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Mirfazaelian H, Stiell I, Masoomi R, Garjani K, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V. Serious outcomes among emergency department patients with presyncope: A systematic review. Acad Emerg Med 2024. [PMID: 38853536 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope is transient loss of consciousness, and in presyncope, patients experience same prodromal symptoms without losing consciousness. While studies have extensively reported the risk of serious outcome among emergency department (ED) syncope, the outcome for patients with presyncope and their management are not well studied. We undertook a systematic review to assess the occurrence/identification of short-term (30-day) serious outcomes among ED patients with presyncope. METHODS ED studies that enrolled patients with presyncope and reported any short-term serious outcome were included. Studies that enrolled patients without presyncope (e.g., hypoglycemia, seizure, and stroke) were excluded. We restricted our study to only English publications and searched the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from the inception date to July 2023. We used SIGN 50 tool for assessment of risk of bias. RESULTS In total, 1788 articles were screened by two reviewers and 32 articles were selected for full-text assessment. Five (four prospective and one retrospective) studies with 2741 presyncope patients were included. Four studies were from North America and the fifth one was from Europe. Included studies had weaknesses due to risk of bias, but all had acceptable quality. The prevalence of overall adverse outcome varied 4.4%-26.8% for all adults and 5.5%-18.7% among older patients; arrhythmia was the most prevalent (17.4% in one study), followed by anemia/hemorrhage as reported in different studies. Among older patients, myocardial infarction was the third most common serious outcome reported in one study. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of short-term serious outcomes varies from 4% to 27% among ED patients with presyncope in our review, with arrhythmia being the most common serious outcome. Our review indicates that presyncope may carry a similar risk to syncope, and hence, the same level of caution should be exercised for ED presyncope management as syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Mirfazaelian
- Emergency Medicine Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Prehospital and Hospital Emergency Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ian Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Acure Care Research Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Khazar Garjani
- Emergency Medicine Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Acure Care Research Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Probst M, Poterucha TJ, Sandhu RK, Toarta C, Raj SR, Sheldon R, Rahgozar A, Grant L. Role of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Syncope Management. Can J Cardiol 2024:S0828-282X(24)00429-X. [PMID: 38838932 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2024.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Syncope is common in the general population and is a common presenting symptom in acute care settings. Substantial costs are attributed to care of patients with syncope. Current challenges include differentiating syncope from its mimickers, identifying serious underlying conditions that caused the syncope, and wide variations in current management. While validated risk tools exist especially for short-term prognosis, there is inconsistent application, and the current approach does not meet the patient needs/expectations. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques such as machine learning methods including natural language processing can potentially address the current challenges in syncope management. Preliminary evidence from published studies indicates that it is possible to accurately differentiate syncope from its mimickers and predict short-term prognosis/ hospitalization. More recently AI analysis of ECG has shown promise in detection of serious structural and functional cardiac abnormalities which has the potential to improve syncope care. Future AI studies have the potential to address current issues in syncope management. AI can automatically prognosticate risk in real time by accessing traditional and non-traditional data. However, steps to mitigate known problems such generalizability, patient privacy, data protection, and liability will be needed. In the past AI has had limited impact due to underdeveloped analytical methods, lack of computing power, poor access to powerful computing systems, and availability of reliable high-quality data. All impediments except data have been solved. AI will live up to its promise to transform syncope care if the health care system can satisfy AI requirement of large scale, robust, accurate, and reliable data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Marc Probst
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Timothy J Poterucha
- Seymour, Paul, and Gloria Milstein Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roopinder K Sandhu
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Cristian Toarta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Satish R Raj
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Robert Sheldon
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Arya Rahgozar
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Engineering Design and Teaching Innovation (SEDTI), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Lars Grant
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Lady Davis Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Wu S, Chen Z, Gao Y, Shu S, Chen F, Wu Y, Dai Y, Zhang S, Chen K. Development and Validation of a Novel Predictive Model for the Early Differentiation of Cardiac and Non-Cardiac Syncope. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:841-853. [PMID: 38463438 PMCID: PMC10924787 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s454521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of cardiac syncope remains a challenge. This study sought to develop and validate a diagnostic model for the early identification of individuals likely to have a cardiac cause. Methods 877 syncope patients with a determined cause were retrospectively enrolled at a tertiary heart center. They were randomly divided into the training set and validation set at a 7:3 ratio. We analyzed the demographic information, medical history, laboratory tests, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression for selection of key features. Then a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors and construct a diagnostic model. The receiver operating characteristic curves, area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy and clinical value of this nomogram. Results Five independent predictors for cardiac syncope were selected: BMI (OR 1.088; 95% CI 1.022-1.158; P =0.008), chest symptoms preceding syncope (OR 5.251; 95% CI 3.326-8.288; P <0.001), logarithmic NT-proBNP (OR 1.463; 95% CI 1.240-1.727; P <0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 0.940; 95% CI 0.908-0.973; P <0.001), and abnormal electrocardiogram (OR 6.171; 95% CI 3.966-9.600; P <0.001). Subsequently, a nomogram based on a multivariate logistic regression model was developed and validated, yielding AUC of 0.873 (95% CI 0.845-0.902) and 0.856 (95% CI 0.809-0.903), respectively. The calibration curves showcased the nomogram's reasonable calibration, and the decision curve analysis demonstrated good clinical utility. Conclusion A diagnostic tool providing individualized probability predictions for cardiac syncope was developed and validated, which may potentially serve as an effective tool to facilitate early identification of such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Wu
- Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongli Chen
- Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Songren Shu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Chen
- Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wu
- Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Dai
- Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Keping Chen
- Arrhythmia Center, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Martone AM, Parrini I, Ciciarello F, Galluzzo V, Cacciatore S, Massaro C, Giordano R, Giani T, Landi G, Gulizia MM, Colivicchi F, Gabrielli D, Oliva F, Zuccalà G. Recent Advances and Future Directions in Syncope Management: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:727. [PMID: 38337421 PMCID: PMC10856004 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Syncope is a highly prevalent clinical condition characterized by a rapid, complete, and brief loss of consciousness, followed by full recovery caused by cerebral hypoperfusion. This symptom carries significance, as its potential underlying causes may involve the heart, blood pressure, or brain, leading to a spectrum of consequences, from sudden death to compromised quality of life. Various factors contribute to syncope, and adhering to a precise diagnostic pathway can enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. A standardized initial assessment, risk stratification, and appropriate test identification facilitate determining the underlying cause in the majority of cases. New technologies, including artificial intelligence and smart devices, may have the potential to reshape syncope management into a proactive, personalized, and data-centric model, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. This review addresses key aspects of syncope management, including pathogenesis, current diagnostic testing options, treatments, and considerations in the geriatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Martone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Iris Parrini
- Department of Cardiology, Mauriziano Hospital, Largo Filippo Turati, 62, 10128 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciciarello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Stefano Cacciatore
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Claudia Massaro
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Rossella Giordano
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Tommaso Giani
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Giovanni Landi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
| | | | - Furio Colivicchi
- Division of Cardiology, San Filippo Neri Hospital-ASL Roma 1, Via Giovanni Martinotti, 20, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Medicine and Surgery, Division of Cardiology, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Circonvallazione Gianicolense, 87, 00152 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- “A. De Gasperis” Cardiovascular Department, Division of Cardiology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell’Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Zuccalà
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
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Ghariq M, van den Hout WB, Dekkers OM, Bootsma M, de Groot B, Groothuis JGJ, Harms MPM, Hemels MEW, Kaal ECA, Koomen EM, de Lange FJ, Peeters SYG, van Rossum IA, Rutten JHW, van Zwet EW, van Dijk JG, Thijs RD. Diagnostic and societal impact of implementing the syncope guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (SYNERGY study). BMC Med 2023; 21:365. [PMID: 37743496 PMCID: PMC10518933 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03056-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope management is fraught with unnecessary tests and frequent failure to establish a diagnosis. We evaluated the potential of implementing the 2018 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Syncope Guidelines regarding diagnostic yield, accuracy and costs. METHODS A multicentre pre-post study in five Dutch hospitals comparing two groups of syncope patients visiting the emergency department: one before intervention (usual care; from March 2017 to February 2019) and one afterwards (from October 2017 to September 2019). The intervention consisted of the simultaneous implementation of the ESC Syncope Guidelines with quick referral routes to a syncope unit when indicated. The primary objective was to compare diagnostic accuracy using logistic regression analysis accounting for the study site. Secondary outcome measures included diagnostic yield, syncope-related healthcare and societal costs. One-year follow-up data were used to define a gold standard reference diagnosis by applying ESC criteria or, if not possible, evaluation by an expert committee. We determined the accuracy by comparing the treating physician's diagnosis with the reference diagnosis. RESULTS We included 521 patients (usual care, n = 275; syncope guidelines intervention, n = 246). The syncope guidelines intervention resulted in a higher diagnostic accuracy in the syncope guidelines group than in the usual care group (86% vs.69%; risk ratio 1.15; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.23) and a higher diagnostic yield (89% vs. 76%, 95% CI of the difference 6 to 19%). Syncope-related healthcare costs did not differ between the groups, yet the syncope guideline implementation resulted in lower total syncope-related societal costs compared to usual care (saving €908 per patient; 95% CI €34 to €1782). CONCLUSIONS ESC Syncope Guidelines implementation in the emergency department with quick referral routes to a syncope unit improved diagnostic yield and accuracy and lowered societal costs. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register, NTR6268.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ghariq
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - W B van den Hout
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - O M Dekkers
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M Bootsma
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - B de Groot
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J G J Groothuis
- Department of Cardiology, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M P M Harms
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M E W Hemels
- Department of Cardiology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - E C A Kaal
- Department of Neurology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E M Koomen
- Department of Cardiology, Gelre Hospital, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - F J de Lange
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Y G Peeters
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Flevo Hospital, Almere, The Netherlands
| | - I A van Rossum
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J H W Rutten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - E W van Zwet
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J G van Dijk
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R D Thijs
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland, Heemstede, The Netherlands
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Singtokum N, Amornvit J, Kerr S, Chokesuwattanaskul R. Syncope with autonomic dysfunction assessed with the Thai-COMPASS 31 questionnaire. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17035. [PMID: 37360110 PMCID: PMC10285133 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alteration of autonomic function is the main pathophysiology of most types of syncope, including syncope due to orthostatic hypotension and neurally mediated syncope or reflex syncope. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in autonomic dysfunction assessed between each type of syncope and to evaluate the association between the severity of autonomic dysfunction and the recurrence of syncope. Methodology Three hundred and six participants, including 195 syncope and 109 healthy control participants, were recruited to this retrospective cohort study. Autonomic function was initially assessed by the Thai version of the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS 31), a self-administered questionnaire. Result According to one hundred and ninety-five syncope participants, twenty-three participants had syncope due to orthostatic hypotension, 61 had reflex syncope, 79 had presyncope, and 32 had unclassified syncope. Participants in the syncope due to orthostatic hypotension and reflex syncope groups had significantly higher COMPASS 31 scores than the control and presyncope groups, of which the syncope due to orthostatic hypotension group had the highest score. The cutoff score of 32.9 for COMPASS 31 had a sensitivity of 50.0% and a specificity of 81.9% to predict the recurrence of syncope. Conclusion The degree of autonomic dysfunction, which was assessed by COMPASS 31, could vary depending on the syncope type. The COMPASS 31, which is an easy-to-use self-administered questionnaire utilized for the assessment of autonomic symptoms and function, was a helpful tool for classifying some types of syncope and predicting the recurrence of syncope, which could lead to appropriate further management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nithit Singtokum
- Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jakkrit Amornvit
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Clinical Neurophysiology Service, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stephen Kerr
- Biostatistics Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ronpichai Chokesuwattanaskul
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cardiac Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
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Kiradoh SA, Craven TE, Rangel MO, Nosow LM, Zarrinkhoo E, Menon S, Chevli PA, Islam TM, Thazhatuveetil-Kunhahamed LA. Predicting short-term adverse outcomes in the geriatric population presenting with syncope: a comparison of existing syncope rules and beyond. J Geriatr Cardiol 2023; 20:11-22. [PMID: 36875169 PMCID: PMC9975484 DOI: 10.26599/1671-5411.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Syncope at age 65+ is associated with increased mortality, irrespective of cause. Syncope rules were designed to aid in risk-stratification but were only validated in the general adult population. Our objective was to determine if they can be applied to a geriatric population in predicting short-term adverse outcomes. METHODS In this single-center retrospective study, we evaluated 350 patients aged 65+ presenting with syncope. Exclusion criteria included confirmed non-syncope, active medical condition, drug or alcohol-related syncope. Patients were stratified into high or low risk based on Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS), Evaluation of Guidelines in Syncope Study (EGSYS), San Francisco Syncope Rule (SFSR), and Risk Stratification of Syncope in the Emergency Department (ROSE). Composite adverse outcomes at 48-hour and 30-day included all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), return emergency department visit, hospitalization, or medical intervention. We assessed each score's ability to predict the outcomes using logistic-regression and compared performances using receiver-operator curves. Multivariate analyses were performed to study the associations between recorded parameters and outcomes. RESULTS CSRS outperformed with AUC of 0.732 (95% CI: 0.653-0.812) and 0.749 (95% CI: 0.688-0.809) for 48-h and 30-day outcomes, respectively. Sensitivities for CSRS, EGSYS, SFSR, and ROSE for 48-hour outcomes were 48%, 65%, 42% and 19%; and for 30-day outcomes were 72%, 65%, 30% and 55%, respectively. Atrial fibrillation/flutter on EKG, congestive heart failure, antiarrhythmics, systolic blood-pressure < 90 at triage, and associated chest pain highly correlated with 48-h outcomes. An EKG abnormality, heart disease history, severe pulmonary hypertension, BNP > 300, vasovagal predisposition, and antidepressants highly correlated with 30-day outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Performance and accuracy of four prominent syncope rules were suboptimal in identifying high-risk geriatric patients with short-term adverse outcomes. We identified some significant clinical and laboratory information that may play a role in predicting short-term adverse events in a geriatric cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suud A Kiradoh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Timothy E Craven
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Research, and Design (BERD), Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Maria O Rangel
- Department of Cardiology, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, USA
| | - Lillian M Nosow
- Department of Internal Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Erfan Zarrinkhoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Suma Menon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Parag A Chevli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, USA
| | - Tareq M Islam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, USA
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Lo AX, Rundle AG. Everyone eventually goes to ground: Distinguishing true syncope from mimics for emergency department studies on syncope in older persons. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2022; 3:e12841. [PMID: 36311341 PMCID: PMC9597094 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander X. Lo
- Department of Emergency MedicineNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Center for Health Services & Outcomes ResearchNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Andrew G. Rundle
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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Voigt RD, Alsayed M, Bellolio F, Campbell RL, Mullan A, Colleti JE, Oliveira J. e Silva L. Prognostic accuracy of syncope clinical prediction rules in older adults in the emergency department. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2022; 3:e12820. [PMID: 36311342 PMCID: PMC9597095 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Study objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic accuracy of existing rules (San Francisco Syncope Rule [SFSR], Canadian Syncope Risk Score [CSRS], and FAINT score) in older adults. Methods This is a cohort study of adults aged ≥60 years presenting to an academic emergency department (ED) with syncope or near syncope. We used original criteria for all rules except for the FAINT score, in which N‐terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide was largely missing from the extracted data. Patients were deemed positive for each rule if classified as non‐low risk. The primary outcome was the presence of 30‐day serious outcome, as defined by syncope research guidelines. Sensitivity and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 404 ED visits (mean age of patients, 75.5 years) were included. Of these, 44 (10.9%) had a 30‐day serious outcome, and 24 (5.9%) had incomplete 30‐day follow‐up. SFSR was positive for 280 of 380 visits with complete follow‐up. Its sensitivity and NLR for predicting 30‐day serious outcomes were 86.4% (95% CI, 72.0%–94.3%) and 0.53 (95% CI, 0.25–1.15), respectively. The CSRS was positive for 299 of 380 visits (sensitivity was 88.6% [95% CI, 76.4%–95.7%], and NLR was 0.50 [95% CI, 0.22–1.17]). The modified FAI(N)T score was positive for 318 of 380 visits (sensitivity was 90.9% [95% CI, 77.4%–97.0%], and NLR was 0.53 [95% CI, 0.20–1.38]). Conclusion Existing rules are suboptimal to predict 30‐day serious outcomes in older adults presenting with syncope or near syncope to the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D. Voigt
- Department of Emergency MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Momen Alsayed
- Department of Emergency MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Fernanda Bellolio
- Department of Emergency MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA,Department of Health Sciences ResearchMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | | | - Aidan Mullan
- Department of Quantitative Health SciencesMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - James E. Colleti
- Department of Emergency MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Lucas Oliveira J. e Silva
- Department of Emergency MedicineMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA,Department of Emergency MedicineHospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegrePorto AlegreRSBrazil
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Frazier-Mills CG, Johnson LC, Xia Y, Rosemas SC, Franco NC, Pokorney SD. Syncope Recurrence and Downstream Diagnostic Testing after Insertable Cardiac Monitor Placement for Syncope. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081977. [PMID: 36010327 PMCID: PMC9407126 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in syncope evaluation strategies and risk stratification, the high cost of syncope is largely driven by extensive and often repetitive testing. This analysis of a large deidentified US claims database compared the use of diagnostic tests, therapeutic procedures, and the recurrence rate of acute syncope events before and after placement of an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) in syncope patients. The patients had a minimum of 1 year of continuous enrollment before and 2 years after ICM placement. Among 2140 patients identified, a statistically significant reduction in the use of 14 out of 18 tests was observed during follow-up compared with pre-ICM testing. During the 2-year follow-up, 28.3% of patients underwent cardiac therapeutic interventions after a median of 127 days. Significantly fewer patients experienced acute syncope events during the 1st and 2nd years of ICM follow-up compared with the 1-year pre-ICM period, and the frequency of events per patient also decreased. In conclusion, reductions in diagnostic testing and acute syncope events were observed after ICM placement in a large real-world cohort of unexplained syncope patients. Further studies are needed to prospectively assess the impact of ICM vs. short-term monitoring on patient outcomes and healthcare utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille G. Frazier-Mills
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Ying Xia
- Medtronic, Inc., 200 Coral Sea St., Mounds View, MN 55112, USA
| | | | | | - Sean D. Pokorney
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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11
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The Syncopal Sarcoma. JACC Case Rep 2022; 4:1037-1041. [PMID: 36062056 PMCID: PMC9434647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Primary cardiac synovial sarcomas are very rare, representing <1% of all primary cardiac tumors. We report the case of a 19-year-old man with syncope and dynamic obstructive shock caused by a large right-sided intracardiac tumor. (Level of Difficulty:Beginner.)
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12
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Probst MA, Janke AT, Haimovich AD, Venkatesh AK, Lin MP, Kocher KE, Nemnom MJ, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V. Development of a Novel Emergency Department Quality Measure to Reduce Very Low-Risk Syncope Hospitalizations. Ann Emerg Med 2022; 79:509-517. [PMID: 35487840 PMCID: PMC9117517 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Emergency department (ED) evaluations for syncope are common, representing 1.3 million annual US visits and $2 billion in related hospitalizations. Despite evidence supporting risk stratification and outpatient management, variation in syncope hospitalization rates persist. We sought to develop a new quality measure for very low-risk adult ED patients with syncope that could be applied to administrative data. METHODS We developed this quality measure in 2 phases. First, we used an existing prospective, observational ED patient data set to identify a very low-risk cohort with unexplained syncope using 2 variables: age less than 50 years and no history of heart disease. We then applied this to the 2019 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) to assess its potential effect, assessing for hospital-level factors associated with hospitalization variation. RESULTS Of the 8,647 adult patients in the prospective cohort, 3,292 (38%) patients fulfilled these 2 criteria: age less than 50 years and no history of heart disease. Of these, 15 (0.46%) suffered serious adverse events within 30 days. In the NEDS, there were an estimated 566,031 patients meeting these 2 criteria, of whom 15,507 (2.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.48% to 3.00%) were hospitalized. We found substantial variation in the hospitalization rates for this very low-risk cohort, with a median rate of 1.7% (range 0% to 100%; interquartile range 0% to 3.9%). Factors associated with increased hospitalization rates included a yearly ED volume of more than 80,000 (odds ratio [OR] 3.14; 95% CI 2.02 to 4.89) and metropolitan teaching status (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.24 to 1.81). CONCLUSION In summary, our novel syncope quality measure can assess variation in low-value hospitalizations for unexplained syncope. The application of this measure could improve the value of syncope care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Probst
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.
| | - Alexander T Janke
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Adrian D Haimovich
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Arjun K Venkatesh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Michelle P Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Keith E Kocher
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Marie-Joe Nemnom
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Pivetta E, Moretto F, Masellis S, Manasievska M, Tizzani M, Dipaola F, Bovaro F, Masoero M, Ferrera P, Morello F, Maule MM, Lupia E. Comparison between standard and ultrasound-integrated approach for risk stratification of syncope in the emergency department. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:1191-1198. [PMID: 35064436 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-021-02909-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This prospective cohort enrolled all patients above 16 years of age presenting to the in the emergency department (ED) for a reported syncope was designed to test the accuracy of a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) integrated approach in risk stratification. The emergency physician responsible for the patient care was asked to classify the syncope risk after the initial clinical assessment and after performing POCUS evaluation. All risk group definitions were based on the 2018 European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Thirty days after the index event, all participants were followed up to assess the frequency of short-term serious outcomes as defined in the San Francisco Syncope Rule (SFSR) cohorts. We estimated the accuracy of clinical and POCUS-integrated evaluation in predicting SFSR outcomes. Between February 2016 and January 2018, 196 patients were enrolled [109 women (55.6%)]. Median age was 64 years (interquartile range 31 years). After a follow-up of 30 days, 19 patients experienced 20 SFSR outcomes. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.73 (95% CI 0.87-3.44) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.62-1.12) for the clinical evaluation, and 5.93 (95% CI 2.83-12.5) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.45-0.9) for the POCUS-integrated evaluation. The POCUS-integrated approach would reduce the diagnostic error of the clinical evaluation by 4.5 cases/100 patients. This cohort study suggested that the integration of the clinical assessment with POCUS results in patients presenting to the ED for non-high-risk syncope may increase the accuracy of predicting the risk of SFSR outcomes and the usefulness of the clinical assessment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Pivetta
- Division of Emergency Medicine and High Dependency Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy.
| | - Francesca Moretto
- Residency Program in Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Milena Manasievska
- PhD Program in Experimental Medicine and Therapy, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Tizzani
- Division of Emergency Medicine and High Dependency Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Franca Dipaola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Bovaro
- Residency Program in Emergency Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Monica Masoero
- Division of Emergency Medicine and High Dependency Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ferrera
- Division of Emergency Medicine and High Dependency Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Fulvio Morello
- Division of Emergency Medicine and High Dependency Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Milena M Maule
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit and CPO Piemonte, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Lupia
- Division of Emergency Medicine and High Dependency Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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14
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Canakci ME, Sevik OE, Acar N. How Should We Approach Syncope in the Emergency Department? Current Perspectives. Open Access Emerg Med 2022; 14:299-309. [PMID: 35789812 PMCID: PMC9249662 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s247023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Syncope is a clinical picture that can affect all age groups and has an important place in admissions to the emergency department. There is an important diagnostic challenge in cases where there are different clinical presentations and patients cannot express the situation clearly. Although the emergency department facilities for the diagnosis of syncope are limited, the diagnosis of many patients can be differentiated from life-threatening conditions with a detailed history and physical examination. High-risk patients should be identified and directed for definitive treatment by emergency medicine physicians. This review contains information about the management of the syncope patient in the emergency department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Emin Canakci
- Emergency Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
- Correspondence: Mustafa Emin Canakci, Emergency Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Prof. Dr. Nabi Avcı Boulevard, No: 4, Meselik, Odunpazarı, Eskisehir, 26040, Turkey, Tel +902222392979 – 5607, Email
| | - Omer Erdem Sevik
- Emergency Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Nurdan Acar
- Emergency Department, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
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15
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Zimmermann T, du Fay de Lavallaz J, Nestelberger T, Gualandro DM, Lopez-Ayala P, Badertscher P, Widmer V, Shrestha S, Strebel I, Glarner N, Diebold M, Miró Ò, Christ M, Cullen L, Than M, Martin-Sanchez FJ, Di Somma S, Peacock WF, Keller DI, Bilici M, Costabel JP, Kühne M, Breidthardt T, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Mueller C, Belkin M, Leu K, Lohrmann J, Boeddinghaus J, Twerenbold R, Koechlin L, Walter JE, Amrein M, Wussler D, Freese M, Puelacher C, Kawecki D, Morawiec B, Salgado E, Martinez-Nadal G, Inostroza CIF, Mandrión JB, Poepping I, Rentsch K, von Eckardstein A, Buser A, Greenslade J, Reichlin T, Bürgler F. International Validation of the Canadian Syncope Risk Score : A Cohort Study. Ann Intern Med 2022; 175:783-794. [PMID: 35467933 DOI: 10.7326/m21-2313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS) was developed to predict 30-day serious outcomes not evident during emergency department (ED) evaluation. OBJECTIVE To externally validate the CSRS and compare it with another validated score, the Osservatorio Epidemiologico della Sincope nel Lazio (OESIL) score. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Large, international, multicenter study recruiting patients in EDs in 8 countries on 3 continents. PARTICIPANTS Patients with syncope aged 40 years or older presenting to the ED within 12 hours of syncope. MEASUREMENTS Composite outcome of serious clinical plus procedural events (primary outcome) and the primary composite outcome excluding procedural interventions (secondary outcome). RESULTS Among 2283 patients with a mean age of 68 years, the primary composite outcome occurred in 7.2%, and the composite outcome excluding procedural interventions occurred in 3.1% at 30 days. Prognostic performance of the CSRS was good for both 30-day composite outcomes and better compared with the OESIL score (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.85 [95% CI, 0.83 to 0.88] vs. 0.74 [CI, 0.71 to 0.78] and 0.80 [CI, 0.75 to 0.84] vs. 0.69 [CI, 0.64 to 0.75], respectively). Safety of triage, as measured by the frequency of the primary composite outcome in the low-risk group, was higher using the CSRS (19 of 1388 [0.6%]) versus the OESIL score (17 of 1104 [1.5%]). A simplified model including only the clinician classification of syncope (cardiac syncope, vasovagal syncope, or other) variable at ED discharge-a component of the CSRS-achieved similar discrimination as the CSRS (AUC, 0.83 [CI, 0.80 to 0.87] for the primary composite outcome). LIMITATION Unable to disentangle the influence of other CSRS components on clinician classification of syncope at ED discharge. CONCLUSION This international external validation of the CSRS showed good performance in identifying patients at low risk for serious outcomes outside of Canada and superior performance compared with the OESIL score. However, clinician classification of syncope at ED discharge seems to explain much of the performance of the CSRS in this study. The clinical utility of the CSRS remains uncertain. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Swiss National Science Foundation & Swiss Heart Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Zimmermann
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), Department of Cardiology, and Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, and GREAT Network, Rome, Italy (T.Z.)
| | - Jeanne du Fay de Lavallaz
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, and GREAT Network, Rome, Italy (J.F.L., P.L., P.B., S.S., I.S., M.D., M.K., C.M.)
| | - Thomas Nestelberger
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, GREAT Network, Rome, Italy, and Division of Cardiology, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (T.N.)
| | - Danielle M Gualandro
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, GREAT Network, Rome, Italy, and Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil (D.M.G.)
| | - Pedro Lopez-Ayala
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, and GREAT Network, Rome, Italy (J.F.L., P.L., P.B., S.S., I.S., M.D., M.K., C.M.)
| | - Patrick Badertscher
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, and GREAT Network, Rome, Italy (J.F.L., P.L., P.B., S.S., I.S., M.D., M.K., C.M.)
| | - Velina Widmer
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (V.W., N.G.)
| | - Samyut Shrestha
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, and GREAT Network, Rome, Italy (J.F.L., P.L., P.B., S.S., I.S., M.D., M.K., C.M.)
| | - Ivo Strebel
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, and GREAT Network, Rome, Italy (J.F.L., P.L., P.B., S.S., I.S., M.D., M.K., C.M.)
| | - Noemi Glarner
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (V.W., N.G.)
| | - Matthias Diebold
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, and GREAT Network, Rome, Italy (J.F.L., P.L., P.B., S.S., I.S., M.D., M.K., C.M.)
| | - Òscar Miró
- GREAT Network, Rome, Italy, and Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain (Ò.M.)
| | - Michael Christ
- GREAT Network, Rome, Italy, and Kantonsspital Luzern, Luzern, Switzerland (M.C.)
| | - Louise Cullen
- GREAT Network, Rome, Italy, and Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia (L.C.)
| | - Martin Than
- GREAT Network, Rome, Italy, and Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand (M.T.)
| | - F Javier Martin-Sanchez
- GREAT Network, Rome, Italy, and Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain (F.J.M.)
| | - Salvatore Di Somma
- GREAT Network, Rome, Italy, and Emergency Medicine, Department of Medical-Surgery Sciences and Translational Medicine, University Sapienza Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Italy (S.D.S.)
| | - W Frank Peacock
- GREAT Network, Rome, Italy, and Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Houston, Texas (W.F.P.)
| | - Dagmar I Keller
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (D.I.K.)
| | - Murat Bilici
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (M.B.)
| | | | - Michael Kühne
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, and GREAT Network, Rome, Italy (J.F.L., P.L., P.B., S.S., I.S., M.D., M.K., C.M.)
| | - Tobias Breidthardt
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), Department of Cardiology, and Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, and GREAT Network, Rome, Italy (T.B.)
| | | | - Christian Mueller
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB) and Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, and GREAT Network, Rome, Italy (J.F.L., P.L., P.B., S.S., I.S., M.D., M.K., C.M.)
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Almulhim KN. The Characteristics of Syncope-Related Emergency Department Visits: Resource Utilization and Admission Rate Patterns in Emergency Departments. Cureus 2022; 14:e22039. [PMID: 35340474 PMCID: PMC8913182 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Decision-making about syncope patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) is challenging since physicians must balance the minimal risks of life-threatening conditions with the unessential use of expensive imaging or unnecessary hospitalizations. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of ED visits, resource utilization, and admission rate patterns related to syncope in the United States (US) during the period 2005-2015. Methods Data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) on ED visits during the 11-year period from 2005 to 2015 were retrieved. ED visits for syncope were identified and compared against non-syncope ED visits. The demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, as well data on resource allocation and admission trends were captured and described for the syncope and the non-syncope groups. Results Syncope accounted for 1.11% of the total ED visits during the study period from 2005 to 2015. The incidence of syncope-related ED visits was higher among elderly females, whites, and non-Hispanics. The trend of admission rates showed a decline from about 30% in 2005-2010 to less than 20% in 2014 and 2015. Advanced imaging (CT or MRI) was ordered for 34% of syncope patients. Conclusion The percentage of syncope-related ED visits remained stable during the study period, but the admission rates declined while the use of advanced imaging in syncope-related ED visits remained substantially high despite the advances in research and availability of clinical guidelines. Future research is needed to rationalize healthcare utilization in syncope-related ED visits and precisely identify the high-risk population.
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17
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Billah T, Gordon L, Schoenfeld EM, Chang BP, Hess EP, Probst MA. Clinicians' perspectives on the implementation of patient decision aids in the emergency department: A qualitative interview study. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2022; 3:e12629. [PMID: 35079731 PMCID: PMC8769071 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Decision aids (DAs) are tools to facilitate and standardize shared decision making (SDM). Although most emergency clinicians (ECs) perceive SDM appropriate for emergency care, there is limited uptake of DAs in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators identified by ECs regarding the implementation of DAs in the emergency department (ED). METHODS We conducted a qualitative interview study guided by implementation science frameworks. ECs participated in interviews focused on the implementation of DAs for the disposition of patients with low-risk chest pain and unexplained syncope in the ED. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. We then iteratively developed a codebook with directed qualitative content analysis. RESULTS We approached 25 ECs working in urban New York, of whom 20 agreed to be interviewed (mean age, 41 years; 25% women). The following 6 main barriers were identified: (1) poor DA accessibility, (2) concern for increased medicolegal risk, (3) lack of perceived need for a DA, (4) patient factors including lack of capacity and limited health literacy, (5) skepticism about validity of DAs, and (6) lack of time to use DAs. The 6 main facilitators identified were (1) positive attitudes toward SDM, (2) patient access to follow-up care, (3) potential for improved patient satisfaction, (4) potential for improved risk communication, (5) strategic integration of DAs into the clinical workflow, and (6) institutional support of DAs. CONCLUSIONS ECs identified multiple barriers and facilitators to the implementation of DAs into clinical practice. These findings could guide implementation efforts targeting the uptake of DA use in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tausif Billah
- Department of Emergency MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiMount Sinai HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Lauren Gordon
- Department of Emergency MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiMount Sinai HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Elizabeth M. Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School–BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | - Bernard P. Chang
- Department of Emergency MedicineColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Erik P. Hess
- Department of Emergency MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Marc A. Probst
- Department of Emergency MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiMount Sinai HospitalNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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18
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De Gioannis R, Ewald AC, Gerlach DA, Heusser K, Hoffmann F, Frings-Meuthen P, Heer M, Tank J, Jordan J. Effects of short-term hypercaloric nutrition on orthostatic tolerance in healthy individuals: a randomized controlled crossover study. Clin Auton Res 2022; 32:423-430. [PMID: 36195683 PMCID: PMC9719449 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-022-00900-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Reduced-caloric intake lowers blood pressure through sympathetic inhibition, and worsens orthostatic tolerance within days. Conversely, hypercaloric nutrition augments sympathetic activity and blood pressure. Because dietary interventions could be applied in patients with syncope, we tested the hypothesis that short-term hypercaloric dieting improves orthostatic tolerance. In a randomized crossover trial, 20 healthy individuals (7 women, 26.7 ± 8 years, 22.6 ± 2 kg/m2) followed a 4-day hypercaloric (25% increase of energy intake by fat) or normocaloric nutritional plan, with a washout period of at least 23 days between interventions. We then performed head-up tilt table testing with incremental lower body negative pressure while recording beat-by-beat blood pressure and heart rate. The primary endpoint was orthostatic tolerance defined as time to presyncope. Time to presyncope during combined head-up tilt and lower body negative pressure did not differ between hypercaloric and normocaloric dieting (median 23.19 versus 23.04 min, ratio of median 1.01, 95% CI of ratio 0.5-1.9). Heart rate, blood pressure, heart rate variability, and blood pressure variability in the supine position and during orthostatic testing did not differ between interventions. We conclude that 4 days of moderate hypercaloric nutrition does not significantly improve orthostatic tolerance in healthy individuals. Nevertheless, given the important interaction between energy balance and cardiovascular autonomic control in the brain, caloric intake deserves more attention as a potential contributor and treatment target for orthostatic intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo De Gioannis
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Hoehe, 51147, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Department III for Internal Medicine, Heart Center, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ann C Ewald
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Hoehe, 51147, Cologne, Germany
| | - Darius A Gerlach
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Hoehe, 51147, Cologne, Germany
| | - Karsten Heusser
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Hoehe, 51147, Cologne, Germany
| | - Fabian Hoffmann
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Hoehe, 51147, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Department III for Internal Medicine, Heart Center, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Petra Frings-Meuthen
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Hoehe, 51147, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martina Heer
- IU International University of Applied Sciences, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Jens Tank
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Hoehe, 51147, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Jordan
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Linder Hoehe, 51147, Cologne, Germany.
- Chair of Aerospace Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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Amin S, Gupta V, Du G, McMullen C, Sirrine M, Williams MV, Smyth SS, Chadha R, Stearley S, Li J. Developing and Demonstrating the Viability and Availability of the Multilevel Implementation Strategy for Syncope Optimal Care Through Engagement (MISSION) Syncope App: Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25192. [PMID: 34783669 PMCID: PMC8663445 DOI: 10.2196/25192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope evaluation and management is associated with testing overuse and unnecessary hospitalizations. The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Syncope Guideline aims to standardize clinical practice and reduce unnecessary services. The use of clinical decision support (CDS) tools offers the potential to successfully implement evidence-based clinical guidelines. However, CDS tools that provide an evidence-based differential diagnosis (DDx) of syncope at the point of care are currently lacking. OBJECTIVE With input from diverse health systems, we developed and demonstrated the viability of a mobile app, the Multilevel Implementation Strategy for Syncope optImal care thrOugh eNgagement (MISSION) Syncope, as a CDS tool for syncope diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS Development of the app had three main goals: (1) reliable generation of an accurate DDx, (2) incorporation of an evidence-based clinical risk tool for prognosis, and (3) user-based design and technical development. To generate a DDx that incorporated assessment recommendations, we reviewed guidelines and the literature to determine clinical assessment questions (variables) and likelihood ratios (LHRs) for each variable in predicting etiology. The creation and validation of the app diagnosis occurred through an iterative clinician review and application to actual clinical cases. The review of available risk score calculators focused on identifying an easily applied and valid evidence-based clinical risk stratification tool. The review and decision-making factors included characteristics of the original study, clinical variables, and validation studies. App design and development relied on user-centered design principles. We used observations of the emergency department workflow, storyboard demonstration, multiple mock review sessions, and beta-testing to optimize functionality and usability. RESULTS The MISSION Syncope app is consistent with guideline recommendations on evidence-based practice (EBP), and its user interface (UI) reflects steps in a real-world patient evaluation: assessment, DDx, risk stratification, and recommendations. The app provides flexible clinical decision making, while emphasizing a care continuum; it generates recommendations for diagnosis and prognosis based on user input. The DDx in the app is deemed a pragmatic model that more closely aligns with real-world clinical practice and was validated using actual clinical cases. The beta-testing of the app demonstrated well-accepted functionality and usability of this syncope CDS tool. CONCLUSIONS The MISSION Syncope app development integrated the current literature and clinical expertise to provide an evidence-based DDx, a prognosis using a validated scoring system, and recommendations based on clinical guidelines. This app demonstrates the importance of using research literature in the development of a CDS tool and applying clinical experience to fill the gaps in available research. It is essential for a successful app to be deliberate in pursuing a practical clinical model instead of striving for a perfect mathematical model, given available published evidence. This hybrid methodology can be applied to similar CDS tool development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Amin
- Performance Analytics Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Vedant Gupta
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Gaixin Du
- Center for Health Services Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Colleen McMullen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States.,Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Matthew Sirrine
- Center for Health Services Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Mark V Williams
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Susan S Smyth
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Romil Chadha
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Seth Stearley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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20
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Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Yan JW, Rowe BH, Mercier É, Le Sage N, Hegdekar M, Finlayson A, Huang P, Mohammad H, Mukarram M, Nguyen PAI, Syed S, McRae AD, Nemnom MJ, Taljaard M, Silviotti MLA. Personalised risk prediction following emergency department assessment for syncope. Emerg Med J 2021; 39:501-507. [PMID: 34740890 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2020-211095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Published risk tools do not provide possible management options for syncope in the emergency department (ED). Using the 30-day observed risk estimates based on the Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS), we developed personalised risk prediction to guide management decisions. METHODS We pooled previously reported data from two large cohort studies, the CSRS derivation and validation cohorts, that prospectively enrolled adults (≥16 years) with syncope at 11 Canadian EDs between 2010 and 2018. Using this larger cohort, we calculated the CSRS calibration and discrimination, and determined with greater precision than in previous studies the 30-day risk of adjudicated serious outcomes not identified during the index ED evaluation depending on the CSRS and the risk category. Based on these findings, we developed an on-line calculator and pictorial decision aids. RESULTS 8233 patients were included of whom 295 (3.6%, 95% CI 3.2% to 4.0%) experienced 30-day serious outcomes. The calibration slope was 1.0, and the area under the curve was 0.88 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.91). The observed risk increased from 0.3% (95% CI 0.2% to 0.5%) in the very-low-risk group (CSRS -3 to -2) to 42.7% (95% CI 35.0% to 50.7%), in the very-high-risk (CSRS≥+6) group (Cochrane-Armitage trend test p<0.001). Among the very-low and low-risk patients (score -3 to 0), ≤1.0% had any serious outcome, there was one death due to sepsis and none suffered a ventricular arrhythmia. Among the medium-risk patients (score +1 to+3), 7.8% had serious outcomes, with <1% death, and a serious outcome was present in >20% of high/very-high-risk patients (score +4 to+11) including 4%-6% deaths. The online calculator and the pictorial aids can be found at: https://teamvenk.com/csrs CONCLUSIONS: 30-day observed risk estimates from a large cohort of patients can be obtained for management decision-making. Our work suggests very-low-risk and low-risk patients may be discharged, discussion with patients regarding investigations and disposition are needed for medium-risk patients, and high-risk patients should be hospitalised. The online calculator, accompanied by pictorial decision aids for the CSRS, may assist in discussion with patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada .,Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Justin W Yan
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine and School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Éric Mercier
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Universite Laval Faculte de Medecine, Quebec, Quebec, Canada.,CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Natalie Le Sage
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Universite Laval Faculte de Medecine, Quebec, Quebec, Canada.,CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mona Hegdekar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Anne Finlayson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Paul Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hassan Mohammad
- Faculty of Technology and Trades, Algonquin College, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Muhammad Mukarram
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Phuong Anh Iris Nguyen
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shahbaz Syed
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew D McRae
- Department of Emergency Medicine, and Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marie-Joe Nemnom
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marco LA Silviotti
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Biomedical, and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Lewton AK, Morris LE. Validated scoring system identifies low-risk syncope patients. THE JOURNAL OF FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 70:454-456. [PMID: 34818153 PMCID: PMC8619809 DOI: 10.12788/jfp.0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study validated the Canadian Syncope Risk Score for predicting 30-day serious outcomes in patients presenting to the ED within 24 hours of syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kay Lewton
- University of Missouri Department of Family & Community Medicine, Columbia
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22
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Rafanelli M, Testa GD, Rivasi G, Ungar A. Evaluation of Patients with Syncope in the Emergency Department: How to Adjust Pharmacological Therapy. Medicina (B Aires) 2021; 57:medicina57060603. [PMID: 34208045 PMCID: PMC8231040 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57060603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of syncope in the Emergency Department ranges between 0.9 and 1.7%. Syncope is mostly related to a underlying reflex or orthostatic mechanism. A bradycardic or a hypotensive phenotype, may be identified. The latter is the most common and could be constitutional or drug induced. Consequently, obtaining an accurate drug history is an important step of the initial assessment of syncope. As anti-hypertensive medication might be responsible for orthostatic hypotension, managing hypertension in patients with syncope requires finding an ideal balance between hypotensive and cardiovascular risks. The choice of anti-hypertensive molecule as well as the therapeutic regimen and dosage, influences the risk of syncope. Not only could anti-hypertensive drugs have a hypotensive effect but opioids and psychoactive medications may also be involved in the mechanism of syncope. Proper drug management could reduce syncope recurrences and their consequences.
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23
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Li J, Smyth SS, Clouser JM, McMullen CA, Gupta V, Williams MV. Planning Implementation Success of Syncope Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Emergency Department Using CFIR Framework. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:570. [PMID: 34204986 PMCID: PMC8228757 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57060570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Overuse and inappropriate use of testing and hospital admission are common in syncope evaluation and management. Though guidelines are available to optimize syncope care, research indicates that current clinical guidelines have not significantly impacted resource utilization surrounding emergency department (ED) evaluation of syncope. Matching implementation strategies to barriers and facilitators and tailoring strategies to local context hold significant promise for a successful implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPG). Our team applied implementation science principles to develop a stakeholder-based implementation strategy. Methods and Materials: We partnered with patients, family caregivers, frontline clinicians and staff, and health system administrators at four health systems to conduct quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews for context assessment. The identification of implementation strategies was done by applying the CFIR-ERIC Implementation Strategy Matching Tool and soliciting stakeholders' inputs. We then co-designed with patients and frontline teams, and developed and tested specific strategies. Results: A total of 114 clinicians completed surveys and 32 clinicians and stakeholders participated in interviews. Results from the surveys and interviews indicated low awareness of syncope guidelines, communication challenges with patients, lack of CPG protocol integration into ED workflows, and organizational process to change as major barriers to CPG implementation. Thirty-one patients and their family caregivers participated in interviews and expressed their expectations: clarity regarding their diagnosis, context surrounding care plan and diagnostic testing, and a desire to feel cared about. Identifying change methods to address the clinician barriers and patients and family caregivers expectations informed development of the multilevel, multicomponent implementation strategy, MISSION, which includes patient educational materials, mentored implementation, academic detailing, Syncope Optimal Care Pathway and a corresponding mobile app, and Lean quality improvement methods. The pilot of MISSION demonstrated feasibility, acceptability and initial success on appropriate testing. Conclusions: Effective multifaceted implementation strategies that target individuals, teams, and healthcare systems can be employed to plan successful implementation and promote adherence to syncope CPGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Center for Health Services Research, University of Kentucky, Waller Health Care Annex, 304A, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.M.C.); (M.V.W.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, University of Kentucky, 900 S. Limestone St., CTW320, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (S.S.S.); (C.A.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Susan S. Smyth
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, University of Kentucky, 900 S. Limestone St., CTW320, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (S.S.S.); (C.A.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Jessica M. Clouser
- Center for Health Services Research, University of Kentucky, Waller Health Care Annex, 304A, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.M.C.); (M.V.W.)
| | - Colleen A. McMullen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, University of Kentucky, 900 S. Limestone St., CTW320, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (S.S.S.); (C.A.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Vedant Gupta
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, University of Kentucky, 900 S. Limestone St., CTW320, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (S.S.S.); (C.A.M.); (V.G.)
| | - Mark V. Williams
- Center for Health Services Research, University of Kentucky, Waller Health Care Annex, 304A, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; (J.M.C.); (M.V.W.)
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24
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Lombardi K, Ong J, Kane E, Aljohani B, Frasure SE, Almulhim K, Pourmand A. Resource utilisation among patients with syncope presenting to the emergency department. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14106. [PMID: 33617687 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope is a common problem encountered in the emergency department (ED) and a significant source of ED resource utilisation, including advanced imaging modalities. Current guidelines do not recommend routine Computed Tomography (CT) imaging of the head for patients seen in the ED due to syncope. OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigate resource allocation in the ED for syncope-related visits, including advanced imaging modalities using a large national database. OUTCOMES ANALYSIS Data from the CDC's National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) for years 2008-2017 were compiled and analysed. Intrinsic survey and constructed variables were utilised to identify and investigate all syncope-related ED visits in the United States during the study period that met study criteria. Appropriate bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were applied in order to identify and compare the resource utilisation, demographics, and ED visit dynamics of syncope and non-syncope-related ED visits. RESULTS During the study period, there were over 15 million ED visits for syncope. A high percentage of syncope visits received head CT compared with non-syncope visits (34% vs. 4.5%, P > .001). When investigated by age-grouping utilisation of head CT ranged from 26.5 (95% CI 18.9-27.5) for ages 18-40 to as high as 40.2% (95% CI 33.8-47.1) for ages 80 and higher. Compared with non-syncope ED visits, syncope-related ED visits were older and more likely to have Medicare or private insurance. CONCLUSION Syncope continues to be a large and growing share of visits to US EDs. Despite well-supported, evidence-based recommendations that do not recommend routine utilisation of head CT in syncope-related ED visits, these data suggest that emergency physicians routinely over-utilise this modality. More specific guidelines may be required to help reduce the use of imaging studies for patients who present to the ED with syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lombardi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Justin Ong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Erin Kane
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bandar Aljohani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sarah E Frasure
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Khalid Almulhim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ali Pourmand
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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25
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Sweanor RAL, Redelmeier RJ, Simel DL, Albassam OT, Shadowitz S, Etchells EE. Multivariable risk scores for predicting short-term outcomes for emergency department patients with unexplained syncope: A systematic review. Acad Emerg Med 2021; 28:502-510. [PMID: 33382159 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emergency department (ED) patients with unexplained syncope are at risk of experiencing an adverse event within 30 days. Our objective was to systematically review the accuracy of multivariate risk stratification scores for identifying adult syncope patients at high and low risk of an adverse event over the next 30 days. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, and CINAHL) from database creation until May 2020. We sought studies evaluating prediction scores of adults presenting to an ED with syncope. We included studies that followed patients for up to 30 days to identify adverse events such as death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiac surgery. We only included studies with a blinded comparison between baseline clinical features and adverse events. We calculated likelihood ratios and confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS We screened 13,788 abstracts. We included 17 studies evaluating nine risk stratification scores on 24,234 patient visits, where 7.5% (95% CI = 5.3% to 10%) experienced an adverse event. A Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS) of 4 or more was associated with a high likelihood of an adverse event (LRscore≥4 = 11, 95% CI = 8.9 to 14). A CSRS of 0 or less (LRscore≤0 = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.20) was associated with a low likelihood of an adverse event. Other risk scores were not validated on an independent sample, had low positive likelihood ratios for identifying patients at high risk, or had high negative likelihood ratios for identifying patients at low risk. CONCLUSION Many risk stratification scores are not validated or not sufficiently accurate for clinical use. The CSRS is an accurate validated prediction score for ED patients with unexplained syncope. Its impact on clinical decision making, admission rates, cost, or outcomes of care is not known.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert J. Redelmeier
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Medicine Sunnybrook Health Science Centre University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - David L. Simel
- Division of General Internal Medicine Duke Veterans Affairs Medical Center Durham North Carolina USA
- Duke University Durham North Carolina USA
| | - Omar T. Albassam
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Medicine Sunnybrook Health Science Centre University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Division of Cardiology King Abdulaziz University HospitalKing Abdulaziz University Jeddah Saudi Arabia
| | - Steven Shadowitz
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Medicine Sunnybrook Health Science Centre University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Edward E. Etchells
- Department of Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
- Department of Medicine Sunnybrook Health Science Centre University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
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Kligerman SJ, Bykowski J, Hurwitz Koweek LM, Policeni B, Ghoshhajra BB, Brown MD, Davis AM, Dibble EH, Johnson TV, Khosa F, Ledbetter LN, Leung SW, Liebeskind DS, Litmanovich D, Maroules CD, Pannell JS, Powers WJ, Villines TC, Wang LL, Wann S, Corey AS, Abbara S. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Syncope. J Am Coll Radiol 2021; 18:S229-S238. [PMID: 33958116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2021.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Syncope and presyncope lead to well over one million emergency room visits in the United States each year. Elucidating the cause of syncope or presyncope, which are grouped together given similar etiologies and outcomes, can be exceedingly difficult given the diverse etiologies. This becomes more challenging as some causes, such as vasovagal syncope, are relatively innocuous while others, such as cardiac-related syncope, carry a significant increased risk of death. While the mainstay of syncope and presyncope assessment is a detailed history and physical examination, imaging can play a role in certain situations. In patients where a cardiovascular etiology is suspected based on the appropriate history, physical examination, and ECG findings, resting transthoracic echocardiography is usually considered appropriate for the initial imaging. While no imaging studies are considered usually appropriate when there is a low probability of cardiac or neurologic pathology, chest radiography may be appropriate in certain clinical situations. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Bykowski
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | - Bruno Policeni
- Panel Chair, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Michael D Brown
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, American College of Emergency Physicians
| | - Andrew M Davis
- The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, American College of Physicians
| | | | - Thomas V Johnson
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina, Cardiology expert
| | - Faisal Khosa
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Steve W Leung
- Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Program Director, Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Fellowship, Director of Cardiac MRI, University of Kentucky
| | - David S Liebeskind
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, American Academy of Neurology
| | - Diana Litmanovich
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, Section Chief, Cardiothoracic, Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, President, North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging, Co-Chair, Image Wisely
| | | | | | - William J Powers
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, American Academy of Neurology
| | - Todd C Villines
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
| | - Lily L Wang
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, Program Director, Neuroradiology Fellowship, University of Cincinnati
| | - Samuel Wann
- Ascension Healthcare Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nuclear cardiology expert
| | - Amanda S Corey
- Specialty Chair, Atlanta VA Health Care System and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suhny Abbara
- Specialty Chair, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, Chief, Cardiothoracic Imaging, UT Southwestern, Member BOD, SCCT, Editor, Radiology - Cardiothoracic Imaging
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Khoujah D, Cimino-Fiallos N. The geriatric emergency literature 2020: COVID and beyond. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 44:177-183. [PMID: 33905980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Older adults are a rapidly growing patient population with unique characteristics and health considerations. Over the past few years, emergency physicians have started to recognize the complexities and importance of Geriatric Emergency Medicine. Several noteworthy elements of their healthcare were brought to the forefront of emergency medicine because this especially vulnerable patient population was disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Clinical topics such as delirium, telehealth, end-of-life care, and elder abuse came into focus; select relevant articles are reviewed. We also highlight equally notable literature which address clinically challenging topics, such as hip fractures and syncope. Finally, articles about improving the experience of and decreasing recidivism in geriatric emergency department patients are reviewed. In short, this review article summarizes geriatric emergency medicine literature that can help you improve your practice while caring for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danya Khoujah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Franklin Square Medical Center, Adjunct Volunteer Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America.
| | - Nicole Cimino-Fiallos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Meritus Medical Center, US Acute Care Solutions, Hagerstown, MD, United States of America
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28
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Dipaola F, Shiffer D, Gatti M, Menè R, Solbiati M, Furlan R. Machine Learning and Syncope Management in the ED: The Future Is Coming. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57040351. [PMID: 33917508 PMCID: PMC8067452 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57040351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, machine learning (ML) has been promisingly applied in many fields of clinical medicine, both for diagnosis and prognosis prediction. Aims of this narrative review were to summarize the basic concepts of ML applied to clinical medicine and explore its main applications in the emergency department (ED) setting, with a particular focus on syncope management. Through an extensive literature search in PubMed and Embase, we found increasing evidence suggesting that the use of ML algorithms can improve ED triage, diagnosis, and risk stratification of many diseases. However, the lacks of external validation and reliable diagnostic standards currently limit their implementation in clinical practice. Syncope represents a challenging problem for the emergency physician both because its diagnosis is not supported by specific tests and the available prognostic tools proved to be inefficient. ML algorithms have the potential to overcome these limitations and, in the future, they could support the clinician in managing syncope patients more efficiently. However, at present only few studies have addressed this issue, albeit with encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Dipaola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy; (D.S.); (R.F.)
- Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center—IRCCS, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0282247266
| | - Dana Shiffer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy; (D.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Mauro Gatti
- IBM, Active Intelligence Center, 40121 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Roberto Menè
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy;
| | - Monica Solbiati
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaello Furlan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy; (D.S.); (R.F.)
- Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center—IRCCS, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
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Khaliq W, Aboabdo M, Harris CM, Bazerbashi N, Moughames E, Al Jalbout N, Hajjar K, Beydoun HA, Beydoun MA, Eid SM. Regional variation in outcomes and healthcare resources utilization in, emergency department visits for syncope. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 44:62-67. [PMID: 33581602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of patients with syncope lacks standardization. We sought to assess regional variation in hospitalization rates and resource utilization of patients with syncope. METHODS We identified adults with syncope using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample from years 2006 to 2014. Demographics and comorbidity characteristics were compared across geographic regions in the US. Multiple regression was conducted to compare outcomes. RESULTS 9,132,176 adults presented with syncope. Syncope in the Northeast (n = 1,831,889) accounted for 20.1% of visits; 22.6% in the Midwest (n = 2,060,940), 38.5% in the South (n = 3,527,814) and 18.7% in the West (n = 1,711,533). Mean age was 56 years with 57.7% being female. The Northeast had the highest risk-adjusted hospitalization rate (24.5%) followed by the South (18.6%, ORadj 0.58; 95% CI 0.52-0.65, p < 0.001), the Midwest (17.2%, ORadj 0.51; 95% CI 0.46-0.58, p < 0.001) and West (15.8%, ORadj 0.45; 95% CI 0.39-0.51, p < 0.001). Risk-adjusted rates of syncope hospitalizations significantly declined from 25.8% (95% CI 24.8%-26.7%) in 2006 to 11.7% (95% CI 11.0%-12.5%) in 2014 (Ptrend < 0.001). The Northeast had the lowest risk-adjusted ED (Emergency Department) service charges per visit ($3320) followed by the Midwest ($4675, IRRadj 1.41; 95% CI 1.30-1.52, p < 0.001), the West ($4814, IRRadj 1.45; 95% CI 1.31-1.60, p < 0.001) and South ($4969, IRRadj 1.50; 95% CI 1.38-1.62, p < 0.001). Service charges increased from $3047/visit (95% CI $2912-$3182) in 2006 to $6267/visit (95% CI $5947-$6586) in 2014 (Ptrend < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Significant regional variability in hospitalization rates and ED service charges exist among patients with syncope. Standardizing practices may be needed to reduce variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Khaliq
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Moeen Aboabdo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Che Matthew Harris
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Noor Bazerbashi
- Houston Methodist Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eric Moughames
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nour Al Jalbout
- Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon
| | - Karim Hajjar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hind A Beydoun
- Department of Research Programs, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Fort Belvoir, VA, United States
| | - May A Beydoun
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, National Institute on Aging, NIA/NIH/IRP, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shaker M Eid
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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White JL. Commentary on "Syncope in the Emergency Department: A Guide for Clinicians". J Emerg Nurs 2021; 47:208-210. [PMID: 33558075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Zimmermann T, du Fay de Lavallaz J, Walter JE, Strebel I, Nestelberger T, Joray L, Badertscher P, Flores D, Widmer V, Geigy N, Miro O, Salgado E, Christ M, Cullen L, Than M, Martín-Sánchez FJ, Di Somma S, Peacock WF, Keller D, Costabel JP, Wussler DN, Kawecki D, Lohrmann J, Gualandro DM, Kuehne M, Reichlin T, Sun B, Mueller C. Development of an electrocardiogram-based risk calculator for a cardiac cause of syncope. Heart 2021; 107:1796-1804. [PMID: 33504514 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-318430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop an ECG-based tool for rapid risk assessment of a cardiac cause of syncope in patients ≥40 years. METHODS In a prospective international multicentre study, 2007 patients ≥40 years presenting with syncope were recruited in the emergency department (ED) of participating centres ranging from large university hospitals to smaller rural hospitals in eight countries from May 2010 to July 2017. 12-Lead ECG recordings were obtained at ED presentation following the syncopal event. The primary diagnostic outcome, a cardiac cause of syncope, was centrally adjudicated by two independent cardiologists using all available clinical information including 12-month follow-up. ECG predictors for a cardiac cause of syncope were identified using penalised backward selection and a continuous-scale likelihood was calculated based on regression analysis coefficients. Findings were validated in an independent US multicentre cohort including 2269 patients. RESULTS In the derivation cohort, a cardiac cause of syncope was adjudicated in 267 patients (16%). Seven ECG criteria were identified as predictors for this outcome: heart rate and QTc-interval (continuous predictors), rhythm, atrioventricular block, ST-segment depression, bundle branch block and ventricular extrasystole/non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (categorical predictors). Diagnostic accuracy of these combined predictors for a cardiac cause of syncope was high (area under the curve 0.80, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.83). Overall, 138 patients (8%) were rapidly triaged towards rule-out and 181 patients (11%) towards rule-in of a cardiac cause of syncope. External validation showed similar performance. CONCLUSION In patients ≥40 years with a syncopal event, a combination of seven ECG criteria enabled rapid assessment of the likelihood that syncope was due to a cardiac cause. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01548352 (BASEL IX), NCT01802398 (SRS study).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Zimmermann
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,GREAT network, Rome, Italy
| | - Jeanne du Fay de Lavallaz
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,GREAT network, Rome, Italy
| | - Joan Elias Walter
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,GREAT network, Rome, Italy.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ivo Strebel
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,GREAT network, Rome, Italy
| | - Thomas Nestelberger
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,GREAT network, Rome, Italy
| | - Lydia Joray
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,GREAT network, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrick Badertscher
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,GREAT network, Rome, Italy
| | - Dayana Flores
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Velina Widmer
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Geigy
- Emergency Department, Kantonsspital Baselland, Liestal, Switzerland
| | - Oscar Miro
- GREAT network, Rome, Italy.,Emergency Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Michael Christ
- Emergency Department, Kantonsspital Luzern, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Louise Cullen
- GREAT network, Rome, Italy.,Emergency and Trauma Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Martin Than
- GREAT network, Rome, Italy.,Emergency Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Salvatore Di Somma
- GREAT network, Rome, Italy.,Emergency Medicine, Department of Medical-Surgery Sciences and Translational Medicine, University Sapienza Rome, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - W Frank Peacock
- GREAT network, Rome, Italy.,Emergency Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dagmar Keller
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Desiree Nadine Wussler
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,GREAT network, Rome, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Damian Kawecki
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Jens Lohrmann
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danielle Menosi Gualandro
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,GREAT network, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael Kuehne
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,GREAT network, Rome, Italy
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- GREAT network, Rome, Italy.,Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christian Mueller
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel (CRIB), University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland .,GREAT network, Rome, Italy
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El-Hussein MT, Cuncannon A. Syncope in the Emergency Department: A Guide for Clinicians. J Emerg Nurs 2020; 47:342-351. [PMID: 33317859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Syncope is a common presenting symptom to emergency departments, but its evaluation and initial management can be challenging for ED practitioners and particularly urgent in the presence of high-risk features that increase the likelihood of cardiac etiology. Even after thorough clinical evaluation, syncope may remain unexplained. In such instances, practitioners' clinical judgment and risk assessments are critical to guide further management. In this article, evidence-informed strategies are outlined to approach the diagnosis of syncope and provide an overview of syncope clinical decision rules and shared decision-making. By incorporating risk stratification and shared decision-making into syncope care, practitioners can more confidently engage patients and families in disposition decisions to organize appropriate outpatient and follow-up care, observation, or admission.
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Adlan AM, Eftekhari H, Paul G, Hayat S, Osman F. The Impact of a Nurse-Led Syncope Clinic: Experience from a single UK tertiary center. J Arrhythm 2020; 36:854-862. [PMID: 33024463 PMCID: PMC7532277 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Syncope is a leading cause of hospital admission and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our Syncope Clinic commenced in 2014 and we sought to evaluate its impact on outcomes (1‐yr mortality and syncope re‐hospitalization) in patients discharged following syncope admission. Methods A single‐center study of all consecutive patients discharged with syncope (ICD‐10 R55) between April 2012 and 2017. Patient demographics, comorbidities, hospital stay, syncope re‐hospitalization, and mortality at one‐year were collected. Those subsequently referred and seen in Syncope Clinic were compared with those who were not and predictors of poor outcome were evaluated. Results In total 2950 patients were discharged from hospital with syncope (median age: 73years, 51% male) with 1220 (41%) discharged same‐day; after commencement of Syncope Clinic 231were subsequently reviewed here. Overall mortality was 11%, which was lower in the Syncope Clinic group (3% vs 12%, P < .001). Temporal analysis revealed reduced re‐hospitalization following commencement of Syncope Clinic (2% vs 6%, P = .027). Independent predictors of mortality were increasing age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.03‐1.04), AF (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2‐2.1), HF (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.6‐3.0), COPD (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4‐2.7), and CHADS2 score ≥ 1 (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1,12‐1.87). Syncope Clinic attendance was associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1‐0.6). Conclusions Syncope patients discharged from hospital had reduced 1yr mortality if seen in subsequent Syncope Clinic. Independent predictors of mortality were COPD, HF, AF, and CHADS2 ≥1. Prospective randomized trials of Syncope Clinics are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Adlan
- Department of Cardiology University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust Coventry UK
| | - Helen Eftekhari
- Department of Cardiology University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust Coventry UK
| | - Geeta Paul
- Department of Cardiology University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust Coventry UK
| | - Sajad Hayat
- Department of Cardiology University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust Coventry UK.,Department of Adult Cardiology Heart Hospital Hamad Medical Corporation Doha Qatar
| | - Faizel Osman
- Department of Cardiology University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust Coventry UK.,University of Warwick (Medical School) Coventry UK
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Kaul P, Tran DT, Sandhu RK, Solbiati M, Costantino G, Sheldon RS. Lack of benefit from hospitalization in patients with syncope: A propensity analysis. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2020; 1:716-722. [PMID: 33145511 PMCID: PMC7593467 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Patients with syncope are frequently admitted to the hospital, but whether this improves outcome is unknown. We tested whether hospitalization reduced mortality in patients who presented to emergency departments (EDs) with syncope. METHODS We conducted a propensity analysis of the outcomes of patients ≥18 years old presenting to EDs with a primary diagnosis of syncope in April 2004-March 2013. The model used 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching to predicted admission using age, sex, urban residence, household income, and 14 significant comorbidities from 4 administrative databases of the province of Alberta. The primary outcome was death. RESULTS There were 57,417 ED patients with a primary diagnosis of syncope; 8864 were admitted, and 48,553 were discharged in <24 hours. Admitted patients were older (median 76 vs 49 years), male (53% vs 45%), rural (23% vs 18%), and had lower income (median $58,599 vs $61,422); all P < 0.001. All comorbidities were higher in admitted patients (mean Charlson scores, 1.9 vs 0.7; P < 0.001). The propensity-matched hospitalized patients had higher 30-day mortality (3.5% vs 1.0%) and 1-year mortality (14.1% vs 8.6%); both P < 0.001. Mortality in all propensity quintiles was higher in the hospitalized group (all P < 0.001). The most common causes of death in 2719 patients included chronic ischemic heart disease, 14%; lung cancer, 7.1%; acute myocardial infarction, 6.9%; stroke, 3.7%; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 3.6%; dementia, 2.6%; and heart failure, 2.5%. CONCLUSIONS Hospital admission did not reduce early or late mortality in patients who presented to the ED with syncope. Mortality is associated with comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Kaul
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
| | - Dat T. Tran
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
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Probst MA, Lin MP, Sze JJ, Hess EP, Breslin M, Frosch DL, Sun BC, Langan M, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Richardson LD. Shared Decision Making for Syncope in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial. Acad Emerg Med 2020; 27:853-865. [PMID: 32147870 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Significant practice variation is seen in the management of syncope in the emergency department (ED). We sought to evaluate the feasibility of performing a randomized controlled trial of a shared decision making (SDM) tool for low-to-intermediate-risk syncope patients presenting to the ED. METHODS We performed a randomized controlled trial of adults (≥30 years) with unexplained syncope who presented to an academic ED in the United States. Patients with a serious diagnosis identified in the ED were excluded. Patients were randomized, 1:1, to receive either usual care or a personalized syncope decision aid (SynDA) meant to facilitate SDM. Our primary outcome was feasibility, i.e., ability to enroll 50 patients in 24 months. Secondary outcomes included patient knowledge, involvement (measured with OPTION-5), rating of care, and clinical outcomes at 30 days post-ED visit. RESULTS After screening 351 patients, we enrolled 50 participants with unexplained syncope from January 2017 to January 2019. The most common reason for exclusion was lack of clinical equipoise to justify SDM (n = 124). Patients in the SynDA arm tended to have greater patient involvement, as shown by higher OPTION-5 scores: 52/100 versus 27/100 (between-group difference = -25.4, 95% confidence interval = -13.5 to -37.3). Both groups had similar levels of clinical knowledge, ratings of care, and serious clinical outcomes at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS Among ED patients with unexplained syncope, a randomized controlled trial of a shared decision-making tool is feasible. Although this study was not powered to detect differences in clinical outcomes, it demonstrates feasibility, while providing key lessons and effect sizes that could inform the design of future SDM trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A. Probst
- From the Department of Emergency MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY
| | - Michelle P. Lin
- From the Department of Emergency MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY
| | - Jeremy J. Sze
- From the Department of Emergency MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY
| | - Erik P. Hess
- the Department of Emergency Medicine University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham AL
| | | | | | - Benjamin C. Sun
- the Department of Emergency Medicine University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA
| | - Marie‐Noelle Langan
- and the Division of Cardiology Department of Medicine Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY
| | | | - Lynne D. Richardson
- From the Department of Emergency MedicineIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York NY
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Sandhu RK, Raj SR, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Kaul P, Morillo CA, Krahn AD, Guzman JC, Sheldon RS, Banijamali HS, MacIntyre C, Manlucu J, Seifer C, Sivilotti M. Canadian Cardiovascular Society Clinical Practice Update on the Assessment and Management of Syncope. Can J Cardiol 2020; 36:1167-1177. [PMID: 32624296 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2019.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Syncope is a symptom that occurs in multiple settings and has a variety of underlying causes, ranging from benign to life threatening. Determining the underlying diagnosis and prognosis can be challenging and often results in an unstructured approach to evaluation, which is ineffective and costly. In this first ever document, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) provides a clinical practice update on the assessment and management of syncope. It highlights similarities and differences between the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society and the 2018 European Society of Cardiology guidelines, draws on new data following a thorough review of medical literature, and takes the best available evidence and clinical experience to provide clinical practice tips. Where appropriate, a focus on a Canadian perspective is emphasized in order to illuminate larger international issues. This document represents the consensus of a Canadian panel comprised of multidisciplinary experts on this topic with a mandate to formulate disease-specific advice. The primary writing panel wrote the document, followed by peer review from the secondary writing panel. The CCS Guidelines Committee reviewed and approved the statement. The practice tips represent the consensus opinion of the primary writing panel authors, endorsed by the CCS. The CCS clinical practice update on the assessment and management of syncope focuses on epidemiology, the initial evaluation including risk stratification and disposition from the emergency department, initial diagnostic work-up, management of vasovagal syncope and orthostatic hypotension, and syncope and driving.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roopinder K Sandhu
- Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Satish R Raj
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Padma Kaul
- Division of Cardiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carlos A Morillo
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew D Krahn
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juan C Guzman
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert S Sheldon
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Hamid S Banijamali
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ciorsti MacIntyre
- Division of Cardiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jaimie Manlucu
- Division of Cardiology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colette Seifer
- Division of Cardiology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marco Sivilotti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Tran DT, Sheldon RS, Kaul P, Sandhu RK. The Current and Future Hospitalization Cost Burden of Syncope in Canada. CJC Open 2020; 2:222-228. [PMID: 32695972 PMCID: PMC7365814 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-center studies have shown the high costs associated with the hospital evaluation of syncope. National cost estimates for syncope-related hospitalizations are sparse, and none exist in Canada. METHODS The Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database was used to identify acute care hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of syncope between fiscal years (FY) 2004 and 2015 in all provinces and territories (except Quebec). We used multiple linear regression to calculate the trends in prevalence of hospital admissions and generalized linear regression to estimate the costs of a hospitalization. The syncope hospitalization rate and the cost per hospitalization in Quebec were assumed to be the average of the rest of the country. The future hospitalization cost burden of syncope was projected to 2030. RESULTS There were 128,263 hospitalizations for a primary diagnosis of syncope over the 10-year study period, resulting in a total cost of $619.9 million (Canadian). An estimate of 41,044 syncope hospitalizations occurred in Quebec, costing $198.7 million. The total hospitalization cost of syncope in Canada was estimated at $818.5 million. The annual costs of syncope hospitalizations increased from $66.6 to $68.5 million between FY2004 and FY2015, respectively, and are projected to increase to $87.1 million in 2030. CONCLUSION Hospitalization costs for syncope in Canada are high and rising. Research is needed to identify opportunities to deliver more efficient and cost-effective care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dat T. Tran
- Institute of Health Economics, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert S. Sheldon
- Division of Cardiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Padma Kaul
- Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Roopinder K. Sandhu
- Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Li J, Gupta V, Smyth SS, Cowley A, Du G, Sirrine M, Stearley S, Chadha R, Bhalla V, Williams MV. Value-based syncope evaluation and management: Perspectives of health care professionals on readiness, barriers and enablers. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 38:1867-1874. [PMID: 32739858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope is a common condition seen in the emergency department. Given the multitude of etiologies, research exists on the evaluation and management of syncope. Yet, physicians' approach to patients with syncope is variable and often not value based. The 2017 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Patients with Syncope includes a focus on unnecessary medical testing. However, little research assesses implementation of the guidelines. METHODS Mixed methods approach was applied. The targeted provider specialties include emergency medicine, hospital medicine and cardiology. The Evidence-based Practice Attitude Scale-36 and the Organizational Readiness to Change Assessment surveys were distributed to four different hospital sites. We then conducted focus groups and key informant interviews to obtain more information about clinicians' perceptions to guideline-based practice and barriers/facilitators to implementation. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used for survey analysis. Two-stage coding was used to identify themes with NVivo. RESULTS Analysis of surveys revealed that overall attitude toward evidence-based practices was moderate and implementation of new guidelines were seen as a burden, potentially decreasing compliance. There were differences across hospital settings. Five common themes emerged from interviews: uncertainty of a syncope diagnosis, rise of consumerism in health care, communication challenge with patient, provider differences in standardized care, and organizational processes to change. CONCLUSIONS Despite recommendations for the use of syncope guidelines, adherence is suboptimal. Overcoming barriers to use will require a paradigm shift. A multifaceted approach and collaborative relationships are needed to adhere to the Guidelines to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Center for Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Vedant Gupta
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Susan S Smyth
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Amy Cowley
- Center for Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Gaixin Du
- Center for Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Matthew Sirrine
- Center for Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Seth Stearley
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Romil Chadha
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Vikas Bhalla
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mark V Williams
- Center for Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Sivilotti MLA, Le Sage N, Yan JW, Huang P, Hegdekar M, Mercier E, Mukarram M, Nemnom MJ, McRae AD, Rowe BH, Stiell IG, Wells GA, Krahn AD, Taljaard M. Multicenter Emergency Department Validation of the Canadian Syncope Risk Score. JAMA Intern Med 2020; 180:737-744. [PMID: 32202605 PMCID: PMC7091474 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The management of patients with syncope in the emergency department (ED) is challenging because no robust risk tool available has been recommended for clinical use. OBJECTIVE To validate the Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS) in a new cohort of patients with syncope to determine its ability to predict 30-day serious outcomes not evident during index ED evaluation. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective multicenter cohort study conducted at 9 EDs across Canada included patients 16 years and older who presented to EDs within 24 hours of syncope. Patients were enrolled from March 2014 to April 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Baseline characteristics, CSRS predictors, and 30-day adjudicated serious outcomes, including arrhythmic (arrhythmias, interventions for arrhythmia, or unknown cause of death) and nonarrhythmic (myocardial infarction, structural heart disease, pulmonary embolism, or hemorrhage) serious outcomes, were collected. Calibration and discrimination characteristics for CSRS validation were calculated. RESULTS A total of 3819 patients were included (mean [SD] age 53.9 [22.8] years; 2088 [54.7%] female), of whom 139 (3.6%) experienced 30-day serious outcomes, including 13 patients (0.3%) who died. In the validation cohort, there were no differences between the predicted and observed risk, the calibration slope was 1.0, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88-0.93). The empirical probability of a 30-day serious outcome during validation was 3.64% (95% CI, 3.09%-4.28%) compared with the model-predicted probability of 3.17% (95% CI, 2.66%-3.77%; P = .26). The proportion of patients with 30-day serious outcomes increased from 3 of 1631 (0.3%) in the very-low-risk group to 40 of 78 (51.3%) in the very-high-risk group (Cochran-Armitage trend test P < .001). There was a similar significant increase in the serious outcome subtypes with increasing CSRS risk category. None of the very-low-risk and low-risk patients died or experienced ventricular arrhythmia. At a threshold score of -1 (2145 of 3819 patients), the CSRS sensitivity and specificity were 97.8% (95% CI, 93.8%-99.6%) and 44.3% (95% CI, 42.7%-45.9%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The CSRS was successfully validated and its use is recommended to guide ED management of patients when serious causes are not identified during index ED evaluation. Very-low-risk and low-risk patients can generally be discharged, while brief hospitalization can be considered for high-risk patients. We believe CSRS implementation has the potential to improve patient safety and health care efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marco L A Sivilotti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie Le Sage
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Justin W Yan
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mona Hegdekar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Eric Mercier
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Muhammad Mukarram
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie-Joe Nemnom
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew D McRae
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ian G Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - George A Wells
- University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew D Krahn
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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41
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A Population-Based Study Evaluating Sex Differences in Patients Presenting to Emergency Departments With Syncope. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2020; 6:341-347. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2019.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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42
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Moore AB, Su E, Weiss RE, Yagapen AN, Malveau SE, Adler DH, Bastani A, Baugh CW, Caterino JM, Clark CL, Diercks DB, Hollander JE, Nicks BA, Nishijima DK, Shah MN, Stiffler KA, Storrow AB, Wilber ST, Sun BC. Frequency of Abnormal and Critical Laboratory Results in Older Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Syncope. Acad Emerg Med 2020; 27:161-164. [PMID: 31837233 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew B. Moore
- From the Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine Oregon Heath & Science University Portland OR
| | - Erica Su
- Department of Biostatistics University of California Los Angeles CA
| | - Robert E. Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics University of California Los Angeles CA
| | - Annick N. Yagapen
- From the Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine Oregon Heath & Science University Portland OR
| | - Susan E. Malveau
- From the Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine Oregon Heath & Science University Portland OR
| | - David H. Adler
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Rochester Rochester NY
| | - Aveh Bastani
- Department of Emergency Medicine William Beaumont Hospital–Troy Troy MI
| | | | - Jeffrey M. Caterino
- Department of Emergency Medicine The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus OH
| | - Carol L. Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine William Beaumont Hospital–Royal Oak Royal Oak MI
| | - Deborah B. Diercks
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Texas‐Southwestern Dallas TX
| | - Judd E. Hollander
- Department of Emergency Medicine Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia PA
| | - Bret A. Nicks
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston Salem NC
| | | | - Manish N. Shah
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Wisconsin–Madison Madison WI
| | - Kirk A. Stiffler
- Department of Emergency Medicine Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown OH
| | - Alan B. Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN
| | - Scott T. Wilber
- Department of Emergency Medicine Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown OH
| | - Benjamin C. Sun
- and the Department of Emergency Medicine University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA
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43
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Sandhu RK, Sheldon RS. Syncope in the Emergency Department. Front Cardiovasc Med 2019; 6:180. [PMID: 31850375 PMCID: PMC6901601 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2019.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Syncope is a common presentation to Emergency Departments (EDs). Estimates on the frequency of visits (0.6–1.7%) and subsequent rates of hospitalizations (12–85%) vary according to country. The initial ED evaluation for syncope consists of a detailed history, physical examination and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The use of additional diagnostic testing and specialist evaluation should be based on this initial evaluation rather than an unstructured approach of broad-based testing. Risk stratification performed in the ED is important for estimating prognosis, triage decisions and to establish urgency of any further work-up. The primary approach to risk stratification focuses on identifying high- and low-risk predictors. The use of prediction tools may be used to aid in physician decision-making; however, they have not performed better than the clinical judgment of emergency room physicians. Following risk stratification, decision for hospitalization should be based on the seriousness of the underlying cause for syncope or based on high-risk features, or the severity of co-morbidities. For those deemed intermediate risk, access to specialist assessment and related testing may occur in a syncope unit in the emergency department, as an outpatient, or in a less formal care pathway and is highly dependent on the local healthcare system. For syncope patients presenting to the ED, ~0.8% die and 10.3% suffer a non-fatal severe outcome within 30 days.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert S Sheldon
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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44
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Risk Stratification of Older Adults Who Present to the Emergency Department With Syncope: The FAINT Score. Ann Emerg Med 2019; 75:147-158. [PMID: 31668571 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.08.429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Older adults with syncope are commonly treated in the emergency department (ED). We seek to derive a novel risk-stratification tool to predict 30-day serious cardiac outcomes. METHODS We performed a prospective, observational study of older adults (≥60 years) with unexplained syncope or near syncope who presented to 11 EDs in the United States. Patients with a serious diagnosis identified in the ED were excluded. We collected clinical and laboratory data on all patients. Our primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality or serious cardiac outcome. RESULTS We enrolled 3,177 older adults with unexplained syncope or near syncope between April 2013 and September 2016. Mean age was 73 years (SD 9.0 years). The incidence of the primary outcome was 5.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.9% to 6.5%). Using Bayesian logistic regression, we derived the FAINT score: history of heart failure, history of cardiac arrhythmia, initial abnormal ECG result, elevated pro B-type natriuretic peptide, and elevated high-sensitivity troponin T. A FAINT score of 0 versus greater than or equal to 1 had sensitivity of 96.7% (95% CI 92.9% to 98.8%) and specificity 22.2% (95% CI 20.7% to 23.8%), respectively. The FAINT score tended to be more accurate than unstructured physician judgment: area under the curve 0.704 (95% CI 0.669 to 0.739) versus 0.630 (95% CI 0.589 to 0.670). CONCLUSION Among older adults with syncope or near syncope of potential cardiac cause, a FAINT score of zero had a reasonably high sensitivity for excluding death and serious cardiac outcomes at 30 days. If externally validated, this tool could improve resource use for this common condition.
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45
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Probst MA, Su E, Weiss RE, Yagapen AN, Malveau SE, Adler DH, Bastani A, Baugh CW, Caterino JM, Clark CL, Diercks DB, Hollander JE, Nicks BA, Nishijima DK, Shah MN, Stiffler KA, Storrow AB, Wilber ST, Sun BC. Clinical Benefit of Hospitalization for Older Adults With Unexplained Syncope: A Propensity-Matched Analysis. Ann Emerg Med 2019; 74:260-269. [PMID: 31080027 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Many adults with syncope are hospitalized solely for observation and testing. We seek to determine whether hospitalization versus outpatient management for older adults with unexplained syncope is associated with a reduction in postdisposition serious adverse events at 30 days. METHODS We performed a propensity score analysis using data from a prospective, observational study of older adults with unexplained syncope or near syncope who presented to 11 emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. We enrolled adults (≥60 years) who presented with syncope or near syncope. We excluded patients with a serious diagnosis identified in the ED. Clinical and laboratory data were collected on all patients. The primary outcome was rate of post-ED serious adverse events at 30 days. RESULTS We enrolled 2,492 older adults with syncope and no serious ED diagnosis from April 2013 to September 2016. Mean age was 73 years (SD 8.9 years), and 51% were women. The incidence of serious adverse events within 30 days after the index visit was 7.4% for hospitalized patients and 3.19% for discharged patients, representing an unadjusted difference of 4.2% (95% confidence interval 2.38% to 6.02%). After propensity score matching on risk of hospitalization, there was no statistically significant difference in serious adverse events at 30 days between the hospitalized group (4.89%) and the discharged group (2.82%) (risk difference 2.07%; 95% confidence interval -0.24% to 4.38%). CONCLUSION In our propensity-matched sample of older adults with unexplained syncope, for those with clinical characteristics similar to that of the discharged cohort, hospitalization was not associated with improvement in 30-day serious adverse event rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Probst
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| | - Erica Su
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Robert E Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Annick N Yagapen
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Susan E Malveau
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - David H Adler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Aveh Bastani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital-Troy, Troy, MI
| | | | - Jeffrey M Caterino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Carol L Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI
| | - Deborah B Diercks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas-Southwestern, Dallas, TX
| | - Judd E Hollander
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bret A Nicks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Daniel K Nishijima
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Manish N Shah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Kirk A Stiffler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH
| | - Alan B Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Scott T Wilber
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH
| | - Benjamin C Sun
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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46
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Clark CL, Gibson TA, Weiss RE, Yagapen AN, Malveau SE, Adler DH, Bastani A, Baugh CW, Caterino JM, Diercks DB, Hollander JE, Nicks BA, Nishijima DK, Shah MN, Stiffler KA, Storrow AB, Wilber ST, Sun BC. Do High-sensitivity Troponin and Natriuretic Peptide Predict Death or Serious Cardiac Outcomes After Syncope? Acad Emerg Med 2019; 26:528-538. [PMID: 30721554 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An estimated 1.2 million annual emergency department (ED) visits for syncope/near syncope occur in the United States. Cardiac biomarkers are frequently obtained during the ED evaluation, but the prognostic value of index high-sensitivity troponin (hscTnT) and natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are unclear. The objective of this study was to determine if hscTnT and NT-proBNP drawn in the ED are independently associated with 30-day death/serious cardiac outcomes in adult patients presenting with syncope. METHODS A prespecified secondary analysis of a prospective, observational trial enrolling participants ≥ age 60 presenting with syncope, at 11 United States hospitals, was conducted between April 2013 and September 2016. Exclusions included seizure, stroke, transient ischemic attack, trauma, intoxication, hypoglycemia, persistent confusion, mechanical/electrical invention, prior enrollment, or predicted poor follow-up. Within 3 hours of consent, hscTnT and NT-proBNP were collected and later analyzed centrally using Roche Elecsys Gen 5 STAT and 2010 Cobas, respectively. Primary outcome was combined 30-day all-cause mortality and serious cardiac events. Adjusting for illness severity, using multivariate logistic regression analysis, variations between primary outcome and biomarkers were estimated, adjusting absolute risk associated with ranges of biomarkers using Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. RESULTS The cohort included 3,392 patients; 367 (10.8%) experienced the primary outcome. Adjusted absolute risk for the primary outcome increased with hscTnT and NT-proBNP levels. HscTnT levels ≤ 5 ng/L were associated with a 4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3%-5%) outcome risk, and hscTnT > 50 ng/L, a 29% (95% CI = 26%-33%) risk. NT-proBNP levels ≤ 125 ng/L were associated with a 4% (95% CI = 4%-5%) risk, and NT-proBNP > 2,000 ng/L a 29% (95% CI = 25%-32%) risk. Likelihood ratios and predictive values demonstrated similar results. Sensitivity analyses excluding ED index serious outcomes demonstrated similar findings. CONCLUSIONS hscTnT and NT-proBNP are independent predictors of 30-day death and serious outcomes in older ED patients presenting with syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L. Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine William Beaumont Hospital‐Royal Oak Royal Oak MI
| | - Thomas A. Gibson
- Department of Biostatistics University of California Los Angeles, Fielding School of Public Health Los Angeles CA
| | - Robert E. Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics University of California Los Angeles, Fielding School of Public Health Los Angeles CA
| | - Annick N. Yagapen
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine Oregon Heath, & Science University Portland OR
| | - Susan E. Malveau
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine Oregon Heath, & Science University Portland OR
| | - David H. Adler
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Rochester Rochester NY
| | - Aveh Bastani
- Department of Emergency Medicine William Beaumont Hospital–TroyTroy MI
| | | | - Jeffrey M. Caterino
- Department of Emergency Medicine The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus OH
| | - Deborah B. Diercks
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Texas–Southwestern Dallas TX
| | - Judd E. Hollander
- Department of Emergency Medicine Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia PA
| | - Bret A. Nicks
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wake Forest School of Medicine Winston Salem NC
| | | | - Manish N. Shah
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Wisconsin–Madison Madison WI
| | - Kirk A. Stiffler
- Department of Emergency Medicine Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown OH
| | - Alan B. Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville TN
| | - Scott T. Wilber
- Department of Emergency Medicine Northeast Ohio Medical University Rootstown OH
| | - Benjamin C. Sun
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine Oregon Heath, & Science University Portland OR
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Qian XL, Pan YS, Chen JJ, Jiang QQ, Huang D, Li JB. The value of multidisciplinary team in syncope clinic for the effective diagnosis of complex syncope. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2019; 42:821-827. [PMID: 31004502 DOI: 10.1111/pace.13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope is a perplexing challenge that often receives thorough evaluation, yet the diagnosis remains unclear. Usually, the emergency department is the first point at which patients present with syncope. However, diverse medical factors, including low diagnostic rates and inconsistent management by doctors, add to healthcare costs and delay diagnosis for syncope patients. METHODS Patients who had been to the emergency department at least once but were not given a clear diagnosis of syncope were recruited into our study at the time they visited syncope clinic staffed by a multidisciplinary team. Complete medical histories and clinical examinations were conducted by both experienced cardiologists and neurologists. If patients were not given a conclusive diagnosis at the syncope clinic on the basis of outpatient examinations, they were admitted for further evaluation. RESULTS A total of 209 consecutive patients claiming "syncope" visited the syncope clinic, yet only 167 patients were formally diagnosed with syncope. For these 167 patients, the mean age was 55.93 ± 17.40 years old, and 41.3% were male. The proportions of cardiac syncope, reflex syncope, orthostatic hypotension (OH), and syncope of uncertain etiology were 19.8%, 64.1%, 7.8%, and 8.4%, respectively. The diagnostic rate was 91.6%, and the hospitalization rate was 23.4%. Patients with reflex syncope and OH were younger than patients with cardiac syncope. Cardiac syncope tends to occur more frequently in males, while reflex syncope is more likely in females. CONCLUSIONS The cooperation of professional cardiologists and neurologists will play an important role in improving diagnostic rates, lowering admission rates, and reducing medical costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lin Qian
- Heart Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Ye-Sheng Pan
- Heart Center, Tongji University Affiliated Oriental Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Jiong Chen
- Neurology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Qing Jiang
- Neurology, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Dong Huang
- Heart Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jing-Bo Li
- Heart Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
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48
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White JL, Chang AM, Hollander JE, Su E, Weiss RE, Yagapen AN, Malveau SE, Adler DH, Bastani A, Baugh CW, Caterino JM, Clark CL, Diercks DB, Nicks BA, Nishijima DK, Shah MN, Stiffler KA, Storrow AB, Wilber ST, Sun BC. QTc prolongation as a marker of 30-day serious outcomes in older patients with syncope presenting to the Emergency Department. Am J Emerg Med 2019; 37:685-689. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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49
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White JL, Hollander JE, Chang AM, Nishijima DK, Lin AL, Su E, Weiss RE, Yagapen AN, Malveau SE, Adler DH, Bastani A, Baugh CW, Caterino JM, Clark CL, Diercks DB, Nicks BA, Shah MN, Stiffler KA, Storrow AB, Wilber ST, Sun BC. Orthostatic vital signs do not predict 30 day serious outcomes in older emergency department patients with syncope: A multicenter observational study. Am J Emerg Med 2019; 37:2215-2223. [PMID: 30928476 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope is a common chief complaint among older adults in the Emergency Department (ED), and orthostatic vital signs are often a part of their evaluation. We assessed whether abnormal orthostatic vital signs in the ED are associated with composite 30-day serious outcomes in older adults presenting with syncope. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective, observational study at 11 EDs in adults ≥ 60 years who presented with syncope or near syncope. We excluded patients lost to follow up. We used the standard definition of abnormal orthostatic vital signs or subjective symptoms of lightheadedness upon standing to define orthostasis. We determined the rate of composite 30-day serious outcomes, including those during the index ED visit, such as cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, cardiac intervention, new diagnosis of structural heart disease, stroke, pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hemorrhage/anemia requiring transfusion, with major traumatic injury from fall, recurrent syncope, and death) between the groups with normal and abnormal orthostatic vital signs. RESULTS The study cohort included 1974 patients, of whom 51.2% were male and 725 patients (37.7%) had abnormal orthostatic vital signs. Comparing those with abnormal to those with normal orthostatic vital signs, we did not find a difference in composite 30-serious outcomes (111/725 (15.3%) vs 184/1249 (14.7%); unadjusted odds ratio, 1.05 [95%CI, 0.81-1.35], p = 0.73). After adjustment for gender, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), history of arrhythmia, dyspnea, hypotension, any abnormal ECG, physician risk assessment, medication classes and disposition, there was no association with composite 30-serious outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, 0.82 [95%CI, 0.62-1.09], p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS In a cohort of older adult patients presenting with syncope who were able to have orthostatic vital signs evaluated, abnormal orthostatic vital signs did not independently predict composite 30-day serious outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L White
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America; Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States of America.
| | - Judd E Hollander
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Anna Marie Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Daniel K Nishijima
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Amber L Lin
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Erica Su
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Robert E Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Annick N Yagapen
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Susan E Malveau
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - David H Adler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Aveh Bastani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital-Troy, Troy, MI, United States of America
| | - Christopher W Baugh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M Caterino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Carol L Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI, United States of America
| | - Deborah B Diercks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas-Southwestern, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Bret A Nicks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States of America
| | - Manish N Shah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Kirk A Stiffler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Summa Health System, Akron, OH, United States of America
| | - Alan B Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Scott T Wilber
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Summa Health System, Akron, OH, United States of America
| | - Benjamin C Sun
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
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Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Rowe BH, Sivilotti ML, McRae AD, Arcot K, Nemnom MJ, Huang L, Mukarram M, Krahn AD, Wells GA, Taljaard M. Duration of Electrocardiographic Monitoring of Emergency Department Patients With Syncope. Circulation 2019; 139:1396-1406. [DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.118.036088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine (V.T.), University of Ottawa, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health (V.T., G.A.W., M.T.), University of Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada (V.T., K.A., M.-J.N., L.H., M.M., M.T.)
| | - Brian H. Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine and School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (B.H.R.)
| | - Marco L.A. Sivilotti
- Departments of Emergency Medicine, and Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada (M.L.A.S.)
| | - Andrew D. McRae
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada (A.D.M.)
| | - Kirtana Arcot
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada (V.T., K.A., M.-J.N., L.H., M.M., M.T.)
| | - Marie-Joe Nemnom
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada (V.T., K.A., M.-J.N., L.H., M.M., M.T.)
| | - Longlong Huang
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada (V.T., K.A., M.-J.N., L.H., M.M., M.T.)
| | - Muhammad Mukarram
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada (V.T., K.A., M.-J.N., L.H., M.M., M.T.)
| | - Andrew D. Krahn
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (A.D.K.)
| | - George A. Wells
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health (V.T., G.A.W., M.T.), University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health (V.T., G.A.W., M.T.), University of Ottawa, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Canada (V.T., K.A., M.-J.N., L.H., M.M., M.T.)
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