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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 4 of 4 Research Studies DisplayedRicci KB, Oslock WM, Ingraham AM
Importance of radiologists in optimizing outcomes for older Americans with acute abdomen.
Patients presenting with acute abdominal pain often undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan as part of their diagnostic workup. The authors of this study investigated the relationship between availability, timeliness, and interpretation of CT imaging and outcomes for life-threatening intra-abdominal diseases or "acute abdomen," in older Americans. The investigators concluded that delays obtaining results were associated with adverse outcomes in older patients with acute abdomen.
AHRQ-funded; HS022694.
Citation: Ricci KB, Oslock WM, Ingraham AM .
Importance of radiologists in optimizing outcomes for older Americans with acute abdomen.
J Surg Res 2021 May;261:361-68. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.12.022..
Keywords: Elderly, Imaging, Diagnostic Safety and Quality
Fink HA, Linskens EJ, Silverman PC
Accuracy of biomarker testing for neuropathologically defined Alzheimer disease in older adults with dementia
This study is a systematic review of biomarker and test accuracy for identification of Alzheimer Disease (AD) in older adults. Studies with low or medium risk of bias were analyzed, and two reviewers rated risk of bias. Fifteen brain imaging studies and 9 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies met analysis criteria and were included. The meta-analysis found that in methodologically heterogeneous studies of uncertain applicability to typical clinical settings, the biomarkers amyloid PET, 18F-FDG proton emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were highly sensitive for neuropathologic AD. Single studies suggested that adding amyloid PET, 18F-FDG PET, and CSF test combinations may add accuracy to clinical evaluation.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500008I.
Citation: Fink HA, Linskens EJ, Silverman PC .
Accuracy of biomarker testing for neuropathologically defined Alzheimer disease in older adults with dementia
Ann Intern Med 2020 May 19;172(10):669-77. doi: 10.7326/m19-3888..
Keywords: Elderly, Dementia, Neurological Disorders, Imaging, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Evidence-Based Practice
Haymart MR, Banerjee M, Reyes-Gastelum D
Adverse Events, Health Status, Provider: Clinician, Provider: Nurse, Provider: Physician, Surgery
This study used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data to analyze thyroid cancer incidence in adults aged 65 years or older. Data was analyzed in the SEER-Medicare database from 2002 and 2013. Thyroid ultrasound use as initial imaging increased in all types of thyroid cancer, which increased the diagnosis of low-risk thyroid cancer. It was associated with female and comorbidities. Researchers believe that there is greater thyroid ultrasound use which results in increased diagnosis.
AHRQ-funded; HS024512.
Citation: Haymart MR, Banerjee M, Reyes-Gastelum D .
Adverse Events, Health Status, Provider: Clinician, Provider: Nurse, Provider: Physician, Surgery
J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019 Mar;104(3):785-92. doi: 10.1210/jc.2018-01933..
Keywords: Cancer, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Elderly, Imaging
Jarvik JG, Gold LS, Comstock BA
Association of early imaging for back pain with clinical outcomes in older adults.
This study compared function and pain at the 12-month follow-up visit among older adults who received early imaging with those who did not receive early imaging after a new primary care visit for back pain without radiculopathy. It found that early imaging was not associated with better 1-year outcomes. The researchers concluded that the value of early diagnostic imaging in older adults for back pain with radiculopathy is uncertain.
AHRQ-funded; HS019222, HS022972
Citation: Jarvik JG, Gold LS, Comstock BA .
Association of early imaging for back pain with clinical outcomes in older adults.
JAMA. 2015 Mar 17;313(11):1143-53. doi: 10.1001/jama.2015.1871..
Keywords: Back Health and Pain, Elderly, Primary Care, Outcomes, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Imaging