Use of Metagenomic Microbial Plasma Cell-Free DNA Next-Generation Sequencing Assay in Outpatient Rheumatology Practice
Authors' conclusion
One out of 4 positive KTs altered the final diagnosis and treatment. False negative rates were low.
Study context
- Population
- Outpatient rheumatology patients with a KT ordered, January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2022 (52.7% female, mean age 52 years)
- Participants
- 150 patients
- Outcome
- Utility of KT: positive result and clinical relevance regarding the symptoms under investigation
Methodological detailssingle-practice outpatient rheumatology, Outcome reviewed 3 months after KT
- Single-practice outpatient rheumatology
- Outcome reviewed 3 months after KT
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
KT
16%
24 of 150
- Positive KTs considered clinically relevant, altering final diagnosis and treatment
- 6
- Negative KTs with clinically relevant infection by conventional testing
- 5 (4%) of 126
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Indication for KT
- Atypical presentation of rheumatic disease
- 80%
- Flare vs infection in patients on immunosuppression
- 16.7%
- Fever of unknown origin
- 3.3%
Original publication
Use of Metagenomic Microbial Plasma Cell-Free DNA Next-Generation Sequencing Assay in Outpatient Rheumatology Practice. J Rheumatol. Published 15 April 2025. doi:10.
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