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Assessment of a clinical pathway for investigation of haematuria that reduces the need for cystoscopy
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Davidson, Peter J. (Author)
- McGeoch, Graham (Author)
- Shand, Brett (Author)
Title
Assessment of a clinical pathway for investigation of haematuria that reduces the need for cystoscopy
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate prospectively a clinical pathway for investigation of haematuria that involves an initial screening using a urinary biomarker of bladder cancer (Cxbladder Triage™ (CxbT)) in combination with either a renal ultrasound or a computed tomography imaging. Only test-positive patients are referred for specialist assessment and flexible cystoscopy.
METHODS: The clinical outcomes of 884 patients with haematuria who presented to their general practitioner were reviewed. Outcome measurements included the findings of laboratory tests, imaging, cystoscopies, specialist assessment and histology.
RESULTS: Forty-eight transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) and three small cell carcinomas were diagnosed in the study cohort. The clinical pathway missed a solitary, small, low-risk TCC. When combined, imaging and CxbT had a sensitivity of 98.1% and a negative predictive value of 99.9% to detect a bladder cancer. Follow-up for a median of 21 months showed no further new cases of bladder cancer had occurred in the patient cohort. Review of all new bladder cancers diagnosed in the 15 months following the study showed that none had been missed by haematuria assessment using the clinical pathway.
CONCLUSIONS: The combination of CxbT and imaging reliably identifies patients with haematuria who can be managed safely in primary care without the need for a secondary care referral and a flexible cystoscopy.
Publication
The New Zealand Medical Journal
Date
2020-12-18
Volume
133
Issue
1527
Pages
71-82
Journal Abbr
N Z Med J
PMID
33332329
ISSN
1175-8716
Language
en
Library Catalog
PubMed
Notes
Study topic:
Prospective evaluation of a haematuria clinical pathway integrating Cxbladder Triage™ and imaging, implemented via Canterbury Community HealthPathways, to reduce unnecessary cystoscopies.
Study type:
Prospective cohort study with follow-up and registry review
Key findings:
- The haematuria pathway, published on Canterbury Community HealthPathways, enabled GPs to manage 39% of patients in primary care without referral to secondary care or cystoscopy.
- The pathway combined Cxbladder Triage™ (a urinary biomarker test) with imaging (ultrasound or CT-IVU), achieving a sensitivity of 98.1% and a negative predictive value of 99.9% for bladder cancer.
- Only one low-grade bladder cancer was missed, and no significant malignancies were missed during follow-up or registry review, supporting the safety of the pathway.
- The pathway represents a shift from international guidelines that recommend cystoscopy for all haematuria cases, demonstrating the value of locally adapted, evidence-based guidance.
- HealthPathways facilitated consistent implementation across general practices, improving risk stratification and reducing unnecessary invasive procedures.
- The study highlights the potential for integrated care models to safely shift diagnostic responsibility to primary care, with specialist oversight.
Citation
Davidson, P. J., McGeoch, G., & Shand, B. (2020). Assessment of a clinical pathway for investigation of haematuria that reduces the need for cystoscopy. The New Zealand Medical Journal, 133(1527), 71–82. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332329/
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