scholarly journals LO50: Can clinical examination alone rule out a central cause for acute dizziness?

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
pp. S25-S26
Author(s):  
R. Ohle ◽  
A. Regis ◽  
O. Bodunde ◽  
R. LePage ◽  
Z. Turgeon ◽  
...  

Introduction: The vast majority of patients presenting with dizziness to the emergency department (ED) are due to a benign self-limiting process. However, up to 5% have a serious central neurological cause. Our goal was to assess the sensitivity of clinical exam for a central cause in adult patients presenting to the emergency department with dizziness. Methods: At a tertiary care ED we performed a medical records review (Sep 2014- Mar 2018) including adult patients with dizziness (vertigo, unsteady, lightheaded), excluding those with symptoms >14days, recent trauma, GCS < 15, hypotensive, or syncope/loss of consciousness. 5 trained reviewers used a standardized data collection sheet to extract data. Individual patient data were linked with the Institute of Clinical Evaluation Science (ICES) database. Our outcome was a central cause defined as: ischemic stroke (IS), transient ischemic attack (TIA), brain tumour, intra cerebral haemorrhage (ICH), or multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosed on either neurology assessment, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or diagnostic codes related to central causes found within ICES. A sample size of 1,906 was calculated based on an expected prevalence of 3% with an 80% power and 95% confidence interval to detect an odds ratio greater than 2. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed. Results: 3,109 were identified and 2,307 patients included (mean 57 years SD ± 20, Female 59.1%, Kappa 0.91). 62 central causes (IS 56.5%, TIA 14.5%, Tumour 11.3%, MS 9.7%, ICH 6.5%) of dizziness were identified. Imaging was performed in 945(42%) and neurology assessment in 42 (1.8%). ICES yielded no new diagnoses of a central cause for dizziness. Multivariate logistic regression found 11 high-risk findings associated with a central cause; history of IS/TIA (OR 3.8 95%CI 1.7-8.2), cancer (OR 3.2 95%CI 1.4-7.2), dyslipidemia (OR 2.3 95%CI 1.2-4.4), symptoms of visual changes (OR 2.1 95%CI 1.5-6.3), dysarthria (OR 9.1 95%CI 3-27.4), vomiting (OR 2 95%CI 1-3.7), motor deficit (OR 7.7 95%CI 2.9-20.2), sensory deficit (OR 28.9 95%CI 7.4-112.9), nystagmus (OR 3.3 95%CI 1.6-6.7), ataxia (OR 2.5 95%CI 1.3-4.9) and unable to walk 3 steps unaided (OR 3.4 95%CI 1.4-8.5). Absence of these findings had a sensitivity of 100% (95%CI 92.5-100%) for ICH, IS, Tumour and 95.2% (86.5-98.9) if including TIA and MS. Specificity was 51.5% (95%CI 49.4-53.6%). Conclusion: Clinical exam is highly sensitive for identifying patients without a central etiology for their dizziness.

2021 ◽  
pp. 53-55
Author(s):  
Harsimran Singh Das

Introduction:qCSI (Quick COVID severity index) is a clinical tool established recently post pandemic to predict respiratory failure within 24 hours of admission in COVID-19 patients; respiratory failure being explain as increased oxygen requirement greater than 6L/min by low ow device, high ow device, noninvasive or invasive ventilation to maintain spO2 of greater than or equal to 94%, or death. Aim:To verify and validate the application of the qCSI in Emergency Department in Indian demographic for evidence-based guidance to aid physician decision making in safely dispositioning adult patients with COVID-19 with oxygen requirement less than or equal to 6L/min via low ow devices including nasal cannula and oxygen mask Materials and methods:This is an observational, retrospective study from Emergency Department in a private tertiary care hospital of admitted adult patients with COVID-19 disease. Clinical parameters in qCSI and disposition of 210 patients admitted through Emergency Department included in this study selected randomly was sought on admission and clinical status with level of care 24 hours following admission was recorded and compared with prediction based on qCSI from a period of 1 May 2020 to 31 October 2020. Result:We found that19(9.0%) patients Initial qCSI Score was Low, 80(38.1%) patients Initial qCSI Score was Low-intermediate, 84(40.0%) patients Initial qCSI Score was High-intermediate and 27(12.9%)patients Initial qCSI Score was High.qCSI Score after 24 hours 16(11.4%) patients were Low, 43(30.7%) patients were Low-intermediate, 63(45.0%) patients was High-intermediate and 18(12.9%) patients was High.Out of 210(100.0%) patients, 70 (33.3%) patients were critically ill. Conclusion:In conclusion these data show that the quick COVID-19 Severity Index provides easily accessed risk stratication relevant to Emergency Department provider.


2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (02) ◽  
pp. 123-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Whitney Muhlestein ◽  
Dallin Akagi ◽  
Justiss Kallos ◽  
Peter Morone ◽  
Kyle Weaver ◽  
...  

Objective Machine learning (ML) algorithms are powerful tools for predicting patient outcomes. This study pilots a novel approach to algorithm selection and model creation using prediction of discharge disposition following meningioma resection as a proof of concept. Materials and Methods A diversity of ML algorithms were trained on a single-institution database of meningioma patients to predict discharge disposition. Algorithms were ranked by predictive power and top performers were combined to create an ensemble model. The final ensemble was internally validated on never-before-seen data to demonstrate generalizability. The predictive power of the ensemble was compared with a logistic regression. Further analyses were performed to identify how important variables impact the ensemble. Results Our ensemble model predicted disposition significantly better than a logistic regression (area under the curve of 0.78 and 0.71, respectively, p = 0.01). Tumor size, presentation at the emergency department, body mass index, convexity location, and preoperative motor deficit most strongly influence the model, though the independent impact of individual variables is nuanced. Conclusion Using a novel ML technique, we built a guided ML ensemble model that predicts discharge destination following meningioma resection with greater predictive power than a logistic regression, and that provides greater clinical insight than a univariate analysis. These techniques can be extended to predict many other patient outcomes of interest.


Author(s):  
Indrajeet Singh Gambhir ◽  
Amit Raj Sharma ◽  
Sankha Shubhra Chakrabarti ◽  
Upinder Kaur ◽  
Bindu Prakash

Background: Depression is the commonest psychiatric disorder in the elderly. We attempted to analyze the prevalence and correlates of depression in the north Indian elderly. Methods: An observational study was carried out taking cases from patients attending the geriatric clinic for the first time. Depression was diagnosed by the Geriatric Depression Score short form (≥5). Various epidemiological parameters were assessed in 504 subjects (M = 304, F = 200; mean age = 66.47±13.71 years). Results: Depression prevalence was 45%. A significant correlation was found between depression prevalence and gender (F>M, p=0.011), level of education (p=0.002), marital status (p<0.001) and insomnia (p<0.001) on univariate analysis. On binomial logistic regression analysis, marital status (widowed > married, p=0.008) and insomnia (present > absent, p<0.001) showed significant correlation with depression prevalence.    Conclusion: Our study highlights certain epidemiological aspects of depression in the aged Indian population presenting to the tertiary hospital. Spousal loss and insomnia are documented as possible depression risks but longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the same. Keywords: Geriatrics, Depression, Epidemiology, Geriatric Depression Score, Prevalence, Logistic Regression


CJEM ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (01) ◽  
pp. 20-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey J. Perry ◽  
Jonathan Kerr ◽  
Cheryl Symington ◽  
Jane Sutherland

ABSTRACTIntroduction:Multiple studies have demonstrated low rates of antithrombotic use, low neuroimaging rates, and high subsequent risk of stroke at 90 days following an emergency department (ED) diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA). This study assessed the use of antithrombotic medications, neuroimaging, and subsequent 90-day stroke rate for patients in a more recent cohort of ED patients discharged home with TIA.Methods:We conducted a 1-year historical cohort study of all patients discharged with a TIA at a tertiary care ED (census 60,000 visits/year), which was one of the four sites participating in one of the aforementioned studies. Data were extracted from paper and electronic records onto standardized data extraction forms. Clinical findings, medications, and tests were recorded.Results:A total of 211 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients had the following characteristics: the mean age was 71.2 years (SD 13.8 years), 56.9% were female, 53.1% had a history of hypertension, 26.5% had a history of ischemic heart disease, and 17.1% had a previous stroke. The most frequent neurologic deficit was unilateral weakness (53.6%), and most deficits lasted for more than 60 minutes (71.6%). Antithrombotic medications were used for 96.7% of patients at ED discharge. Neuroimaging was conducted in 94.3% of patients while in the ED. Our cohort had a 90-day stroke rate of 1.9%.Conclusions:This study established that most TIA patients receive neuroimaging in the ED and are started on or maintained on antithrombotic agents. Clinicians are encouraged to ensure that electrocardiography is done routinely and to involve Neurology in follow-up care.


Author(s):  
Nayani Radhakrishna ◽  
Ankur Khandelwal ◽  
Rajendra Singh Chouhan ◽  
Mihir Prakash Pandia ◽  
Sourav Burman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Intraoperative aneurysmal rupture (IAR) is a catastrophic complication; however, its impact on neurological outcome is debatable. We studied the effects of IAR on intraoperative and postoperative complications and neurological outcome. Methods In this retrospective study, adult patients who underwent aneurysmal clipping over a period of 2 years were divided as follows: group R (with IAR) and group N (without IAR). Various perioperative parameters, intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted. Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) was noted at discharge from hospital and categorized as favorable (GOS IV and V) and unfavorable (GOS I, II and III). Collected data was statistically analyzed. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of IAR. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Thirty-two out of 195 (16.41%) patients suffered IAR, with majority involving anterior communicating artery aneurysm (46.88%). Duration of temporary clipping (p < 0.001), volume of blood loss, and fluid and blood transfusion were significantly more in group R. Postoperatively, significantly more patients in group R developed intracranial hematoma, cerebral infarct, and required prolonged ventilatory support (≥5 days). Unfavorable neurological outcome was observed more in group R (p = 0.013). In univariate analysis, blood loss > 500 mL, use of colloids, and duration of surgery > 5 hours were found to be associated with IAR. After multiple logistic regression analysis, only use of colloids and duration of surgery > 5 hours were the most predictive variables for IAR. Conclusions IAR is associated with serious intraoperative and postoperative complications and unfavorable neurological outcome.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 111-120
Author(s):  
Priyanka Rajmohan ◽  
◽  
Anil Kumar Chellappan pillai Chellappan pillai Rajamma ◽  
Mimtha Ayiravelil Mohanan ◽  
Ponnu Jose ◽  
...  

Background: Since various studies indicate differences in the case fatality rate of SARS-CoV-2 in different settings, it is vital to elucidate the clinical and laboratory parameters. This would be helpful in identifying individuals who are susceptible to adverse outcomes, thereby targeting essential health interventions to resource poor settings. This study aimed to determine the clinical and laboratory predictors of mortality due to COVID-19. Materials & Methods: In this case control study, we included 162 adult inpatients who died due to COVID-19 from May 2020 to February 2021, as cases (n=81) and those discharged as controls (n=81). Demographic, clinical, treatment, and laboratory data was extracted from medical records and electronic database and compared between survivors and non-survivors. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to identify the risk factors associated with in-hospital death. Results: Comorbidities were present among 82 (50.6%) participants. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity 99(61.1%) followed by diabetes mellitus 92 (56.8%) and coronary artery disease 55(34%). Multivariable logistic regression model showed that cardiovascular disease (OR=5.80, 95%CI: 1.09–47.55, P=0.011), decreased oxygen saturation (OR=33.68, 95%CI: 2.81–403.80, P=0.006), elevated CRP (OR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.01–1.32, P=0.026), and serum creatinine (OR=3.26, 95%CI: 1.02–11.55, P=0.047) were the significant predictors of mortality. Conclusion: This study found that comorbidities such as CAD, elevated serum creatinine, elevated inflammatory markers, and decreased O2 saturation were independent predictors of mortality among COVID-19 patients.


Author(s):  
rishabh Sharma ◽  
Parveen Bansal ◽  
Manik Chhabra ◽  
Malika Arora

Introduction: There are a lack of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) predictors among the geriatric population with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Objective: This study was focussed on finding out the predictors and prevalence of PIMs use in the older adult patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 250 older adult patients (mean age 69.03± 5.76 years) with the CVD having age 65 years or more, admitted in the cardiology/medicine department of a tertiary care hospital. PIMs were identified as per Beers criteria 2019. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of PIMs use in older adult patients. Results: Results indicate a very high PIM prescription rate of more than 62.4% (n= 156) with Proton pump inhibitor, short acting insulin according to sliding scale, Enoxaparin <30ml/min as the most commonly prescribed PIMs. On Binary logistic regression, important predictors for PIMs use were found to be females (odds ratio [OR] 2.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36- 4.09, P= 0.002), three diagnosis (OR 4.29, 95% CI 1.31- 14.0, P= 0.016), ≥4 diagnosis (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.49- 15.44, P= 0.009), 7-9 days of hospital stay (OR 4.74, 95% CI 1.07- 20.96, P= 0.04), ≥ 9 medications per day (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01- 0.50, P= 0.006). Conclusion: The prevalence of PIMs in older adults with cardiovascular disease is very high, and females with CVD have emerged as a potential PIM indicator. The study also indicates a lack of awareness towards Beer criteria in health care workers (physicians/pharmacists/nursing staff) leading to PIM.


2021 ◽  
pp. 2-6
Author(s):  
Nalini Bala Pandey ◽  
Dina J Shah ◽  
Parneesh Arora ◽  
Ajit K Mathur

Background: Utility of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the emergency department (ED) as a prognostic marker for acute breathlessness. Methods: An observational study was conducted on 241 patients presenting to ED with acute breathlessness. NT-proBNP levels were measured and patients were divided into two groups as per NT-proBNP measurement: Group-1(high) and Group-2(normal) as per agerelated pre-determined cut-offs. Primary outcomes including Length of stay (LOS), intervention and death were recorded and compared. th Secondary outcome in terms of readmission and death was done on the 30 day. Statistical analysis was done using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. ROC curve analysis was performed for optimal cut-off for mortality within 30 days. Out of 241 patients, Results: 170 (71%) patients had high NT-proBNP levels. Group-1 had high LOS (7.0 day compared to 4.5 days, p=0.002), increased ICU admission (OR=77, 95 % CI : 8.2-162.4, p=0.0001), increased requirement of ventilator (OR=3, 95 % CI :1.3-7.1, p=0.002) noninvasive ventilator (OR=4.7, 95 % CI :2.2-9.2, p=0.0001) and dialysis (OR=8.1, 95 % CI : 1.1-160, p=0.016). Logistic regression also conrmed that NT-proBNP is a good predictor for increase death within 30 days (OR=2.80, 95 % CI : 1.2, 6.4, p=0.015) and increase LOS ≥7 days (OR=2.3, 95 % CI : 1.2-4.4, p=0.012) after adjustment for patient age, sex and underlying co-morbidities. For predicting mortality within 30 days, its cut-off values in Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was 1655pg/ml (Sensitivity: 72%, Specicity:48.0%, AUCs: 62.5%, p=0.006). NT-proBNP levels are a Conclusion: rapid and good predictor of morbidity and mortality within 30 days. A single determination of the NT-proBNP level was sufcient to identify high risk patients with a poor prognosis at the time of admission in the ED.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérôme Bertrand ◽  
Christophe Fehlmann ◽  
Olivier Grosgurin ◽  
François Sarasin ◽  
Omar Kherad

Background: Laboratory and radiographic tests are often repeated during inter-hospital transfers from secondary to tertiary emergency departments (ED), despite available data from the sending structure. The aim of this study was to identify the proportion of repeated tests in patients transferred to a tertiary care ED, and to estimate their inappropriateness and their costs. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all adult patients transferred from one secondary care ED to a tertiary care ED during the year 2016 was carried out. The primary outcome was the redundancy (proportion of procedure repeated in the 8 h following the transfer, despite the availability of the previous results). Factors predicting the repetition of procedures were identified through a logistic regression analysis. Two authors independently assessed inappropriateness. Results: In 2016, 432 patients were transferred from the secondary to the tertiary ED, and 251 procedures were repeated: 179 patients (77.2%) had a repeated laboratory test, 34 (14.7%) a repeated radiological procedure and 19 (8.2%) both. Repeated procedures were judged as inappropriate for 197 (99.5%) laboratory tests and for 39 (73.6%) radiological procedures. Conclusion: Over half of the patients transferred from another emergency department had a repeated procedure. In most cases, these repeated procedures were considered inappropriate.


2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 354-370.e29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce M. Lo ◽  
Christopher R. Carpenter ◽  
Benjamin W. Hatten ◽  
Brian J. Wright ◽  
Michael D. Brown ◽  
...  

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