News and Events

Flu-like illnesses pose risks to the elderly: Diagnostics is key

 

With the onset of the rainy season, flu and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) have surged. The Department of Health (DOH) reported 9,491 cases nationwide from July 28 to August 10, marking a 55% increase from July 2023. 1

 

Influenza-like illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 share symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, and headaches. Diagnosing them can be challenging due to their similarities. Hence, fast and reliable diagnostics is a must.

 

Globally, influenza causes 3 to 5 million severe cases and 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually. While it is typically easy to recover from, immunocompromised people aged 65 years and older are at risk due to complications.2,3

 

Respiratory syncytial virus, on the other hand, is responsible for 60,000-100,000 cases of hospitalizations among senior patients. “Patients with underlying conditions face a higher risk of hospitalization from RSV: up to twice as likely for asthma patients, six times for those with heart disease or diabetes, and 13 times for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante.

 

There is no specific treatment for RSV in adults, particularly in older patients, according to pulmonologist Dr. Lenora Fernandez. She said that RSV, however, can be prevented by regular hand washing, wearing masks, staying hydrated and well-rested, avoiding smoking and vaping, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. 4

 

Another risk to older patients is COVID-19. For ages 65-74, the risk is 60 times higher, 140 times for ages 75-84, and 340 times for those 85 and older. In May 2024, it averaged 319 daily cases, down from 500 daily in January. 5,6

 

Without testing, diagnosing influenza, RSV, or COVID-19 in older patients can be difficult. A fast and accurate RT-PCR test can help with implementing effective treatment. With Xpert® Cov-2/Flu/RSV plus PCR test, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV strains can be detected.7

 

To conclude, the surge in influenza-like illnesses, combined with the overlapping symptoms of flu, RSV, and COVID-19, underscores the importance of rapid and accurate diagnostic testing, particularly for vulnerable populations like senior patients. Preventative measures can be done to reduce infection risks. However, for effective treatment and management, timely diagnostics is essential.

 

To learn more about Xpert® Cov-2/Flu/RSV plus, you may contact a representative.

 

References:

  1. Dizon, D. Rains increase flu-like cases in past 3-4 weeks: DOH. 5 September 2024. Accessed 1 October 2024. https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2024/9/5/rains-increase-flu-like-cases-in-past-3-4-weeks-doh-1323
  2. World Health Organization (WHO). Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and other respiratory viruses. Accessed 1 October 2024. https://www.paho.org/en/topics/influenza-sars-cov-2-rsv-and-other-respiratory-viruses
  3. Flu and people 65 years and older. Centers for Disease and Risk Prevention. Accessed 2 October 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm.
  4. Montemayor, M.T. Philippine News Agency. 22 June 2024. Accessed 2 October 2024. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227442
  5. Underlying conditions and the higher risk for severe COVID-19. Centers for Disease and Risk Prevention. Accessed 3 October 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html
  6. The Reason for the Season: why flu strikes in winter. Science in the News. Harvard.edu. 1 December 2014. Accessed 3 October 2024. https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2014/the-reason-for-the-season-why-flu-strikes-in-winter/
  7. Villaruel, J.E. Philippines maintains ‘low risk’ status for COVID-19. ABS-CBN News online. 5 June 2024. Accessed 3 October 2024. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/4/ph-maintains-low-risk-status-for-covid-19-1445
  8. Stockl, J. Tucker, J. Certa, A. Beaubrun, K. Schwebke. (2023). Use of antigen and molecular testing for Coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) among patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) in the non-inpatient setting. J Mol Diagn, 25(11) (S1-S186): S53. https://www.jmdjournal.org/article/S1525-1578%2823%2900249-0/pdf

Hepatitis B care: Simplify to eradicate virus by 2030

 

Chronic hepatitis B is present in one of 10 Filipinos, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is not easy to diagnose because symptoms present few to none at all. It cannot be left undiagnosed because it may pose additional health risks such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. In 2019, the WHO recorded 820,000 hepatitis B-related deaths due to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

 

Currently, there is no cure for Hepatitis B but it can be managed with help from viral load monitoring. People with hepatitis B undergo treatment management wherein immune modulator drugs and antiviral drugs are used to suppress virus replication. They are monitored to confirm if patients are responding to the treatment well using tests like the Xpert HBV Viral Load test.

 

Xpert HBV Viral Load, a real-time PCR test for monitoring Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), is capable of reducing complexity of testing and delivering accurate results. It allows continuous sample loading, which eliminates the need for batching, and allows emergency testing. The test can also detect and quantify HBV DNA comparably well as with reference assay.

 

Hepatitis B is one of the most devastating diseases, yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable. Dr. Wendell Z. Espinosa, president of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines, explains in this video that in order to eliminate hepatitis by 2030, hepatitis care must be simplified and made accessible to all.

 

References:

  1. World Health Organization. PH must act to eliminate hepatitis. 27 July 2019. https://bit.ly/3ukQddi
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is Viral Hepatitis? Accessed April 2022 https://bit.ly/38CA0rx
  3. World Health Organization. Globocan 2020 fact sheet. Accessed April 2022. https://bit.ly/3K5Y5o9
  4. World Health Organization. Hepatitis B fact sheet. 27 Jul 2021. https://bit.ly/3urpewE
  5. Yellow Warriors Society Philippines, Inc. About Viral Hepatitis. Accessed June 2022. https://bit.ly/3xwj3I5
  6. Uceda Renteria, S., Greco, L., Loglio, A., Lunghi, G., Lampertico, P. (2019). THU-221-Xpert HBV VL, simplifying HBV viral load testing and disease management. Journal of Hepatology. 70. e262. 10.1016/S0618-8278(19)30494-3.
  7. Auzin, AM, Slavenburg, S., Peters, C., Boland, G., Rahamat-Langendoen, J., Melchers, WJG, Schuurman, R. Rapid, random-access, and quantification of hepatitis B virus using the Cepheid Xpert HBV viral load assay. J Med Virol. 2021 Jun;93(6):3999-4003. doi: 10.1002/jmv.26392. Epub 2020 Aug 25. PMID: 32761911; PMCID: PMC8247333.

Empower women with HPV screening

 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test is a reliable detection of high-risk DNA types including types 16, 18, and 45. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), DNA-based testing is more effective and more efficient than cytology-based tests (or pap smear) as they are less prone to quality problems. It is in fact recommended as the primary screening method by the WHO.

“These deaths can be avoided. Thanks to screening, and notably using the HPV DNA-based tests, cervical cancer can either be prevented or detected at early stages and cured,” said Dr. Marilys Corbex, Senior Technical Officer on noncommunicable diseases, WHO Europe.

HPV is an invisible enemy

Human papillomavirus is a threat to many women. Worldwide, it causes about 70% of cervical cancer cases. In the Philippines, it is the second most common cancer among women aged 14 to 44, with 7,897 diagnosed and 4,042 deaths from cervical cancer annually.

It is an invisible enemy women have to be wary of. Human papillomavirus does not often present visible symptoms. When symptoms appear, these are manifested as genital warts which can only be detected through thorough physical examination by the OB-GYN.

Early detection can save lives

By encouraging women to take an HPV-DNA test, those identified to be positive can be given the proper management and treatment in a timely manner.

Help women get the best treatment they deserve.

 

References:

  1. World Health Organization. WHO recommends DNA testing as a first-choice screening method for cervical cancer prevention. 11 September 2021.
  2. WHO guideline for screening and treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions for cervical cancer prevention, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
  3. Bruni L, Albero G, Serrano B, Mena M, Collado JJ, Gómez D, Muñoz J, Bosch FX, ICO/IARC Information Centre on HPV and Cancer (HPV Information Centre). Human and Related Diseases in Philippines. Summary Report 10 March 2023. [Date Accessed]

Gastrointestinal bleeding stopped by Hemospray

 

Gastrointestinal bleeding (or GI bleeding) is typically a symptom of a digestive tract disorder. It can also occur as an adverse effect of an invasive endoscopic procedure. To control a GI bleed, clipping devices and hemostatic devices like COOK Medical Hemospray® can be used. Dr. Shou-jiang Tang, Director of Endoscopic Research and Advanced Endoscopy at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, discussed at the 2023 PSDE Endoscopycon how Hemospray works and its use in nonvariceal and variceal GI bleeding.

 

What is Hemospray?

Hemospray is an inert powder developed for endoscopic hemostasis. The powder is delivered by use of a carbon dioxide powered delivery system and through a catheter inserted through the working channel of an endoscope which provides access to the site of the bleed. It contains no human or animal proteins or botanicals and has no known allergens.

How does it control gastrointestinal bleeding? When the powder is sprayed over the bleeding site, it absorbs water from the blood. Then, it acts cohesively and adhesively and forms a mechanical barrier.

 

Effects on coagulation and clot formation

Studies show that hemostatic powder has concentrated clotting factors, which allow it to form a mechanical plug that protects the injured blood vessel. In an ex vivo study in 2015, Hemospray is found to reduce the following:

  1. Recalcification time of whole blood
  2. Clotting time of whole blood
  3. Plasma prothrombin time

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of in vivo clots show the same as the powder rapidly interacts with whole blood, forming one confluent mass over the bleeding site.

 

“Fire extinguishing powder”

Due to its influence on coagulation and clot formation, Hemospray can be compared to a fire extinguishing powder. In an endoscopic procedure, the user can just spray the powder over the bleeding site to be able to declare “fire out” immediately.

A randomized study about the early application in esophagogastric variceal bleeding showed that the clinical efficacy of using the powder is higher, compared to standard care (Gut, 2018). Two groups of 43 patients each were observed for the study. In the first group, patients received standard care, while in the other, patients received Hemospray treatment. Clinical hemostasis was achieved at 73% with standard care and 88% with Hemospray. There was 100% hemostasis achieved at 12 hours after Hemospray and 90% after standard therapy. Treatment failure at 5 days was 12% after Hemospray, and 38% after standard therapy. Death occurrence is also less, only 7%, and 30% under standard therapy. Contraindications include patients who have GI fistulas, are suspected of having gastrointestinal perforation, or are at high risk of perforation during endoscopic treatment, according to COOK Medical.

 

Hemospray as a first-line monotherapy

In the study of Tang et al., the authors proposed that in patients with diffuse esophageal ulcerations with clinically significant bleeding, Hemospray should be considered as the first-line monotherapy. It can help achieve hemostasis and potentially reduce the need for repeat endoscopy. The rationale for the proposal is as follows:

  1. Conventional hemostatic therapy such as thermal coagulation and clipping is difficult to apply in diffusely bleeding esophageal ulcerations and is associated with a small risk of treatment related perforation.
  2. No large vessel is generally encountered in diffuse esophageal ulcerations. Once Hemospray achieves hemostasis, it provides a cyto-protective barrier to the diffusely ulcerated mucosa against acid reflux, allowing the new tissue to grow more efficiently during ulcer healing.

A 2018 study using the hemostatic powder demonstrated overall primary hemostasis of 90% and a rebleeding risk of about 20%. Barkun et al. described that with a patient with upper nonvariceal GI bleeding and low risk of delayed bleed, using Hemospray as initial monotherapy can be cost effective.

 

Gastrointestinal bleeding after endoscopy

In 2015, a separate study published a single center institution’s experience in using Hemospray in lower GI bleeding. Sixty patients received 67 treatments with the hemostatic powder. The patients had immediate hemostasis of 99% and experienced no serious adverse effects. The powder also was generally not visible and was dissolved or flushed out within two days. The powder will not interfere with additional therapy or a biopsy if needed after one to two days.

A paper published in the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy journal, Dr. Pittayanon et al. found that conventional endoscopic hemostatic methods are not effective in cancer-related bleeding, about 31%-93%. Bleeding risk is very high. In 99 patients included in the cohort, immediate hemostasis was achieved at 98%, with recurrent bleeding in 15%. Gastrointestinal bleeding could be delayed within three to 30 days. Without the powder, the recurrent bleeding rate was 38%.

 

Hemospray in practice

If gastrointestinal bleeding occurs or diffuse bleeding is suspected during initial endoscopy, the hemostatic powder can be used to stop the bleeding. After one to two days, the site can be checked again to see if there is a tumor. If a tumor is found, patient can be called in to discuss options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and so on. Otherwise, further endoscopic therapy or biopsy may be needed. If bleeding occurs and cannot be stopped with standard endoscopic therapy, the powder can be used as needed.

 

User-friendly hemostat device

Mastery of a medical device takes some practice before a seamless user experience is achieved. Hemospray, however, is non-contact, non-thermal, safe, and easy to use. The user, whether an endoscopist, technician, or nurse assistant can use it easily. Endoscopists who are still in training or uncomfortable using other devices can use the hemostatic powder instead. To stop the bleed, they spray it over the affected site, bleeding stops, and wait until the patient is transferred for surgery if needed. There is no need to worry about applying the right pressure to achieve coagulation or whether perforation will press too deep. Literature is also available for the user when in need of help. You may contact a Product Applications Specialist for a demonstration of the product.

Using Hemospray to control nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding is 97%-98% effective. It can be considered as a first-line monotherapy in diffusely bleeding conditions such as tumor-related bleeding, esophagitis, ulcerations, etc. Also, it can lower risk of recurrent bleeding and is cost effective.

 

References:

  1. Holster IL, van Beusekom HM, Kuipers EJ, et al. Endoscopy 2015;47(7):638–45.
  2. Early application of haemostatic powder added to standard management for oesophagogastric variceal bleeding: a randomized trial. Gut 2018;0:1–10.
  3. Ibrahim et. al. Gut 2018;0:1–10.
  4. Tang, et. al. VideoGIE 2019;4(3):142-144. doi: 10.1016/j.vgie.2018.12.010.
  5. Barkun AN, et. al. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2018;52(1):36-44.
  6. Annals of Gastroenterology (2020) 33, 145-154.
  7. Chen YI, Barkun A, Nolan S. Endoscopy 2015;47(2):167–71.
  8. Hookey L, Barkun A, et al. GIE 2019;89:865.
  9. Pittayanon R, Rerknimitr R, Barkun A. GIE. 2018 ;87(4):994-1002.
  10. Mullady, Wang, Waschke. Gastroenterology 2020 159:1120–1128.
  11. Chen, Barkun A. Gastrointest Endosc 2020;91:321-8.
  12. Baracat et. al. Surg Endosc 2020;34:317–324.
  13. Mullady, Wang, Waschke. Gastroenterology 2020;159:1120–1128.