scholarly journals Misdiagnosed Appendicitis in Children

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kastriot Haxhirexha ◽  
Agron Dogjani ◽  
Lutfi Zylbeari ◽  
Ferizate Dika Haxhirexha
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Retrospective Review ◽  
Single Test ◽  
Abdominal Operation ◽  
Initial Control ◽  
Laboratory Examinations ◽  
The One ◽  
Emergency Abdominal Operation

Background: Appendicitis is the one of the most common emergency abdominal operation in children. It is estimated that appendicitis is diagnosed in about 2 % of children who present to emergency department because of acute abdominal pain1. Timely diagnosis and appendectomy can prevent abscess formation, perforation as well as reducing early and late postoperative complication.Methods: This study is a retrospective review of all children diagnosed with acute appendicitis in our emergency department between January 2015 – 2018. We have compared the clinical features and the results of examinations between two group of patients - those who were diagnosed correctly and have been operated,and those who were misdiagnosed and operated later respectively more than 24 hours after initial control.Results: This study includes fifty-nine children less than sixteen years old, admitted in our clinic and operated due to acute appendicitis. Fifty three (89.9%) of them were hospitalized after the first control, whereas the remining six (10.1 %) were discharged home after the initial control. The misdiagnosed patients were returned in our department less than twenty hours after the first control. Compared with the patients in which the diagnosis was made correctly the misdiagnosed patients in general had lower levels of leukocytes, CRP and temperature.Conclusion: The diagnosis of appendicitis in children can be very difficult because of the atypical features. According to our experience and the data from other studies, still there is not a single test or combination of clinical and laboratory examinations, able to discriminate children with and without acute appendicitis with a high percentage of accuracy.

Acute Colonic Diverticulitis: Diagnostic Evidence, Demographic and Clinical Features in ree Practice Settings

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 379-386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajan Iyer ◽  
George F. Longstreth ◽  
Li-Hao Chu ◽  
Wansu Chen ◽  
Linnette Yen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Past History ◽  
Colonic Diverticulitis ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Objective Evidence ◽  
Multiple Variables ◽  
Acute Colonic Diverticulitis

Background & Aims: Diverticulitis is often diagnosed in outpatients, yet little evidence exists on diagnostic evidence and demographic/clinical features in various practice settings. We assessed variation in clinical characteristics and diagnostic evidence in inpatients, outpatients, and emergency department cases and effects of demographic and clinical variables on presentation features.Methods: In a retrospective cohort study of 1749 patients in an integrated health care system, we compared presenting features and computed tomography findings by practice setting and assessed independent effects of demographic and clinical factors on presenting features.Results: Inpatients were older and more often underweight/normal weight and lacked a diverticulitis past history and had more comorbidities than other patients. Outpatients were most often Hispanic/Latino. The classical triad (abdominal pain, fever, leukocytosis) occurred in 78 (38.6%) inpatients, 29 (5.2%) outpatients and 34 (10.7%) emergency department cases. Computed tomography was performed on 196 (94.4%) inpatients, 110 (9.2%) outpatients and 296 (87.6%) emergency department cases and was diagnostic in 153 (78.6%) inpatients, 62 (56.4%) outpatients and 243 (82.1%) emergency department cases. Multiple variables affected presenting features. Notably, female sex had lower odds for the presence of the triad features (odds ratio [95% CI], 0.65 [0.45-0.94], P<0.05) and increased odds of vomiting (1.78 [1.26-2.53], P<0.01). Patients in age group 56 to 65 and 66 or older had decreased odds of fever (0.67 [0.46-0.98], P<0.05) and 0.46 [0.26-0.81], P<0.01), respectively, while ≥1 co-morbidity increased the odds of observing the triad (1.88 [1.26-2.81], P<0.01).Conclusion: There was little objective evidence for physician-diagnosed diverticulitis in most outpatients. Demographic and clinical characteristics vary among settings and independently affect presenting features.Abbreviations: AD: acute colonic diverticulitis; BMI: body mass index; CT: computed tomography; ED: emergency department; IBS: irritable bowel syndrome; ICD-9-CM: International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification; IP: inpatient; KPSC: Kaiser Permanente Southern California; OP: outpatient.

scholarly journals The use of a dedicated neurological triage system improves process times and resource utilization: a prospective observational study from an interdisciplinary emergency department

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolin Hoyer ◽  
Patrick Stein ◽  
Hans-Werner Rausch ◽  
Angelika Alonso ◽  
Simon Nagel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Resource Utilization ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Neurological Symptoms ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Triage System ◽  
Treatment Processes ◽  
Associated Symptoms ◽  
Hospital Resources ◽  
Laboratory Examinations

Abstract Background Patients with neurological symptoms have been contributing to the increasing rates of emergency department (ED) utilization in recent years. Existing triage systems represent neurological symptoms rather crudely, neglecting subtler but relevant aspects like temporal evolution or associated symptoms. A designated neurological triage system could positively impact patient safety by identifying patients with urgent need for medical attention and prevent inadequate utilization of ED and hospital resources. Methods We compared basic demographic information, chief complaint/presenting symptom, door-to-doctor time and length of stay (LOS) as well as utilization of ED resources of patients presenting with neurological symptoms or complaints during a one-month period before as well as after the introduction of the Heidelberg Neurological Triage System (HEINTS) in our interdisciplinary ED. In a second step, we compared diagnostic and treatment processes for both time periods according to assigned acuity. Results During the two assessment periods, 299 and 300 patients were evaluated by a neurologist, respectively. While demographic features were similar for both groups, overall LOS (p < 0.001) was significantly shorter, while CT (p = 0.023), laboratory examinations (p = 0.006), ECG (p = 0.011) and consultations (p = 0.004) were performed significantly less often when assessing with HEINTS. When considering acuity, an epileptic seizure was less frequently evaluated as acute with HEINTS than in the pre-HEINTS phase (p = 0.002), while vertigo patients were significantly more often rated as acute with HEINTS (p < 0.001). In all cases rated as acute, door-to-doctor-time (DDT) decreased from 41.0 min to 17.7 min (p < 0.001), and treatment duration decreased from 304.3 min to 149.4 min (p < 0.001) after introduction of HEINTS triage. Conclusion A dedicated triage system for patients with neurological complaints reduces DDT, LOS and ED resource utilization, thereby improving ED diagnostic and treatment processes.

Appendicitis: a rare adverse event in colonoscopy

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. e242523
Author(s):  
Samer Al-Dury ◽  
Mohammad Khalil ◽  
Riadh Sadik ◽  
Per Hedenström
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Adverse Event ◽  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Physical Examination ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Perforated Appendicitis ◽  
Lower Quadrant ◽  
The Right ◽  
Right Lower Quadrant

We present a case of a 41-year-old woman who visited the emergency department (ED) with acute abdomen. She was diagnosed with perforated appendicitis and abscess formation on CT. She was treated conservatively with antibiotics and discharged. On control CT 3 months later, the appendix had healed, but signs of thickening of the terminal ileum were noticed and colonoscopy was performed, which was uneventful and showed no signs of inflammation. Twelve hours later, she developed pain in the right lower quadrant, followed by fever, and visited the ED. Physical examination and blood work showed signs consistent with acute appendicitis, and appendectomy was performed laparoscopically 6 hours later. The patient recovered remarkably shortly afterwards. Whether colonoscopy resulted in de novo appendicitis or exacerbated an already existing inflammation remains unknown. However, endoscopists should be aware of this rare, yet serious complication and consider it in the workup of post-colonoscopy abdominal pain.

scholarly journals Comparison of Clinical Features Between Patients with Positive and Negative Appendectomy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guner Cakmak ◽  
Baris Mantoglu ◽  
Emre Gonullu ◽  
Kayhan Ozdemir ◽  
Burak Kamburoglu
Keyword(s):  
Acute Appendicitis ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Total Bilirubin ◽  
Negative Appendectomy ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background: The objective of this study was to retrospectively compare clinical features and prognostic values between the patients who were referred to the general surgery clinic of our hospital with the presumed diagnosis of acute appendicitis and underwent positive or negative appendectomy.Methods: Patients were divided into two groups as positive (PA) (n:362) and negative appendectomy (NA) (n:284) and the data obtained were compared between these two groups.Laboratory investigations were performed in all patients, and white blood cell (WBC), mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophils count (NEU), neutrophils (%) (NEU%), C-reactive protein (CRP) and total bilirubin (TBIL) values were studied.Results: The mean MPV value was found as 7.88 fl in PA groups and 8.09 fl in NA group, and the mean MPV value was not statistically significantly difference in PA group, compared to NA groups (p=0.012). Laboratory parameters were also compared between genders. Accordingly, the mean MPV value was statistically significantly higher in female patients compared to male patients in PA group (p = 0.04). The mean TBIL value was 0.97 mg/dl in PA group and 0.69 mg/dl in NA group, and the mean TBIL value was statistically significantly higher in PA group (p< 0.001). Finally, TBIL value was statistically significantly lower in female patients compared to male patients in NA and PA group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: According to the results of our study, MPV and T. BIL values differ in PA and NA groups depending on gender. Therefore, these values may not be used as specific biomarkers in predicting positive acute appendicitis. We believe that these results will contribute to the literature and will be guiding for future studies.

Clinical predictors of azole resistance, outcome and survival from oesophageal candidiasis in AIDS patients

1998 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
R B S Laing ◽  
R P Brettle ◽  
C L S Leen
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Retrospective Review ◽  
Patient Survival ◽  
Azole Resistance ◽  
Clinical Predictors ◽  
Cd4 Cell Count ◽  
Cd4 Cell ◽  
Oesophageal Candidiasis

Summary: A retrospective review of AIDS-related oesophageal candidiasis was undertaken to identify clinical features helpful in predicting response to azole therapy and patient survival. Patients who had received daily azole prophylaxis against candidiasis were significantly less likely to respond to azole therapy than < those who had not ( P 0.001). Patients who had lost the 2 months before oesophageal candidiasis were less likely to respond to azoles < than the others ( P 0.001). Amongst those who had not received daily azoles, < + patients with a CD4 cell count 25/mm were less likely to respond to azole treatment ( P = 0.05). The median survival beyond oesophageal candidiasis was 18 months. Survival from oesophageal candidiasis was significantly poorer for patients who did not respond to azole therapy but AIDS survival did not differ between azole responders and non-responders. Non-responders who had been taking daily azole prophylaxis had the poorest survival (median = 4 months). > 5% of their body weight in 3

Abstract TP174: Identifying Predictors for Final Diagnosis of Ischemic Events in an Emergency Department Observation Unit

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arooshi Kumar ◽  
Koto Ishida ◽  
Ava Liberman ◽  
Cen Zhang ◽  
Shadi Yaghi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Final Diagnosis ◽  
Minor Stroke ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Facial Weakness ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Ischemic Events

Introduction: Transient neurologic events have high rates of diagnostic uncertainty. Emergency department observation units (ED-OU) allow an accelerated diagnostic work up for suspected transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). However, clinical decision support regarding which patients to admit to these units is lacking. This study aimed to identify clinical features that differentiate true ischemic events from nonischemic transient neurological attacks (NI-TNA) among patients admitted to an ED-OU for suspected TIA. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients admitted to the ED-OU at a single academic center for suspected TIA. Demographics, vascular risk factors, presenting symptoms, and details of the clinical presentation were abstracted from chart review. Final discharge diagnosis was dichotomized to either ischemic event (TIA or minor stroke, TIAMS) or NI-TNA based on the treating vascular neurologist’s final diagnosis. Standard statistical tests were used for comparison testing between the two groups. Significantly different factors with p<0.2 on univariate analysis were carried forward in a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Of 186 consecutive patients, 101 (54%) had a final diagnosis of NI-TNA and 85 (46%) of TIAMS. The median population ABCD2 score was 4 [IQR 3-4]. On univariate analysis, older age (63 vs. 70, p<0.01), history of atrial fibrillation (AF) (12% vs. 26%, p=0.01), and facial weakness (5% vs. 14% p=0.03) were associated with TIAMS. Headache (24% vs. 12%, p=0.04) and symptom duration>60min (57% vs. 40%, p=0.02) were associated with NI-TNA. On multivariable analysis, only symptom duration>60 minutes predicted NI-TNA (OR 0.39, p=0.04) and only history of AF (OR 2.53, p=0.03) predicted TIAMS. Facial weakness was strongly predictive of TIAMS (OR 3.22, p=0.05), but not significant. Conclusion: We identified two clinical features that distinguished TIAMS from NI-TNA among patients admitted to an ED-OU for suspected TIA.These may be helpful in emergency room triage of TIAMS. Data from ED-OU can be used to identify factors associated with cerebral ischemia and improve current care pathways for patients with suspected TIA, so diagnostic evaluation is received in the most appropriate setting.

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