Language
English
Publication Date
1-12-2024
Journal
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
DOI
10.1093/infdis/jiad404
PMID
37853514
PMCID
PMC11032249
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
9-19-2023
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic disease that affects ∼300 000 people living in the United States. CD leads to cardiac and/or gastrointestinal disease in up to 30% of untreated people. However, end-organ damage can be prevented with early diagnosis and antiparasitic therapy.
METHODS: We reviewed electronic health records of patients who underwent testing for CD at four hospital systems in California and Texas between 2016 and 2020. Descriptive analyses were performed as a needs assessment for improving CD diagnosis.
RESULTS: In total, 470 patients were tested for CD. Cardiac indications made up more than half (60%) of all testing, and the most frequently cited cardiac condition was heart failure. Fewer than 1% of tests were ordered by obstetric and gynecologic services. Fewer than half (47%) of patients had confirmatory testing performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
DISCUSSION: Four major hospitals systems in California and Texas demonstrated low overall rates of CD diagnostic testing, testing primarily among older patients with end-organ damage, and incomplete confirmatory testing. This suggests missed opportunities to diagnose CD in at-risk individuals early in the course of infection when antiparasitic treatment can reduce the risk of disease progression and prevent vertical transmission.
Keywords
Pregnancy, Humans, Female, United States, Texas, Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas Disease, California, Antiparasitic Agents
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Kelly, Emily A; Echeverri Alegre, Jose I; Promer, Katherine; et al., "Chagas Disease Diagnostic Practices at Four Major Hospital Systems in California and Texas" (2024). Faculty and Staff Publications. 1670.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/1670