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William J, Nanayakkara S, Chieng D, Sugumar H, Ling LH, Patel H, Mariani J, Prabhu S, Kistler PM, Voskoboinik A. Predictors of pacemaker requirement in patients receiving implantable loop recorders for unexplained syncope: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:1703-1710. [PMID: 38508296 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implantable loop recorders (ILRs) are increasingly used to evaluate patients with unexplained syncope. Identification of all predictors of bradycardic syncope and consequent permanent pacemaker (PPM) insertion is of substantial clinical interest as patients in the highest risk category may benefit from upfront pacemaker insertion. OBJECTIVE We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify risk predictors for PPM insertion in ILR recipients with unexplained syncope. METHODS An electronic database search (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane) was performed in June 2023. Studies evaluating ILR recipients with unexplained syncope and recording risk factors for eventual PPM insertion were included. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) for clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics with respect to future PPM requirement. RESULTS Eight studies evaluating 1007 ILR recipients were included; 268 patients (26.6%) underwent PPM insertion during study follow-up. PPM recipients were older (mean age, 70.2 ± 15.4 years vs 61.6 ± 19.7 years; P < .001). PR prolongation on baseline electrocardiography was a significant predictor of PPM requirement (pooled OR, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.63-5.20). The presence of distal conduction system disease, encompassing any bundle branch or fascicular block, yielded a pooled OR of 2.88 for PPM insertion (95% confidence interval, 1.53-5.41). Injurious syncope and lack of syncopal prodrome were not significant predictors of PPM insertion. Sinus node dysfunction accounted for 62% of PPM insertions, whereas atrioventricular block accounted for 26%. CONCLUSION Approximately one-quarter of ILR recipients for unexplained syncope require eventual PPM insertion. Advancing age, PR prolongation, and distal conduction disease are the strongest predictors for PPM requirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy William
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shane Nanayakkara
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Chieng
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hariharan Sugumar
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Liang-Han Ling
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hitesh Patel
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Sandeep Prabhu
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter M Kistler
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aleksandr Voskoboinik
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Takase B, Ikeda T, Shimizu W, Abe H, Aiba T, Chinushi M, Koba S, Kusano K, Niwano S, Takahashi N, Takatsuki S, Tanno K, Watanabe E, Yoshioka K, Amino M, Fujino T, Iwasaki YK, Kohno R, Kinoshita T, Kurita Y, Masaki N, Murata H, Shinohara T, Yada H, Yodogawa K, Kimura T, Kurita T, Nogami A, Sumitomo N. JCS/JHRS 2022 Guideline on Diagnosis and Risk Assessment of Arrhythmia. Circ J 2024; 88:1509-1595. [PMID: 37690816 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-22-0827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Takanori Ikeda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Wataru Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nippon Medical School
| | - Haruhiko Abe
- Department of Heart Rhythm Management, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Takeshi Aiba
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Masaomi Chinushi
- School of Health Sciences, Niigata University School of Medicine
| | - Shinji Koba
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine
| | - Kengo Kusano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Shinichi Niwano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine
| | - Naohiko Takahashi
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University
| | - Seiji Takatsuki
- Department of Cardiology, Keio University School of Medicine
| | - Kaoru Tanno
- Cardiology Division, Cardiovascular Center, Showa University Koto-Toyosu Hospital
| | - Eiichi Watanabe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital
| | | | - Mari Amino
- Department of Cardiology, Tokai University School of Medicine
| | - Tadashi Fujino
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Yu-Ki Iwasaki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nippon Medical School
| | - Ritsuko Kohno
- Department of Heart Rhythm Management, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Toshio Kinoshita
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Yasuo Kurita
- Cardiovascular Center, International University of Health and Welfare, Mita Hospital
| | - Nobuyuki Masaki
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, National Defense Medical College
| | | | - Tetsuji Shinohara
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University
| | - Hirotaka Yada
- Department of Cardiology, International University of Health and Welfare, Mita Hospital
| | - Kenji Yodogawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nippon Medical School
| | - Takeshi Kimura
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine
| | | | - Akihiko Nogami
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
| | - Naokata Sumitomo
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center
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Leafloor CW, McRae AD, Mercier E, Yan JW, Huang P, Mukarram M, Rowe BH, Ishimwe AC, Hegdekar M, Sivilotti MLA, Taljaard M, Nemnom MJ, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V. Utility of serial troponin testing for emergency department patients with syncope. CAN J EMERG MED 2024; 26:535-542. [PMID: 39095575 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-024-00740-1] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For emergency department (ED) patients with syncope, cardiac troponin can identify acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and prognosticate for 30-day serious adverse events. However, it is unclear if serial testing improves diagnostic yield and prognostication. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of data from two prospective studies conducted to develop the Canadian Syncope Risk Score. Adults (age ≥ 16 years) with syncope were enrolled, and patient characteristics, vital signs, physician diagnostic impression, electrocardiogram and troponin results, and adjudicated 30-day serious adverse event were collected. The primary outcome was the detection of a serious adverse event within 30 days of ED disposition. The secondary outcome was comparison of ED length of stay among patients with single versus serial troponin measurements. RESULTS 4996 patients [mean age 64.5 (SD 18.8) years, 52.2% male] were included: 4397 (89.8%) with single troponin [232 (5.3%) with serious adverse event in the ED and 203 (4.6%) after ED disposition]; 499 (10.2%) patients with > 1 troponin measurement [39 (7.8%) with serious adverse event in ED and 60 (12.0%) after ED disposition]. Among those with serial measurements, 10 patients (2.0%) had a rise from below to above the 99th percentile threshold, of whom 4 patients (0.8%) suffered serious adverse event: two with arrhythmias diagnosed on electrocardiogram, one with ACS and one suffered respiratory failure. Nine patients (1.8%) had Canadian Syncope Risk Score risk reclassification based on serial measurement, and none suffered 30-day serious adverse event. Median ED length of stay was significantly longer for patients with serial testing (5.6 vs. 3.8 h, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The initial troponin measurement was sufficient for serious adverse event detection and in-ED risk stratification. Serial troponin testing does not improve the diagnostic yield or prognostication and should be reserved for patients with ongoing symptoms or electrocardiogram findings suggestive of cardiac ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron W Leafloor
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew D McRae
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Eric Mercier
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- CHU de Québec - Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Justin W Yan
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Muhammad Mukarram
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine and School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Aline C Ishimwe
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mona Hegdekar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marco L A Sivilotti
- Departments of Emergency Medicine, and of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Monica Taljaard
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marie-Joe Nemnom
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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4
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Takase B, Ikeda T, Shimizu W, Abe H, Aiba T, Chinushi M, Koba S, Kusano K, Niwano S, Takahashi N, Takatsuki S, Tanno K, Watanabe E, Yoshioka K, Amino M, Fujino T, Iwasaki Y, Kohno R, Kinoshita T, Kurita Y, Masaki N, Murata H, Shinohara T, Yada H, Yodogawa K, Kimura T, Kurita T, Nogami A, Sumitomo N. JCS/JHRS 2022 Guideline on Diagnosis and Risk Assessment of Arrhythmia. J Arrhythm 2024; 40:655-752. [PMID: 39139890 PMCID: PMC11317726 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.13052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Takanori Ikeda
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineToho University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Wataru Shimizu
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineNippon Medical School
| | - Haruhiko Abe
- Department of Heart Rhythm ManagementUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthJapan
| | - Takeshi Aiba
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine and GeneticsNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | | | - Shinji Koba
- Division of Cardiology, Department of MedicineShowa University School of Medicine
| | - Kengo Kusano
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center
| | - Shinichi Niwano
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineKitasato University School of Medicine
| | - Naohiko Takahashi
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita University
| | | | - Kaoru Tanno
- Cardiovascular Center, Cardiology DivisionShowa University Koto‐Toyosu Hospital
| | - Eiichi Watanabe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal MedicineFujita Health University Bantane Hospital
| | | | - Mari Amino
- Department of CardiologyTokai University School of Medicine
| | - Tadashi Fujino
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineToho University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Yu‐ki Iwasaki
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineNippon Medical School
| | - Ritsuko Kohno
- Department of Heart Rhythm ManagementUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthJapan
| | - Toshio Kinoshita
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineToho University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Yasuo Kurita
- Cardiovascular Center, Mita HospitalInternational University of Health and Welfare
| | - Nobuyuki Masaki
- Department of Intensive Care MedicineNational Defense Medical College
| | | | - Tetsuji Shinohara
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Faculty of MedicineOita University
| | - Hirotaka Yada
- Department of CardiologyInternational University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital
| | - Kenji Yodogawa
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineNippon Medical School
| | - Takeshi Kimura
- Cardiovascular MedicineKyoto University Graduate School of Medicine
| | | | - Akihiko Nogami
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Tsukuba
| | - Naokata Sumitomo
- Department of Pediatric CardiologySaitama Medical University International Medical Center
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Bellini AR, Ross JT, Larson M, Pearson S, Robles AJ, Callcut RA. Do serial troponins predict the need for cardiac evaluation in trauma patients after ground-level fall? Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2024; 9:e001328. [PMID: 38831977 PMCID: PMC11146413 DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2023-001328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Troponin T levels are routinely checked in trauma patients after experiencing a ground-level fall to identify potential cardiac causes of syncope. An elevated initial troponin prompts serial testing until the level peaks. However, the high sensitivity of the test may lead to repeat testing that is of little clinical value. Here, we examine the role of serial troponins in predicting the need for further cardiac workup in trauma patients after sustaining a fall. Methods Retrospective review of all adult trauma activations for ground-level fall from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 in patients who were hemodynamically and neurologically normal at presentation. Outcomes evaluated included need for cardiology consult, admission to cardiology service, outpatient cardiology follow-up, cardiology intervention and in-hospital mortality. Results There were 1555 trauma activations for ground-level fall in the study period. The cohort included 560 patients evaluated for a possible syncopal fall, hemodynamically stable, Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, and with a troponin drawn at presentation. The initial median troponin was 20 ng/L (13-37). Second troponin values were drawn on 58% (median 33 ng/L (22-52)), with 42% of patients having an increase from first to second test. 29% of patients had a third troponin drawn (median 42 ng/L (26-67)). The initial troponin value was significantly associated with undergoing a subsequent echo (p=0.01), cardiology consult (p<0.01), admission for cardiac evaluation (p<0.01), cardiology follow-up (p<0.01), and in-hospital mortality (p=0.01); the initial troponin was not associated with cardiac intervention (p=0.91). An increase from the first to second troponin was not associated with any of outcomes of interest. Analysis was done with cut-off values of 30 ng/L, 50 ng/L, 70 ng/L, and 90 ng/L; a troponin T threshold of 19 ng/L was significant for cardiology consult (p=0.01) and cardiology follow-up (p=0.04). When the threshold was increased to 50 ng/L, it was also significant for admission for cardiac issue (p<0.01). When the threshold was increased to 90 ng/L, it was significant for the same three outcomes and in-hospital mortality (p=0.04). Conclusion The initial serum troponin has clinical value in identifying underlying cardiac disease in patients who present after ground-level fall; however, that serial testing is likely of little value. Further, using a cut-off of >50 ng/L as a threshold for further clinical evaluation would improve the utility of the test and likely reduce unnecessary hospital stays and costs for otherwise healthy patients. Level of evidence Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa R Bellini
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - James T Ross
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
- The Blood, Heart, Lung, and Immunology Research Center, Case Western Reserve University Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Madelyn Larson
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Skyler Pearson
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Anamaria J Robles
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Rachael A Callcut
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
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Tajdini M, Khalaji A, Behnoush AH, Tavolinejad H, Jalali A, Sadeghian S, Vasheghani-Farahani A, Yadangi S, Masoudkabir F, Bozorgi A. Brain MRI and EEG overemployment in patients with vasovagal syncope: results from a tertiary syncope unit. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:576. [PMID: 37990291 PMCID: PMC10664686 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03615-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of vasovagal syncope (VVS) is mainly based on history-taking and physical examination. However, brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Electroencephalogram (EEG) are commonly used in the diagnostic course of VVS, despite not being indicated in the guidelines. This study aims to find the possible associated factors with the administration of brain MRI and EEG in patients with VVS. METHODS Patients with a diagnosis of VVS from 2017 to 2022 were included. Several demographic and syncope features were recorded. The association of these was assessed with undergoing MRI, EEG, and either MRI or EEG. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were also used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS A total of 1882 patients with VVS were analyzed, among which 810 underwent MRI (43.04%), 985 underwent EEG (52.34%), and 1166 underwent MRI or EEG (61.96%). Head trauma (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.80), previous neurologist visit (OR 6.28, 95% CI 4.24 to 9.64), and gaze disturbance during syncope (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.78) were all positively associated to the performance of brain MRI/EEG. Similar results were found for urinary incontinence (OR 2.415, 95% CI 1.494 to 4.055), amnesia (OR 1.421, 95% CI 1.053 to 1.930), headache after syncope (OR 1.321, 95% CI 1.046 to 1.672), and tonic-clonic movements in head-up tilt table test (OR 1.501, 95% CI 1.087 to 2.093). However, male sex (OR 0.655, 95% CI 0.535 to 0.800) and chest pain before syncope (OR 0.628, 95% CI 0.459 to 0.860) had significant negative associations with performing brain MRI/EEG. CONCLUSION Based on our findings, performing MRI or EEG was common among VVS patients while it is not indicated in the majority of cases. This should be taken into consideration to prevent inappropriate MRI/EEG when there is a typical history compatible with VVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masih Tajdini
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirmohammad Khalaji
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Poursina St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 1416634793, Iran.
| | - Amir Hossein Behnoush
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Poursina St., Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 1416634793, Iran
| | - Hamed Tavolinejad
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Jalali
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Sadeghian
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Vasheghani-Farahani
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Yadangi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Masoudkabir
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Bozorgi
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cardiac Primary Prevention Research Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Joglar JA, Kapa S, Saarel EV, Dubin AM, Gorenek B, Hameed AB, Lara de Melo S, Leal MA, Mondésert B, Pacheco LD, Robinson MR, Sarkozy A, Silversides CK, Spears D, Srinivas SK, Strasburger JF, Tedrow UB, Wright JM, Zelop CM, Zentner D. 2023 HRS expert consensus statement on the management of arrhythmias during pregnancy. Heart Rhythm 2023; 20:e175-e264. [PMID: 37211147 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This international multidisciplinary expert consensus statement is intended to provide comprehensive guidance that can be referenced at the point of care to cardiac electrophysiologists, cardiologists, and other health care professionals, on the management of cardiac arrhythmias in pregnant patients and in fetuses. This document covers general concepts related to arrhythmias, including both brady- and tachyarrhythmias, in both the patient and the fetus during pregnancy. Recommendations are provided for optimal approaches to diagnosis and evaluation of arrhythmias; selection of invasive and noninvasive options for treatment of arrhythmias; and disease- and patient-specific considerations when risk stratifying, diagnosing, and treating arrhythmias in pregnant patients and fetuses. Gaps in knowledge and new directions for future research are also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Joglar
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Elizabeth V Saarel
- St. Luke's Health System, Boise, Idaho, and Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Luis D Pacheco
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
| | | | - Andrea Sarkozy
- University Hospital of Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Danna Spears
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sindhu K Srinivas
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Carolyn M Zelop
- The Valley Health System, Ridgewood, New Jersey; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
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8
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Gier C, Shapero K, Lynch M, Spatz ES, Young L, Arlis-Mayor S, Lampert R. Exertional Syncope in College Varsity Athletes. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:1596-1597. [PMID: 37227356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
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de Jong JSY, van Zanten S, Thijs RD, van Rossum IA, Harms MPM, de Groot JR, Sutton R, de Lange FJ. Syncope Diagnosis at Referral to a Tertiary Syncope Unit: An in-Depth Analysis of the FAST II. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2562. [PMID: 37048646 PMCID: PMC10095278 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A substantial number of patients with a transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC) are referred to a tertiary syncope unit without a diagnosis. This study investigates the final diagnoses reached in patients who, on referral, were undiagnosed or inaccurately diagnosed in secondary care. METHODS This study is an in-depth analysis of the recently published Fainting Assessment Study II, a prospective cohort study in a tertiary syncope unit. The diagnosis at the tertiary syncope unit was established after history taking (phase 1), following autonomic function tests (phase 2), and confirming after critical follow-up of 1.5-2 years, with the adjudicated diagnosis (phase 3) by a multidisciplinary committee. Diagnoses suggested by the referring physician were considered the phase 0 diagnosis. We determined the accuracy of the phase 0 diagnosis by comparing this with the phase 3 diagnosis. RESULTS 51% (134/264) of patients had no diagnosis upon referral (phase 0), the remaining 49% (130/264) carried a diagnosis, but 80% (104/130) considered their condition unexplained. Of the patients undiagnosed at referral, three major causes of T-LOC were revealed: reflex syncope (69%), initial orthostatic hypotension (20%) and psychogenic pseudosyncope (13%) (sum > 100% due to cases with multiple causes). Referral diagnoses were either inaccurate or incomplete in 65% of the patients and were mainly altered at tertiary care assessment to reflex syncope, initial orthostatic hypotension or psychogenic pseudosyncope. A diagnosis of cardiac syncope at referral proved wrong in 17/18 patients. CONCLUSIONS Syncope patients diagnosed or undiagnosed in primary and secondary care and referred to a syncope unit mostly suffer from reflex syncope, initial orthostatic hypotension or psychogenic pseudosyncope. These causes of T-LOC do not necessarily require ancillary tests, but can be diagnosed by careful history-taking. Besides access to a network of specialized syncope units, simple interventions, such as guideline-based structured evaluation, proper risk-stratification and critical follow-up may reduce diagnostic delay and improve diagnostic accuracy for syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle S. Y. de Jong
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven van Zanten
- Department of Cardiology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, 2625 AD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Roland D. Thijs
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), 2103 SW Heemstede, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ineke A. van Rossum
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark P. M. Harms
- Department of Internal and Emergency Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joris R. de Groot
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart & Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Imperial College, London SW7 6LY, UK
| | - Frederik J. de Lange
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Kavi KS, Gall NP. Trauma and syncope: looking beyond the injury. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open 2023; 8:e001036. [PMID: 36744295 PMCID: PMC9896213 DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2022-001036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background 42% of the population experience syncope by the age of 70, accounting for up to 6% of hospital admissions that frequently present as falls. The etiologies of some falls are benign, and others, such as cardiac syncope, are associated with a greater mortality and must be identified. Methods This review article aims to bridge the literature gap by providing a comprehensive practice review and critical summary of the current syncope guidance relating to the trauma patient. Results The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the American College of Cardiology, and European Society of Cardiology published syncope risk stratification guidance. The inclusion of certain high-risk features represented in all three guidelines suggests their significance to identify cardiac syncope including heart failure, abnormal vital signs, syncope during exercise with little to no prodrome, family history of sudden cardiac death, and ECG abnormalities. Of 11 syncope risk stratification scoring systems based on these guidelines, only 2 are externally validated in the emergency department, neither of which are validated for major trauma use. Adherence to thorough history-taking, examination, orthostatic blood pressure recording, and an ECG can diagnose the cause of syncope in up to 50% of patients. ECG findings are 95% to 98% sensitive in the detection of serious adverse outcomes after cardiac syncope and should form part of a standardized syncope trauma assessment. Routine blood testing in trauma is often performed despite evidence that it is neither useful nor cost effective, where the screening of cardiac enzymes and D-dimer rarely influences management. Discussion In the absence of a gold-standard clinical test to identify the cause of a syncopal episode, standardized syncope guidelines as described in this review could be incorporated into trauma protocols to analyze high-risk etiologies, improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce unnecessary investigations, and develop an effective and safer management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran S Kavi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Nicholas P Gall
- Department of Cardiology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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11
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Varade S, Ravichandran A, Rehim E, Yacoub H, Duncan R, Kincaid H, Leary MC, Castaldo J. The role of carotid ultrasound in patients with non-lateralizing neurological complaints. Hosp Pract (1995) 2023; 51:44-50. [PMID: 36325737 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2022.2144066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the United States, approximately 18-25% of carotid duplex ultrasound (CUS) studies are ordered to assess patients with non-lateralizing neurological complaints such as syncope, blurry vision, lightheadedness, headache, and altered mental status. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefit of CUS in the evaluation of patients presenting with non-lateralizing signs or symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis to assess the degree and laterality of carotid stenosis among patients with non-lateralizing neurological complaints who underwent CUS interpreted by certified vascular neurologists over a period of 3 years. The primary endpoint was to identify the prevalence of moderate-to-severe carotid artery stenosis among 280 patients who met inclusion criteria. RESULTS A total of 17.7% of CUS studies were ordered for non-lateralizing symptoms. Two hundred and sixty-one patients (93.21%) had either normal imaging or mild carotid stenosis of <50%. Nineteen patients (6.79%) were found to have stenosis of ≥50%. In this subgroup, age and known preexisting carotid artery atherosclerotic disease were the only variables found to have a statistically significant association with the level of stenosis found on CUS. Two patients with asymptomatic stenosis of >70% underwent a revascularization procedure. CONCLUSION At least 17.7% of CUS studies were completed for non-lateralizing symptoms. The study is of low-yield with the prevalence of moderate-to-severe stenosis being comparable to that in the general asymptomatic population. We conclude that there is minimal clinical value in the use of CUS to investigate non-lateralizing neurological complaints, resulting in unnecessary healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Varade
- Department of Neurology, George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Abinayaa Ravichandran
- Department of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, Allentown, PA 18103, USA
| | - Erafat Rehim
- Department of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, Allentown, PA 18103, USA
| | - Hussam Yacoub
- Department of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, Allentown, PA 18103, USA.,Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Rose Duncan
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Hope Kincaid
- Network Office of Research and Innovation, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA 18103, USA
| | - Megan C Leary
- Department of Neurology, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, Allentown, PA 18103, USA.,Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - John Castaldo
- Department of Neuroscience, The Villages Health, The Villages, FL 32163, USA
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12
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Raboud M, Humm AM, Vivekanantham H, Suter P. Transient central hypoxemia due to intermittent high-degree atrioventricular block in a heart-transplanted patient diagnosed during routine electroencephalography: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:3. [PMID: 36604735 PMCID: PMC9817384 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-022-03574-6] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bradycardia frequently occurs in heart-transplanted patients, mainly as a temporally restricted manifestation early after transplantation and often without symptoms. A high-degree atrioventricular block is mostly symptomatic through cerebral hypoxia induced through cerebral hypoperfusion. Only a few published cases show this specific electroencephalography result in this context. The purpose of this case is to bring attention to atypical manifestations of typical cardiac complications after heart transplantation and the importance of perseverance in the diagnostic. CASE PRESENTATION A Central European man in his 50s with history of heart transplantation 31 years previously was admitted to the internal medicine ward for short-lived recurrent episodes of generalized weakness with multiple falls but without loss of consciousness. During routine electroencephalography, the patient perceived this recurrent sensation. This episode coincided with a transient third-degree atrioventricular block followed 8-10 seconds later by a generalized slowing of the electroencephalography, reflecting cerebral hypoxia due to cerebral hypoperfusion. Holter monitoring confirmed the diagnosis. A pacemaker was implanted, consequently resolving the episodes. CONCLUSION This case report illustrates the pathophysiological central hypoxemic origin of episodes of generalized weakness caused by a high-degree atrioventricular block in a patient surviving 29 years after heart transplant. It highlights the benefit of electroencephalography as a diagnostic tool in well-selected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Raboud
- Department of Internal Medicine, University and Hospital of Fribourg, Chemin des Pensionnats 2-6, 1708 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Andrea M. Humm
- Neurological Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University and Hospital of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Hari Vivekanantham
- Department of Cardiology, University and Hospital of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Suter
- Department of Internal Medicine, University and Hospital of Fribourg, Chemin des Pensionnats 2-6, 1708 Fribourg, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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13
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Gabriele S, Georgiopoulos I, Labat C, Kotsani M, Gautier S, Fantin F, Benetos A. Can sitting and lying blood pressure measurements be considered interchangeable in older frail adults? Eur Geriatr Med 2022; 13:1407-1415. [PMID: 36053487 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-022-00669-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To compare blood pressure (BP) values in the lying and sitting positions, and the effect of orthostatism when moving from each of these positions to the upright position in a geriatric population with various frailty levels. METHODS In two sub-studies, we included a total of 157 consecutive patients, aged 75+ admitted to the Geriatric Department of Nancy University Hospital. BP and heart rate were sequentially measured three times in 1-min intervals each in lying, sitting and upright positions (Protocol#1, n = 107) or lying and upright positions (Protocol#2, n = 50) with an automatic validated Blood Pressure device. Patients were classified into two increasing frailty status (FS) categories: Low/Moderate (L/M-FS, n = 98) and High (H-FS, n = 59). RESULTS BP levels were similar in the lying and sitting positions (Protocol#1, SBP 141 ± 22 mmHg vs. 142 ± 21 mmHg, respectively, and DBP 72 ± 12 mmHg vs. 72 ± 12 mmHg, respectively) in both frailty groups. In the H-FS, orthostatic drop of SBP was more pronounced from the lying (22.1 ± 5.8 mmHg, Protocol#2) as compared to the sitting to upright position (9.4 ± 1.9 mmHg, Protocol#1) (p < 0.008), and the same trend was observed for DBP. No such differences were observed in the L-M/FS frailty individuals. CONCLUSIONS Orthostatic BP changes are more pronounced in the frailest patients when going from lying to the upright position than from the sitting to the upright position. Consequently, in these individuals, lying and sitting BP measurements cannot be interchangeable baseline positions to investigate orthostatic BP effects, and therefore, precise patient positioning should be specified when referring to "baseline BP measurements".
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gabriele
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, "S.M. del Carmine" Hospital, APSS, Rovereto, Italy.,Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Department of Geriatrics, FHU-CARTAGE, University Hospital of Nancy, CHRU de Nancy, 54511, Vandeoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Ioannis Georgiopoulos
- Department of Geriatrics, FHU-CARTAGE, University Hospital of Nancy, CHRU de Nancy, 54511, Vandeoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Carlos Labat
- INSERM DCAC, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Marina Kotsani
- Department of Geriatrics, FHU-CARTAGE, University Hospital of Nancy, CHRU de Nancy, 54511, Vandeoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | | | - Francesco Fantin
- Section of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Athanase Benetos
- Department of Geriatrics, FHU-CARTAGE, University Hospital of Nancy, CHRU de Nancy, 54511, Vandeoeuvre-les-Nancy, France. .,INSERM DCAC, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.
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14
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Lee JS, Khan AD, Quinn CM, Colborn K, Patel DC, Barmparas G, Margulies DR, Waller CJ, Kallies KJ, Fitzsimmons AJ, Kothari SN, Raines AR, Mahnken H, Dunn J, Zier L, McIntyre RC, Urban S, Coleman JR, Campion EM, Burlew CC, Schroeppel TJ. Patient characteristics and diagnostic tests associated with syncopal falls: A Southwestern surgical congress multicenter study. Am J Surg 2022; 224:1374-1379. [PMID: 35940931 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients suspected of syncope frequently undergo laboratory and imaging studies to determine the etiology of the syncope. Variability exists in these workups across institutions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utilization and diagnostic yield of these workups and the patient characteristics associated with syncopal falls. METHODS A multi-institutional retrospective review was performed on adult patients admitted after a fall between 1/2017-12/2018. Syncopal falls were compared to non-syncopal falls. RESULTS 4478 patients were included. There were 795 (18%) patients with a syncopal fall. Electrocardiogram, troponin, echocardiogram, CT angiography (CTA), and carotid ultrasound were more frequently tested in syncope patients compared to non-syncope patients. Syncope patients had higher rates of positive telemetry/Holter monitoring, CTAs, and electroencephalograms. CONCLUSION Patients who sustain syncopal falls frequently undergo diagnostic testing without a higher yield to determine the etiology of syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet S Lee
- Department of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, UCHealth Memorial Hospital, Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Abid D Khan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Christopher M Quinn
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Kathryn Colborn
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Surgical Outcomes and Applied Research, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Deven C Patel
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Galinos Barmparas
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Daniel R Margulies
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Kara J Kallies
- Department of Medical Research, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, WI, USA.
| | - Alec J Fitzsimmons
- Department of Medical Research, Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, WI, USA.
| | - Shanu N Kothari
- Department of General Surgery, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, USA.
| | - Alexander R Raines
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Heidi Mahnken
- Department of Surgery, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| | - Julie Dunn
- Department of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland, CO, USA.
| | - Linda Zier
- Department of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland, CO, USA.
| | - Robert C McIntyre
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Shane Urban
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Julia R Coleman
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Eric M Campion
- Department of Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Clay C Burlew
- Department of Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Thomas J Schroeppel
- Department of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, UCHealth Memorial Hospital, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
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15
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Brain D, Yan A, Morel D, Ballard E, Hunter J, Hocking J, Chan J. Economic evaluation of applying the Canadian Syncope Risk Score in an Australian emergency department. Emerg Med Australas 2022; 35:427-433. [PMID: 36403945 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS) in syncope patients presenting to the ED from an economic perspective, using very-low and low-risk patients (CSRS -3 to 0) as a threshold for avoiding hospital admissions. METHODS A decision-analytic model, specifically a decision-tree, was developed to evaluate application of the CSRS. A hypothetical cohort of 1000 patients was modelled based on characteristics and outcome of patients enrolled in a clinical validation study performed alongside this evaluation. Several analytic based approaches were used to handle model outputs and uncertainties. RESULTS For a cohort of 1000 patients, applying the CSRS was associated with 169 less inpatient admissions from the ED, when compared to usual care. There was also a cost-saving of $8255 per admitted patient, when the CSRS was applied, compared to usual care. Adopting the CSRS was the optimal approach in all scenario analyses and was robust to changes in model parameters. More than three-quarters (78.6%) of all model simulations showed that applying the CSRS is a cost-saving approach to managing syncope. There was high confidence in all results, with the approach using the CSRS reducing the costs and number of syncope-related hospital admissions. CONCLUSIONS Compared to usual care, applying the CSRS appeared as a cost-effective strategy. This new evidence will help decision-makers choose cost-effective approaches for the management of patients presenting to the ED with syncope, as they search for efficient ways to maximise health gain from a finite budget.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Brain
- School of Public Health and Social Work Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Alan Yan
- Emergency Department Redcliffe Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Doug Morel
- Emergency Department Redcliffe Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Emma Ballard
- Statistical Support Group QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Jonathan Hunter
- Department of Medicine Redcliffe Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Julia Hocking
- Office for Research Griffith University Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Jason Chan
- Emergency Department Redcliffe Hospital Brisbane Queensland Australia
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16
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Holter ECG for Syncope Evaluation in the Internal Medicine Department-Choosing the Right Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164781. [PMID: 36013018 PMCID: PMC9409720 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Physicians use Holter electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring to evaluate some patients with syncope in the internal medicine department. We questioned whether Holter ECG should be used in the presented setting. Included were all consecutive patients admitted with syncope to one of our nine internal medicine departments who had completed a 24 h Holter ECG between 2018 and 2021. A diagnostic Holter was defined as one which altered the patient’s treatment and met ESC/ACC/AHA diagnostic criteria. A total of 478 Holter tests were performed for syncope evaluation during admission to an internal medicine department in the study period. Of them, 25 patients (5.2%) had a diagnostic Holter finding. Sinus node dysfunction was the most frequent diagnostic recording (13 patients, 52%). In multivariant analysis, predictors for diagnostic Holter were older age (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08−1.68), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.43−11.72), and shorter duration to Holter initiation (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56−0.96). There was a positive correlation between time from admission to Holter and hospital stay, r(479) = 0.342, p < 0.001. Our results suggest that completing a 24 h Holter monitoring during admission to the internal medicine department should be restricted to patients with a high pre-test probability to avoid overuse and possible harm.
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17
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Galron E, Kehat O, Weiss-Meilik A, Furlan R, Jacob G. Diagnostic approaches to syncope in Internal Medicine Departments and their effect on mortality. Eur J Intern Med 2022; 102:97-103. [PMID: 35599110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Most data on mortality and investigational approaches to syncope comes from patients presented to emergency departments (ED). The aim of this study is to report intermediate term mortality in syncope patients admitted to Internal Medicine Departments and whether different diagnostic approaches to syncope affect mortality. Methods and results A single-center retrospective-observational study conducted at the Tel Aviv "Sourasky" Medical Center. Data was collected from electronic medical records (EMRs), from January 2010 to December 2020. We identified 24,021 patients, using ICD-9-CM codes. Only 7967 syncope patients were admitted to Internal Medicine Departments and evaluated. Logistic regression models were used to determine the effects of diagnostic testing per patient in each department on 30-day mortality and readmission rates. All-cause 30-day mortality rate was 4.1%. There was a significant difference in the number of diagnostic tests performed per patient between the different departments, without affecting 30-day mortality. The 30-day readmission rate was 11.4%, of which 4.4% were a result of syncope. Conclusion Syncope patients admitted to Internal Medicine Departments show a 30-day all-cause mortality rate of ∼4%. Despite the heterogeneity in the approach to the diagnosis of syncope, mortality is not affected. This novel information about syncope patients in large Internal Medicine Departments is further proof that the diagnosis of syncope requires a logic, personalized approach that focuses on medical history and a few tailored, diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Galron
- Department of Medicine F. Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel; Recanati Autonomic Research Center, Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Orli Kehat
- I-Medata AI Center, Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Ahuva Weiss-Meilik
- I-Medata AI Center, Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Raffaello Furlan
- Internal Medicine, Humanitas Research Hospital, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giris Jacob
- Department of Medicine F. Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel; Recanati Autonomic Research Center, Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
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18
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Diagnostic sensitivity and cost per diagnosis of ambulatory cardiac monitoring strategies in unexplained syncope patients. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270398. [PMID: 35749428 PMCID: PMC9231770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing cardiac pauses that could produce syncopal episodes is important to guide appropriate therapy. However, the infrequent nature of these episodes can make detection challenging with conventional monitoring (CM) strategies with short-term ECG monitors. Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) continuously monitor for arrhythmias but present a higher up-front cost. It is not well understood whether these higher costs are offset by the costs of repeat evaluation in CM strategies. We simulated the likelihood of diagnostic success and cost-per-diagnosis of pause arrhythmias with CM strategies compared to ICM monitoring. ICM device data from syncope patients diagnosed with pause arrhythmias was utilized to simulate patient pathways and diagnostic success with CM. We assumed that detected true pause episodes (≥5 seconds) were symptomatic and prompted a hospital encounter and further evaluation with CM. Subsequent true pause episodes in yet-undiagnosed patients triggered additional rounds of CM. Costs of monitoring were accrued at each encounter and represent the U.S. payer perspective. Cost per diagnosed patient was calculated as the total costs accrued for all patients divided by the number of patients diagnosed, across 1,000 simulations. During a mean 505±333 days of monitoring ICM detected 2.4±2.7 pause events per patient, with an average of 109±94 days until the first event. CM was projected to diagnose between 13.8% (24-hour Holter) and 30.2% (two 30-day monitors) of the ICM-diagnosed patients. Total diagnostic costs per ICM-diagnosed patient averaged $7,847, whereas in the CM strategies average cost-per-diagnosis ranged from $12,950±2,589 with 24-hour Holter to $32,977±14,749 for two 30-day monitors. Relative to patients diagnosed with pause arrhythmias via ICM, CM strategies diagnose fewer patients and incur higher costs per diagnosed patient.
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19
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Gallaher J, Stone L, Marquart G, Freeman C, Zonies D. Do I really need this transthoracic ECHO? An over-utilized test in trauma and surgical intensive care units. Injury 2022; 53:1631-1636. [PMID: 34996627 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical use of transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in intensive care units (ICU) has dramatically increased without clear guidance on validated assessment indications, appropriateness, and patient value. METHODS A retrospective analysis of consecutive TTEs performed among patients admitted to a tertiary trauma/surgical ICU over 2.5 years was performed. A bivariate analysis and Poisson regression was used to compare patients who received a TTE. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess patient factors that predict change in management based on TTE. An abnormal exam was defined as having at least one of the following: ejection fraction < 55%, wall motion, pericardial effusion, pericardial effusion, or other significant abnormality including filling defect. The effect on management was derived from clinical course. We hypothesize that these studies are usually normal and rarely lead to changes in clinical management. RESULTS 912 TTEs were performed in 806 patients. The median age was 68 years (IQR 57, 77) and 63.5% were male. Syncope (21.7%) or hypotension/hypovolemia (20.5%) were the most common indications for a TTE. In total, 39.4% TTEs were abnormal and only 7.6% resulted in a change in management. Predictive factors associated with an abnormal exam included: age >50, serum troponin ≥0.1 ng/ml, abnormal ECG, and clinical suspicion of heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. A troponin cutoff level <0.25 ng/mL was the most reliable factor to predict no change in management after TTE with a negative predictive value of 94.3% (95% CI 93.1, 95.3). CONCLUSION TTE is commonly used for patient assessment in critically ill surgical patients but the majority of exams are normal without change in clinical management. Certain patient factors, such as troponin level, may help distinguish which patients would benefit from this diagnostic test. Given the considerable cost associated with TTE and the minimal effect on management, guidelines on appropriate use would provide improved patient value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Gallaher
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Lucas Stone
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Grant Marquart
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christopher Freeman
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - David Zonies
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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20
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Simos P, Scott I. Appropriate use of transthoracic echocardiography in the investigation of general medicine patients presenting with syncope or presyncope. Postgrad Med J 2022; 99:postgradmedj-2021-141416. [PMID: 35169024 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2021-141416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
STUDY PURPOSE Routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in patients with syncope or presyncope is resource-intensive. We assessed if risk thresholds defined by a validated risk score may identify patients at low risk of cardiac abnormality in whom TTE is unnecessary. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective study of all general medicine patients with syncope/presyncope presenting to a tertiary hospital between July 2016 and September 2020 and who underwent TTE. The Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS) was used to categorise patients as low to very low risk (score -3 to 0) or moderate to high risk (score ≥1) for serious adverse events at 30 days. A cut-point of 0 was used to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) for CSRS and the odds ratio (OR) of a clinically significant finding on TTE in patients with CSRS ≥1 compared with all patients. RESULTS Among 157 patients, the CSRS categorised 69 (44%) as very low to low risk in whom TTE was normal. In 88 patients deemed moderate to high risk, TTE detected a cardiac abnormality in 24 (27%). A CSRS ≥1 yielded a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 85.7% to 100%), specificity of 51.1% (95% CI 42.3% to 59.8%), PPV of 26.5% (95% CI 26.3% to 30.1%) and NPV of 100% (95% CI 92.5% to 100%) for cardiac abnormalities and doubled the odds of an abnormality (OR=2.05, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.87, p=0.028). CONCLUSION In general medicine patients with syncope/presyncope, using the CSRS to stratify risk of a cardiac abnormality on TTE can almost halve TTE use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Simos
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ian Scott
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia .,School of Clinical Medicine, University of Queensland Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Wahba A, Shibao CA, Muldowney JAS, Peltier A, Habermann R, Biaggioni I. Management of Orthostatic Hypotension in the Hospitalized Patient: A Narrative Review. Am J Med 2022; 135:24-31. [PMID: 34416163 PMCID: PMC8688312 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Orthostatic hypotension is a frequent cause of falls and syncope, impairing quality of life. It is an independent risk factor of mortality and a common cause of hospitalizations, which exponentially increases in the geriatric population. We present a management plan based on a systematic literature review and understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and relevant clinical pharmacology. Initial treatment measures include removing offending medications and avoiding large meals. Clinical assessment of the patients' residual sympathetic tone can aid in the selection of initial therapy between norepinephrine "enhancers" or "replacers." Role of splanchnic venous pooling is overlooked, and applying abdominal binders to improve venous return may be effective. The treatment goal is not normalizing upright blood pressure but increasing it above the cerebral autoregulation threshold required to improve symptoms. Hypertension is the most common associated comorbidity, and confining patients to bed while using pressor agents only increases supine blood pressure, leading to worsening pressure diuresis and orthostatic hypotension. Avoiding bedrest deconditioning and using pressors as part of an orthostatic rehab program are crucial in reducing hospital stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Wahba
- Department of Medicine; Division of Clinical Pharmacology
| | | | | | | | - Ralf Habermann
- Department of Medicine; Geriatric Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn
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Hatoum T, Sheldon RS. Syncope and the aging patient: Navigating the challenges. Auton Neurosci 2021; 237:102919. [PMID: 34856496 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102919] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Syncope in the elderly patient is a common presentation and the most common causes are usually non-cardiac. Older adults however are more challenging dilemmas as their presentation is complicated by co-morbidities, mainly cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Frailty and cognitive impairment add to the ambiguity of the presentation, and polypharmacy is often a major modifiable contributing factor. Vasovagal syncope is a common presentation throughout life even as we age. It has a favorable prognosis and conservative management usually suffices. Vasovagal syncope in this population may be misdiagnosed as accidental falls and is frequently associated with injury, as is carotid sinus syndrome. The initial approach to these patients entails a detailed history and physical examination including a comprehensive medication history, orthostatic vital signs, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Further cardiac and neuroimaging rarely helps, unless directed by specific clinical findings. Head-up tilt testing and carotid sinus massage retain their diagnostic accuracy and safety in the elderly, and implantable loop recorders provide important information in many elderly patients with unexplained falls and syncope. The starting point in management of this population with non-cardiac syncope is attempting to withdraw unnecessary vasoactive and psychotropic medications. Non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy for syncope in the elderly has limited efficacy and safety concerns. In selected patients, pacemaker therapy might offer symptomatic relief despite lack of efficacy when vasodepression is prominent. An approach focused on primary care with targeted specialist referral seems a safe and effective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Hatoum
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| | - Robert S Sheldon
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Burr A, Lampert R. Nurse-led syncope and loop-recorder implantation clinics-A win-win approach for patients, clinicians, and hospitals. Heart Rhythm 2021; 19:448-449. [PMID: 34838719 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Burr
- Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
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Chan J, Ballard E, Brain D, Hocking J, Yan A, Morel D, Hunter J. External validation of the Canadian Syncope Risk Score for patients presenting with undifferentiated syncope to the emergency department. Emerg Med Australas 2021; 33:418-424. [PMID: 33052034 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.13641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To validate the accuracy and safety of the Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS) for patients presenting with syncope. METHODS Single centre prospective observational study in Brisbane, Australia. Adults presenting to the ED with syncope within the last 24 h were recruited after applying exclusion criteria. Study was conducted over 1 year, from March 2018 to March 2019. Thirty-day serious adverse events (SAE) were reported based on the original derivation study and standardised outcome reporting for syncope. Individual patient CSRS was calculated and correlated with 30-day SAE and disposition status from ED. RESULTS Two hundred and eighty-three patients were recruited to the study. Average age was 55.6 years (SD 22.7 years), 37.1% being male with a 39.9% admission rate. Thirty-day SAE occurred in seven patients (2.5%) and no recorded deaths. The CSRS performed with a sensitivity of 71.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.3-94.9%), specificity 72.8% (95% CI 67.1-77.9%) for a threshold score of 1 or higher. CONCLUSION Syncope patients in our study were predominantly very low to low risk (72%). The prevalence of 30-day SAE was low, majority occurring following hospital discharge. Sensitivity estimates for CSRS was lower than the derivation study but lacked robustness with wide CIs because of a small sample size and number of events observed. However, the CSRS did not miss any clinically relevant outcomes in low risk patients making it potentially useful in aiding their disposition. Larger validation studies in Australia are encouraged to further test the diagnostic accuracy of the CSRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Chan
- Emergency Department, Redcliffe Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emma Ballard
- Statistics Unit, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Brain
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Julia Hocking
- Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alan Yan
- Emergency Department, Redcliffe Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Douglas Morel
- Emergency Department, Redcliffe Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jonathan Hunter
- Emergency Department, Redcliffe Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Kligerman SJ, Bykowski J, Hurwitz Koweek LM, Policeni B, Ghoshhajra BB, Brown MD, Davis AM, Dibble EH, Johnson TV, Khosa F, Ledbetter LN, Leung SW, Liebeskind DS, Litmanovich D, Maroules CD, Pannell JS, Powers WJ, Villines TC, Wang LL, Wann S, Corey AS, Abbara S. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Syncope. J Am Coll Radiol 2021; 18:S229-S238. [PMID: 33958116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2021.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Syncope and presyncope lead to well over one million emergency room visits in the United States each year. Elucidating the cause of syncope or presyncope, which are grouped together given similar etiologies and outcomes, can be exceedingly difficult given the diverse etiologies. This becomes more challenging as some causes, such as vasovagal syncope, are relatively innocuous while others, such as cardiac-related syncope, carry a significant increased risk of death. While the mainstay of syncope and presyncope assessment is a detailed history and physical examination, imaging can play a role in certain situations. In patients where a cardiovascular etiology is suspected based on the appropriate history, physical examination, and ECG findings, resting transthoracic echocardiography is usually considered appropriate for the initial imaging. While no imaging studies are considered usually appropriate when there is a low probability of cardiac or neurologic pathology, chest radiography may be appropriate in certain clinical situations. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Bykowski
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | - Bruno Policeni
- Panel Chair, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Michael D Brown
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, American College of Emergency Physicians
| | - Andrew M Davis
- The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, American College of Physicians
| | | | - Thomas V Johnson
- Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina, Cardiology expert
| | - Faisal Khosa
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Steve W Leung
- Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Program Director, Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Fellowship, Director of Cardiac MRI, University of Kentucky
| | - David S Liebeskind
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, American Academy of Neurology
| | - Diana Litmanovich
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, Section Chief, Cardiothoracic, Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, President, North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging, Co-Chair, Image Wisely
| | | | | | - William J Powers
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, American Academy of Neurology
| | - Todd C Villines
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
| | - Lily L Wang
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, Program Director, Neuroradiology Fellowship, University of Cincinnati
| | - Samuel Wann
- Ascension Healthcare Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nuclear cardiology expert
| | - Amanda S Corey
- Specialty Chair, Atlanta VA Health Care System and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Suhny Abbara
- Specialty Chair, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, Chief, Cardiothoracic Imaging, UT Southwestern, Member BOD, SCCT, Editor, Radiology - Cardiothoracic Imaging
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Koyama T, Yoshiike S, Suganuma K, Shiroto K, Miyauchi N, Shinchu S, Aoki Y. A study of the usefulness of inspection of radiology reports in the emergency room. Acute Med Surg 2020; 7:e606. [PMID: 33318803 PMCID: PMC7726616 DOI: 10.1002/ams2.606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The aim of this study was to better understand the usefulness of retrospective inspection of radiology reports of CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) by emergency doctors in the emergency room. Methods Between April 2018 and March 2019, patients who went home after CT or MRI who needed to change their treatment plans and subsequent corresponding procedures after inspection of radiology reports by emergency doctors were reviewed. Results Among 7,661 CT or MRIs performed on 5,917 patients, there were 131 patients (133 CT or MRI or 1.7% among 7,661 examinations) who required a change in their treatment plans after inspection of radiology reports. Of the 133 CT or MRI performed, there were 51 (38.3% among 133 CT or MRI, 0.7% among 7,661 examinations) CT or MRI performed, which indicated findings to suspect a tumor (11.8% in the head, 41.2% in the chest, 35.3% in the abdomen, and 11.8% in others). With the need to make important changes in treatment plans, making appointments for outpatient clinics was necessary for 52 CT or MRI findings, and requiring the patients to return to the clinic or be admitted was necessary for 9 (totally 61; 0.8% among 7,661 examinations). Conclusion Data from this study suggest that inspection of radiology reports of CT or MRI by emergency doctors after patients went home is useful in finding characteristics suggestive of tumors in 0.7% of all radiology reports and is necessary to identify important changes that should be made in treatment plans in 0.8% of all radiology reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Koyama
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Aizawa Hospital Nagano Japan
| | - Shouichi Yoshiike
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Aizawa Hospital Nagano Japan
| | - Kazuki Suganuma
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Aizawa Hospital Nagano Japan
| | - Kosuke Shiroto
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Aizawa Hospital Nagano Japan
| | - Naoto Miyauchi
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Aizawa Hospital Nagano Japan
| | - Sayaka Shinchu
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Aizawa Hospital Nagano Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Aoki
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Aizawa Hospital Nagano Japan
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Chou SC, Hong AS, Weiner SG, Wharam JF. High-deductible health plans and low-value imaging in the emergency department. Health Serv Res 2020; 56:709-720. [PMID: 33025604 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of an employer-mandated switch to high-deductible health plans (HDHP) on emergency department (ED) low-value imaging. DATA SOURCES Claims data of a large national insurer between 2003 and 2014. STUDY DESIGN Difference-in-differences analysis with matched control groups. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS The primary outcome is low-value imaging during ED visits for syncope, headache, or low back pain. We included members aged 19-63 years whose employers offered only low-deductible (≤$500) plans for one (baseline) year and, in the next (follow-up) year, offered only HDHPs (≥$1000). Contemporaneous members whose employers offered only low-deductible plans for two consecutive years served as controls. The groups were matched by person and employer propensity for HDHP switch, employer size, baseline calendar year, and baseline year quarterly number of total and imaged ED visits for each condition. We modeled the visit-level probability of low-value imaging using multivariable logistic regression with member-clustered standard errors. We also calculated population level monthly cumulative ED visit rates and modeled their trends using generalized linear regression adjusting for serial autocorrelation. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS After matching, we included 524 998 members in the HDHP group and 5 448 803 in the control group with a mean age of approximately 42 years and 48% female in both groups. On visit-level analyses, there were no significant differential changes in the probability of low-value imaging use in the HDHP and control groups. In population-level analyses, compared with control group members, members who switched to HDHPs experienced a relative decrease of 5.9% (95% CI - 10.3, -1.6) in ED visits for the study conditions and a relative decrease of 5.1% (95%CI -9.6, -0.6) in the subset of ED visits with low-value imaging. CONCLUSION Though HDHP switches decreased ED utilization, they had no significant effect on low-value imaging use after patients have decided to seek ED care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chuan Chou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arthur S Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Scott G Weiner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Frank Wharam
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Tran DT, Sheldon RS, Kaul P, Sandhu RK. The Current and Future Hospitalization Cost Burden of Syncope in Canada. CJC Open 2020; 2:222-228. [PMID: 32695972 PMCID: PMC7365814 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-center studies have shown the high costs associated with the hospital evaluation of syncope. National cost estimates for syncope-related hospitalizations are sparse, and none exist in Canada. METHODS The Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database was used to identify acute care hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of syncope between fiscal years (FY) 2004 and 2015 in all provinces and territories (except Quebec). We used multiple linear regression to calculate the trends in prevalence of hospital admissions and generalized linear regression to estimate the costs of a hospitalization. The syncope hospitalization rate and the cost per hospitalization in Quebec were assumed to be the average of the rest of the country. The future hospitalization cost burden of syncope was projected to 2030. RESULTS There were 128,263 hospitalizations for a primary diagnosis of syncope over the 10-year study period, resulting in a total cost of $619.9 million (Canadian). An estimate of 41,044 syncope hospitalizations occurred in Quebec, costing $198.7 million. The total hospitalization cost of syncope in Canada was estimated at $818.5 million. The annual costs of syncope hospitalizations increased from $66.6 to $68.5 million between FY2004 and FY2015, respectively, and are projected to increase to $87.1 million in 2030. CONCLUSION Hospitalization costs for syncope in Canada are high and rising. Research is needed to identify opportunities to deliver more efficient and cost-effective care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dat T. Tran
- Institute of Health Economics, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Robert S. Sheldon
- Division of Cardiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Padma Kaul
- Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Roopinder K. Sandhu
- Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Claffey P, Pérez-Denia L, Rivasi G, Finucane C, Kenny RA. Near-infrared spectroscopy in evaluating psychogenic pseudosyncope-a novel diagnostic approach. QJM 2020; 113:239-244. [PMID: 31596496 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcz257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS), a conversion disorder and syncope mimic, accounts for a large proportion of 'unexplained syncope'. PPS is diagnosed by reproduction of patients' symptoms during head-up tilt (HUT). Electroencephalogram (EEG), a time consuming and resource intensive technology, is used during HUT to demonstrate absence of cerebral hypoperfusion during transient loss of consciousness (TLOC). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a simple, non-invasive technology for continuous monitoring of cerebral perfusion. We present a series of patients for whom PPS diagnosis was supported by NIRS during HUT. METHODS Eight consecutive patients with suspected PPS referred to a syncope unit underwent evaluation. During HUT, continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and NIRS-derived tissue saturation index (TSI) were measured. BP, HR and TSI at baseline, time of first symptom, presyncope and apparent TLOC were measured. Patients were given feedback and followed for symptom recurrence. RESULTS Eight predominantly female patients (6/8, 75%) aged 31 years (16-54) were studied with (5/8, 63%) having comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, and (5/8, 63%) presenting with frequent episodes of prolonged TLOC with eyes closed (6/8, 75%). All patients experienced reproduction of typical events during HUT. Systolic BP (mmHg) increased from baseline (129.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 124.9-133.4)) at TLOC (153.0 (IQR 146.7-159.0)) (P-value = 0.012). HR (bpm) increased from baseline 78 (IQR 68.6-90.0) to 115.7 (IQR 93.5-127.9) (P-value = 0.012). TSI (%) remained stable throughout, 71.4 (IQR 67.5-72.9) at baseline vs. 71.0 (IQR 68.2-73.0) at TLOC (P-value = 0.484). CONCLUSIONS NIRS provides a non-invasive surrogate of cerebral perfusion during HUT. We propose HUT incorporating NIRS monitoring in the diagnostic algorithm for patients with suspected PPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Claffey
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Dublin, Ireland
| | - L Pérez-Denia
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - G Rivasi
- Syncope Unit, Geriatric Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - C Finucane
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R A Kenny
- Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Dublin, Ireland
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Gupta A, Menoch M, Levasseur K, Gonzalez IE. Screening Pediatric Patients in New-Onset Syncope (SPINS) Study. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2020; 59:127-133. [PMID: 31709814 DOI: 10.1177/0009922819885660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. The primary objective is to determine the frequency of history findings associated with cardiac syncope. Second, to determine the frequency of abnormal electrocardiograms (EKG) in patients presenting with typical vasovagal syncope. Methods. Retrospective chart review from January 2006 to April 2017 of children aged 5 to 18 years presenting to the emergency department with a chief complaint of syncope. Target population was all patients with first episode of syncope and a documented EKG. Excluded patients were those with head trauma, drug intoxication, current pregnancy, seizure, and any endocrine problem. Patients with cardiac causes of syncope were identified by an abnormal EKG or echocardiogram. Specific history findings (past cardiac history, chest pain, palpitations, syncope with exercise, absence of prodrome with syncope) were compared with those with and without cardiac etiology of syncope. The possibility of missing a patient with cardiac cause of syncope based on specific history findings was identified. Results. Of the total 4115 visits of patients with chief complaints of syncope, 2293 patients (55.7%) met the inclusion criteria. Nine patients (0.39%) were identified with cardiac etiology of syncope. The remaining were determined to be of vasovagal origin. All patients with cardiac etiology of syncope were found to have one positive specific history findings. A total of 1972 patients were identified with absence of specific history findings; no patient had a cardiac etiology of syncope. Conclusions. This study identifies screening questions to identify cardiac syncope. Implementing these standard questions could potentially decrease resource utilization and time for evaluation as well as guide follow-up.
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Hockin BCD, Claydon VE. Intermittent Calf Compression Delays the Onset of Presyncope in Young Healthy Individuals. Front Physiol 2020; 10:1598. [PMID: 32038283 PMCID: PMC6993600 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Orthostatic fluid shifts reduce the effective circulating volume and thus contribute to syncope susceptibility. Recurrent syncope has a devastating impact on quality of life and is challenging to manage effectively. To blunt orthostatic fluid shifts, static calf compression garments are often prescribed to patients with syncope, but have questionable efficacy. Intermittent calf compression, which mimics the skeletal muscle pump to minimize pooling and filtration, holds promise for the management of syncope. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intermittent calf compression for increasing orthostatic tolerance (OT; time to presyncope). We conducted a randomized single-blind crossover study, in which participants (n = 21) underwent three graded 60° head-up-tilt tests to presyncope with combined lower body negative pressure on separate days. Low frequency intermittent calf compression (ICLF; 4 s on and 11 s off) at 0-30 and 0-60 mmHg was applied during two tests and compared to a placebo condition where the garment was fitted, but no compression applied. We measured continuous leg circumference changes (strain gauge plethysmography), cardiovascular responses (finger plethysmography; Finometer Pro), end tidal gases (nasal cannula), and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv, transcranial Doppler). The 0-60 mmHg ICLF increased OT (33 ± 2.2 min) compared to both placebo (26 ± 2.4 min; p < 0.001) and 0-30 mmHg ICLF (25 ± 2.7 min; p < 0.001). Throughout testing 0-60 mmHg ICLF reduced orthostatic fluid shifts compared to both placebo and 0-30 mmHg ICLF (p < 0.001), with an associated improvement in stroke volume (p < 0.001), allowing blood pressure to be maintained at a reduced heart rate (p < 0.001). In addition, CBFv was higher with 0-60 mmHg ICLF than 0-30 mmHg ICLF and placebo (p < 0.001). Intermittent calf compression is a promising novel intervention for the management of orthostatic intolerance, which may provide affected individuals renewed independence and improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke C D Hockin
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.,International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Victoria E Claydon
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.,International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Kusumoto FM, Schoenfeld MH, Barrett C, Edgerton JR, Ellenbogen KA, Gold MR, Goldschlager NF, Hamilton RM, Joglar JA, Kim RJ, Lee R, Marine JE, McLeod CJ, Oken KR, Patton KK, Pellegrini CN, Selzman KA, Thompson A, Varosy PD. 2018 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline on the evaluation and management of patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction delay. Heart Rhythm 2019; 16:e128-e226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2018.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Kusumoto FM, Schoenfeld MH, Barrett C, Edgerton JR, Ellenbogen KA, Gold MR, Goldschlager NF, Hamilton RM, Joglar JA, Kim RJ, Lee R, Marine JE, McLeod CJ, Oken KR, Patton KK, Pellegrini CN, Selzman KA, Thompson A, Varosy PD. 2018 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline on the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Bradycardia and Cardiac Conduction Delay: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation 2019; 140:e382-e482. [DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth A. Ellenbogen
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information
- ACC/AHA Representative
| | - Michael R. Gold
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information
- HRS Representative
| | | | | | - José A. Joglar
- ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cara N. Pellegrini
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information
- HRS Representative
- Dr. Pellegrini contributed to this article in her personal capacity. The views expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the views of the US Department of Veterans Affairs or the US government
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Ammar H, Ohri C, Hajouli S, Kulkarni S, Tefera E, Fouda R, Govindu R. Prevalence and Predictors of Pulmonary Embolism in Hospitalized Patients with Syncope. South Med J 2019; 112:421-427. [PMID: 31375838 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Approximately one in six patients hospitalized with syncope have pulmonary embolism (PE), according to the PE in Syncope Italian Trial study. Subsequent studies using administrative data have reported a PE prevalence of <3%. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of PE in hospitalized patients with syncope. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who were hospitalized in the MedStar Washington Hospital Center between May 1, 2015 and June 30, 2017 with deep venous thrombosis, PE, and syncope. Only patients who presented to the emergency department with syncope were included in the final analysis. PE was diagnosed by either positive computed tomographic angiography or a high-probability ventilation-perfusion scan. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the associations between clinical variables and the diagnosis of PE in patients with syncope. RESULTS Of the 408 patients hospitalized with syncope (mean age, 67.5 years; 51% men [N = 208]), 25 (6%) had a diagnosis of PE. Elevated troponin levels (odds ratio 6.6, 95% confidence interval 1.9-22.9) and a dilated right ventricle on echocardiogram (odds ratio 6.9, 95% confidence interval 2.0-23.6) were independently associated with the diagnosis of PE. Age, active cancer, and history of deep venous thrombosis were not associated with the diagnosis of PE. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of PE in this study is approximately one-third of the reported prevalence in the PE in Syncope Italian Trial study and almost three times the value reported in administrative data-based studies. PE should be suspected in patients with syncope and elevated troponin levels or a dilated right ventricle on echocardiogram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussam Ammar
- From the Internal Medicine Department, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, Maryland, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, United Kingdom, and the Internal Medicine Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston
| | - Chaand Ohri
- From the Internal Medicine Department, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, Maryland, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, United Kingdom, and the Internal Medicine Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston
| | - Said Hajouli
- From the Internal Medicine Department, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, Maryland, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, United Kingdom, and the Internal Medicine Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston
| | - Shaunak Kulkarni
- From the Internal Medicine Department, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, Maryland, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, United Kingdom, and the Internal Medicine Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston
| | - Eshetu Tefera
- From the Internal Medicine Department, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, Maryland, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, United Kingdom, and the Internal Medicine Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston
| | - Ragai Fouda
- From the Internal Medicine Department, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, Maryland, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, United Kingdom, and the Internal Medicine Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston
| | - Rukma Govindu
- From the Internal Medicine Department, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, Maryland, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Nuneaton, United Kingdom, and the Internal Medicine Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston
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Kusumoto FM, Schoenfeld MH, Barrett C, Edgerton JR, Ellenbogen KA, Gold MR, Goldschlager NF, Hamilton RM, Joglar JA, Kim RJ, Lee R, Marine JE, McLeod CJ, Oken KR, Patton KK, Pellegrini CN, Selzman KA, Thompson A, Varosy PD. 2018 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline on the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Bradycardia and Cardiac Conduction Delay. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 74:e51-e156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Kusumoto FM, Schoenfeld MH, Barrett C, Edgerton JR, Ellenbogen KA, Gold MR, Goldschlager NF, Hamilton RM, Joglar JA, Kim RJ, Lee R, Marine JE, McLeod CJ, Oken KR, Patton KK, Pellegrini CN, Selzman KA, Thompson A, Varosy PD. 2018 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline on the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Bradycardia and Cardiac Conduction Delay: Executive Summary. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 74:932-987. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Miller RJH, Chew DS, Raj SR. Neglected cause of recurrent syncope: a case report of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2019; 3:5423831. [PMID: 31449591 PMCID: PMC6601146 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytz031] [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: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Syncope commonly results in emergency room and physician visits, leading to hospitalization and invasive investigations. Up to 24% of these presentations may be caused by neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH), which continues to be an under-recognized clinical entity. We review an approach to diagnosing nOH. Case summary An 85-year-old man with a history of Parkinson’s disease was referred for a history of recurrent syncope, which had resulted in extensive cardiac investigation. Collateral history revealed that the events were orthostatic in nature, but with variable time to onset of symptoms. The patient was found to have significant postural drop in blood pressure without compensatory tachycardia. Cardiovascular autonomic function testing was performed, which confirmed significant autonomic nervous system failure, including a marked hypotensive response on tilt-table testing and a lack of vasoconstriction during Valsalva manoeuvre. The patient was diagnosed with nOH and initiated on midodrine with subjective improvement in the frequency of syncope. Discussion Autonomic nervous system failure, with nOH, is a common cause of recurrent syncope, particularly in older patients. Attention to detail during the medical history, including precipitating factors and the presence of prodromal symptoms prior to syncope, is critical for making the correct diagnosis. Measuring orthostatic vital signs correctly in patients with syncope provides valuable information, is cost-effective, and critical to diagnose nOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J H Miller
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, GAC70, HRIC Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3H 0M8, Canada
| | - Derek S Chew
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, GAC70, HRIC Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3H 0M8, Canada
| | - Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, GAC70, HRIC Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3H 0M8, Canada
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Probst MA, Su E, Weiss RE, Yagapen AN, Malveau SE, Adler DH, Bastani A, Baugh CW, Caterino JM, Clark CL, Diercks DB, Hollander JE, Nicks BA, Nishijima DK, Shah MN, Stiffler KA, Storrow AB, Wilber ST, Sun BC. Clinical Benefit of Hospitalization for Older Adults With Unexplained Syncope: A Propensity-Matched Analysis. Ann Emerg Med 2019; 74:260-269. [PMID: 31080027 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Many adults with syncope are hospitalized solely for observation and testing. We seek to determine whether hospitalization versus outpatient management for older adults with unexplained syncope is associated with a reduction in postdisposition serious adverse events at 30 days. METHODS We performed a propensity score analysis using data from a prospective, observational study of older adults with unexplained syncope or near syncope who presented to 11 emergency departments (EDs) in the United States. We enrolled adults (≥60 years) who presented with syncope or near syncope. We excluded patients with a serious diagnosis identified in the ED. Clinical and laboratory data were collected on all patients. The primary outcome was rate of post-ED serious adverse events at 30 days. RESULTS We enrolled 2,492 older adults with syncope and no serious ED diagnosis from April 2013 to September 2016. Mean age was 73 years (SD 8.9 years), and 51% were women. The incidence of serious adverse events within 30 days after the index visit was 7.4% for hospitalized patients and 3.19% for discharged patients, representing an unadjusted difference of 4.2% (95% confidence interval 2.38% to 6.02%). After propensity score matching on risk of hospitalization, there was no statistically significant difference in serious adverse events at 30 days between the hospitalized group (4.89%) and the discharged group (2.82%) (risk difference 2.07%; 95% confidence interval -0.24% to 4.38%). CONCLUSION In our propensity-matched sample of older adults with unexplained syncope, for those with clinical characteristics similar to that of the discharged cohort, hospitalization was not associated with improvement in 30-day serious adverse event rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Probst
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| | - Erica Su
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Robert E Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Annick N Yagapen
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Susan E Malveau
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - David H Adler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Aveh Bastani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital-Troy, Troy, MI
| | | | - Jeffrey M Caterino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Carol L Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI
| | - Deborah B Diercks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas-Southwestern, Dallas, TX
| | - Judd E Hollander
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bret A Nicks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Daniel K Nishijima
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Manish N Shah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Kirk A Stiffler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH
| | - Alan B Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Scott T Wilber
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH
| | - Benjamin C Sun
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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Viau JA, Chaudry H, Hannigan A, Boutet M, Mukarram M, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V. The Yield of Computed Tomography of the Head Among Patients Presenting With Syncope: A Systematic Review. Acad Emerg Med 2019; 26:479-490. [PMID: 31006937 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overuse of head computed tomography (CT) for syncope has been reported. However, there is no literature synthesis on this overuse. We undertook a systematic review to determine the use and yield of head CT and risk factors for serious intracranial conditions among syncope patients. METHODS We searched Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases from inception until June 2017. Studies including adult syncope patients with part or all of patients undergoing CT head were included. We excluded case reports, reviews, letters, and pediatric studies. Two independent reviewers screened the articles and collected data on CT head use, diagnostic yield (proportion with acute hemorrhage, tumors or infarct), and risk of bias. We report pooled percentages, I2 , and Cochran's Q-test. RESULTS Seventeen articles with 3,361 syncope patients were included. In eight ED studies (n = 1,669), 54.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 34.9%-73.2%) received head CT with a 3.8% (95% CI = 2.6%-5.1%) diagnostic yield and considerable heterogeneity. In six in-hospital studies (n = 1,289), 44.8% (95% CI = 26.4%-64.1%) received head CT with a 1.2% (95% CI = 0.5%-2.2%) yield and no heterogeneity. In two articles, all patients had CT (yield 2.3%) and the third enrolled patients ≥ 65 years old (yield 7.7%). Abnormal neurologic findings, age ≥ 65 years, trauma, warfarin use, and seizure/stroke history were identified as risk factors. The quality of all articles referenced was strong. CONCLUSION More than half of patients with syncope underwent CT head with a diagnostic yield of 1.1% to 3.8%. A future large prospective study is needed to develop a robust risk tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Alexander Viau
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa OntarioCanada
- University of Limerick LimerickIreland
| | - Hina Chaudry
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa OntarioCanada
| | | | - Mish Boutet
- University of Ottawa Library Ottawa OntarioCanada
| | | | - Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Ottawa OntarioCanada
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa OntarioCanada
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario Canada
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41
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Notfallpatient mit Synkope. Notf Rett Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10049-019-0583-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Mechanic OJ, Pascheles CY, Lopez GJ, Winans AM, Shapiro NI, Tibbles C, Wolfe RE, Grossman SA. Using the Boston Syncope Observation Management Pathway to Reduce Hospital Admission and Adverse Outcomes. West J Emerg Med 2019; 20:250-255. [PMID: 30881544 PMCID: PMC6404692 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2018.11.39657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In an age of increasing scrutiny of each hospital admission, emergency department (ED) observation has been identified as a low-cost alternative. Prior studies have shown admission rates for syncope in the United States to be as high as 70%. However, the safety and utility of substituting ED observation unit (EDOU) syncope management has not been well studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of EDOU for the management of patients presenting to the ED with syncope and its efficacy in reducing hospital admissions. Methods This was a prospective before-and-after cohort study of consecutive patients presenting with syncope who were seen in an urban ED and were either admitted to the hospital, discharged, or placed in the EDOU. We first performed an observation study of syncope management and then implemented an ED observation-based management pathway. We identified critical interventions and 30-day outcomes. We compared proportions of admissions and adverse events rates with a chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test. Results In the “before” phase, 570 patients were enrolled, with 334 (59%) admitted and 27 (5%) placed in the EDOU; 3% of patients discharged from the ED had critical interventions within 30 days and 10% returned. After the management pathway was introduced, 489 patients were enrolled; 34% (p<0.001) of pathway patients were admitted while 20% were placed in the EDOU; 3% (p=0.99) of discharged patients had critical interventions at 30 days and 3% returned (p=0.001). Conclusion A focused syncope management pathway effectively reduces hospital admissions and adverse events following discharge and returns to the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren J Mechanic
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Celine Y Pascheles
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gregory J Lopez
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alina M Winans
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nathan I Shapiro
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carrie Tibbles
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Richard E Wolfe
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shamai A Grossman
- Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Ellenbogen MI, Brotman DJ, Lee J, Koloms K, O'Leary KJ. Characteristics of Syncope Admissions Among Hospitals of Varying Teaching Intensity. South Med J 2019; 112:143-146. [PMID: 30830226 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000000942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous work suggests that hospitals' teaching status is correlated with readmission rates, cost of care, and mortality. The degree to which teaching status is associated with the management of syncope has not been studied extensively. We sought to characterize the relation between teaching status and inpatient syncope management. METHODS We created regression models to characterize the relation between teaching status and cardiac ischemic evaluations (cardiac catheterization and/or stress test) during syncope admissions. Admissions with a primary diagnosis of syncope in Maryland and Kentucky between 2007 and 2014 were included. RESULTS The dataset included 71,341 syncope admissions at 151 hospitals. Overall, 15% of patients had an ischemic evaluation. There was a significantly lower likelihood of an ischemic evaluation at major teaching hospitals relative to nonteaching hospitals (adjusted odds ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.71-0.79), but a higher likelihood of an ischemic evaluation at minor teaching hospitals (adjusted odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.16-1.25). CONCLUSIONS By definition, the syncope admissions included were unexplained or idiopathic cases, and thus likely to be lower-risk syncope cases. Those with a known etiology are coded by the cause of syncope, as dictated by coding guidelines. It is likely that many of these ischemic evaluations represent low-value care. Financial incentives and processes of care at major teaching hospitals may be driving this trend, and efforts should be made to better understand and replicate these at minor teaching and nonteaching hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael I Ellenbogen
- From the Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, and the Biostatistics Collaboration Center and the Department of Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago Illinois
| | - Daniel J Brotman
- From the Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, and the Biostatistics Collaboration Center and the Department of Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago Illinois
| | - Jungwha Lee
- From the Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, and the Biostatistics Collaboration Center and the Department of Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago Illinois
| | - Kimberly Koloms
- From the Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, and the Biostatistics Collaboration Center and the Department of Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago Illinois
| | - Kevin J O'Leary
- From the Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, and the Biostatistics Collaboration Center and the Department of Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago Illinois
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Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Sivilotti MLA, Rowe BH, McRae AD, Mukarram M, Malveau S, Yagapen AN, Sun BC. Prevalence of Pulmonary Embolism Among Emergency Department Patients With Syncope: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study. Ann Emerg Med 2019; 73:500-510. [PMID: 30691921 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE The prevalence of pulmonary embolism among patients with syncope is understudied. In accordance with a recent study with an exceptionally high pulmonary embolism prevalence, some advocate evaluating all syncope patients for pulmonary embolism, including those with another clear cause for their syncope. We seek to evaluate the pulmonary embolism prevalence among emergency department (ED) patients with syncope. METHODS We combined data from 2 large prospective studies enrolling adults with syncope from 17 EDs in Canada and the United States. Each study collected the results of pulmonary embolism-related investigations (ie, D-dimer, ventilation-perfusion scan, or computed tomography [CT] pulmonary angiography) and 30-day adjudicated outcomes: pulmonary embolism or nonpulmonary embolism outcome (arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, serious hemorrhage, and death). RESULTS Of the 9,374 patients enrolled, 9,091 (97.0%; median age 66 years, 51.9% women) with 30-day follow-up were analyzed: 547 (6.0%) were evaluated for pulmonary embolism (278 [3.1%] had D-dimer, 39 [0.4%] had ventilation-perfusion scan, and 347 [3.8%] had CT pulmonary angiography). Overall, 874 patients (9.6%) experienced 30-day serious outcomes: 818 patients (9.0%) with nonpulmonary embolism serious outcomes and 56 (prevalence 0.6%; 95% confidence interval 0.5% to 0.8%) with pulmonary embolism (including 8 [0.2%] out of 3521 patients diagnosed during the index hospitalization and 7 [0.1%] diagnosed after the index visit). Eighty-six patients (0.9%) died, and 4 deaths (0.04%) were related to pulmonary embolism. Only 11 patients (0.1%) with a nonpulmonary embolism serious condition had a concomitant pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION The prevalence of pulmonary embolism is very low among ED patients with syncope, including those hospitalized after syncope. Although an underlying pulmonary embolism may cause syncope, clinicians should be cautious about indiscriminate investigations for pulmonary embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Marco L A Sivilotti
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine and School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew D McRae
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Muhammad Mukarram
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Malveau
- Center for Policy Research-Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Annick N Yagapen
- Center for Policy Research-Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Benjamin C Sun
- Center for Policy Research-Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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Probst MA, Gibson TA, Weiss RE, Yagapen AN, Malveau SE, Adler DH, Bastani A, Baugh CW, Caterino JM, Clark CL, Diercks DB, Hollander JE, Nicks BA, Nishijima DK, Shah MN, Stiffler KA, Storrow AB, Wilber ST, Sun BC. Predictors of Clinically Significant Echocardiography Findings in Older Adults with Syncope: A Secondary Analysis. J Hosp Med 2018; 13:823-828. [PMID: 30255862 PMCID: PMC6343846 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.3082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope is a common reason for visiting the emergency department (ED) and is associated with significant healthcare resource utilization. OBJECTIVE To develop a risk-stratification tool for clinically significant findings on echocardiography among older adults presenting to the ED with syncope or nearsyncope. DESIGN Prospective, observational cohort study from April 2013 to September 2016. SETTING Eleven EDs in the United States. PATIENTS We enrolled adults (=60 years) who presented to the ED with syncope or near-syncope who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was a clinically significant finding on TTE. Clinical, electrocardiogram, and laboratory variables were also collected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of significant findings on echocardiography. RESULTS A total of 3,686 patients were enrolled. Of these, 995 (27%) received echocardiography, and 215 (22%) had a significant finding on echocardiography. Regression analysis identified five predictors of significant finding: (1) history of congestive heart failure, (2) history of coronary artery disease, (3) abnormal electrocardiogram, (4) high-sensitivity troponin-T >14 pg/mL, and 5) N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide >125 pg/mL. These five variables make up the ROMEO (Risk Of Major Echocardiography findings in Older adults with syncope) criteria. The sensitivity of a ROMEO score of zero for excluding significant findings on echocardiography was 99.5% (95% CI: 97.4%-99.9%) with a specificity of 15.4% (95% CI: 13.0%-18.1%). CONCLUSIONS If validated, this risk-stratification tool could help clinicians determine which syncope patients are at very low risk of having clinically significant findings on echocardiography. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01802398.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A. Probst
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tommy A. Gibson
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert E. Weiss
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Annick N. Yagapen
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Susan E. Malveau
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Aveh Bastani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital-Troy, Troy, MI, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey M. Caterino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Carol L. Clark
- Department of Emergency Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital-Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Deborah B. Diercks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas-Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA, USA
| | - Judd E. Hollander
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bret A. Nicks
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, N, USA
| | - Daniel K. Nishijima
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Manish N. Shah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kirk A. Stiffler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Alan B. Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Scott T. Wilber
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Benjamin C. Sun
- Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Heath & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Kusumoto FM, Schoenfeld MH, Barrett C, Edgerton JR, Ellenbogen KA, Gold MR, Goldschlager NF, Hamilton RM, Joglar JA, Kim RJ, Lee R, Marine JE, McLeod CJ, Oken KR, Patton KK, Pellegrini CN, Selzman KA, Thompson A, Varosy PD. 2018 ACC/AHA/HRS guideline on the evaluation and management of patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction delay: Executive summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the Heart Rhythm Society. Heart Rhythm 2018; 16:e227-e279. [PMID: 30412777 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2018.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Kusumoto FM, Schoenfeld MH, Barrett C, Edgerton JR, Ellenbogen KA, Gold MR, Goldschlager NF, Hamilton RM, Joglar JA, Kim RJ, Lee R, Marine JE, McLeod CJ, Oken KR, Patton KK, Pellegrini CN, Selzman KA, Thompson A, Varosy PD. 2018 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline on the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Bradycardia and Cardiac Conduction Delay: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation 2018; 140:e333-e381. [PMID: 30586771 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth A Ellenbogen
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information.,ACC/AHA Representative
| | - Michael R Gold
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information.,HRS Representative
| | | | | | - José A Joglar
- ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cara N Pellegrini
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information.,HRS Representative.,Dr. Pellegrini contributed to this article in her personal capacity. The views expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the views of the US Department of Veterans Affairs or the US government
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Trends in Hospitalization, Readmission, and Diagnostic Testing of Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Syncope. Ann Emerg Med 2018; 72:523-532. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2018.08.430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Weiner RB, Hucker WJ, Meyersohn NM, Dudzinski DM, Stone JR. Case 25-2018: A 63-Year-Old Man with Syncope. N Engl J Med 2018; 379:670-680. [PMID: 30110592 DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc1800340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rory B Weiner
- From the Departments of Medicine (R.B.W., W.J.H., D.M.D.), Radiology (N.M.M.), and Pathology (J.R.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (R.B.W., W.J.H., D.M.D.), Radiology (N.M.M.), and Pathology (J.R.S.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - William J Hucker
- From the Departments of Medicine (R.B.W., W.J.H., D.M.D.), Radiology (N.M.M.), and Pathology (J.R.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (R.B.W., W.J.H., D.M.D.), Radiology (N.M.M.), and Pathology (J.R.S.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - Nandini M Meyersohn
- From the Departments of Medicine (R.B.W., W.J.H., D.M.D.), Radiology (N.M.M.), and Pathology (J.R.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (R.B.W., W.J.H., D.M.D.), Radiology (N.M.M.), and Pathology (J.R.S.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - David M Dudzinski
- From the Departments of Medicine (R.B.W., W.J.H., D.M.D.), Radiology (N.M.M.), and Pathology (J.R.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (R.B.W., W.J.H., D.M.D.), Radiology (N.M.M.), and Pathology (J.R.S.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
| | - James R Stone
- From the Departments of Medicine (R.B.W., W.J.H., D.M.D.), Radiology (N.M.M.), and Pathology (J.R.S.), Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Departments of Medicine (R.B.W., W.J.H., D.M.D.), Radiology (N.M.M.), and Pathology (J.R.S.), Harvard Medical School - both in Boston
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Lasam G, Dudhia J, Anghel S, Brensilver J. Utilization of Echocardiogram, Carotid Ultrasound, and Cranial Imaging in the Inpatient Investigation of Syncope: Its Impact on the Diagnosis and the Patient's Length of Hospitalization. Cardiol Res 2018; 9:197-203. [PMID: 30116447 PMCID: PMC6089464 DOI: 10.14740/cr751w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although guidelines suggest that the best strategy for evaluating syncope is clinical history and physical examination, the inappropriate utilization of diagnostic imaging is common. Methods A single center retrospective analysis conducted in adult patients admitted for evaluation and management of syncope for a period of 12 months. Charts were reviewed to abstract demographic data, admitting and discharge diagnosis, diagnostic investigatory tests including imaging modalities (echocardiogram, carotid ultrasound, and cranial computed tomography (CT)) ordered, subspecialty consultation requested, treatment rendered and hospital length of stay (LOS). Results A total of 109 patients were admitted for syncope, mean age was 68.74 ± 21.04 years and 39.44% were men. Echocardiogram, carotid ultrasound, and cranial CT were ordered in 69.72%, 33.02%, and 76.14% respectively. The mean hospital LOS was 2.6 days. Patients with no imaging test, one imaging test, two imaging tests, and three imaging tests ordered have an average hospital LOS of 2.22 days, 2.44 days, 2.58 days, and 3.07 days respectively. The number of imaging test and its relation to the admitting (Chi-square (chi-sq) P = 0.4165, nominal logistic regression (LR) P = 0.939) and discharge (chi-sq P = 0.1507, nominal LR P = 0.782) diagnosis as well as the LOS in relation to the number of imaging test ordered (analysis of variance (ANOVA) P = 0.368, Kruskal Wallis (KW) P = 0.352) were not statistically significant although there was a trend of prolonged hospital LOS the more imaging diagnostic test had been ordered. Syncope was the admitting and discharge diagnosis in 89.9% and 91.74% respectively. Conclusions Choosing the appropriate diagnostic tests as dictated by the patient’s clinical manifestation and utilizing less expensive test would be appropriate and cost-effective approach in appraising patients with syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenmore Lasam
- Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA.,Overlook Medical Center, Summit, NJ 07901, USA
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