Chagas Disease Diagnostic Practices at Four Major Hospital Systems in California and Texas.

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 gynecolo

SUBMITTER: Kelly EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11032249 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature