; Pfizer: Other: Patient Advisory; Janssen: Other: Patient Advisory; Bristol Myers Squibb: Other: Patient Advisory.

Physician and Patient Beliefs and Preferences in Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis Testing in People with Cancer

IntroductionIt is unclear whether evidence-based diagnostic protocols are followed when cancer patients are tested for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Evidence-based protocols reduce unnecessary diagnostic imaging, offer a patient-centered approach, and have the potential to standardize practice across medical specialties and settings. However, anecdote suggests that specialists who test people with cancer for VTE may prefer diagnostic imaging over clinical probability scoring and D-dimer testing. The aim of this study was to identify physician and patient knowledge, beliefs, values and preferences for VTE testing in cancer. This study was part of a program of research to set International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis standards for VTE testing in people with cancer.MethodsThis was an international qualitative interview study following COREQ guidelines. Semi-structured interviews with physicians and cancer patients were conducted via Zoom. We used purposive sampling to ensure inclusion of physicians from all specialties who test people with cancer for VTE, practicing across all continents. We invited people treated for cancer who had and did not have experience of VTE testing. We used grounded theory to create a conceptual framework which explains physician and patient values and preferences for VTE testing. Transcripts were coded by three researchers independently, who met to discuss their findings and agree on common codes. Researchers were a Thrombosis physician and two undergraduate students who ensured reflexivity was incorporated into their analysis.ResultsA total of 32 physicians and 6 cancer patients were invited to interview. Of those invited, 23 physicians and 6 patients across 6 continents completed an interview. Interviews lasted between 21 and 86 minutes. Our derived conceptual model can be seen in the attached Figure. Physicians reported a low threshold to test for VTE in people with cancer compared to those without cancer, because VTE was considered a fatal disease and highly prevalent in this patient population. Imaging was generally the only test used for VTE testing in cancer patients. Many participants relied on their Gestalt estimation of VTE probability when deciding whether to order imaging for pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis. Most thought that low Wells score in combination with a negative D-dimer was not sufficiently sensitive to exclude VTE and anticipated the Wells score and D-dimer to be elevated. The Wells scores had poor face validity because they do not include cancer-specific variables and participants hoped to see a more nuanced formal score for VTE testing in cancer patients. Participants believed that their colleagues would support their diagnostic approach.Patients reported they were used to having tests and CT scans. Patients felt it was important for their physicians to prioritize testing for VTE. Patients had full trust and confidence in their physicians' testing decisions, particularly in decisions made by their oncologists.ConclusionPhysicians have a low threshold to test people with cancer for VTE and tend not to use clinical probability assessment and D-dimer. Patients are comfortable having diagnostic imaging, feel VTE testing is important and have full trust in their physicians. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Diagnostic Accuracy of D-Dimer for Pulmonary Embolism and Lower Limb Deep Vein Thrombosis Testing in People with Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

IntroductionThere are evidence-based protocols for the diagnosis and exclusion of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which include clinical probability scoring along with selective D-dimer testing and diagnostic imaging. D-dimer assessment in VTE (venous thromboembolism) testing tends to be omitted in patients with cancer, partly because of perceived D-dimer lack of sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to report the diagnostic accuracy of D-dimer for PE and lower limb DVT in patients with cancer. This study was part of a research program to set International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis standards for VTE testing in patients with cancer.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis followed the MOOSE guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42020181007. We searched Medline via OVID from conception to 12 th March 2020 for diagnostic PE and DVT studies reporting on people with cancer, or a subgroup of people with cancer. Researchers in the field were contacted for information on unpublished studies. All languages were included. Two researchers screened the titles and abstracts. Four researchers reviewed the selected full texts to determine which studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. Two researchers assessed risk of bias using QUADAS-2, extracted data on the true positive, false positive, true negative and false negative results for D-dimer alone, and D-dimer combined with clinical probability estimation. We used the bivariate random effects method to meta-analyze sensitivity and specificity values. We used a random effects model to estimate pooled false negative rates and efficiency for combining a negative D-dimer (manufacturer recommended cutoff) with a low clinical probability to exclude PE or DVT in patients with cancer. Results were displayed on a Forest plot. Heterogeneity was assessed using I 2.ResultsFrom 7947 titles and abstracts, we reviewed 49 full text manuscripts, including 13 studies for analysis. Risk of bias was low across all domains for only 5/13 studies. Figures 1 shows the Forest plots grouped by sensitivity and specificity for PE and DVT. The pooled estimates for D-dimer in the diagnosis of VTE in cancer patients (regardless of clinical probability) were 96.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 94.8 to 97.5%) sensitivity and 26.4% (95% CI 18.1 to 37.0%) specificity. For PE, D-dimer was 96.9% (96.1 to 97.5%) sensitive (I 2 0%, N=2,299) and 14.0% (12.1 to 16.0%) specific, (I 2 69%, N=11,455). For DVT, D-dimer was 94.3% (89.8 to 97.6%) sensitive, (I 2 61%, N=546) and 46.4% (39.8 to 53.3%) specific, (I 2 59%, N=724). The efficiency of combining a low D-dimer (using the manufacturer recommended cutoff) and low clinical probability to exclude DVT or PE was 9.3%, (95% CI 6.9 to 11.9%), N=1,347. There were only 122 patients in the false negative rate analysis of whom 1 patient was diagnosed with VTE in follow up. A pooled analysis was not performed for the false negative rate.ConclusionsD-dimer is a sensitive test for both PE and lower limb DVT in people who have cancer. Approximately 10% of patients with cancer and suspected VTE can have VTE excluded with D-dimer and clinical probability prior to ordering diagnostic imaging. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

D-Dimer Tests in the Emergency Department: Current Insights

In the Emergency Medicine setting, D-dimer is currently employed in the diagnostic assessment of suspected venous thromboembolism and aortic syndrome. The nonspecific symptoms reported by patients, like chest pain, dyspnea or syncope, uncover a wide range of differential diagnosis, spanning from mild to life-threatening conditions. Therefore, we assumed the perspective of the Emergency Physician and, in this narrative review, we reported a brief presentation of the epidemiology of these symptoms and the characteristics of patients, in whom we could suspect the aforementioned pathologies. We also reported in which patients D-dimer gives useful information. In fact, when the probability of the disease is high, the D-dimer level is futile. On the contrary, given the low specificity of the test, when the probability of the disease is very low, a false-positive value of the D-dimer only increases the risk of overtesting. Patients with low to moderate probability really benefit from the D-dimer testing, in order to prevent the execution of expensive and potentially dangerous imaging tests. In the second part of the review, we focused on the prognostic value of the test in septic patients. The early prognostic stratification of septic patients remains a challenge for the Emergency Physician, in the absence of a definite biomarker or score to rely on. Therefore, we need several parameters for the early identification of patients at risk of an adverse prognosis and the D-dimer may play a role in this demanding task. SARS COVID-19 patients represent an emerging reality, where the role of the D-dimer for prognostic stratification could be relevant. In fact, in patients with severe forms of this disease, the D-dimer reaches very high values, which appear to parallel the course of respiratory failure. Whether the test may add useful information for the management of these patients remains to be determined.

MPR and NLR as Prognostic Markers in ICU-Admitted Patients with COVID-19 in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

ObjectiveThe aims of the current study were to evaluate the importance of MPR and NLR as prognostic markers in ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients and to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on hematological and coagulation parameters in patients from Jazan region of Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted between October 2020 and January 2021 at King Fahad Central Hospital, Jazan region. Medical files, which included the results of complete blood count (CBC), calculated mean platelet volume to platelet count ratio (MPR) and neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) parameters, coagulation profile and D-dimer test, of 96 (64 male and 32 female) COVID-19-infected patients admitted to the intensive care unit were reviewed. Associations between the test results and COVID-19 infection outcomes (discharged [DC] or passed away [PA]) were measured.ResultsThe results of the current study demonstrate overall significant differences in CBC parameters between PA group as compared to DC group (P < 0.05). The PA group had a significantly elevated MPR (10.15±12.16 vs 4.04±1.5; P < 0.01) and NLR (18.29±19.82 vs 7.35±9.68; P < 0.01) as compared to the DC group, suggesting an association between these parameters and mortality. Odds ratios analysis also showed that adjustment for demographic variables and comorbidities did not weaken the observed association.ConclusionElevated MPR and NLR are associated with poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients and could be useful as therapy management indicators.