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Redman IA, Ntampakis G, Alamin A, Mohan A, Bananis K, Drymousis P. Discrepancy Rates in Acute Abdominal CT: An Audit of In-House and Remote Reporting Compared to Intraoperative Laparoscopic and Laparotomy Findings. Cureus 2024; 16:e73509. [PMID: 39534545 PMCID: PMC11555757 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.73509] [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] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-traumatic abdominal pain is a common emergency presentation frequently managed by general surgeons. Abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scans are the most popular imaging modality in this context. In many hospitals, the rising demand for urgent and emergent scans out-of-hours has necessitated the outsourcing of this service to teleradiology companies, whereby reports are generated at sites remote from the image acquisition. The primary aim of this study was to determine the discrepancy rates of preoperative CT imaging by source (teleradiology compared to in-house). METHODS This was a retrospective monocentric study conducted at a busy district general hospital over a seven-month period. Patient demographic data, operative notes, and radiology reports (by source) were collated for all patients aged ≥16 years presenting with atraumatic abdominal pain who underwent abdominopelvic CT with subsequent surgical intervention (laparoscopy and/or laparotomy). RESULTS Seventy-one patients were identified by initial screening, and 10 patients (11 scans) met the criteria for a "major" discrepancy. Overall discrepancy rates were calculated at 5.6% for scans reported off-site compared to 9.9% for reports generated by in-house radiologists. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated lower discrepancy rates in scans reported remotely and can be used as the catalyst for improving aspects of in-house CT reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishtar A Redman
- Orthopedics and Trauma, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR
| | - Georgios Ntampakis
- General Surgery, Ealing Hospital, London North West University Healthcare, NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR
| | - Amin Alamin
- General Surgery, Ealing Hospital, London North West University Healthcare, NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR
| | - Anand Mohan
- General Surgery, Ealing Hospital, London North West University Healthcare, NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR
| | - Kyriakos Bananis
- General Surgery, Ealing Hospital, London North West University Healthcare, NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR
| | - Panagiotis Drymousis
- General Surgery, Ealing Hospital, London North West University Healthcare, NHS Foundation Trust, London, GBR
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Gan T, Liu X, Liu R, Huang J, Liu D, Tu W, Song J, Cai P, Shen H, Wang W. Machine learning based prediction models for analyzing risk factors in patients with acute abdominal pain: a retrospective study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1354925. [PMID: 38903814 PMCID: PMC11188420 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1354925] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Acute abdominal pain (AAP) is a common symptom presented in the emergency department (ED), and it is crucial to have objective and accurate triage. This study aims to develop a machine learning-based prediction model for AAP triage. The goal is to identify triage indicators for critically ill patients and ensure the prompt availability of diagnostic and treatment resources. Methods In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients admitted to the ED of Wuhan Puren Hospital with acute abdominal pain in 2019. To identify high-risk factors, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used with thirty-one predictor variables. Evaluation of eight machine learning triage prediction models was conducted using both test and validation cohorts to optimize the AAP triage prediction model. Results Eleven clinical indicators with statistical significance (p < 0.05) were identified, and they were found to be associated with the severity of acute abdominal pain. Among the eight machine learning models constructed from the training and test cohorts, the model based on the artificial neural network (ANN) demonstrated the best performance, achieving an accuracy of 0.9792 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9972. Further optimization results indicate that the AUC value of the ANN model could reach 0.9832 by incorporating only seven variables: history of diabetes, history of stroke, pulse, blood pressure, pale appearance, bowel sounds, and location of the pain. Conclusion The ANN model is the most effective in predicting the triage of AAP. Furthermore, when only seven variables are considered, including history of diabetes, etc., the model still shows good predictive performance. This is helpful for the rapid clinical triage of AAP patients and the allocation of medical resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Gan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wuhan Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaochao Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wuhan Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wuhan Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wuhan Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dingxi Liu
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenfei Tu
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiao Song
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengli Cai
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hexiao Shen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Maintainbiotech. Ltd. (Wuhan), Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wuhan Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Brau F, Papin M, Batard E, Abet E, Frampas E, Le Thuaut A, Montassier E, Le Bastard Q, Le Conte P. Impact of emergency physician performed ultrasound in the evaluation of adult patients with acute abdominal pain: a prospective randomized bicentric trial. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2024; 32:15. [PMID: 38409086 PMCID: PMC10895715 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-024-01182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal pain is common in patients visiting the emergency department (ED). The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic contribution of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in patients presenting to the ED with acute abdominal pain. METHODS We designed an interventional randomized, controlled, open label, parallel-group, trial in two French EDs. We included adult patients presenting to the ED with acute abdominal pain. Exclusion criteria were a documented end-of-life, an immediate need of life-support therapy and pregnant or breast-feeding women. Patients were randomized in the experimental group (i.e., workup including POCUS) or control group (usual care). The primary objective of the study was to assess the added value of POCUS on diagnostic pathway in the ED, according to the diagnostic established a posteriori by an adjudication committee. The primary endpoint was the proportion of exact preliminary diagnosis between the 2 groups. The preliminary diagnosis made after clinical examination and biological results with POCUS (intervention arm) or without POCUS (usual care) was considered exact if it was similar to the adjudication committee diagnosis. RESULTS Between June 2021 11th and June 2022 23th, 256 patients were randomized, but five were not included in the primary analysis, leaving 125 patients in the POCUS group and 126 patients in the usual care group (130 women and 121 men, median [Q1-Q3] age: 42 [30;57]). There was no difference for exact diagnosis between the two groups (POCUS 70/125, 56% versus control 78/126 (62%), RD 1.23 [95% CI 0.74-2.04]). There was no difference in the accuracy for the diagnosis of non-specific abdominal pain nor number of biological or radiological exams. Diagnostic delays and length of stay in the ED were also similar. CONCLUSIONS In this trial, systematic POCUS did not improve the rate of diagnostic accuracy in unselected patients presenting to the ED with acute abdominal pain. However, as it was a safe procedure, further research should focus on patients with suspected etiologies where POCUS is particularly useful. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2022/07/20 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04912206?id=NCT04912206&rank=1 ) (NCT04912206).
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Affiliation(s)
- François Brau
- Service des urgences, Centre Hospitalier Départemental, La Roche-Yon, France
| | - Mathilde Papin
- Service Des Urgences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 44035, Nantes Cedex 01, France
| | - Eric Batard
- Service Des Urgences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 44035, Nantes Cedex 01, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Emeric Abet
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Départemental, La Roche-Yon, France
| | - Eric Frampas
- Faculté de Médecine, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
- Service de Radiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Aurélie Le Thuaut
- Plateforme de Méthodologie et Biostatistique, electriqueDirection de la Recherche Et de L'Innovation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Nantes, France
| | - Emmanuel Montassier
- Service Des Urgences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 44035, Nantes Cedex 01, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Quentin Le Bastard
- Service Des Urgences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 44035, Nantes Cedex 01, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Le Conte
- Service Des Urgences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 44035, Nantes Cedex 01, France.
- Faculté de Médecine, Nantes Université, Nantes, France.
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Al-Faifi JJ, Alruwaili KA, Alkhenizan AH, Alharbi MF, Alammar FN. Level of Knowledge and Attitude Toward Acute Abdomen Among the Public: A Nationwide Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e52416. [PMID: 38371134 PMCID: PMC10869998 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52416] [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] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Treatment of patients suffering from acute abdominal pain (AAP) is often challenging due to its wide range of associated illnesses, which could delay or prevent the identification of the correct diagnosis. Multiple diagnoses should be considered, particularly those in life-threatening situations needing urgent intervention. Aim This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge among the general population related to acute abdomen and which specialty should be sought for consultation in AAP situations. Subject and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population living in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was sent to the Saudi population through the Google survey. The questionnaire included basic demographic characteristics (i.e., age, gender, etc.), perceived causes, barriers, the most common symptoms of AAP, and a five-item questionnaire to assess the general population's knowledge about AAP. Results Of the 2,703 respondents, 68.1% were females, and 42.4% were aged between 18 and 25 years old. The digestive system disorders (esophagus, stomach, intestine, and colon) were the most perceived causes that led to AAP (76.6%). The overall mean knowledge score was 1.35 (SD 1.07) out of five points. Accordingly, nearly all (87.2%) were considered to have poor knowledge, 9.5% were considered to have moderate knowledge, and only 3.3% were considered to have good knowledge. Being younger, being a male, and living in the Central Region were the factors associated with increased knowledge. Conclusion There was a lack of knowledge about AAP among the general population in Saudi Arabia. Younger age, gender males, and living in the Central Region were identified as the significant factors of increased knowledge. It is necessary to increase the knowledge of the population regarding acute abdomen. Media awareness campaigns may play a significant role in providing the necessary information to the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jubran J Al-Faifi
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Khalid A Alruwaili
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Abdulhakeem H Alkhenizan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Mohammed F Alharbi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Faisal N Alammar
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, SAU
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Henn J, Hatterscheidt S, Sahu A, Buness A, Dohmen J, Arensmeyer J, Feodorovici P, Sommer N, Schmidt J, Kalff JC, Matthaei H. Machine Learning for Decision-Support in Acute Abdominal Pain - Proof of Concept and Central Considerations. Zentralbl Chir 2023; 148:376-383. [PMID: 37562397 DOI: 10.1055/a-2125-1559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Acute abdominal pain is a common presenting symptom in the emergency department and represents heterogeneous causes and diagnoses. There is often a decision to be made regarding emergency surgical care. Machine learning (ML) could be used here as a decision-support and relieve the time and personnel resource shortage.Patients with acute abdominal pain presenting to the Department of Surgery at Bonn University Hospital in 2020 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical parameters as well as laboratory values were used as predictors. After randomly splitting into a training and test data set (ratio 80 to 20), three ML algorithms were comparatively trained and validated. The entire procedure was repeated 20 times.A total of 1357 patients were identified and included in the analysis, with one in five (n = 276, 20.3%) requiring emergency abdominal surgery within 24 hours. Patients operated on were more likely to be male (p = 0.026), older (p = 0.006), had more gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea: p < 0.001, vomiting p < 0.001) as well as a more recent onset of pain (p < 0.001). Tenderness (p < 0.001) and guarding (p < 0.001) were more common in surgically treated patients and blood analyses showed increased inflammation levels (white blood cell count: p < 0.001, CRP: p < 0.001) and onset of organ dysfunction (creatinine: p < 0.014, quick p < 0.001). Of the three trained algorithms, the tree-based methods (h2o random forest and cforest) showed the best performance. The algorithms classified patients, i.e., predicted surgery, with a median AUC ROC of 0.81 and 0.79 and AUC PRC of 0.56 in test sets.A proof-of-concept was achieved with the development of an ML model for predicting timely surgical therapy for acute abdomen. The ML algorithm can be a valuable tool in decision-making. Especially in the context of heavily used medical resources, the algorithm can help to use these scarce resources more effectively. Technological progress, especially regarding artificial intelligence, increasingly enables evidence-based approaches in surgery but requires a strictly interdisciplinary approach. In the future, the use and handling of ML should be integrated into surgical training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Henn
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Hatterscheidt
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anshupa Sahu
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Buness
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jonas Dohmen
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan Arensmeyer
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Feodorovici
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nils Sommer
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim Schmidt
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Helios Hospital Bonn Rhein-Sieg, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jörg C Kalff
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hanno Matthaei
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Dadeh AA. Factors associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with acute abdominal pain visiting the emergency department. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:195. [PMID: 36474160 PMCID: PMC9727909 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00761-y] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unfavorable outcomes occur in patients with acute abdominal pain who visit the emergency department (ED). We aimed to determine the factors associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with acute abdominal pain visiting the ED. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. The inclusion criterion was patients aged older than 18 years who presented to the ED with acute abdominal pain. Significant factors associated with unfavorable outcomes were examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS A total of 951 patients were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the ED length of stay (EDLOS) > 4 h (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-5.14; p = 0.005), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 80 mmHg (AOR 3.31, 95% CI: 1.71-6.4; p ≤ 0.001), respiratory rate ≥ 24 breaths/min (AOR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.07-3.86; p ≤ 0.031), right lower quadrant (RLQ) tenderness (AOR 3.72, 95% CI: 1.89-7.32; p ≤ 0.001), abdominal distension (AOR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.29-6.57; p = 0.010), hypoactive bowel sounds (AOR 2.89, 95% CI: 1.09-7.67; p = 0.033), presence of specific abdominal signs (AOR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.1-3.88; p = 0.024), white blood cell count ≥ 12,000 cells/mm3 (AOR 2.37, 95% CI: 1.22-4.6; p = 0.011), and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) > 75% (AOR 2.83, 95% CI: 1.39-5.75; p = 0.004) were revealed as significant factors associated with unfavorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The present study revealed that the significant clinical signs associated with the occurrence of unfavorable outcomes were DBP < 80 mmHg, tachypnea (≥ 24 breaths/min), RLQ tenderness, abdominal distension, hypoactive bowel sounds, and presence of specific abdominal signs. Moreover, the associated laboratory results identified in this study were leukocytosis and ANC > 75%. Additionally, patients with abdominal pain visiting the ED who had an EDLOS longer than 4 h were associated with unfavorable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ar-aishah Dadeh
- grid.7130.50000 0004 0470 1162Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, 90110 Thailand
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Brau F, Martin S, Le Bastard Q, Ricaud P, Legrand A, Montassier E, Le Conte P. Impact of emergency physician-performed ultrasound for the evaluation of patients with acute abdominal pain, prospective randomized dual Centre study: study protocol for a diagnostic trial. Trials 2022; 23:804. [PMID: 36153600 PMCID: PMC9509618 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06755-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abdominal pain is frequent in patients consulting in emergency departments. The aim of this study is to determine the diagnosis efficacy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in patients consulting in the ED for acute abdominal pain by comparing the rate of exact diagnostic between the two arms (with or without POCUS), according to the index diagnostic established by an adjudication committee. Methods It is a randomized, controlled, open and interventional study in two emergency departments. The included patients will be adults admitted for acute abdominal pain. Exclusion criteria will be a documented end-of-life, an immediate need of life-support therapy and pregnant or breast-feeding women. Patients will be randomized in intervention (POCUS) or control groups. POCUS will only be performed by trained physicians and will be added to the diagnosis procedure in the intervention group. In the control group, the diagnosis will be established after clinical examination and reception of biological analysis results. In the interventional group, the diagnosis will be established after a clinical exam, biological analysis reception and POCUS. An adjudication committee will review all data from case report forms and will determine the index diagnosis which will be used for the analysis. The primary endpoint will be the comparison of the rate of exact diagnostic between the two arms according to the adjudication committee diagnostic. Secondary endpoints will be the comparison between the two groups for diagnostic delay, duration of ED stay, diagnostic performances for non-specific abdominal pain and hospitalization rate. The primary endpoint will be compared between the two groups using a mixed model taking into account the recruiting centre. Delays will be compared by a mixed linear generalized model. Diagnostic performances will be estimated with their 95% confidence intervals. For a correct diagnostic rate of 57% in the control group and 74% in the intervention group with a 0.05 alpha risk and a 80% power, 244 patients will be required. Discussion POCUS diagnostic abilities have been mainly demonstrated in monocentric studies but the level of evidence of its diagnostic efficacy remains controversial in particular in Europe. The aim of this study is to address this question with a rigorous methodology. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04912206. Registered on June 3, 2021.
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Yamane F, Ohta R, Sano C. Left Lower Abdominal Pain as an Initial Symptom of Multiple Myeloma. Cureus 2021; 13:e20652. [PMID: 35103208 PMCID: PMC8783953 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20652] [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] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma can present with various general symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and night sweats. Bone pain can occur in the pelvic and vertebral bones. However, there are a few reports of abdominal pain as an initial symptom of multiple myeloma. Here, we report the case of a 73-year-old male patient with a chief complaint of acute left lower abdominal pain. The abdominal physical findings were unremarkable. The pain was considered as referred pain, but there was no pain in response to a knock on the back. Further investigation using enhanced abdominal CT revealed a lesion in the left vertebral arch of the 10th thoracic vertebra. Bone marrow biopsy led to a diagnosis of IgA-type multiple myeloma. This case shows that abdominal pain could indicate vertebral lesions, and even without back pain, the condition of the vertebral arches should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chiaki Sano
- Community Medicine Management, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, JPN
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Indications for Emergency Abdominal Surgeries in Older Patients: 7-Year Experience of a Single Centre. Indian J Surg 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12262-020-02203-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe majority of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy are older adults that carry the highest mortality. More research into the development of targeted interventions is required. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyse the indications for emergency abdominal surgery in patients aged ≥ 65 admitted to the Department of General Surgery. The study included consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 who underwent emergency abdominal surgery within 48 h after admission at one institution. In 2010–2017, 986 patients were enrolled in the study (female 57%, male 43%). Patients were divided into three age groups, 65–70, 71–84 and ≥ 85, with 255 patients (25.9%), 562 patients (57.0%) and 169 patients (17.1%) in each group, respectively. In the first and second age groups, the most common indications for surgery were acute cholecystitis, non-malignant ileus, colorectal cancer complications and acute appendicitis. In the oldest patients, the most common indications were complications of colorectal cancer, acute cholecystitis, non-malignant ileus and complications of diverticulosis. In the women, the biggest differences in indications between age groups were colorectal cancer (p = 0.025) and peptic ulcer disease complications (p = 0.005); in the men, the biggest difference was seen for complicated diverticulitis (p = 0.001). The most frequent comorbidities were heart diseases (81.0%), followed by endocrine (33.6%) and vascular diseases (22.7%). The three most common indications for emergency surgery in older patients at our institution were acute cholecystitis, colorectal cancer complications and non-malignant bowel obstruction, affecting 59.5% of this group of patients. Elective surgery and endoscopic screening have the potential to prevent major part of these acute diseases. However, further prospective research is necessary on this field, particularly among frail, older patients.
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Dewar ZE, Kirchner HL, Rittenberger JC. Risk factors for unplanned ICU admission after emergency department holding orders. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2020; 1:1623-1629. [PMID: 33392571 PMCID: PMC7771770 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY HYPOTHESIS Emergency department (ED) holding orders are used in an effort to streamline patient flow. Little research exists on the safety of this practice. Here, we report on prevalence and risk factors for upgrade of medical admissions to ICU for whom holding orders were written. METHODS Retrospective review of holding order admissions through our ED for years 2013-2018. Pregnancy, prisoner, pediatric, surgical, and ICU admissions were excluded, as were transfers from other hospitals. Risk factors of interest included vital signs, physiologic data, laboratory markers, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), Quick SOFA (qSOFA), modified early warning (MEWS) scores, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Primary outcome was ICU transfer within 24 hours of admission. Analysis was completed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Between 2013 and 2018, the ED had 203,374 visits. Approximately 20% (N = 54,915) were admitted, 23% of whom had holding orders (N = 12,680). A minority of those with a holding order were transferred to the ICU within 24 hours (N = 79; 0.62%). Those transferred to ICU had increased heart and respiratory rate, P/F ratio, and increased oxygen need. They also had higher MEWS, quick SOFA (qSOFA), and SOFA scores. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated a significant association between ICU admission and FiO2 (odds ratio [OR] 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25-1.74), MEWS (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.14-1.52), SOFA Score (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.05-1.35), and gastrointestinal (OR 3.25; 95% CI: 1.50-7.03) or other combined diagnosis (OR 2.19; CI: 1.07-4.48) (P = 0.0017). CONCLUSION Holding orders are used for >20% of all admissions and <1% of those admissions required transfer to ICU within 24 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary E. Dewar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medicine ResidencyGuthrie/Robert Packer HospitalSayrePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - H. Lester Kirchner
- Department of Population Health SciencesGeisinger ClinicSayrePennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jon C. Rittenberger
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medicine ResidencyGuthrie/Robert Packer HospitalSayrePennsylvaniaUSA
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Arteaga Perlata V, de la Plaza Llamas R, Ramia Ángel J. Dolor abdominal agudo. MEDICINE - PROGRAMA DE FORMACIÓN MÉDICA CONTINUADA ACREDITADO 2019; 12:5100-5108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.med.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2025]
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12
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Abdolrazaghnejad A, Rajabpour-Sanati A, Rastegari-Najafabadi H, Ziaei M, Pakniyat A. The Role of Ultrasonography in Patients Referring to the Emergency Department with Acute Abdominal Pain. ADVANCED JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2019; 3:e43. [PMID: 31633098 PMCID: PMC6789065 DOI: 10.22114/ajem.v0i0.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Acute abdominal pain is a common clinical problem in emergency and non-emergency cases accounting for 5 to 10% of all referrals to the emergency department. Studies have indicated that these widely differentiated diagnoses are common to these complaints. Considering the high prevalence of this complaint in the patients and the wide range of its differential diagnosis, this review study was designed and evaluated aiming at investigating the causes of acute abdominal pain with a focus on assessing the position of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in the emergency department. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION This article was conducted as a narrative review of selected articles from 2005 through 2019. By comparing them, a comprehensive review of ultrasound role was conducted in patients with acute abdominal pain referring to the emergency department. RESULTS In this review study, we attempted to use the articles of the clinical approach, the required laboratory tests, the disadvantages and advantages of each imaging technique, the differential diagnosis for acute abdominal pain according to the location of the pain, and the position of ultrasound as a diagnostic aid tool. Eventually, the proposed protrusion will be considered in dealing with a patient with acute abdominal pain. CONCLUSION Regarding the wide range of causes providing multiple differential diagnosis, as well as the limited time of the health team in the emergency department for diagnostic and therapeutic measures, particularly in time-sensitive clinical conditions, ultrasound offered by emergency medicine specialists as a diagnostic aid is considered to improve the overall diagnosis and treatment of patients, thereby reducing complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abdolrazaghnejad
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Khatam-Al-Anbia Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | | | - Hojjat Rastegari-Najafabadi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Khatam-Al-Anbia Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Maryam Ziaei
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Khatam-Al-Anbia Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Abdolghader Pakniyat
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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de Burlet KJ, Lam ABM, Harper SJ, Larsen PD, Dennett ER. Can Surgical Registrars Accurately Identify the Urgent from the Non-Urgent Patient Presenting with Acute Abdominal Pain? Eur Surg Res 2019; 60:24-30. [PMID: 30726832 DOI: 10.1159/000496021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute abdominal pain is a common surgical presentation with a wide range of causes. Differentiating urgent patients from non-urgent patients is important to optimise patient outcomes and the use of hospital resources. The aim of this study was to determine how accurately urgent and non-urgent patients presenting with abdominal pain can be identified. METHODS A prospective study of consecutive patients admitted with abdominal pain was undertaken. Urgent patients were classified as requiring treatment (theatre, intensive care unit, endoscopy, or radiologic drainage) within 24 h. Differentiation between urgent and non-urgent was made on the basis of the initial assessment prior to the use of advanced imaging. Outcomes were compared to a final classification based on final diagnosis as adjudicated by an expert panel. RESULTS Of the 301 patients included, 93 (30.9%) were deemed urgent based on initial assessment, compared to 83 (27.6%) on final diagnosis. Overall sensitivity for recognising urgent patients was 74.7% and specificity 89.9%, and overall accuracy was higher for senior registrars compared to junior registrars (p = 0.015). Urgent patients more often looked unwell or had peritonism on examination (39.8 vs. 17.4% and 56.6 vs. 14.7%, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS Registrars can accurately differentiate urgent from non-urgent patients with acute abdominal pain in the majority of cases. Accuracy was higher amongst senior registrars. The "end-of-the-bed-o-gram" and clinical examination are the most important features used for making this differentiation. This demonstrates that there is no substitute for exposure to acute presentations to improve a trainee's diagnostic skill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten J de Burlet
- Department of General Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand, .,Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand,
| | - Anna B M Lam
- Department of General Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Simon J Harper
- Department of General Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Peter D Larsen
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth R Dennett
- Department of General Surgery, Wellington Regional Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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14
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Pace M, Pace F. Abdominal Pain: Clinical Features. PAIN IMAGING 2019:221-228. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-99822-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2025]
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15
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Cortellaro F, Perani C, Guarnieri L, Ferrari L, Cazzaniga M, Maconi G, Wu MA, Aseni P. Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Acute Abdominal Pain. OPERATIVE TECHNIQUES AND RECENT ADVANCES IN ACUTE CARE AND EMERGENCY SURGERY 2019:383-401. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-95114-0_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025]
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16
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Gustafsson C, Lindelius A, Törngren S, Järnbert-Pettersson H, Sondén A. Surgeon-Performed Ultrasound in Diagnosing Acute Cholecystitis and Appendicitis. World J Surg 2018; 42:3551-3559. [PMID: 29882098 PMCID: PMC6182762 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-018-4673-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of ultrasound (US) outside the radiology department has increased the last decades, but large studies assessing the quality of bedside US are still lacking. This study evaluates surgeon-performed US (SPUS) and radiologist-performed US (RPUS) with respect to biliary disease and appendicitis. METHODS Between October 2011 and November 2012, 300 adult patients, with a referral for an abdominal US, were prospectively enrolled in the study and examined by a radiologist as well as a surgeon. The surgeons had undergone a 4-week-long US education. US findings of the surgeon and of the radiologist were compared to final diagnosis, set by an independent external observer going through each patient's chart. RESULTS Among 183 patients with suspected biliary disease, 74 had gallstones and 21 had acute cholecystitis. SPUS and RPUS diagnosed gallstones with a sensitivity of 87.1 versus 97.3%. Specificity was 96.0 versus 98.9%, and the accuracy 92.3 versus 98.2%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for acute cholecystitis by SPUS and RPUS were: 60.0 versus 80.0%, 98.6 versus 97.8% and 93.9 versus 95.6%, respectively. Among 58 patients with suspected appendicitis, 15 had the disease. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for appendicitis by SPUS and RPUS were: 53.3 versus 73.3%, 89.7 versus 93.3% and 77.3 versus 86.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION SPUS is reliable in diagnosing gallstones. Diagnosing cholecystitis and appendicitis with US is more challenging for both surgeons and radiologists. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov. Registration number: NCT02469935.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Gustafsson
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Department of Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset (Stockholm South General Hospital), Sjukhusbacken 10, 118 83 Stockholm, Sweden
- Saltsjö-Boo, Sweden
| | - Anna Lindelius
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Department of Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset (Stockholm South General Hospital), Sjukhusbacken 10, 118 83 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Staffan Törngren
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Järnbert-Pettersson
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Sondén
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Department of Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Södersjukhuset (Stockholm South General Hospital), Sjukhusbacken 10, 118 83 Stockholm, Sweden
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Hijaz NM, Friesen CA. Managing acute abdominal pain in pediatric patients: current perspectives. PEDIATRIC HEALTH MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS 2017; 8:83-91. [PMID: 29388612 PMCID: PMC5774593 DOI: 10.2147/phmt.s120156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Acute abdominal pain in pediatric patients has been a challenge for providers because of the nonspecific nature of symptoms and difficulty in the assessment and physical examination in children. Although most children with acute abdominal pain have self-limited benign conditions, pain may be a manifestation of an urgent surgical or medical condition where the biggest challenge is making a timely diagnosis so that appropriate treatment can be initiated without any diagnostic delays that increase morbidity. This is weighed against the need to decrease radiation exposure and avoid unnecessary operations. Across all age groups, there are numerous conditions that present with abdominal pain ranging from a very simple viral illness to a life-threatening surgical condition. It is proposed that the history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies should initially be directed at differentiating surgical versus nonsurgical conditions both categorized as urgent versus nonurgent. The features of the history including patient’s age, physical examination focused toward serious conditions, and appropriate tests are highlighted in the context of making these differentiations. Initial testing and management is also discussed with an emphasis on making use of surgeon and radiologist consultation and the need for adequate follow-up and reevaluation of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia M Hijaz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Craig A Friesen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Since acute abdomen requires accurate diagnosis and treatment within a particular time limit to prevent mortality, the Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine in collaboration with four other medical societies launched the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen that were the first English guidelines in the world for the management of acute abdomen. Here we provide the highlights of these guidelines [all clinical questions (CQs) and recommendations are shown in supplementary information]. METHODS A systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for epidemiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and primary treatment for acute abdomen was performed to develop the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. Because many types of pathophysiological events underlie acute abdomen, these guidelines cover the primary care of adult patients with nontraumatic acute abdomen. RESULTS A total of 108 questions based on 9 subject areas were used to compile 113 recommendations. The subject areas included definition, epidemiology, history taking, physical examination, laboratory test, imaging studies, differential diagnosis, initial treatment, and education. Japanese medical circumstances were considered for grading the recommendations to assure useful information. The two-step methods for the initial management of acute abdomen were proposed. Early use of transfusion and analgesia, particularly intravenous acetaminophen, were recommended. CONCLUSIONS The Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015 have been prepared as the first evidence-based guidelines for the management of acute abdomen. We hope that these guidelines contribute to clinical practice and improve the primary care and prognosis of patients with acute abdomen.
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Cervellin G, Mora R, Ticinesi A, Meschi T, Comelli I, Catena F, Lippi G. Epidemiology and outcomes of acute abdominal pain in a large urban Emergency Department: retrospective analysis of 5,340 cases. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 4:362. [PMID: 27826565 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2016.09.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute abdominal pain (AAP) accounts for 7-10% of all Emergency Department (ED) visits. Nevertheless, the epidemiology of AAP in the ED is scarcely known. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology and the outcomes of AAP in an adult population admitted to an urban ED. METHODS We made a retrospective analysis of all records of ED visits for AAP during the year 2014. All the patients with repeated ED admissions for AAP within 5 and 30 days were scrutinized. Five thousand three hundred and forty cases of AAP were analyzed. RESULTS The mean age was 49 years. The most frequent causes were nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) (31.46%), and renal colic (31.18%). Biliary colic/cholecystitis, and diverticulitis were more prevalent in patients aged >65 years (13.17% vs. 5.95%, and 7.28% vs. 2.47%, respectively). Appendicitis (i.e., 4.54% vs. 1.47%) and renal colic (34.48% vs. 20.84%) were more frequent in patients aged <65 years. NSAP was the most common cause in both age classes. Renal colic was the most frequent cause of ED admission in men, whereas NSAP was more prevalent in women. Urinary tract infection was higher in women. Overall, 885 patients (16.57%) were hospitalized. Four hundred and eighty-five patients had repeated ED visits throughout the study period. Among these, 302 patients (6.46%) were readmitted within 30 days, whereas 187 patients (3.82%) were readmitted within 5 days. Renal colic was the first cause for ED readmission, followed by NSAP. In 13 cases readmitted to the ED within 5 days, and in 16 cases readmitted between 5-30 days the diagnosis was changed. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that AAP represented 5.76% of total ED visits. Two conditions (i.e., NSAP and renal colic) represented >60% of all causes. A large use of active clinical observations during ED stay (52% of our patients) lead to a negligible percentage of changing diagnosis at the second visit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Riccardo Mora
- Postgraduate Emergency Medicine School, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Ticinesi
- Postgraduate Emergency Medicine School, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tiziana Meschi
- Postgraduate Emergency Medicine School, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ivan Comelli
- Emergency Department, Academic Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Fausto Catena
- Emergency and Trauma Surgery, Academic Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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20
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Diagnostic accuracy of surgeons and trainees in assessment of patients with acute abdominal pain. Br J Surg 2016; 103:1343-9. [PMID: 27465409 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.10232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic accuracy in the assessment of patients with acute abdominal pain in the emergency ward is not adequate. It has been argued that this is because the investigations are carried out predominantly by a trainee. Resource utilization could be lowered if surgeons had a higher initial diagnostic accuracy. METHODS Patients with acute abdominal pain were included in a prospective cohort study. A surgical trainee and a surgeon made independent assessments in the emergency department, recording the clinical diagnosis and proposed diagnostic investigations. A reference standard diagnosis was established by an expert panel, and the proportion of correct diagnoses was calculated. Diagnostic accuracy was expressed in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Interobserver agreement for the diagnosis and elements of history-taking and physical examination were expressed by means of Cohen's κ. Certainty of diagnosis was recorded using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS A trainee and a surgeon independently assessed 126 patients. Trainees made a correct diagnosis in 44·4 per cent of patients and surgeons in 42·9 per cent (P = 0·839). Surgeons, however, recorded a higher level of diagnostic certainty. Diagnostic accuracy was comparable in distinguishing urgent from non-urgent diagnoses, and for the most common diseases. Interobserver agreement for the clinical diagnosis varied from fair to moderate (κ = 0·28-0·57). CONCLUSION The diagnostic accuracy of the initial clinical assessment is not improved when a surgeon rather than a surgical trainee assesses a patient with abdominal pain in the emergency department.
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21
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Thornton GCD, Goldacre MJ, Goldacre R, Howarth LJ. Diagnostic outcomes following childhood non-specific abdominal pain: a record-linkage study. Arch Dis Child 2016. [PMID: 26220924 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-308198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP) is the most common diagnosis on discharge following admission for abdominal pain in childhood. Our aim was to determine the risk of subsequent hospital diagnosis of organic and functional gastroenterological conditions following a diagnosis of NSAP, and to assess the persistence of this risk. METHODS An NSAP cohort of 268,623 children aged 0-16 years was constructed from linked English Hospital Episode Statistics from 1999 to 2011. The control cohort (1,684,923 children, 0-16 years old) comprised children hospitalised with unrelated conditions. Clinically relevant outcomes were selected and standardised rate ratios were calculated. RESULTS From the NSAP cohort, 15,515 (5.8%) were later hospitalised with bowel pathology and 13,301 (5%) with a specific functional disorder. Notably, there was a 4.84 (95% CI 4.45 to 5.27) times greater risk of Crohn's disease following NSAP and a 4.23 (4.13 to 4.33) greater risk of acute appendicitis than in the control cohort. The risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was 7.22 (6.65 to 7.85) times greater following NSAP. The risks of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), IBS and functional disorder (unspecified) were significantly increased in all age groups except <2-year-olds. The risk of underlying bowel pathology remained raised up to 10 years after first diagnosis with NSAP. CONCLUSIONS Only a small proportion of those with NSAP go on to be hospitalised with underlying bowel pathology. However, their risk is increased even at 10 years after the first hospital admission with NSAP. Diagnostic strategies need to be assessed and refined and active surveillance employed for children with NSAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C D Thornton
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - M J Goldacre
- Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R Goldacre
- Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - L J Howarth
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford, UK
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Mayumi T, Yoshida M, Tazuma S, Furukawa A, Nishii O, Shigematsu K, Azuhata T, Itakura A, Kamei S, Kondo H, Maeda S, Mihara H, Mizooka M, Nishidate T, Obara H, Sato N, Takayama Y, Tsujikawa T, Fujii T, Miyata T, Maruyama I, Honda H, Hirata K. The Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. J Gen Fam Med 2016. [DOI: 10.14442/jgfm.17.1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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23
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Mayumi T, Yoshida M, Tazuma S, Furukawa A, Nishii O, Shigematsu K, Azuhata T, Itakura A, Kamei S, Kondo H, Maeda S, Mihara H, Mizooka M, Nishidate T, Obara H, Sato N, Takayama Y, Tsujikawa T, Fujii T, Miyata T, Maruyama I, Honda H, Hirata K. Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. JOURNAL OF HEPATO-BILIARY-PANCREATIC SCIENCES 2015; 23:3-36. [PMID: 26692573 DOI: 10.1002/jhbp.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since acute abdomen requires accurate diagnosis and treatment within a particular time limit to prevent mortality, the Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine, in collaboration with four other medical societies, launched the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen that were the first English guidelines in the world for the management of acute abdomen. Here we provide the highlights of these guidelines (all clinical questions and recommendations were shown in supplementary information). A systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for epidemiology, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and primary treatment for acute abdomen was performed to develop the Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015. Because many types of pathophysiological events underlie acute abdomen, these guidelines cover the primary care of adult patients with nontraumatic acute abdomen. A total of 108 questions based on nine subject areas were used to compile 113 recommendations. The subject areas included definition, epidemiology, history taking, physical examination, laboratory test, imaging studies, differential diagnosis, initial treatment, and education. Japanese medical circumstances were considered for grading the recommendations to assure useful information. The two-step methods for the initial management of acute abdomen were proposed. Early use of transfusion and analgesia, particularly intravenous acetaminophen, were recommended. The Practice Guidelines for Primary Care of Acute Abdomen 2015 have been prepared as the first evidence-based guidelines for the management of acute abdomen. We hope that these guidelines contribute to clinical practice and improve the primary care and prognosis of patients with acute abdomen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Mayumi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yoshida
- Department of Hemodialysis and Surgery, Chemotherapy Research Institute, International University of Health and Welfare, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Susumu Tazuma
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akira Furukawa
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Nishii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Mizonokuchi, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Shigematsu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, Mita Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Azuhata
- Division of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Acute Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Itakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Kamei
- Department of Radiology, The Aichi Prefectural Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives for Health and Welfare Kainan Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kondo
- Department of Radiology, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Maeda
- Emergency Department, Fukui Prefectural Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mihara
- Center for Medical Education, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Masafumi Mizooka
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Nishidate
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Obara
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Sato
- Department of Primary Care and Emergency Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuichi Takayama
- Department of Surgery, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Tsujikawa
- Comprehensive Internal Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Fujii
- Chairperson of the Executive Board, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Miyata
- President, Japanese Society for Vascular Surgery, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Koichi Hirata
- President, Japanese Society for Abdominal Emergency Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Atema JJ, Gans SL, Beenen LF, Toorenvliet BR, Laurell H, Stoker J, Boermeester MA. Accuracy of White Blood Cell Count and C-reactive Protein Levels Related to Duration of Symptoms in Patients Suspected of Acute Appendicitis. Acad Emerg Med 2015; 22:1015-24. [PMID: 26291309 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Low levels of white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been suggested to sufficiently rule out acute appendicitis. The diagnostic value of these tests is likely to depend on the duration of complaints. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of these inflammatory markers in relation to duration of symptoms in patients suspected of acute appendicitis. METHODS Patients suspected of having acute appendicitis were retrospectively selected from five prospective cohorts of patients with acute abdominal pain presenting at the emergency department (ED) in two European countries. Only adult patients with clinical suspicion of acute appendicitis based on medical history, physical examination, and laboratory studies at the time of registration in the original cohorts were included in this analysis. WBC count and CRP level were determined in all patients and a final diagnosis was assigned to every patient by an expert panel based on all available clinical data and follow-up. For categories based on symptom duration, the diagnostic accuracy of single and combined cutoff values was determined, and negative predictive values (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV) were calculated. Subgroup analyses for age (<40 years or ≥40 years) and sex were performed. RESULTS A total of 1,024 patients with clinically suspected acute appendicitis were included, of whom 580 (57%) were assigned a final diagnosis of appendicitis. No value of WBC count, CRP level, or their combination resulted in a NPV of more than 90%, regardless of the duration of symptoms. A WBC count of >20 × 10(9) /L in combination with symptoms for more than 48 hours was associated with a PPV of 100%. However, only eight of the 1,024 patients (1%) fulfilled these criteria, limiting the clinical applicability. No other cutoff level of WBC count, CRP level, or their combination resulted in a PPV of more than 80%, regardless of the duration of symptoms. In female patients, normal levels of CRP and WBC count more accurately excluded the diagnosis of appendicitis than normal levels did in male patients. CONCLUSIONS No WBC count or CRP level can safely and sufficiently confirm or exclude the suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis in patients who present with abdominal pain of 5 days or less in duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper J. Atema
- Department of Surgery; Academic Medical Centre; Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - Sarah L. Gans
- Department of Surgery; Academic Medical Centre; Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - Ludo F. Beenen
- Department of Radiology; Academic Medical Centre; Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jaap Stoker
- Department of Radiology; Academic Medical Centre; Amsterdam the Netherlands
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Gans SL, Atema JJ, Stoker J, Toorenvliet BR, Laurell H, Boermeester MA. C-reactive protein and white blood cell count as triage test between urgent and nonurgent conditions in 2961 patients with acute abdominal pain. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e569. [PMID: 25738473 PMCID: PMC4553955 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count to discriminate between urgent and nonurgent conditions in patients with acute abdominal pain at the emergency department, thereby guiding the selection of patients for immediate diagnostic imaging.Data from 3 large published prospective cohort studies of patients with acute abdominal pain were combined in an individual patient data meta-analysis. CRP levels and WBC counts were compared between patients with urgent and nonurgent final diagnoses. Parameters of diagnostic accuracy were calculated for clinically applicable cutoff values of CRP levels and WBC count, and for combinations.A total of 2961 patients were included of which 1352 patients (45.6%) had an urgent final diagnosis. The median WBC count and CRP levels were significantly higher in the urgent group than in the nonurgent group (12.8 ×10/L; interquartile range [IQR] 9.9-16) versus (9.3 ×10/L; IQR 7.2-12.1) and (46 mg/L; IQR 12-100 versus 10 mg/L; IQR 7-26) (P < 0.001).The highest positive predictive value (PPV) (85.5%) and lowest false positives (14.5%) were reached when cutoff values of CRP level >50 mg/L and WBC count >15 ×10/L were combined; however, 85.3% of urgent cases was missed.A high CRP level (>50 mg/L) combined with a high WBC count (>15 ×10/L) leads to the highest PPV. However, this applies only to a small subgroup of patients (8.7%). Overall, CRP levels and WBC count are insufficient markers to be used as a triage test in the selection for diagnostic imaging, even with a longer duration of complaints (>48 hours).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Gans
- From the Department of Surgery (SLG, JJA, MAB); Department of Radiology(JS), Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam; Department of Surgery (BRT), Ikazia Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; and Department of Surgery (HL), Mora Hospital, Mora, Sweden
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Gans SL, Pols MA, Stoker J, Boermeester MA. Guideline for the diagnostic pathway in patients with acute abdominal pain. Dig Surg 2015; 32:23-31. [PMID: 25659265 DOI: 10.1159/000371583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diagnostic practice for acute abdominal pain at the Emergency Department varies widely and is mostly based on doctor's preferences. We aimed at developing an evidence-based guideline for the diagnostic pathway of patients with abdominal pain of non-traumatic origin. METHODS All available international literature on patients with acute abdominal pain was identified and graded according to their methodological quality by members of the multidisciplinary steering group. A guideline was synthetized, providing evidence-based recommendations together with considerations based on expertise of group members, patient preferences, costs, availability of facilities, and organizational aspects. DEFINITION Uniform terminology is needed in patients with acute abdominal pain to avoid difficulty in interpretation and ease comparison of findings between studies. We propose the use of the following definition for acute abdominal pain: pain of nontraumatic origin with a maximum duration of 5 days. Clinical diagnosis: Clinical evaluation is advised to differentiate between urgent and nonurgent causes. The diagnostic accuracy of clinical assessment is insufficient to identify the correct diagnosis but can discriminate between urgent and nonurgent causes. Patients suspected of nonurgent diagnoses can safely be reevaluated the next day. Based on current literature, no conclusions can be drawn on the differences in accuracy between residents and specialists. No conclusions can be drawn on the influence of a gynecological consultation. In patients suspected of an urgent condition, additional imaging is justified. CRP and WBC count alone are insufficient to discriminate urgent from nonurgent diagnoses. Diagnostic imaging: There is no place for conventional radiography in the work-up of patients with acute abdominal pain due to the lack of added value on top of clinical assessment. Computed tomography leads to the highest sensitivity and specificity in patients with acute abdominal pain. Positive predictive value of ultrasound is comparable with CT and therefore preferred as the first imaging modality due to the downsides of computed tomography; negative or inconclusive ultrasound is followed by CT. Based on current literature, no conclusions can be drawn on the added value of a diagnostic laparoscopy in the work-up of patients with acute abdominal pain. Antibiotic treatment should be started within the first hour after recognition of sepsis. Administration of opioids (analgesics) decreases the intensity of the pain and does not affect the accuracy of physical examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Gans
- Department of Surgery, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ilves I, Fagerström A, Herzig KH, Juvonen P, Miettinen P, Paajanen H. Seasonal variations of acute appendicitis and nonspecific abdominal pain in Finland. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:4037-4042. [PMID: 24833844 PMCID: PMC3983460 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i14.4037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate whether seasonal changes had an effect on the incidence of acute appendicitis (AA) or nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP).
METHODS: We carried out a national register study of all patients with a hospital discharge diagnosis of AA and acute NSAP in Finland. Data were analyzed for the whole country and correlated to seasonal and weather parameters (temperature, humidity). Moreover, additional sub-analyses were performed for five geographically different area of Finland.
RESULTS: The observation period spanned 21 years, with 186558 appendectomies, of which 137528 (74%) cases were reported as AA. The incidence of AA declined for 32% over the study period. The average incidence of the NSAP was 34/10000 per year. The mean annual temperature, but not relative humidity, showed clear geographical variations. The incidence of AA decreased significantly during the cold months of the year. No correlation was detected between temperature and incidence of NSAP. Humidity had a statistically significant impact on NSAP.
CONCLUSION: The incidence of acute appendicitis is declining in Finland. We detected a clear seasonality in the incidence of AA and NSAP.
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Pappas A, Toutouni H, Gourgiotis S, Seretis C, Koukoutsis I, Chrysikos I, Gemenetzis G, Matzoukas I, Karavitis G, Lagoudianakis E. Comparative approach to non-traumatic acute abdominal pain between elderly and non-elderly in the emergency department: a study in rural Greece. J Clin Med Res 2013; 5:300-4. [PMID: 23864920 PMCID: PMC3712886 DOI: 10.4021/jocmr1424w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms that emergency department physicians encounter during their practice. The difficult task of early diagnosis and management of abdominal pain becomes more complicated when it involves elderly patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of age based differences regarding the management of acute non-traumatic abdominal pain in the Emergency Department. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 933 patients with acute non-traumatic abdominal pain in the emergency department of a regional hospital during one year period. Results There were no differences between native and foreign elder patients regarding the use of imaging studies and discharge status. Although no differences were detected regarding the clinical presentation and management within the Emergency Department, elder patients with abdominal pain had a higher likelihood of being admitted for further hospitalization and were more often submitted to diagnostic examinations. The elder group had a trend towards lower number of cases of non-specific abdominal pain in comparison with the non-elders. Between male and female elders no statistically significant differences were detected. Conclusions A thorough work-up is essential for all patients. The clinician should always be alerted, since elderly patients may require more tests and they should have a low threshold for hospital admission.
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Eskelinen M, Lipponen P. Usefulness index in nonspecific abdominal pain--an aid in the diagnosis? Scand J Gastroenterol 2012; 47:1475-9. [PMID: 23094970 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2012.733951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 1990, Lavelle and Kanagaratnam introduced Usefulness Index (UI) test for assessment of usefulness of clinical observations. Although, nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) is the most common diagnosis among secondary care patients with acute abdominal pain, the efficiency of UI test is rarely considered in NSAP. METHODS In an extension of the World Organisation of Gastro-Enterology Research Committee (OMGE) acute abdominal pain study, 1333 patients presenting with acute abdominal pain were included in the study. The clinical signs (n = 14) and tests (n = 3) in each patient were recorded in detail, using a predefined structured data collection sheet, and the collected data were compared with the final diagnoses of the patients. RESULTS The most significant clinical tests and signs of NSAP in univariate analysis were (UI = Usefulness Index and RR = risk ratio): rigidity (UI = 0.36, RR = 32.2), rebound (UI = 0.33, RR = 6.3), guarding (UI = 0.25, RR = 4.9), Murphy's positive (UI = 0.13, 8.9), bowel sounds (UI = 0.12, RR = 3.3), and renal tenderness (UI = 0.12, RR = 2.2). The sensitivity of the doctors' initial decision in detecting NSAP was 0.70 with a specificity of 0.83 and with the UI = 0.37 and RR = 11.4. CONCLUSION The patients with negative test results in rigidity, rebound, guarding, Murphy's, and bowel sounds tended to be at risk for NSAP and in these patients the UI test could be an aid for clinician to differentiate NSAP from other causes of acute abdominal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Eskelinen
- Department of Surgery, Kuopio University Hospital and School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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de Graaff LCG, van Essen M, Schipper EM, Boom H, Duschek EJJ. Unnecessary surgery for acute abdomen secondary to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use. Am J Emerg Med 2012; 30:1607-12. [PMID: 22867837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2011.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute abdominal pain is the reason for 5% to 10% of all emergency department visits. In 1 in every 9 patients, operated on for an acute abdomen, laparotomy is negative. In a minority of patients, the acute abdomen is caused by side effects of medication. We present a case of unnecessary abdominal surgery in a patient with acute abdominal pain caused by intestinal angioedema (AE), which was eventually due to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-i) use. We hope that this case report increases awareness of this underdiagnosed side effect. Emergency department physicians, surgeons, internists, and family physicians should always consider ACE-i in the differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain. Since early withdrawal of the medication causing intestinal AE can prevent further complications and, in some cases, needless surgery, we propose an altered version of the known diagnostic algorithm, in which ACE-i and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced AE is excluded at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C G de Graaff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reinier de Graaf Group of Hospitals, 2600GA Delft, The Netherlands.
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Changing incidence of acute appendicitis and nonspecific abdominal pain between 1987 and 2007 in Finland. World J Surg 2011; 35:731-8. [PMID: 21327601 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-011-0988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of acute appendicitis has declined in many countries. The aim of this study was to determine the trends in incidence of acute appendicitis (AA), appendectomies for AA, and nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) in Finland between 1987 and 2007. METHODS We carried out a national register study. Demographic features were investigated. Diagnoses and procedures were classified according to the World Health Organization International Classification of Diseases. Data were analyzed for each of all five University Hospital districts (UHD) of Finland. RESULTS During the observation period of 21 years, 186,558 appendectomies were performed in Finland, of which 137,528 (74%) cases were reported as AA. The incidence of acute appendicitis declined 32%. The diagnostic accuracy improved from 73 to 82% and was higher in men. The accuracy rate among the male patients was stable throughout the two decades; among the female patients it rose from 63 to 75%. The incidence of appendicitis was highest in patients aged 15-24 years. The average incidence of NSAP was 34/10,000/year, and it was higher in older age groups. There was a large geographical disparity in the incidence of NSAP. CONCLUSION The incidence of acute appendicitis as well as the incidence of appendectomies is declining in Finland. The incidence of the NSAP has also been declining but we did not find any correlations between the incidences of the acute appendicitis and NSAP. There were clear geographical differences in the incidence of NSAP but not in the incidence of AA.
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Patient factors influencing the effect of surgeon-performed ultrasound on the acute abdomen. Crit Ultrasound J 2011; 2:97-105. [PMID: 21290005 PMCID: PMC3015161 DOI: 10.1007/s13089-010-0040-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2010] [Accepted: 10/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the effect of surgeon-performed ultrasound on acute abdomen in specific patient subgroups regarding the diagnostic accuracy and further management. Methods Eight hundred patients attending the emergency department at Stockholm South General Hospital, Sweden, for abdominal pain, were randomized to either receive or not receive surgeon-performed ultrasound as a complement to routine management. Patients were divided into subgroups based on patient characteristics, symptoms or first preliminary diagnosis set at the emergency department before randomization. Outcomes measured were diagnostic accuracy, admission rate and requests for further examinations. Timing of surgery was evaluated for patients with peritonitis. Results Increased diagnostic accuracy was seen in patients with body mass index > 25, elevated C-reactive protein, peritonitis, age 30–59 years and/or upper abdominal pain. Decreased need for further examinations and/or fewer admissions were seen in all groups except in patients with a preliminary diagnosis of appendicitis. Among patients with non-specific abdominal pain, admission frequency was decreased with 14% when ultrasound was used (P = 0.007). Among patients with peritonitis, requiring surgery, 61% in the ultrasound group were admitted for surgery directly from the emergency department compared to 19% in the control group. Conclusion In different ways, surgeon-performed ultrasound is helpful for the majority of patients admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain. Taking into account other shown benefits and the lack of adverse effects, we find the method worth consideration for routine implementation.
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Standard outpatient re-evaluation for patients not admitted to the hospital after emergency department evaluation for acute abdominal pain. World J Surg 2011; 34:480-6. [PMID: 20049441 PMCID: PMC2816793 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-009-0334-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of standard outpatient re-evaluation for patients who are not admitted to the hospital after emergency department surgical consultation for acute abdominal pain. Methods All patients seen at the emergency department between June 2005 and July 2006 for acute abdominal pain were included in a prospective study using a structured diagnosis and management flowchart. Patients not admitted to the hospital were given appointments for re-evaluation at the outpatient clinic within 24 h. All clinical parameters, radiological results, diagnostic considerations, and management proposals were scored prospectively. Results Five-hundred patients were included in this analysis. For 148 patients (30%), the final diagnosis was different from the diagnosis after initial evaluation. Eighty-five patients (17%) had a change in management after re-evaluation, and 20 of them (4%) were admitted to the hospital for an operation. Only 6 patients (1.2%) had a delay in diagnosis and treatment, which did not cause extra morbidity. Conclusions Standard outpatient re-evaluation is a safe and effective means of improving diagnostic accuracy and helps to adapt management for patients that are not admitted to the hospital after surgical consultation for acute abdominal pain at the emergency department.
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Schildberg CW, Skibbe J, Croner R, Schellerer V, Hohenberger W, Horbach T. [Rational diagnostics of acute abdomen]. Chirurg 2010; 81:1013-9. [PMID: 20464353 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-010-1938-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In view of the threat that comes with an acute abdomen, it is of major importance that diagnostics are executed quickly and efficiently. In the course of this two tendencies can be differentiated: 1) general use of complex examination (e.g. CT, MRT) of all potential patients and 2) step-by-step-diagnostics with advanced diagnostics as and when required. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 444 patients with an acute abdomen as admission diagnosis were investigated. All data were evaluated prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. All patients had the same basic diagnostics consisting of aclinical history, clinical examination, laboratory examination, abdominal sonography and x-ray overview images. These examinations were supplemented when required by advanced measures, such as CT, colon enema with contrast fluid, endoscopic examination and diagnostic laparotomy. RESULTS Three different disease groups of unequal diagnostic need could be identified. The first group, presented in the form of an appendicitis showed that in 80% of all patients a basic diagnosis was sufficient. Advanced examination such as CT affected 14%. The negative appendectomy rate amounted to 8%. Other diseases belonging to the first group were ileus, acute biliary diseases, perforation etc. In the second group presented in the form of a diverticulitis, an advanced radiological examination was required in 84% of all cases. Similar results are also expected in cases of pancreatitis. In the third group presented in the form of coprostasis, inflammatory etiology was found in 39% of all secondary diseases. However the symptoms became clinically apparent after treatment of the coprostasis. In this group a basic diagnosis was satisfactory in 84% of cases, however, a diagnostic laparotomy was inevitable for 3% of these patients. CONCLUSION Generally step-by-step diagnostic approach has proven itself to be efficient. For 80% of all patients it makes advanced diagnostic measures unnecessary. The exceptions are diseases in which it is necessary to know not only the diagnosis but also the disease stage. In these cases (e.g. pancreatitis, diverticulitis etc.) advanced diagnostics should be pursued from the onset. The necessity of a diagnostic laparotomy has lost importance for 1% of all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Schildberg
- Viszeral- und Allgemeinchirurgie, Universität Erlangen/Nürnberg, Deutschland.
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Banz VM, Christen B, Paul K, Martinolli L, Candinas D, Zimmermann H, Exadaktylos AK. Gender, age and ethnic aspects of analgesia in acute abdominal pain: is analgesia even across the groups? Intern Med J 2010; 42:281-8. [PMID: 20492010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2010.02255.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have shown differences in pain perception between men and women, which may affect pain management strategies. AIM Our primary aim was to investigate whether there are gender-based differences in pain management in patients admitted to our emergency department with acute, non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP). Our secondary aim was to evaluate if other factors influence administration of analgesia for patients admitted with NSAP. METHODS From June 2007 to June 2008, we carried out a retrospective, gender-based, frequency-matched control study with 150 patients (75 consecutive men and 75 women) who presented with NSAP at our emergency department. Pain was documented using a numerical rating scale ('0' no pain, '10' most severe pain). A multinomial regression model was used to assess factors that might influence pain management. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was seen between men and women with respect to pain management (P= 0.085). Younger patients were, however, more likely to receive weaker (P= 0.011) and fewer analgesics (P < 0.001). Patients with previous abdominal surgery (P= 0.012), known chronic pain conditions (P= 0.029) or relevant comorbidities (P= 0.048) received stronger analgesia. Nationality (P= 0.244), employment status (P= 0.988), time of admission (P= 0.487) and known psychiatric illness (P= 0.579) did not influence pain management. CONCLUSIONS No statistically significant gender-dependent differences in pain management were observed. However, younger patients received less potent analgesic treatment. There is no reason for certain groups to receive suboptimal treatment, and greater efforts should be made to offer consistent treatment to all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Banz
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Berne University Hospital and University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
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del Arco Galán C, Parra Gordo ML, García-Casasola Sánchez G. [Imaging tests in acute abdominal pain]. Rev Clin Esp 2008; 208:520-4. [PMID: 19100135 DOI: 10.1157/13128678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Acute abdominal pain constitutes a diagnostic challenge for the physician. The list of diseases that can cause abdominal pain is very extensive. Some of these conditions may be serious and life-threatening. The medical history is fundamental for the judicious choice of the most suitable diagnostic tests. Plain abdominal x-ray has little diagnostic efficiency although it comprises the initial diagnostic test when perforation of a hollow viscus, intestinal obstruction or ingestion of a foreign body is suspected. Abdominal ultrasound is the test of choice in suspected biliary tract pathology, complicated renal colic and gynaecological disease. Abdominal computed axial tomography (CT) may be the most sensitive and specific imaging test for diagnosing most causes of abdominal pain but should be reserved for selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- C del Arco Galán
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Universitario La Princesa, Madrid, España
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Lindelius A, Törngren S, Sondén A, Pettersson H, Adami J. Impact of surgeon-performed ultrasound on diagnosis of abdominal pain. Emerg Med J 2008; 25:486-91. [PMID: 18660395 PMCID: PMC2569193 DOI: 10.1136/emj.2007.052142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: A randomised study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of surgeon-performed ultrasound in the emergency department for patients presenting with abdominal pain. Methods: Surgeons responsible for the examination of study patients underwent 4 weeks of ultrasound training. 800 patients who were attending the emergency department for abdominal pain were randomised to undergo or not undergo surgeon-performed ultrasound as a complement to standard examination. The preliminary diagnosis made by the surgeon, with or without ultrasound, was compared with the final diagnosis made by a senior surgeon 6–8 weeks later. Results: Diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher in the group examined with ultrasound (64.7% vs 56.8%, p = 0.027). Ultrasound proved to be helpful in making or confirming a correct diagnosis in 24.1% of cases receiving ultrasound and to contribute in 2.9%. In 22.3% of patients the diagnosis of non-specific pain was confirmed by normal findings. Ultrasound was misleading in 10.2% of cases and had no influence on the diagnosis in 40.0%. Conclusion: For patients with acute abdominal pain, higher diagnostic accuracy is achieved when surgeons use ultrasound as a diagnostic complement to standard examination. The use of bedside ultrasound should be considered in emergency departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lindelius
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Abbas SM, Smithers T, Truter E. What clinical and laboratory parameters determine significant intra abdominal pathology for patients assessed in hospital with acute abdominal pain? World J Emerg Surg 2007; 2:26. [PMID: 17894892 PMCID: PMC2116997 DOI: 10.1186/1749-7922-2-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2007] [Accepted: 09/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal pain is a common cause for emergency admission. While some patients have serious abdominal pathology, a significant group of those patients have no specific cause for the pain. This study was conducted to identify those who have non-specific abdominal pain who can be either admitted short term for observation or reassured and discharged for outpatient management. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective documentation of clinical and laboratory data was obtained on a consecutive cohort of 286 patients who were admitted to a surgical unit over a nine month period with symptoms of abdominal pain regarded severe enough for full assessment in the casualty department and admission to a surgical ward. The patients were followed until a definite diagnosis was made or the patient's condition and abdominal pain improved and the patient discharged. The hospital where the study took place is a small peripheral general hospital draining a population of 120,000 people in a rural area in New Zealand. RESULTS There were 286 admissions to the emergency department. Logistic regression multivariate statistical analysis showed that guarding raised white cells count, tachycardia and vomiting were the only variables associated with significant pathology. CONCLUSION Patients with no vomiting, no guarding, who have normal pulse rates and normal white cell counts are unlikely to have significant pathology requiring further active intervention either medical or surgical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh M Abbas
- Middlemore Hospital, Department of surgery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Troy Smithers
- Roturoa Hospital, Department of surgery, Rotorua, Hospital Road, New Zealand
| | - Etienne Truter
- Roturoa Hospital, Department of surgery, Rotorua, Hospital Road, New Zealand
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Sanders DS, Hopper AD, Azmy IAF, Hurlstone DP. Is there an association between adult coeliac disease and non-specific abdominal pain? Scand J Gastroenterol 2007; 42:896-7; author reply 898. [PMID: 17558916 DOI: 10.1080/00365520601154806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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