Study: Opioid use disorder treatment improves pregnancy outcomes

Pregnant women living with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their infants had significantly better health outcomes when treated with buprenorphine, according to a new study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. The research will be presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2025 Meeting, held April 24-28 in Honolulu.

Pregnant women who received buprenorphine, a medication used to treat OUD, were less likely to have a preterm birth, face serious health complications, or have their infants hospitalized in the NICU compared to those who did not receive the treatment, the study found.

“We know that treatment with medications like buprenorphine substantially reduces the risk of overdose death for pregnant women with opioid use disorder, but its benefits to newborns have not been well understood,” said Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH, senior author and chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health. “We found a profound reduction in preterm birth among infants whose mothers were treated with buprenorphine, which can have a lifelong impact.”

Despite rates of OUD in pregnant women increasing more than fivefold from 1999 to 2017, more than half still do not receive treatment, researchers said. Previous research estimates that up to 20% of pregnant women with OUD may have a preterm birth, nearly double those without OUD. Preterm birth, a growing public health issue, increases the risk of health problems in children, including respiratory issues, infections, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, and vision and hearing problems.

Researchers also noted stark disparities in equitable care. Those receiving buprenorphine were significantly less likely to be Black.

“Disparities in access to buprenorphine significantly affect vulnerable populations, including pregnant women,” said Sunaya Krishnapura, graduating medical student at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and presenting author. “Our findings underscore the urgent need for policies that expand treatment access in the United States to ensure a healthy pregnancy and future for mothers and infants.”

The study examined more than 14,000 pregnant women with OUD who were enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid between 2010 and 2021.

Powered by WPeMatico

Early-Life Ozone Exposure Linked to Childhood Asthma and Wheeze: JAMA

Researchers have found in a new study from JAMA Network Open that exposure to ozone (O₃) early in life is associated with increased risk of asthma and wheeze in young children, especially when combined with other air pollutants. The study, across 6 US cities, shown that children with more exposure to O₃ in their first two years of life had greater odds of asthma and wheeze ages 4-6. These results signal the importance of re-evaluating air quality standards to act for the protection of children from respiratory illness early in life. The study was conducted by Logan C. and fellow researchers.

This was a prospective cohort study that analyzed data from the ECHO-PATHWAYS consortium (2007-2023) utilizing data from 1,188 children from six U.S. cities. Participants were selected if they met the following criteria: had completed airway surveys, were born full-term (gestational age at least 37 weeks) and had full address history from birth to age 2 years.

Researchers evaluated ozone exposure using a spatiotemporal model derived from residential address histories. They employed logistic regression models and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analyses to evaluate utter independent and interaction effects of O₃, fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) on asthma and wheeze. Adjustments were made for child anthropometric characteristics, family socioeconomic status, and neighborhood factors to account for potential confounding association.

Key Findings

  • Ozone Exposure and AsthmaThe mean (SD) ozone concentration among exposed children was 26.1 (2.9) ppb.

  • Among children aged 4 to 6 years, asthma was reported by 148 (12.3%) children, and wheeze was reported by 190 (15.8%) children.

  • A 2 ppb increase in ozone exposure conferred 31% higher odds of current asthma (OR: 1.31; 95% CI, 1.02-1.68) and 30% higher odds of wheeze (OR: 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05-1.64).

  • At ages 8-9 years, ozone exposure was not substantially associated with asthma or wheeze, suggesting that the effects of early life exposure may be more pronounced with respect to respiratory health in younger children.

  • According to the BKMR analysis, the association between ozone and asthma and wheeze exposure appeared stronger when modeled as part of an air pollution co-mixture that included NO₂ and PM₂.₅.

  • The children had a mean (SD) age of 4.5 (0.6) years at the first airway survey.614 (51.7%) were female, and 663 (55.8%) of mothers had a bachelor’s degree or above.

Early-life exposure to O₃ might cause asthma and wheeze via several mechanisms such as airway inflammation, immune system disruption, interactions with other pollutants, and developmental characteristics.

The study authors concluded that childhood asthma and wheeze risk substantially increased with early-life ozone exposure, particularly among children 4-6 years old. To decrease the prevalent public health burden of childhood asthma, decreasing ambient ozone exposure might be an effective measure for protecting children’s respiratory health.

Reference:

Dearborn LC, Hazlehurst MF, Sherris AR, et al. Early-Life Ozone Exposure and Asthma and Wheeze in Children. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(4):e254121. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.4121

Powered by WPeMatico

Probiotics May Lift Your Mood in Just Two Weeks, Study Finds

Netherlands: A recent study reveals that probiotics, the beneficial bacteria found in the gut, may help alleviate negative emotions and improve mood over time. The research suggests that the positive effects of probiotics on mood take about two weeks to manifest, which is similar to the timeline seen with conventional antidepressants. These findings open up new possibilities for enhancing mental well-being through natural interventions.

The study, published in npj Mental Health Research, followed 88 healthy participants with no prior mental health diagnoses. Half of the participants received probiotics, while the other half took placebos. Over four weeks, the participants completed standard mental health questionnaires at the start and end of the study. In addition, they provided daily reports on their emotional states. This daily self-reporting proved crucial in detecting subtle emotional changes that traditional assessments often miss.

The results were striking. While improvements in mood were not immediately apparent, the probiotics started showing their beneficial effects around the two-week mark. This timing is comparable to how long it takes for antidepressants to begin showing signs of effectiveness. These results suggest that probiotics may influence emotional regulation through similar pathways as antidepressants, including the vagus nerve, which is the primary connection between the gut and the brain, and their anti-inflammatory effects.

Probiotics, also called good bacteria, are best known for supporting gut health. However, past research has suggested that they may offer more than just digestive benefits. They have been linked to improvements in immune function, reduced inflammation, and potential protection against various conditions such as obesity, osteoporosis, and gum disease. Additionally, a growing body of research has explored their role in mental health, with studies showing that probiotics may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Katerina V.-A. Johnson and Laura Steenbergen from Leiden University, Institute of Psychology, Leiden, The Netherlands, build on this foundation by providing more evidence that probiotics can positively impact mental health by reducing negative feelings and improving mood. Unlike many traditional studies that rely solely on pre- and post-intervention assessments, this study’s daily mood tracking revealed subtle emotional shifts that would likely have been overlooked by conventional methods. This suggests that daily self-reporting is a valuable tool in detecting the nuanced effects of probiotics on emotional regulation.

The study’s findings help resolve some of the inconsistencies in previous research, where the effects of probiotics on mental health have been mixed. By using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, the researchers were able to offer more robust evidence that probiotics have a measurable impact on mood. While other significant changes were not observed, improving mood among probiotic users is a promising step forward in understanding the potential mental health benefits of gut bacteria.

Ultimately, this research highlights the role of probiotics in promoting mental well-being, especially in the general population. The ability to target specific individuals who may derive the greatest benefit from probiotics could lead to more personalized and effective mental health strategies in the future.

“With this new evidence, probiotics are emerging as a promising tool not only for gut health but also for supporting emotional and mental well-being, offering an accessible and natural alternative for those looking to boost their mood and reduce negative feelings,” the authors concluded.

Reference:

Johnson, K. V., & Steenbergen, L. (2025). Probiotics reduce negative mood over time: The value of daily self-reports in detecting effects. Npj Mental Health Research, 4(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44184-025-00123-z

Powered by WPeMatico

Serum midkine, Reliable Biomarker for Early Detection of Atherosclerosis in Non-Dialysis CKD: Study

A new study published in the journal of BMC Nephrology showed that in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, serum midkine was found to be a valid marker for identifying asymptomatic coronary artery calcification (CAC) and carotid atherosclerosis, allowing for early identification and the avoidance of subsequent cardiovascular events.

Vascular calcification (VC), a pathological condition characterized by the accumulation of mineral deposits on artery walls, is one of the primary risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Once coronary artery calcification appears, it is difficult to stop its development. Numerous disease processes, including cancer, acute and chronic renal disorders, and inflammatory illnesses, have been pathologically related to the 13 kDa cytokine midkine (MK). In non-dialysis CKD, this study measured serum MK levels and examined their associations with coronary artery calcification and carotid atherosclerosis.

A total of 185 adult patients with CKD at stages 3–5 who did not have cardiovascular illnesses and 80 controls made up the research. Based on the presence of a CAC score, the patients were divided into 2 groups as severe and mild to moderate. On the basis of carotid atherosclerosis, they were also separated into groups that were atherosclerotic and those who were not.

Phosphorus, lipid profile, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), kidney function tests, and CBC were evaluated. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and MK serum levels were quantitatively assessed by ELISA. To get the CAC score, a cardiac CT scan was performed. Plaques were identified, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was assessed using carotid ultrasonography.

As CKD deteriorated, all CKD categories (CKD-3, CKD-4, and CKD-5) exhibited increased frequencies of carotid plaques, elevated MK levels, and elevated CAC scores. Serum levels of MK, IL-6, TNF-α, hs-CRP, phosphorus, iPTH, total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were elevated in severe CAC patients as compared to mild to moderate CAC patients.

MK and serum creatinine were found to be reliable predictors of CAC using multivariate linear regression. Serum levels of MK, TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP, iPTH, phosphorus, TC, total triglycerides, and LDL-C were greater in individuals with carotid atherosclerosis. Serum MK, serum creatinine, age, iPTH, and IL-6 were all shown to be significant predictors of carotid atherosclerosis using multivariate logistic regression. Overall, based of this investigation, serum MK in non-dialysis CKD patients may serve as a trustworthy biomarker for these subclinical CVDs.

Source:

Mohamed, O. N., Mohamed, M. I., Kamel, S. F., Dardeer, A. M., Shehata, S., Mohammed, H. M., Kamel, A. K., Ismail, D. E., Abbas, N. I., Abdelsamie, M. A., Ziady, A. F. K., Sayed, M. M., Toni, N. D. M., Hafez, S. M., & Elsaghir, S. M. M. (2025). Serum midkine level and its association with subclinical coronary artery calcification and carotid atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease. BMC Nephrology, 26(1), 185. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04066-7

Powered by WPeMatico

Dexmedetomidine-Lignocaine Combo Enhances haemodynamic Stability in Craniotomy: Study

Recent clinical investigation was conducted to examine the effects of intravenous (IV) administration of lignocaine, dexmedetomidine, and a combination of both on haemodynamic and stress responses during skull pin application in craniotomy procedures involving 160 patients, aged 18 to 60 years. The study was a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that categorized participants into four groups: one receiving lignocaine (Group L), another receiving dexmedetomidine (Group D), a third group receiving both lignocaine and dexmedetomidine (Group LD), and a control group (Group N) receiving saline.

Preoperative Evaluations

Preoperative evaluations established eligibility based on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classifications. Various haemodynamic parameters—including heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure—were continuously measured at set intervals throughout the surgery. Additionally, stress responses were evaluated through serum cortisol, serum prolactin, blood sugar levels, and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR).

Key Findings

Key findings indicated significant differences in the haemodynamic fluctuations among the treatment groups during skull pin application. Groups D and LD exhibited fewer changes in heart rate and mean arterial pressure when compared to Group N. Notably, the combination of dexmedetomidine and lignocaine (Group LD) resulted in the greatest attenuation of stress responses, characterized by significantly lower cortisol levels (P < 0.001) and NLR values (P = 0.002), both of which were dissipated within 6 minutes after skull pin application.

Postoperative Observations

Postoperatively, all treatment groups experienced increases in blood sugar levels; however, this change was particularly significant in Groups N and D (P < 0.001). The results suggest that Group LD not only minimized haemodynamic fluctuations but also contributed to a better overall neuroendocrine response, as reflected by hormone levels.

Anaesthetic Requirements

Moreover, the requirement for additional anaesthetic agents was reduced in the LD group; doses of propofol and opioid consumption were lower in this group compared to others (P < 0.001). This indicates that the combination therapy may help lower the need for opioids, contributing to a potential for opioid-free anaesthesia in neurosurgical settings. The study design ensured that the anaesthetists administering the treatments remained blinded to group assignment, enhancing the validity of results. Complications such as hypotension and bradycardia were noted in both dexmedetomidine groups, yet no statistically significant differences in these adverse events were observed between Groups D and LD.

Literature Alignment and Limitations

The findings also align with existing literature, supporting the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of dexmedetomidine, demonstrated by significant reductions in inflammatory markers like NLR. While this study presents clinically relevant insights, it also notes limitations, including the single-centre design, the lack of assessment for catecholamine levels and ACTH, and exclusion of patients with higher ASA classifications who could indicate a higher risk for complications.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, intravenous administration of the combined dexmedetomidine-lignocaine greatly reduces stress responses and improves haemodynamic stability during craniotomy, marking it as a promising alternative for improved perioperative management in neurosurgical patients. Further studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects and broader applicability of these findings.

Key Points

– A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 160 patients (ages 18-60) evaluated the effects of intravenous administration of lignocaine, dexmedetomidine, and their combination on haemodynamic and stress responses during skull pin application in craniotomy procedures. Participants were divided into four groups: lignocaine, dexmedetomidine, a combination of both, and a control group receiving saline.

– Preoperative evaluations confirmed eligibility based on Glasgow Coma Scale scores and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classifications, with continuous monitoring of haemodynamic parameters (heart rate, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure) and stress responses (serum cortisol, serum prolactin, blood sugar levels, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio).

– Significant differences in haemodynamic fluctuations during skull pin application were observed, with Groups D and LD showing fewer changes in heart rate and mean arterial pressure compared to the control group. Group LD demonstrated the most significant decrease in stress responses, indicated by lower cortisol (P < 0.001) and NLR values (P = 0.002), with normalization within 6 minutes after skull pin application.

– Postoperatively, all treatment groups showed increased blood sugar levels, particularly significant in Groups N and D (P < 0.001). Group LD not only minimized haemodynamic fluctuations but also presented a more favorable neuroendocrine response characterized by hormone level reductions.

– The combination of dexmedetomidine and lignocaine reduced the requirement for additional anaesthetic agents, leading to decreased consumption of propofol and opioids (P < 0.001), highlighting the potential for opioid-free anaesthesia in neurosurgical practices.

– While the study supports the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory roles of dexmedetomidine, limitations include its single-centre design, lack of catecholamine and ACTH level assessments, and exclusion of higher ASA classification patients. Recommendations for future research include exploring long-term effects and broader applicability of the findings in diverse clinical settings.

Reference –

Mallikarjuna S, Arora R, Mirza A, Agrawal S. Comparison of intravenous lignocaine, dexmedetomidine, and lignocaine dexmedetomidine infusion for attenuation of pain response to skull pin application in patients of intracranial tumours: A placebo controlled, double blinded, randomised comparative study. Indian J Anaesth 2025;69:350-7.

Powered by WPeMatico

Methotrexate Microinfusion Shows Promise in Treating Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, reveals research

According to a new study,Methotrexate microinfusion (MMP) is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), significantly reducing symptoms and halting disease progression. Further Patients experienced notable improvements in scalp condition, supporting MMP as a promising therapeutic option. The study was published in the journal Skin Appendage Disorders by Pitlovanciv and fellow researchers.

In the clinical practice wherein both topical and systemic therapies such as methotrexate tablets frequently fail to manage the activity of FFA, this investigation sought to uncover a new delivery method of giving the drug topically into the skin. FFA is one of the forms of scarring alopecia, which primarily involves women, and results in progressive recession of the hairline and loss of eyebrows, usually accompanied by pruritus (itching), desquamation (scaling), erythema (redness), and pain. Standard treatments typically have limited effectiveness, emphasizing the need for urgent development of novel therapeutic strategies.

This prospective, controlled clinical study was performed with 17 volunteers diagnosed with FFA according to both clinical and histological examination. All the patients received three courses of MTX application through MMP® (microinfusion of drugs into the skin method) at 30-day intervals. MTX was applied to only the right side of the alopecia area, and the left side was used as an untreated control. The split-scalp design allowed a direct comparison between treated and untreated areas in the same patient.

Dermoscopic images and clinical measurements were obtained pre- and post-treatment to evaluate changes in scalp status and hairline location. Also, participants’ laboratory test findings were followed during the study for safety assessment.

Key Findings

  • Study participants: 17 patients with histologically verified FFA

  • Treatment frequency: 3 applications of MTX MMP®, at 30-day intervals

  • Treatment site: Right half of the alopecia area treated; left half used as control

Improvements:

  • Substantial decrease in frontal-glabella and frontal temporoparietal readings in treated fields

  • 95% of subjects satisfied or very satisfied with result

  • Improvements in symptoms reported for pruritus and desquamation

  • No significant alterations in hair loss, local erythema, or LPPAI scores

  • Safety: No unusual laboratory test values in any subject

This research concludes that MTX microinfusion with the MMP® method is a safe, tolerable, and symptom-reducing therapy for frontal fibrosing alopecia. These positive findings indicate that LMTX delivery may be a useful addition to the management of FFA, especially in non-responsive patients to standard systemic or topical therapy.

Reference:

Pitlovanciv, T. E. de S., Skare, T. L., Medeiros, K. B., & Fabri, A. B. (2025). Efficacy of methotrexate microinfusion in scalp lesions of patients with frontal fibrosing alopecia: A prospective controlled trial. Skin Appendage Disorders, 11(2), 151–158. https://doi.org/10.1159/000540846

Powered by WPeMatico

Prolonged Breastfeeding Linked to Higher Risk of Early Childhood Caries Study

Researchers have found in a new meta-analysis that Prolonged Breastfeeding was linked to a Higher Risk of Early Childhood Caries. The meta-analysis of 25 studies involving 19,681 children revealed that breastfeeding beyond 24 months increases the risk of early childhood caries (ECC) by 2.44 times. The analysis also showed a higher ECC risk (OR 1.86) in children breastfed for more than 12 months, whereas no significant risk was found for those breastfed between 12 to 24 months.

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and benefits for newborns. However, its prolonged duration has raised concerns about potential risks for early childhood caries (ECC). A study was done to determine if prolonged breastfeeding increases the risk of dental caries in children under 71 months. Eligibility criteria included observational studies comparing ECC risk in children breastfed for over 12 months, with no language restrictions. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and others, up to May 17, 2024. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. Results: Twenty-five studies involving 19 681 participants were included. Studies showed an increased risk of ECC in children breastfed for more than 24 months (RR = 2.44; 95% CI, 1.97 to 3.02). For the 12-24 months period, no significant risk increase was found. Meta-analyses also indicated higher ECC prevalence with breastfeeding beyond 12 months (OR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.48 to 2.35). Prolonged breastfeeding beyond 24 months is associated with an increased risk of ECC. This review highlights the need for future studies to address current research limitations and better understand the relationship between prolonged breastfeeding and ECC.

Reference:

Lustosa K, Rodrigues LRS, Rocha RM, Prudente TP, Mezaiko E, Silva FPY, Silva BSF. Risk of Early Childhood Dental Caries Associated With Prolonged Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2025 Apr 20. doi: 10.1111/ipd.13313. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40254914.

Keywords:

dental education, prevention, syndromes head, neck/cleft lip, palate, Lustosa K, Rodrigues LRS, Rocha RM, Prudente TP, Mezaiko E, Silva FPY, Silva BSF

Powered by WPeMatico

Women Over 30 Face Greater Bladder Risks from Early Pelvic Floor Changes After Delivery: Study Finds

USA: A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology has identified a significant link between early postpartum pelvic floor changes and the development of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms within a year after vaginal delivery.

Women with an enlarged genital hiatus (GH) or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were at notably higher risk of OAB by 50% and 80%, respectively. The association was even more pronounced in women over the age of 30, with adjusted relative risks rising to 2.1 for GH and 2.2 for POP. These findings suggest that anatomical alterations in the pelvic floor soon after childbirth may be key contributors to the onset of OAB, particularly in older postpartum women.

Genital hiatus enlargement has been previously linked to POP and OAB several years after childbirth, typically within a 5–to 10-year timeframe. However, it remains unclear whether this association appears earlier in the postpartum period. To address this gap, Whitney K. Hendrickson, Division of Urogynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, and colleagues aimed to evaluate the relationship between the development of OAB within one year after the first vaginal delivery and three key factors: enlarged GH, anatomic POP, and self-reported bulge symptoms.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort involving primiparous women with singleton-term vaginal deliveries. Participants completed physical exams and symptom questionnaires during the third trimester, at 8 weeks, and 1 year postpartum.

Overactive bladder was defined as urinary urgency along with either frequency, nocturia, or urgency incontinence, based on the Epidemiology of Prolapse and Incontinence Questionnaire. An enlarged genital hiatus was defined as >4 cm, and anatomic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) as vaginal descent to or beyond the hymen. The researchers used Poisson regression to assess associations between OAB and GH or POP at 1 year postpartum.

Key Findings:

  • The study included 579 participants with a mean age of 29 of whom 17% identified as Hispanic.
  • At one year postpartum, both enlarged genital hiatus and anatomic pelvic organ prolapse were independently associated with a higher prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB).
  • Women with an enlarged genital hiatus had a 50% increased risk of developing OAB (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.5).
  • Those with pelvic organ prolapse faced an 80% higher risk (aRR 1.8).
  • The associations were more pronounced in women over 30 years of age, with genital hiatus linked to a more than twofold increased risk of OAB (aRR 2.1) and pelvic organ prolapse associated with a similar elevated risk (aRR 2.2).
  • No significant association was observed in women under the age of 30.

The study concludes that an enlarged genital hiatus and pelvic organ prolapse are linked to a higher risk of overactive bladder as early as one year after vaginal delivery, especially in women over 30. These findings suggest that genital hiatus could serve as an early indicator of pelvic floor dysfunction, helping to identify women at greater risk for OAB and prolapse postpartum.

Reference:

Hendrickson, W. K., Allshouse, A., Nygaard, I. E., & Swenson, C. W. (2025). ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ENLARGED GENITAL HIATUS AND PROLAPSE WITH OVERACTIVE BLADDER 1 YEAR AFTER VAGINAL DELIVERY. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2025.04.019

Powered by WPeMatico

AI-guided lung ultrasound marks major breakthrough in tuberculosis diagnosis: Study

A pioneering study presented today at ESCMID Global 2025 has demonstrated that an AI-powered lung ultrasound outperforms human experts by 9% in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).

The ULTR-AI suite analyses images from portable, smartphone-connected ultrasound devices, offering a sputum-free, rapid, and scalable alternative for TB detection. The results exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) benchmarks for pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis, marking a major opportunity for accessible and efficient TB triage.

Despite previous global declines, TB rates rose by 4.6% from 2020 to 2023. Early screening and rapid diagnosis are critical components of the WHO’s ‘End TB Strategy,’ yet many high-burden countries experience substantial patient dropouts at the diagnostic stage due to the high cost of chest x-ray equipment and a shortage of trained radiologists.

“These challenges underscore the urgent need for more accessible diagnostic tools”, explained lead study author, Dr. Véronique Suttels. “The ULTR-AI suite leverages deep learning algorithms to interpret lung ultrasound in real time, making the tool more accessible for TB triage, especially for minimally trained healthcare workers in rural areas. By reducing operator dependency and standardising the test, this technology can help diagnose patients faster and more efficiently.”

The ULTR-AI suite comprises three deep-learning models: ULTR-AI predicts TB directly from lung ultrasound images; ULTR-AI (signs) detects ultrasound patterns as interpreted by human experts; and ULTR-AI (max) uses the highest risk score from both models to optimise accuracy.

The study was conducted at a tertiary urban centre in Benin, West Africa. After exclusions, 504 patients were included, with 192 (38%) confirmed to have pulmonary TB. Among the study population, 15% were HIV-positive and 13% had a history of TB. A standardised 14-point lung ultrasound sliding scan protocol was performed, with human experts interpreting images based on typical lung ultrasound findings. A single sputum molecular test (MTB Xpert Ultra) served as the reference standard.

ULTR-AI (max) demonstrated 93% sensitivity and 81% specificity (AUROC 0.93, 95% CI 0.92-0.95), exceeding WHO’s target thresholds of 90% sensitivity and 70% specificity for non-sputum-based TB triage tests.

“Our model clearly detects human-recognisable lung ultrasound findings-like large consolidations and interstitial changes-but an end-to-end deep learning approach captures even subtler features beyond the human eye,” said Dr. Suttels. “Our hope is that this will help identify early pathological signs such as small sub-centimetre pleural lesions common in TB.”

“A key advantage of our AI models is the immediate turnaround time once they are integrated into an app,” added Dr. Suttels. “This allows lung ultrasound to function as a true point-of-care test with good diagnostic performance at triage, providing instant results while the patient is still with the healthcare worker. Faster diagnosis could also improve linkage to care, reducing the risk of patients being lost to follow-up.”

Reference:

AI-guided lung ultrasound marks a major breakthrough in tuberculosis diagnosis, Beyond, Meeting: ESCMID Global 2025.

Powered by WPeMatico

Uganda declares end of 6th Ebola outbreak

Uganda declared the end of an Ebola virus outbreak Saturday, which has killed at least two people in the east African nation since late January.

Powered by WPeMatico