Systematic review with meta-analysis of the accuracy of diagnostic tests for COVID-19

To collate the evidence on the accuracy parameters of all available diagnostic methods for detecting SARS-CoV-2. A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. Studies reporting data on sensitivity or specificity of diagnostic. Computed tomography has high sensitivity (91.9%) but low specificity (25.1%) For RT-PCR tests, rectal stools/swabs, urine, and plasma were less. RT-PCR remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in sputum samples.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with COVID-19 infection: A systematic review

CVID-19 has created an extraordinary global health crisis. Clinicians and patients are forced to make uninformed decisions. 67.4% (62/92) of women were symptomatic at presentation. RT-PCR was inferior to CT-based diagnosis in 31.7% (26/79) of cases. The maternal mortality rate was 0%. Only one patient required intensive care and ventilation. COVID-19-positive pregnant women present with fewer symptoms than the general population and maybe RT-PCR negative despite having signs of viral pneumonia.

The role of biomarkers in the diagnosis of COVID-19 - A systematic review

As of the 28th April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has infiltrated over 200 countries and affected over three million confirmed people. Only studies that reported data on pre-defined outcomes were included. Thirty-four relevant articles were identified which reviewed the following biomarkers. Lymphocytes and platelet count showed significantly lower levels in severe patients. ​Research is still in its early stages but could help clinicians identify severe diseases earlier and improve prognosis

Gut Microbiota in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome-A Systematic Review

Altering the gut microbiota has been proposed as a strategy for the treatment of IBS. Family Enterobacteriaceae (phylum Proteobacteria) and genus Bacteroides were increased in patients with IBS compared with controls.

Best practices on immunomodulators and biologic agents for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in Asia

The Asia-Pacific Working Group on Inflammatory Bowel Disease was established in Cebu, Philippines. It aims to improve inflammatory bowel disease care in Asia. Biologic agents and biosimilars are becoming more established.

Rifaximin has gained popularity for this indication despite its use is not evidence based. It seems to be effective and safe for the treatment of SIBO.

Palm oil (PO) is used in infant formulas to achieve palmitic acid levels similar to those in human milk. PO is associated with harder stools and SN-2-palmitate use may lead to softer stool consistency.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: rifaximin is effective and safe for the treatment of small intestine bacterial overgrowth

Rifaximin has gained popularity for this indication despite its use is not evidence-based. It seems to be effective and safe for the treatment of SIBO.

Endoscopic or surgical step-up approach for infected necrotising pancreatitis: a multicentre randomised trial

The rate of pancreatic fistulas and length of hospital stay were lower in the endoscope group than in the surgery group. The outcome of this trial will probably result in a shift in treatment preference to the endoscopic approach.

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