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Özen Olcay H, Emektar E, Çorbacıoğlu ŞK, Saral Öztürk Z, Akkan S, Çevik Y. A retrospective study of CT scan utilization in the emergency department for patients presenting with seizures. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 80:132-137. [PMID: 38583342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.03.031] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The indications for neuroimaging in emergency department (ED) patients presenting with seizures have not been clearly defined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the findings that may influence the emergency management of patients with seizures undergoing brain computed tomography (CT) and the factors that influence these findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a retrospective, single-center study. Patients presenting to the ED with seizures-both patients with diagnosed epilepsy and patients with first-time seizures-who underwent brain CT were included. Demographic information and indications for CT scans were recorded. According to the CT findings, patients were classified as having or not having significant pathology, and comparisons were made. Intracranial mass, intraparenchymal, subdural, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, fracture, and cerebral edema were considered significant pathologies. RESULTS This study included 404 patients. The most common reason for a CT scan was head trauma. A significant pathology was found on the CT scan in 5.4% of the patients. A regression analysis showed that hypertension, malignancy, and a prolonged postictal state were the predictive factors for significant pathology on CT. CONCLUSION CT scanning of patients presenting to the ED with seizures has a limited impact on emergency patient management. Clinical decision-making guidelines for emergency CT scanning of patients with seizures need to be reviewed and improved to identify zero/near-zero risk patients for whom imaging can be deferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handan Özen Olcay
- Ataturk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Emine Emektar
- Ataturk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Şeref Kerem Çorbacıoğlu
- Ataturk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Saral Öztürk
- Ataturk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sedat Akkan
- Ataturk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yunsur Çevik
- Ataturk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Hyperglycemia Management Prior to Admission in an Urban Emergency Department. Qual Manag Health Care 2022; 31:244-250. [PMID: 35132006 DOI: 10.1097/qmh.0000000000000340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this quality improvement project was to decrease the percentage of emergency department (ED) patients admitted with blood glucose (BG) level above 250 mg/dL to less than 20%. METHODS A work group comprised physicians, pharmacists, and endocrinologists collaborated to standardize management of ED hyperglycemia. Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles included education, monitoring of patients with BG level above 200 mg/dL, and development of an ED-specific insulin protocol. RESULTS Following the initiative, 24.8% fewer patients were admitted with BG level above 250 mg/dL. The average admission BG level was reduced by 65.8 mg/dL, creating a significant shift toward improved average BG level. No difference was seen in hospital mortality, hospital length of stay, ED length of stay, hypoglycemia, or inhospital diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. CONCLUSION Implementation of a standardized hyperglycemia treatment protocol along with pharmacist interventions reduced average admission BG and the percentage of patients with BG level above 250 mg/dL on admission.
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Zikos D, Shrestha A, Fegaras L. A Cross-Sectional Study to Predict Mortality for Medicare Patients Based on the Combined Use of HCUP Tools. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS RESEARCH 2021; 5:300-318. [DOI: 10.1007/s41666-021-00091-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Thrombocytopenia and declines in platelet counts: predictors of mortality and outcome after mechanical thrombectomy. J Neurol 2019; 266:1588-1595. [PMID: 30915545 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-019-09295-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has well-known risk factors. The role of platelets in patients treated using mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has not been studied. The aim of this study was to study if there is an association of initial thrombocytopenia (TP) and a decline of platelets counts (DPC) with the clinical outcomes, mortality and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) rates in AIS patients treated with MT. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a case-control study consecutive MT-stroke patients were analyzed. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to test for good clinical outcome (mRS 90 days <= 2) and mortality adjusting for age, initial NIHSS, pretreatment with tPA, statins and platelet inhibitors, occlusion site, time from symptom onset to recanalization, initial TP (< 150 × 109/L) and DPC (> 26%). Additionally, rates of ICH were compared. RESULTS Of 294 patients included, 9.6% had an initial TP and 23.8% a DPC > 26%. The mortality rate in patients with normal platelet counts was 26.1% vs. 48.3% (p = 0.002) in patients with initial TP with an aOR of 3.47 (CI 1.28-9.4, p = 0.005). No difference regarding the rate of good clinical outcome (p = 0.204) and ICH (p = 0.18) was observed. A DPC of more than 26% during the first 5 days of hospitalization predicted the rate of mortality (aOR 2.4 CI 1.14-5.04, p = 0.021) and the chances of a good clinical outcome (aOR 0.291 CI 0.128-0.666, p = 0.003) without significant differences of ICH rates (p = 0.735). CONCLUSION In AIS patients treated with MT an initial TP was independently associated with higher mortality rates and a marked DPC with higher mortality rates as well as poorer clinical outcomes.
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Ofori-Asenso R, Zomer E, Chin KL, Si S, Markey P, Tacey M, Curtis AJ, Zoungas S, Liew D. Effect of Comorbidity Assessed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index on the Length of Stay, Costs and Mortality among Older Adults Hospitalised for Acute Stroke. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15112532. [PMID: 30424531 PMCID: PMC6267000 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15112532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The burden of comorbidity among stroke patients is high. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of comorbidity on the length of stay (LOS), costs, and mortality among older adults hospitalised for acute stroke. Among 776 older adults (mean age 80.1 ± 8.3 years; 46.7% female) hospitalised for acute stroke during July 2013 to December 2015 at a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia, we collected data on LOS, costs, and discharge outcomes. Comorbidity was assessed via the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), where a CCI score of 0⁻1 was considered low and a CCI ≥ 2 was high. Negative binomial regression and quantile regression were applied to examine the association between CCI and LOS and cost, respectively. Survival was evaluated with the Kaplan⁻Meier and Cox regression analyses. The median LOS was 1.1 days longer for patients with high CCI than for those with low CCI. In-hospital mortality rate was 18.2% (22.1% for high CCI versus 11.8% for low CCI, p < 0.0001). After controlling for confounders, high CCI was associated with longer LOS (incidence rate ratio [IRR]; 1.35, p < 0.0001) and increased likelihood of in-hospital death (hazard ratio [HR]; 1.91, p = 0.003). The adjusted median, 25th, and 75th percentile costs were AUD$2483 (26.1%), AUD$1446 (28.1%), and AUD$3140 (27.9%) higher for patients with high CCI than for those with low CCI. Among older adults hospitalised for acute stroke, higher global comorbidity (CCI ≥ 2) was associated adverse clinical outcomes. Measures to better manage comorbidities should be considered as part of wider strategies towards mitigating the social and economic impacts of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ofori-Asenso
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
- Epidemiological Modelling Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
- Division of Metabolism, Ageing and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Ella Zomer
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Ken Lee Chin
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Si Si
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Peter Markey
- Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Mark Tacey
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Andrea J Curtis
- Division of Metabolism, Ageing and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Sophia Zoungas
- Division of Metabolism, Ageing and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Danny Liew
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
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