1
|
Gan T, Liu X, Liu R, Huang J, Liu D, Tu W, Song J, Cai P, Shen H, Wang W. Machine learning based prediction models for analyzing risk factors in patients with acute abdominal pain: a retrospective study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1354925. [PMID: 38903814 PMCID: PMC11188420 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1354925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Acute abdominal pain (AAP) is a common symptom presented in the emergency department (ED), and it is crucial to have objective and accurate triage. This study aims to develop a machine learning-based prediction model for AAP triage. The goal is to identify triage indicators for critically ill patients and ensure the prompt availability of diagnostic and treatment resources. Methods In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients admitted to the ED of Wuhan Puren Hospital with acute abdominal pain in 2019. To identify high-risk factors, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used with thirty-one predictor variables. Evaluation of eight machine learning triage prediction models was conducted using both test and validation cohorts to optimize the AAP triage prediction model. Results Eleven clinical indicators with statistical significance (p < 0.05) were identified, and they were found to be associated with the severity of acute abdominal pain. Among the eight machine learning models constructed from the training and test cohorts, the model based on the artificial neural network (ANN) demonstrated the best performance, achieving an accuracy of 0.9792 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9972. Further optimization results indicate that the AUC value of the ANN model could reach 0.9832 by incorporating only seven variables: history of diabetes, history of stroke, pulse, blood pressure, pale appearance, bowel sounds, and location of the pain. Conclusion The ANN model is the most effective in predicting the triage of AAP. Furthermore, when only seven variables are considered, including history of diabetes, etc., the model still shows good predictive performance. This is helpful for the rapid clinical triage of AAP patients and the allocation of medical resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Gan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wuhan Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaochao Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wuhan Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wuhan Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wuhan Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dingxi Liu
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenfei Tu
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiao Song
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengli Cai
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hexiao Shen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Maintainbiotech. Ltd. (Wuhan), Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wuhan Puren Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abdella Bahta NN, Zeinert P, Rosenberg J, Fonnes S. The Alvarado Score Is the Most Impactful Diagnostic Tool for Appendicitis: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Surg Res 2023; 291:557-566. [PMID: 37540973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.06.037] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this bibliometric analysis was to investigate the citation pattern of studies that have developed a diagnostic tool to diagnose appendicitis. METHODS We investigated characteristics of citations, publication frequency, evolution of citations, and fluctuation of previously highly cited studies. We analyzed which studies had been cited in the method section and identified impactful studies in this research field by a network visualization. We analyzed the differences in citations between diagnostic tools requiring a doctor to be present against the diagnostic tools not requiring doctors to be present, English language studies against non-English studies, and identified diagnostic tools targeting children. RESULTS There was an upward trend in publications in this research field, and between 1999-2021 the Alvarado score has been cited the most. In general, there was a high fluctuation, and 40 studies had been cited in the methods sections. There were significant differences in studies regarding diagnostic tools written in English compared to non-English studies, with more citations in the English-language studies. Furthermore, 22 studies had children as the target population. CONCLUSIONS The Alvarado score was the highest cited study since 1999, with 1086 citations, making it the most impactful study in this research field of diagnostic tools to diagnose appendicitis. Due to the diversity of target populations and settings for which diagnostic tools are developed, there is a need to expand research on diagnostic tools for appendicitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadir Noureldin Abdella Bahta
- Department of Surgery, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Center for Perioperative Optimization, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark.
| | | | - Jacob Rosenberg
- Department of Surgery, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Center for Perioperative Optimization, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Siv Fonnes
- Department of Surgery, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Center for Perioperative Optimization, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Many diagnostic tools for appendicitis: a scoping review. Surg Endosc 2023; 37:3419-3429. [PMID: 36735050 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-09890-2] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to provide an overview of all diagnostic tools developed to diagnose appendicitis with their reported accuracy and to further characterize these including their need for diagnostic equipment. METHODS This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews and a protocol was registered at Open Science Framework. We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Índice Bibliográfico Espanhol de Ciências da Saúde, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature. We included original articles of all languages with the purpose to derive an accessible diagnostic tool. We extracted data regarding study- and diagnostic tool characteristics, and the accuracy of each diagnostic tool. RESULTS The search led to 6419 records, where 74 studies were included, yielding 82 diagnostic tools reported in seven different languages. Among these tools, 35% included patient characteristics, 85% symptoms, 93% physical examinations, 37% vital signs, 78% laboratory values, and 16% imaging. Among the diagnostic tools, 35% relied on a medical doctor/surgeon with access to a laboratory, and six diagnostic tools did not require a bedside medical doctor/surgeon. The median positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity across diagnostic tools were 91%, 94%, 89%, and 86%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We identified 82 diagnostic tools that most frequently were based on symptoms and physical examinations. Most diagnostic tools relied on a medical doctor/surgeon with access to laboratory values. The accuracy was high across the diagnostic tools.
Collapse
|
4
|
Greydanus DE, Cabral MD, Patel DR. Pelvic inflammatory disease in the adolescent and young adult: An update. Dis Mon 2021; 68:101287. [PMID: 34521505 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2021.101287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female upper genital tract that is typically polymicrobial with classic core involvement of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and/or Chlamydia trachomatis, though other endogenous flora from the vagino-cervical areas can be involved as well. It is often a sexually transmitted disease but other etiologic routes are also noted. A variety of risk factors have been identified including adolescence, young adulthood, adolescent cervical ectropion, multiple sexual partners, immature immune system, history of previous PID, risky contraceptive practices and others. An early diagnosis and prompt treatment are necessary to reduce risks of PID complications such as chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Current management principles of PID are also reviewed. It is important for clinicians to screen sexually active females for common sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis and provide safer sex education to their adolescent and young adult patients. Clinicians should provide comprehensive management to persons with PID and utilize established guidelines such as those from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald E Greydanus
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 1000 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49008, United States of America.
| | - Maria Demma Cabral
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 1000 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49008, United States of America.
| | - Dilip R Patel
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University, Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 1000 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49008, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
El Hentour K, Millet I, Pages-Bouic E, Curros-Doyon F, Molinari N, Taourel P. How to differentiate acute pelvic inflammatory disease from acute appendicitis ? A decision tree based on CT findings. Eur Radiol 2017; 28:673-682. [PMID: 28894927 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-5032-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To construct a decision tree based on CT findings to differentiate acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) from acute appendicitis (AA) in women with lower abdominal pain and inflammatory syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study was approved by our institutional review board and informed consent was waived. Contrast-enhanced CT studies of 109 women with acute PID and 218 age-matched women with AA were retrospectively and independently reviewed by two radiologists to identify CT findings predictive of PID or AA. Surgical and laboratory data were used for the PID and AA reference standard. Appropriate tests were performed to compare PID and AA and a CT decision tree using the classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm was generated. RESULTS The median patient age was 28 years (interquartile range, 22-39 years). According to the decision tree, an appendiceal diameter ≥ 7 mm was the most discriminating criterion for differentiating acute PID and AA, followed by a left tubal diameter ≥ 10 mm, with a global accuracy of 98.2 % (95 % CI: 96-99.4). CONCLUSION Appendiceal diameter and left tubal thickening are the most discriminating CT criteria for differentiating acute PID from AA. KEY POINTS • Appendiceal diameter and marked left tubal thickening allow differentiating PID from AA. • PID should be considered if appendiceal diameter is < 7 mm. • Marked left tubal diameter indicates PID rather than AA when enlarged appendix. • No pathological CT findings were identified in 5 % of PID patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim El Hentour
- Department of Medical Imaging, Lapeyronie Hospital, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier, France
| | - Ingrid Millet
- Department of Medical Imaging, Lapeyronie Hospital, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier, France.
| | - Emmanuelle Pages-Bouic
- Department of Medical Imaging, Lapeyronie Hospital, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier, France
| | - Fernanda Curros-Doyon
- Department of Medical Imaging, Lapeyronie Hospital, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Molinari
- Department of Medical Information and Statistics, UMR 5149 IMAG, CHU, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrice Taourel
- Department of Medical Imaging, Lapeyronie Hospital, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yoo HY, Choi J, Kim J, Chai YJ, Shin R, Ahn HS, Lim CS, Lee HW, Hwang KT, Jung IM, Chung JK, Heo SC. Unexpected Appendiceal Pathologies and Their Changes With the Expanding Use of Preoperative Imaging Studies. Ann Coloproctol 2017; 33:99-105. [PMID: 28761870 PMCID: PMC5534502 DOI: 10.3393/ac.2017.33.3.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis is often challenging. Sometimes, pathologic results of the appendix embarrass or confuse surgeons. Therefore, more and more imaging studies are being performed to increase the accuracy of appendicitis diagnoses preoperatively. However, data on the effect of this increase in preoperative imaging studies on diagnostic accuracy are limited. We performed this study to explore unexpected appendiceal pathologies and to delineate the role of preoperative imaging studies in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods The medical records of 4,673 patients who underwent an appendectomy for assumed appendicitis between 1997 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Pathological results and preoperative imaging studies were surveyed, and the frequencies of pathological results and preoperative imaging studies were investigated. Results The overall rate of pathology compatible with acute appendicitis was 84.4%. Unexpected pathological findings, such as normal histology, specific inflammations other than acute appendicitis, neoplastic lesions, and other pathologies, comprised 9.6%, 3.3%, 1.2%, and 1.5%, respectively. The rate of unexpected pathological results was significantly reduced because of the increase in preoperative imaging studies. The decrease in normal appendices contributed the most to the reduction while other unexpected pathologies did not change significantly despite the increased use of imaging studies. This decrease in normal appendices was significant in both male and female patients under the age of 60 years, but the differences in females were more prominent. Conclusion Unexpected appendiceal pathologies comprised 15.6% of the cases. Preoperative imaging studies reduced them by decreasing the negative appendectomy rate of patients with normal appendices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yeol Yoo
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaewoo Choi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongjin Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Jun Chai
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Rumi Shin
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Seong Ahn
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang-Sup Lim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae Won Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ki-Tae Hwang
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Mok Jung
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Kee Chung
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Chul Heo
- Department of Surgery, Seoul Metropolitan Government - Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Di Saverio S, Birindelli A, Kelly MD, Catena F, Weber DG, Sartelli M, Sugrue M, De Moya M, Gomes CA, Bhangu A, Agresta F, Moore EE, Soreide K, Griffiths E, De Castro S, Kashuk J, Kluger Y, Leppaniemi A, Ansaloni L, Andersson M, Coccolini F, Coimbra R, Gurusamy KS, Campanile FC, Biffl W, Chiara O, Moore F, Peitzman AB, Fraga GP, Costa D, Maier RV, Rizoli S, Balogh ZJ, Bendinelli C, Cirocchi R, Tonini V, Piccinini A, Tugnoli G, Jovine E, Persiani R, Biondi A, Scalea T, Stahel P, Ivatury R, Velmahos G, Andersson R. WSES Jerusalem guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis. World J Emerg Surg 2016; 11:34. [PMID: 27437029 PMCID: PMC4949879 DOI: 10.1186/s13017-016-0090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute appendicitis (AA) is among the most common cause of acute abdominal pain. Diagnosis of AA is challenging; a variable combination of clinical signs and symptoms has been used together with laboratory findings in several scoring systems proposed for suggesting the probability of AA and the possible subsequent management pathway. The role of imaging in the diagnosis of AA is still debated, with variable use of US, CT and MRI in different settings worldwide. Up to date, comprehensive clinical guidelines for diagnosis and management of AA have never been issued. In July 2015, during the 3rd World Congress of the WSES, held in Jerusalem (Israel), a panel of experts including an Organizational Committee and Scientific Committee and Scientific Secretariat, participated to a Consensus Conference where eight panelists presented a number of statements developed for each of the eight main questions about diagnosis and management of AA. The statements were then voted, eventually modified and finally approved by the participants to The Consensus Conference and lately by the board of co-authors. The current paper is reporting the definitive Guidelines Statements on each of the following topics: 1) Diagnostic efficiency of clinical scoring systems, 2) Role of Imaging, 3) Non-operative treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis, 4) Timing of appendectomy and in-hospital delay, 5) Surgical treatment 6) Scoring systems for intra-operative grading of appendicitis and their clinical usefulness 7) Non-surgical treatment for complicated appendicitis: abscess or phlegmon 8) Pre-operative and post-operative antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Arianna Birindelli
- S. Orsola Malpighi University Hospital - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Micheal D Kelly
- Locum Surgeon, Acute Surgical Unit, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT Australia
| | - Fausto Catena
- Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Maggiore Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Dieter G Weber
- Trauma and General Surgeon Royal Perth Hospital & The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | | | - Mark De Moya
- Harvard Medical School - Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Carlos Augusto Gomes
- Department of Surgery Hospital Universitario, Universidade General de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Aneel Bhangu
- Academic Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Edgabaston, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Ernest E Moore
- Denver Health System - Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, USA
| | - Kjetil Soreide
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Ewen Griffiths
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Jeffry Kashuk
- Department of Surgery, University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yoram Kluger
- Division of General Surgery, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ari Leppaniemi
- Abdominal Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Luca Ansaloni
- General Surgery I, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Manne Andersson
- Department of Surgery, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | | | - Raul Coimbra
- UCSD Health System - Hillcrest Campus Department of Surgery Chief Division of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, Burns, and Acute Care Surgery, San Diego, CA USA
| | | | | | - Walter Biffl
- Queen's Medical Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI USA
| | | | | | - Andrew B Peitzman
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC-Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Gustavo P Fraga
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM) - Unicamp, Campinas, SP Brazil
| | | | - Ronald V Maier
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA USA
| | | | - Zsolt J Balogh
- Department of Traumatology, John Hunter Hospital and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW Australia
| | - Cino Bendinelli
- Department of Traumatology, John Hunter Hospital and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW Australia
| | - Roberto Cirocchi
- Department of Surgery, Terni Hospital, University of Perugia, Terni, Italy
| | - Valeria Tonini
- S. Orsola Malpighi University Hospital - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alice Piccinini
- Trauma Surgery Unit - Maggiore Hospital AUSL, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Elio Jovine
- Department of Surgery, Maggiore Hospital AUSL, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Persiani
- Catholic University, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Biondi
- Department of Surgery, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Philip Stahel
- Denver Health System - Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, USA
| | - Rao Ivatury
- Professor Emeritus Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - George Velmahos
- Harvard Medical School - Chief of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aaronson EL, Chang Y, Borczuk P. A prediction model to identify patients without a concerning intraabdominal diagnosis. Am J Emerg Med 2016; 34:1354-8. [PMID: 27113130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2016.03.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with abdominal diagnoses constitute 5% to 10% of all emergency department (ED) presentations. The goal of this study is to identify which of these patients will have a nonconcerning diagnosis based on demographic, physical examination, and basic laboratory testing. METHODS Consecutive patients from July 2013 to March 2014 discharged with a gastrointestinal (GI) diagnosis who presented to an urban, university-affiliated ED were identified. The cohort was split into a derivation set and a validation set. Using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis, a risk score was created based on the deviation data and then tested on the validation data. RESULTS There were 8852 patients with a GI diagnosis during the study period. A total of 7747 (87.5%) of them had a nonconcerning diagnosis. The logistic regression model identified 13 variables that predict a concerning GI diagnosis and created a scoring system ranging from 0 to 20. The area under the receiver operating characteristic was 0.81. When dichotomized at greater than or equal to 7 vs less than 7, the risk score has a sensitivity of 91% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88-94), specificity of 46% (95% CI, 44-48), positive predictive value of 17% (95% CI, 15-19) and negative predictive value of 98% (95% CI, 97-99). CONCLUSION One can determine with a high degree of certainty, based only on an initial evaluation and screening laboratory work (excluding radiology) whether a patient who presents with a GI-related complaint has a nonconcerning diagnosis. This model could be used as a tool to aid in quality assurance when reviewing patients discharged with GI complaints and with future study, as a secondary triage instrument in a crowded ED environment, and aid in resource allocation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Aaronson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.
| | - Yuchiao Chang
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Pierre Borczuk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hiller N, Fux T, Finkelstein A, Mezeh H, Simanovsky N. CT differentiation between tubo-ovarian and appendiceal origin of right lower quadrant abscess: CT, clinical, and laboratory correlation. Emerg Radiol 2015; 23:133-9. [PMID: 26719159 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-015-1372-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
To investigate which clinical, laboratory, and CT findings potentially facilitate the differential diagnosis between tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) and periappendicular abscess (PAA), we retrospectively reviewed abdominal CT examinations and medical records for all women who presented to our medical center with unilateral right pelvic abscess formation who underwent CT evaluation from 2004-2014. A wide spectrum of clinical data and imaging findings were recorded. CT diagnoses were made in consensus by two experienced body radiologists blinded to the final diagnosis. Findings associated with the infections were compared using the chi-square (χ(2)) or the Fisher exact test. Ninety-one patients were included; 58 with PAA (mean age 46 years) and 33 with TOA (mean age 37 years). Pain on cervical motion (67 %) and vaginal discharge (21 %) were significantly more common in TOA; other clinical signs were similar. The presence of right ovarian vein entering the mass on CT had 100 % specificity and 94 % sensitivity to TOA. Distended right fallopian tube (79 %), mass posterior to mesovarium (76 %), contralateral pelvic fat stranding (55 %), and thickening of sacrouterine ligaments (55 %) were significantly more common in TOA. Positive "arrowhead sign" (91 %), mesenteric lymphadenopathy (85 %), small bowel wall thickening (55 %), fluid in the right paracolic gutter (50 %), and cecal wall thickening (48 %) were significantly more common in PAA;internal gas was revealed only in PAA (33 %). Distinct CT features can increase diagnostic certainty regarding the origin of right lower quadrant abscess in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nurith Hiller
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. .,Department of Radiology, Hadassah Mount Scopus Medical Center, POB - 24035, Jerusalem, 91240, Israel.
| | - Tal Fux
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Anna Finkelstein
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Haggi Mezeh
- Surgery, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Natalia Simanovsky
- Department of Radiology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ashurst JV, Cherney AR, Evans EM, Kennedy Hall M, Hess EP, Kline JA, Mitchell AM, Mills AM, Weigner MB, Moore CL. Research priorities for the influence of gender on diagnostic imaging choices in the emergency department setting. Acad Emerg Med 2014; 21:1431-7. [PMID: 25420885 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostic imaging is a cornerstone of patient evaluation in the acute care setting, but little effort has been devoted to understanding the appropriate influence of sex and gender on imaging choices. This article provides background on this issue and a description of the working group and consensus findings reached during the diagnostic imaging breakout session at the 2014 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference "Gender-specific Research in Emergency Care: Investigate, Understand, and Translate How Gender Affects Patient Outcomes." Our goal was to determine research priorities for how sex and gender may (or should) affect imaging choices in the acute care setting. Prior to the conference, the working group identified five areas for discussion regarding the research agenda in sex- and gender-based imaging using literature review and expert consensus. The nominal group technique was used to identify areas for discussion for common presenting complaints to the emergency department where ionizing radiation is often used for diagnosis: suspected pulmonary embolism, suspected kidney stone, lower abdominal pain with a concern for appendicitis, and chest pain concerning for coronary artery disease. The role of sex- and gender-based shared decision-making in diagnostic imaging decisions is also raised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John V. Ashurst
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Lehigh Valley Hospital/USF Morsani College of Medicine; Allentown PA
| | - Alan R. Cherney
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Lehigh Valley Hospital/USF Morsani College of Medicine; Allentown PA
| | - Elizabeth M. Evans
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Lehigh Valley Hospital/USF Morsani College of Medicine; Allentown PA
| | - Michael Kennedy Hall
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven CT
| | - Erik P. Hess
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
| | - Jeffrey A. Kline
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis IN
| | - Alice M. Mitchell
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis IN
| | - Angela M. Mills
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Perelman School of Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA
| | - Michael B. Weigner
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Lehigh Valley Hospital/USF Morsani College of Medicine; Allentown PA
| | - Christopher L. Moore
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Yale University School of Medicine; New Haven CT
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Validation of the diagnostic score for acute lower abdominal pain in women of reproductive age. Emerg Med Int 2014; 2014:320926. [PMID: 24971177 PMCID: PMC4058215 DOI: 10.1155/2014/320926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The differential diagnoses of acute appendicitis obstetrics, and gynecological conditions (OB-GYNc) or nonspecific abdominal pain in young adult females with lower abdominal pain are clinically challenging. The present study aimed to validate the recently developed clinical score for the diagnosis of acute lower abdominal pain in female of reproductive age. Method. Medical records of reproductive age women (15-50 years) who were admitted for acute lower abdominal pain were collected. Validation data were obtained from patients admitted during a different period from the development data. Result. There were 302 patients in the validation cohort. For appendicitis, the score had a sensitivity of 91.9%, a specificity of 79.0%, and a positive likelihood ratio of 4.39. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio in diagnosis of OB-GYNc were 73.0%, 91.6%, and 8.73, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating curves (ROC), the positive likelihood ratios, for appendicitis and OB-GYNc in the validation data were not significantly different from the development data, implying similar performances. Conclusion. The clinical score developed for the diagnosis of acute lower abdominal pain in female of reproductive age may be applied to guide differential diagnoses in these patients.
Collapse
|
12
|
Schmitz G, Tibbles C. Genitourinary emergencies in the nonpregnant woman. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2011; 29:621-35. [PMID: 21782078 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2011.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Lower abdominal and pelvic pains are common symptoms in women who present to the emergency department (ED). Once pregnancy has been ruled out, attention should focus on other potential life or fertility threats. Ultrasound remains the most helpful initial diagnostic modality. Time-sensitive and serious conditions, such as large ovarian masses or abnormal vaginal bleeding, need gynecologic consultation. Because many patients do not have access to primary care, ED physicians should be familiar with the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. However, most nonpregnant women with pelvic complaints can safely be managed in the outpatient setting after ED evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Schmitz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ou MC, Pang CC, Ou D, Su CH. The implications of abdominal palpation with Ou MC manipulation for women with acute abdomen. Am J Emerg Med 2011; 30:421-5. [PMID: 21354746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2011.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Revised: 12/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Abdominal palpation with Ou MC manipulation (APOM) has showed to be more sensitive than bimanual pelvic examination for the diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease in women with acute abdomen (JEM. 2010;). This study compared APOM with traditional abdominal palpation (AP) for diagnostic reliability and enquired into the mechanism of APOM. METHODS From January 2006 through December 2009, 113 women with acute abdomen attending an emergency department received AP and APOM. Of the 113 women, 91 had pelvic organ disease, whereas 21 had nonpelvic organ disease and 1 had pelvic and nonpelvic organ disease concurrently. RESULTS Excluding the case with concurrent pelvic and nonpelvic organ disease, the sensitivity of APOM for the diagnosis of pelvic organ disease was significantly greater than that of AP (P=.003). Abdominal palpation with Ou MC manipulation also showed greater specificity of excluding pelvic organ disease than did AP (P=.003). Overall, 37.2% of patients with muscle guarding had repeated APOM or APOMs with aggravated isolation, which made the location of the diseased organ more distinct to identify. CONCLUSIONS The delimitation by APOM as a separation zone may allow positional recognition of the tenderness with decreased overlap of signs. However, in cases with muscle guarding, initial APOM might not be able to locate tenderness effectively until repeated APOM or APOMs with aggravated isolation lead to extensive space shielding and isolation of visceral organs. This implies that tenderness location by APOM may also relate to space shielding and pelvic organ isolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Cheh Ou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei City Hospital, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan 110.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Toward improving the diagnosis and the treatment of adolescent pelvic inflammatory disease in emergency departments: results of a brief, educational intervention. Pediatr Emerg Care 2010; 26:85-92. [PMID: 20094001 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e3181cdf349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the utility of an abbreviated teaching tool (ATT) in improving emergency medicine pediatricians' knowledge of the diagnosis and the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). METHODS An 18-question internet-based survey, which included questions about the diagnosis and the treatment of PID, was administered to members of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine. Participants were randomized to receive either a weblink to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sexually transmitted disease treatment guidelines (weblink group) or a 1-page ATT that summarized the CDC guidelines (ATT group) to assist with completion of the survey. We compared the accuracy of responses between the 2 groups. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-seven subjects responded to the survey (109 from the weblink group and 128 from ATT group). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to sex, geographic location, practice setting, years of experience, or reported frequency of recent PID diagnoses. Ninety-seven percent of the ATT group correctly identified the appropriate antibiotic regimen in compliance with the CDC guidelines compared with 61% of the weblink group (OR, 19.4; 95% confidence interval, 6.6-76.9); the ATT group was also more likely to correctly identify appropriate treatment options overall (OR, 9.6; 95% confidence interval, 4.9-19.3). CONCLUSIONS Although the overall PID knowledge in our sample was low, the physicians with access to a 1-page teaching tool summarizing the CDC treatment recommendations for PID performed significantly better when asked questions involving PID treatment as compared with providers with access to the CDC Web site. Further studies should investigate whether access to a similar tool can improve patient care.
Collapse
|
15
|
Pelvic inflammatory disease: Contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic approach. SRP ARK CELOK LEK 2010; 138:658-63. [PMID: 21180100 DOI: 10.2298/sarh1010658t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is polymicrobial infection in women
characterized by inflammation of the upper genital tract, including
endometritis, salpingitis, pelvic peritonitis, occasionally leading to the
formation of tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA). PID primarily affects young,
sexually active women, and it is highly correlated with having several
sexual partners, intrauterine contraceptive device and sexually transmited
diseases. The spectrum of disease is caused most commonly by Chlamydia
trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 30-50% of cases. PID is responsible
for severe acute morbidity and significant long-term sequelae, including
tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. The
following clinical features are suggestive of a diagnosis of PID: bilateral
lower abdominal tenderness, abnormal vaginal or cervical discharge, fever
(higher than 38?C), abnormal vaginal bleeding, dyspareunia, cervical motion
tenderness and adnexal tenderness, with or without a palpable mass. In
laboratory findings, there is presence of excess leucocytes, elevated
erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein. Transvaginal
ultrasound scanning may be helpful, and its sensitivity is up to 85%. It can
identify inflamed and dilated tubes and tubo-ovarian masses. Magnetic
resonance imaging can be helpful in a final diagnosis in 95% of cases. In
15-30% of suspected cases, there is no laparoscopic evidence of disease.
Treatment regimens for PID include broadspectrum antibiotics, including
coverage for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. The usage of
parenteral or oral therapy, inpatient or outpatient regimens, depends on the
patient?s clinical condition. Considering the potential complications of
disease, there is a need for good health educational programmes in
reproductive period.
Collapse
|
16
|
Davis SR, Shah SM, McKenzie DP, Kulkarni J, Davison SL, Bell RJ. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels are associated with more favorable cognitive function in women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:801-8. [PMID: 18073302 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-2128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT It has been proposed that dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) exert neuroprotective effects in the brain, yet evidence of associations between the endogenous levels of these steroids and measures of cognitive function is lacking. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate whether circulating levels of DHEAS independently contribute to aspects of cognitive function in women in the community. DESIGN This was a community-based, cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Two hundred ninety-five women, aged 21-77 yr, were recruited from a community-based data set and participated between September 2003 and December 2004. Women were excluded if they reported any health condition that might potentially adversely affect cognitive function. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The individual scores of a comprehensive battery of tests of cognitive function and the serum level of DHEAS (square root transformed) were measured. RESULTS In the multiple linear regression analysis, the DHEAS term made a significant independent positive contribution to the Controlled Oral Word Association Test score, a measure of executive function. In addition, women with a DHEAS level in the highest tertile who also had more than 12 yr of education performed better on both Digit Span Forward and Digit Span Backward tests, which are tests of simple concentration and working memory, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Higher endogenous DHEAS levels are independently and favorably associated with executive function, concentration, and working memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan R Davis
- Women's Health Program, Department of Medicine, Monash Medical School, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Prahran, Victoria 3181, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abbas SM, Smithers T, Truter E. What clinical and laboratory parameters determine significant intra abdominal pathology for patients assessed in hospital with acute abdominal pain? World J Emerg Surg 2007; 2:26. [PMID: 17894892 PMCID: PMC2116997 DOI: 10.1186/1749-7922-2-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2007] [Accepted: 09/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abdominal pain is a common cause for emergency admission. While some patients have serious abdominal pathology, a significant group of those patients have no specific cause for the pain. This study was conducted to identify those who have non-specific abdominal pain who can be either admitted short term for observation or reassured and discharged for outpatient management. PATIENTS AND METHODS A prospective documentation of clinical and laboratory data was obtained on a consecutive cohort of 286 patients who were admitted to a surgical unit over a nine month period with symptoms of abdominal pain regarded severe enough for full assessment in the casualty department and admission to a surgical ward. The patients were followed until a definite diagnosis was made or the patient's condition and abdominal pain improved and the patient discharged. The hospital where the study took place is a small peripheral general hospital draining a population of 120,000 people in a rural area in New Zealand. RESULTS There were 286 admissions to the emergency department. Logistic regression multivariate statistical analysis showed that guarding raised white cells count, tachycardia and vomiting were the only variables associated with significant pathology. CONCLUSION Patients with no vomiting, no guarding, who have normal pulse rates and normal white cell counts are unlikely to have significant pathology requiring further active intervention either medical or surgical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saleh M Abbas
- Middlemore Hospital, Department of surgery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Troy Smithers
- Roturoa Hospital, Department of surgery, Rotorua, Hospital Road, New Zealand
| | - Etienne Truter
- Roturoa Hospital, Department of surgery, Rotorua, Hospital Road, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|