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Frydman S, Freund O, Zornitzki L, Katash HA, Topilsky Y, Borenstein G. Predicting the outcomes of inpatient cardiac evaluation for syncope using validated risk scores. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00349-8. [PMID: 38871205 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Validated syncope risk scores were aimed to predict a cardiac etiology and are mainly used in the decision of hospital admission. Whether these scores could also predict the outcomes of inpatient cardiac evaluation is unknown and was the aim of our study. METHODS An observational study including consecutive patients admitted for syncope evaluation. All patients completed prolonged ECG monitoring and an echocardiography before discharge. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the ability of validated risk scores to predict positive inpatient findings. Subsequently, a multivariate regression was performed to identify independent predictors for positive cardiac evaluation, which were then incorporated into the best predictive risk scores. RESULTS 397 patients were included, 56 (14%) with a positive inpatient cardiac evaluation. The Osservatorio Epidemiologico sulla Sincope Lazio (OESIL) and Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS) achieved the largest AUC (0.701, 95% CI 0.63-0.77 and 0.694, 95% CI 0.62-0.77, respectively). Yet, all scores provided relatively high sensitivity with low specificity. Multivariate regression revealed age ≥75 (adjusted OR 3.50, 95% CI 1.5-7.9) and abnormal cardiac auscultation (AOR 4.79, 95% CI 2.5-9.1) to be independent predictors. Incorporating these factors led to a significantly higher prediction ability of the OESIL (AUC of 0.787, p<0.01) and CSRS (AUC 0.778, p<0.01) modified scores. CONCLUSION Current syncope risk scores provide limited prediction ability for the outcomes of inpatient cardiac syncope work-up. One should specifically consider at age > 75 and either cardiac murmur of irregular heart rate on examination very significant in implying a cardiac etiology for syncope. While these factors may be obvious, current risk scores can be interpreted in such a fashion that ignores the importance of findings extracted from a good history and physical examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shir Frydman
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ophir Freund
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Lior Zornitzki
- Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Haytham Abu Katash
- Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Yan Topilsky
- Department of Cardiology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Gil Borenstein
- Internal Medicine B, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center affiliated to the Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Carino Mason MR, Vu L, Horn D, Tiu T. Convulsive Syncope as a Complication of Outpatient Procedures: A Case Series and Review of the Literature. Clin J Sport Med 2024; 34:144-148. [PMID: 37257203 PMCID: PMC10883356 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001159] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sports medicine providers often perform various outpatient procedures to manage musculoskeletal and neuropathic conditions. Vasovagal syncope is a rare but a possible complication. Convulsive syncope is one subtype that involves brief extensor stiffening and nonsustained myoclonus and can be easily mistaken for seizures. We present a case series of convulsive syncope as a complication of common sports medicine outpatient procedures. We aim to describe how to identify this condition, and offer risk stratification and management strategies to mitigate the risks of this complication. Sports medicine providers who routinely practice outpatient procedures should be aware of this complication. Simple changes in approaching the procedure may mitigate these risks. High- and intermediate-risk features of the syncopal episode should prompt physicians to seek further evaluation by a specialist to rule out more serious conditions. In all instances, appropriate on-site support and equipment for emergent resuscitation and management should be prepared.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ly Vu
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, University of Miami & Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami; and
| | - Danielle Horn
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, University of Miami & Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami; and
| | - Timothy Tiu
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami, Miami
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3
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Fumagalli C, Rafanelli M, Brignole M, Guarducci C, Bettoni N, Rivasi G, Pieragnoli P, Ricciardi G, Checchi L, Gambardella M, Casolaro F, Paolisso G, Marfella R, Signoriello G, Marchionni N, Ungar A, Sardu C. Low incidence of arrhythmic syncope and pacemaker implantation in older patients with bifascicular block and implantable cardiac monitor. Int J Cardiol 2023; 370:215-218. [PMID: 36332751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.10.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with unexplained syncope, bifascicular block (BFB) is considered associated with syncope due to either heart block or sinus arrest. Immediate or delayed pacemaker (PM) implantation after ECG documentation of syncopal recurrence by means of implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) is still debated. We aimed to assess the incidence of recurrent syncope and guideline-based PM implantation in patients with syncope and BFB implanted with ICM. METHODS Consecutive patients with syncope and BFB followed at two tertiary care syncope units and implanted with ICM from 2012 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with ≥2 clinical visits and ≥ 18 years of age were included. Incidence of a Class I indication for PM implantation was the primary outcome. RESULTS Of 635 syncope patients implanted with an ICM, 55 (8.7%) had a BFB and were included. Median age at implantation was 75 [interquartile range, IQR:64-81] years, and 28(49.1%) were women. At 26 [IQR:12-41] months follow-up, 20 (36.3%,16.3%/year) patients experienced syncope: in 6(10.9%) patients syncope was classified 'arrhythmic' with a higher prevalence in older individuals (p = 0.048). PM implantation (N = 14,25.5%) was more frequent in patients ≥75 years (p = 0.024). At survival analysis, patients ≥75 years were at highest risk of arrhythmic syncope and guideline directed PM implantation (Hazard Ratio: 4.5, 95% Confidence Intervals 1.5-13.3). CONCLUSIONS Most older patients with syncope who received an ICM did not have events during follow-up. One-in-three experienced syncope, and an even smaller number had an arrhythmic syncope with indication for PM implantation. Older age was strongly associated with PM implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Fumagalli
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Martina Rafanelli
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Brignole
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Faint and Fall Programme, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Guarducci
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Niccolò Bettoni
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Pieragnoli
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricciardi
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Italy
| | - Luca Checchi
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Italy
| | - Marco Gambardella
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Italy
| | - Flavia Casolaro
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paolisso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, Naples, Italy; Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, Naples, Italy; Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Signoriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, Naples, Italy
| | - Niccolò Marchionni
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Celestino Sardu
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, Naples, Italy
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4
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Bennett AJ, Levine BD. The argument against tilt table testing in the geriatric population. J Am Geriatr Soc 2022; 70:3293-3295. [PMID: 36254345 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ari J Bennett
- Cardiology Division, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Cardiology Division, Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Benjamin D Levine
- Cardiology Division, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Exercise Physiology, Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Dallas, Texas, USA
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5
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Cardiac and Vascular Causes of Syncope and Atherosclerosis. Curr Cardiol Rep 2022; 24:1241-1249. [PMID: 35913673 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-022-01757-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Among the most common causes of cardiac syncope are arrhythmias and ischemic heart disease, both of which can coexist. The purpose of this review is to discuss the main causes of cardiac and vascular syncope related to atherosclerosis, its epidemiological and clinical aspects, warning signs, and initial approach. RECENT FINDINGS Cardiac syncope may have a frequency of up to 34% in elderly people. Atherosclerosis-related causes of cardiac and vascular syncope may be due to cardiac arrhythmia and/or structural impairment of the heart or arteries. Late ventricular tachycardia and late-onset high-grade atrioventricular block associated with myocardial ischemia may occur with syncope, which is related to higher mortality. Besides ventricular dysfunction, concentric remodeling is also a prognostic factor. In calcific degenerative aortic stenosis, syncope carries a worse prognosis than the other cardinal signs. Cardiac syncope has a high recurrence and mortality rate. There are red flag alerts that must be considered in risk stratification.
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6
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Xiao X, William J, Kistler PM, Joseph S, Patel HC, Vaddadi G, Kalman JM, Mariani JA, Voskoboinik A. Prediction of Pacemaker Requirement in Patients With Unexplained Syncope: The DROP Score. Heart Lung Circ 2022; 31:999-1005. [PMID: 35370087 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are increasingly utilised in the evaluation of unexplained syncope. However, they are expensive and do not protect against future syncope. OBJECTIVES To compare patients requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation during ILR follow-up with those without abnormalities detected on ILR in order to identify potential predictors of benefit from upfront pacing. METHODS We analysed 100 consecutive patients receiving ILR: Group 1 (n=50) underwent PPM insertion due to bradyarrhythmias detected on ILR; Group 2 (n=50) had no arrhythmias detected on ILR over >3 years follow-up. Baseline clinical characteristics, syncope history, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters were assessed to identify predictors of ultimate requirement for pacing. RESULTS Group 1 (64% male, median age 70.8 years; IQR 65.5-78.8) were older than Group 2 (58% male, median 60.2 years; IQR 44.0-73.0 p=0.001) and were less likely to have related historical factors such as overheating, posture and exercise (98% vs 70% p<0.001). PR interval was also longer in Group 1 (192±51 vs 169±23 p=0.006) with greater prevalence of distal conduction system disease (30% vs 4.3% p=0.002). Significant univariate predictors for PPM insertion were distal conduction disease (p=0.007), first degree atrioventricular (AV) block (p=0.003), absence of precipitating factors (p=0.004), and age >65 years (p=0.001). Injury sustained, recurrent syncope, history of atrial fibrillation (AF) or heart failure, left atrial (LA) size and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were not predictive. These significant predictors were incorporated into the DROP score1 (0-4). Using time-to-event analysis, no patients with a score of 0 progressed to pacing, while higher scores (3-4) strongly predicted pacing requirement (log-rank p<0.001). CONCLUSION The DROP score may be helpful in identifying patients likely to benefit from upfront permanent pacemaker (PPM) insertion following unexplained syncope. Larger prospective studies are required to validate this tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Jeremy William
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Peter M Kistler
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Stephen Joseph
- Department of Cardiology, Western Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Hitesh C Patel
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Gautam Vaddadi
- Department of Cardiology, Northern Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Jonathan M Kalman
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Department of Cardiology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Justin A Mariani
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Aleksandr Voskoboinik
- Department of Cardiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Western Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Cabrini Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
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7
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Montinaro BL, Bozzano V, Carandina A, Croci GA, Di Fonzo A, Tobaldini E. A 79-year-old man with unexplained recurrent syncope and severe orthostatic hypotension. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:1139-1144. [PMID: 34528166 PMCID: PMC8442640 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-021-02832-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Laura Montinaro
- Division of Internal Medicine, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Bozzano
- Division of Internal Medicine, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelica Carandina
- Division of Internal Medicine, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Alberto Croci
- Division of Pathology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Di Fonzo
- Division of Neurology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Tobaldini
- Division of Internal Medicine, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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8
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Sheldon R, Talajic M, Tang A, Becker G, Essebag V, Sultan O, Baranchuk A, Ritchie D, Morillo C, Krahn A, Brignole M, Manns B, Maxey C, Raj SR. Randomized Pragmatic Trial of Pacemaker Versus Implantable Cardiac Monitor in Syncope and Bifascicular Block. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2022; 8:239-248. [PMID: 35210082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this study, the authors tested whether a strategy of empiric permanent pacing reduces major composite events more effectively than acting on the results of an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM). BACKGROUND Syncope may be caused by intermittent complete heart block in patients with bifascicular heart block, but competing diagnoses coexist. Whether empiric permanent pacing or acting on investigative results provides best care is unknown. METHODS This was a multinational, randomized, pragmatic clinical trial of patients ≥50 years of age with bifascicular block, preserved left ventricular function, and ≥1 syncope in the preceding year. The primary composite outcome measure comprised cardiovascular death, syncope, bradycardia resulting in pacemaker insertion, and device complications. RESULTS There were 57 and 58 subjects randomized to receive a pacemaker or ICM. A total of 41 patients had left bundle branch block and 74 had right bundle branch block and a left fascicular block. Patients were followed for a median 33 months. There were fewer composite primary outcomes in patients randomized to pacemaker compared with ICM, respectively (20 [35%] vs 44 [76%]; chi square P < 0.0001), with lower actuarial probabilities of a primary outcome (0.45 and 1.00; P < 0.001). Syncope was as likely in the groups randomized to receive a pacemaker or ICM (29% vs 26%, chi-square P = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS Empiric permanent pacing compared with ICM reduced major adverse events but not syncope in older patients with bifascicular block and recent syncope. There remains a substantial likelihood of syncope recurrence in patients who receive a permanent pacemaker likely caused by vasodepressor syncope. (Syncope: Pacing or Recording in the Later Years [SPRITELY]; NCT01423994).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sheldon
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | | | - Anthony Tang
- University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Omar Sultan
- Regina General Hospital, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Debbie Ritchie
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carlos Morillo
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew Krahn
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Braden Manns
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Connor Maxey
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Satish R Raj
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Torabi P, Rivasi G, Hamrefors V, Ungar A, Sutton R, Brignole M, Fedorowski A. OUP accepted manuscript. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:2116-2123. [PMID: 35139180 PMCID: PMC9170473 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Methods and results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Viktor Hamrefors
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence and Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Michele Brignole
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall Programme, Ospedale San Luca, Milano, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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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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11
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Williams EL, Raj SR, Schondorf R, Shen WK, Wieling W, Claydon VE. Salt supplementation in the management of orthostatic intolerance: Vasovagal syncope and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Auton Neurosci 2021; 237:102906. [PMID: 34823150 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Salt supplementation is a common non-pharmacological approach to the management of recurrent orthostatic syncope or presyncope, particularly for patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS) or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), although there is limited consensus on the optimal dosage, formulation and duration of treatment. Accordingly, we reviewed the evidence for the use of salt supplementation to reduce susceptibility to syncope or presyncope in patients with VVS and POTS. We found that short-term (~3 months) salt supplementation improves susceptibility to VVS and associated symptoms, with little effect on supine blood pressure. In patients with VVS, salt supplementation is associated with increases in plasma volume, and an increase in the time taken to provoke a syncopal event during orthostatic tolerance testing, with smaller orthostatic heart rate increases, enhanced peripheral vascular responses to orthostatic stress, and improved cerebral autoregulation. Responses were most pronounced in those with a baseline sodium excretion <170 mmol/day. Salt supplementation also improved symptoms, plasma volume, and orthostatic responses in patients with POTS. Salt supplementation should be considered for individuals with recurrent and troublesome episodes of VVS or POTS without cardiovascular comorbidities, particularly if their typical urinary sodium excretion is low, and their supine blood pressure is not elevated. The efficacy of the response, in terms of the improvement in subjective and objective markers of orthostatic intolerance, and any potential deleterious effect on supine blood pressure, should be routinely monitored in individuals on high salt regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Williams
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - S R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - R Schondorf
- Department of Neurology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - W K Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - W Wieling
- Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - V E Claydon
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
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Amin S, Gupta V, Du G, McMullen C, Sirrine M, Williams MV, Smyth SS, Chadha R, Stearley S, Li J. Developing and Demonstrating the Viability and Availability of the Multilevel Implementation Strategy for Syncope Optimal Care Through Engagement (MISSION) Syncope App: Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support Tool. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e25192. [PMID: 34783669 PMCID: PMC8663445 DOI: 10.2196/25192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope evaluation and management is associated with testing overuse and unnecessary hospitalizations. The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Syncope Guideline aims to standardize clinical practice and reduce unnecessary services. The use of clinical decision support (CDS) tools offers the potential to successfully implement evidence-based clinical guidelines. However, CDS tools that provide an evidence-based differential diagnosis (DDx) of syncope at the point of care are currently lacking. OBJECTIVE With input from diverse health systems, we developed and demonstrated the viability of a mobile app, the Multilevel Implementation Strategy for Syncope optImal care thrOugh eNgagement (MISSION) Syncope, as a CDS tool for syncope diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS Development of the app had three main goals: (1) reliable generation of an accurate DDx, (2) incorporation of an evidence-based clinical risk tool for prognosis, and (3) user-based design and technical development. To generate a DDx that incorporated assessment recommendations, we reviewed guidelines and the literature to determine clinical assessment questions (variables) and likelihood ratios (LHRs) for each variable in predicting etiology. The creation and validation of the app diagnosis occurred through an iterative clinician review and application to actual clinical cases. The review of available risk score calculators focused on identifying an easily applied and valid evidence-based clinical risk stratification tool. The review and decision-making factors included characteristics of the original study, clinical variables, and validation studies. App design and development relied on user-centered design principles. We used observations of the emergency department workflow, storyboard demonstration, multiple mock review sessions, and beta-testing to optimize functionality and usability. RESULTS The MISSION Syncope app is consistent with guideline recommendations on evidence-based practice (EBP), and its user interface (UI) reflects steps in a real-world patient evaluation: assessment, DDx, risk stratification, and recommendations. The app provides flexible clinical decision making, while emphasizing a care continuum; it generates recommendations for diagnosis and prognosis based on user input. The DDx in the app is deemed a pragmatic model that more closely aligns with real-world clinical practice and was validated using actual clinical cases. The beta-testing of the app demonstrated well-accepted functionality and usability of this syncope CDS tool. CONCLUSIONS The MISSION Syncope app development integrated the current literature and clinical expertise to provide an evidence-based DDx, a prognosis using a validated scoring system, and recommendations based on clinical guidelines. This app demonstrates the importance of using research literature in the development of a CDS tool and applying clinical experience to fill the gaps in available research. It is essential for a successful app to be deliberate in pursuing a practical clinical model instead of striving for a perfect mathematical model, given available published evidence. This hybrid methodology can be applied to similar CDS tool development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Amin
- Performance Analytics Center of Excellence, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Vedant Gupta
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Gaixin Du
- Center for Health Services Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Colleen McMullen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States.,Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Matthew Sirrine
- Center for Health Services Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Mark V Williams
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Susan S Smyth
- College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Romil Chadha
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Seth Stearley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Kentucky HealthCare, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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de Toffol B. Epilessia negli anziani: epilessia e demenze. Neurologia 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(21)44998-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Wen Z, Hou J, Mai Z, Huang H, Chen Y, Geng D, Wang J. Predictive Value of Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, and Blood Pressure/Heart Rate Ratio in a Chinese Subpopulation with Vasovagal Syncope. CARDIOVASCULAR INNOVATIONS AND APPLICATIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.15212/cvia.2019.1266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The head-up tilt test (HUTT) is widely used but is time-consuming and not cost-effective to evaluate patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS). The present study aims to verify the hypothesis that ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) and the simplistic tilt
test may be potential alternatives to the HUTT.Methods: The study consecutively enrolled 360 patients who underwent the HUTT to evaluate VVS. BP), heart rate (HR), and BP/HR ratios derived from ABPM and the simplistic tilt test were evaluated to predict the presence, pattern, and
stage of syncope during the HUTT.Results: Mixed response was the commonest pattern, and syncope occurred frequently with infusion of isoproterenol at a rate of 3 μg/min. During the simplistic tilt test, the cardioinhibitory group had higher tilted BP/HR ratios than the vasodepressor
group, while the vasodepressor group had a faster tilted HR and a larger HR difference than the cardioinhibitory group. The higher the BP/HR ratio in the tilted position, the higher the isoproterenol dosage needed to induce a positive response. During ABPM, BP/HR ratios were significantly
higher in the cardioinhibitory group than in the vasodepressor group. The higher the ABPM-derived BP, the higher the dosage of isoproterenol needed to induce syncope. There were significant correlations in BP/HR ratios between ABPM and the supine position in the vasodepressor group, while
significant correlation was found only for the diastolic BP/HR ratio between ABPM and the tilted position in the cardioinhibitory group. The mixed pattern shared correlative features of the other two patterns.Conclusion: ABPM and the simplistic tilt test might be used as promising
alternatives to the HUTT in VVS evaluation in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuzhi Wen
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingying Hou
- Emergency Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zun Mai
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huifen Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangxin Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dengfeng Geng
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingfeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Kaul P, Tran DT, Sandhu RK, Solbiati M, Costantino G, Sheldon RS. Lack of benefit from hospitalization in patients with syncope: A propensity analysis. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2020; 1:716-722. [PMID: 33145511 PMCID: PMC7593467 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Patients with syncope are frequently admitted to the hospital, but whether this improves outcome is unknown. We tested whether hospitalization reduced mortality in patients who presented to emergency departments (EDs) with syncope. METHODS We conducted a propensity analysis of the outcomes of patients ≥18 years old presenting to EDs with a primary diagnosis of syncope in April 2004-March 2013. The model used 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching to predicted admission using age, sex, urban residence, household income, and 14 significant comorbidities from 4 administrative databases of the province of Alberta. The primary outcome was death. RESULTS There were 57,417 ED patients with a primary diagnosis of syncope; 8864 were admitted, and 48,553 were discharged in <24 hours. Admitted patients were older (median 76 vs 49 years), male (53% vs 45%), rural (23% vs 18%), and had lower income (median $58,599 vs $61,422); all P < 0.001. All comorbidities were higher in admitted patients (mean Charlson scores, 1.9 vs 0.7; P < 0.001). The propensity-matched hospitalized patients had higher 30-day mortality (3.5% vs 1.0%) and 1-year mortality (14.1% vs 8.6%); both P < 0.001. Mortality in all propensity quintiles was higher in the hospitalized group (all P < 0.001). The most common causes of death in 2719 patients included chronic ischemic heart disease, 14%; lung cancer, 7.1%; acute myocardial infarction, 6.9%; stroke, 3.7%; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 3.6%; dementia, 2.6%; and heart failure, 2.5%. CONCLUSIONS Hospital admission did not reduce early or late mortality in patients who presented to the ED with syncope. Mortality is associated with comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Kaul
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
| | - Dat T. Tran
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
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Gierthmühlen J, Baron R. [Syncopes]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2020; 88:532-546. [PMID: 32818974 DOI: 10.1055/a-1165-7184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Syncopes are defined as sudden and short unconsciousness with loss of muscular tonus which are reversible without further intervention. Differentiation from other short-lasting changes of consciousness as in seizures, blood flow abnormalities of brainstem, metabolic disorders, intoxication or traumatic loss of consciousness is important for further diagnostic and adequate treatment.
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17
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Different Types of Syncope Presenting to Clinic: Do We Miss Cardiac Syncope? Heart Lung Circ 2020; 29:1129-1138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Bailey R, Mortimore G. Orthostatic hypotension: clinical review and case study. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2020; 29:506-511. [PMID: 32407222 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.9.506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) accounts for 3% of all attendance in emergency departments within the UK. More than 90% of TLOC presentations are due to epileptic seizures, psychogenic seizures or syncope. However, in England and Wales in 2002, it was estimated that 92 000 patients were incorrectly diagnosed with epilepsy, at an additional annual cost to the NHS of up to £189 million. This article will reflect on the case study of a 54-year-old female patient who presented with a possible TLOC, and had a background of long-term depression. Differential diagnoses will be discussed, but the article will focus on orthostatic hypotension. Being diagnosed with this condition is independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Causes of orthostatic hypotension and the pathophysiology behind the condition will be discussed, highlighting the importance of obtaining an accurate clinical history. This is extremely pertinent if a patient collapses in an NHS setting and this is witnessed by nurses because they can contribute to the history of the type of collapse, to aid diagnosis and correct treatment. In addition, nurses have a valuable role to play in highlighting polypharmacy to doctors, and non-medical prescribers, as a contributing factor to orthostatic hypotension is polypharmacy. It is therefore important to accurately distinguish TLOC aetiology, not only to provide appropriate management, but to also identify patients at risk of morbidity/mortality related to underlying disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Bailey
- Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Department of Health and Social Care, University of Derby
| | - Gerri Mortimore
- Lecturer in Advanced Practice, Department of Health and Social Care, University of Derby
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de Sousa Bispo J, Azevedo P, Mota T, Fernandes R, Guedes J, Candeias R, Marques NS, Camacho A, Jesus I. EGSYS score for the prediction in cardiac etiology in syncope: Is it useful in an out-patient setting? REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repce.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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20
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de Sousa Bispo J, Azevedo P, Mota T, Fernandes R, Guedes J, Candeias R, Marques NS, Camacho A, Jesus I. EGSYS score for the prediction of cardiac etiology in syncope: Is it useful in an outpatient setting? Rev Port Cardiol 2020; 39:255-261. [PMID: 32534800 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The EGSYS score uses clinical variables to predict which patients may have cardiac (CS) or non-cardiac syncope (NCS) and has been validated in the emergency department setting. This study aims to determine whether the score has the same applicability in an outpatient setting. METHODS In this retrospective study of all patients observed in the outpatient setting of a hospital with a syncope unit between January 2015 and December 2016, the EGSYS score was calculated for each patient, and its sensitivity and specificity were determined for the prediction of CS in patients with score ≥3. RESULTS A total of 224 patients, mean age 64.3±21.7 years, 116 (51.8%) male, were analyzed. In the 163 (72.7%) patients with confirmed syncope, CS was diagnosed in 27 (16.6%) and NCS in 136 (83.4%). The EGSYS score was ≥3 in 40 (20.0%) patients with NCS and in 13 (48.1%) with CS. A positive score had a sensitivity of 48.2% (95% CI: 28.7-68.1), a specificity of 77.9% (95% CI: 70.0-84.6), and a positive and negative predictive value of 30.2% (95% CI: 20.8-41.8) and 88.3% (95% CI: 83.9-91.7), respectively. CONCLUSION The EGSYS score has limited usefulness in an outpatient setting, where observed patients have already been been medically assessed. Given its high specificity and negative predictive value, it may be useful to reassure low-risk patients and family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- João de Sousa Bispo
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, EPE, Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Azevedo
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, EPE, Faro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Mota
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, EPE, Faro, Portugal
| | - Raquel Fernandes
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, EPE, Faro, Portugal
| | - João Guedes
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, EPE, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rui Candeias
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, EPE, Faro, Portugal
| | - Nuno Silva Marques
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, EPE, Faro, Portugal; Algarve Biomedical Center, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ana Camacho
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, EPE, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ilídio Jesus
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital de Faro, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve, EPE, Faro, Portugal
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Usalp S, Kemal H, Yüksek Ü, Yaman B, Günsel A, Edebal O, Akpınar O, Cerit L, Duygu H. Is there any link between vitamin D deficiency and vasovagal syncope? J Arrhythm 2020; 36:371-376. [PMID: 32256891 PMCID: PMC7132194 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate serum 25[OH]D levels between patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS) diagnosed with head-up tilt table test (HUTT) and age-matched healthy people. METHODS The study included 75 consecutive patients (32.3 ± 10.7 years), who presented with syncope and underwent HUTT and 52 healthy controls (32.9 ± 14.1 years). HUTT patients were divided into two groups according to whether there was syncope response to the test. Patients underwent cardiac, psychiatric, and neurological investigation. Serum 25[OH]D levels were measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay method. RESULTS There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), echocardiographic findings (P > .05). Mean serum 25[OH]D (24.5 ± 6.3 vs 20.1 ± 8.8 ng/mL, P = .003) and vitamin B12 levels (436.4 ± 199.2 vs 363.1 ± 107.6 pg/mL, P = .009) was lower in syncope patients when compared to the control group. In correlation analyses, syncope was shown as correlated with the vitamin D (r = -264, P = .003) and vitamin B12 levels (r = -233, P = .009). But, multivariate regression analyses showed that only vitamin D increased risk of syncope [OR: 0.946, 95% CI (0.901-0.994)]. There was no difference in terms of age, gender, BMI, echocardiographic findings between the in HUTT positive (n = 45) and negative groups (n = 29). Only vitamin D level was significantly lower in HUTT positive group (17.5 ± 7.7 vs 24.4 ± 9.1 ng/mL, P = .002). There was no difference among in the vasovagal subgroups in terms of vitamin D level and other features. CONCLUSION Vitamin D and B12 levels were reasonably low in syncope patients, but especially low Vitamin D levels were associated with VVS diagnosed in HUTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songül Usalp
- Department of CardiologyNear East University Faculty of MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Hatice Kemal
- Department of CardiologyNear East University Faculty of MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Ümit Yüksek
- Department of CardiologyNear East University Faculty of MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Belma Yaman
- Department of CardiologyNear East University Faculty of MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Aziz Günsel
- Department of CardiologyNear East University Faculty of MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Oğuzhan Edebal
- Department of Clinical BiochemistryNear East University Faculty of MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Onur Akpınar
- Department of CardiologyNear East University Faculty of MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Levent Cerit
- Department of CardiologyNear East University Faculty of MedicineNicosiaCyprus
| | - Hamza Duygu
- Department of CardiologyNear East University Faculty of MedicineNicosiaCyprus
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Epilepsy in the elderly: Unique challenges in an increasingly prevalent population. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 102:106724. [PMID: 31816480 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Elderly individuals (aged at least 60 or 65 years) represent a rapidly growing segment of the population. The incidence and prevalence of epilepsy is higher in this age group than in any other. Diagnosing epilepsy in the elderly can be challenging because the causes and clinical manifestations of seizures often differ as compared with younger individuals. Particular differential diagnoses, such as syncope and amyloid spells, are commonly encountered in the elderly population. A diagnosis of epilepsy has important implications in the older adult, many of which already present a variety of concomitant complex medical problems, such as cognitive impairment, comorbid cerebrovascular disease, and frailty. The treatment of epilepsy in the elderly is complicated by a variety of factors related to aging, including physiological changes, medical comorbidities, and polypharmacy. In this narrative review, we will address the descriptive epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and prognosis of epilepsy in the elderly individual.
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Ito R, Kubota K, Yaguchi S, Furudate K, Tanaka Y, Kobayashi W. Falls Due to Loss of Consciousness are Associated With Maxillofacial Fracture Severity. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2019; 78:423-429. [PMID: 31783003 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2019.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Falls are a common cause of the maxillofacial fractures, and falls associated with loss of consciousness might have special characteristics. The purpose of the present study was to measure the association between the types of falls and maxillofacial injury severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS The present retrospective cross-sectional study focused on patients with maxillofacial fractures resulting from falls who had been treated at the Hirosaki University Hospital from 1990 to 2016. The falls were divided into 2 categories according to the reason for their occurrence: 1) falls from slipping, tripping, or stumbling (STSFs); and 2) falls from loss of consciousness (LOCFs). The primary outcome measure of the present study was the severity of the maxillofacial fractures. The secondary outcomes were the pattern of maxillofacial fractures, pattern of concomitant injuries, and treatment modality. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the independent predictors for fracture severity. RESULTS A total of 148 patients had been admitted for maxillofacial fractures resulting from falls. The sample included 107 STSFs (72.3%) and 41 LOCFs (27.7%). The cause of the LOCFs was orthostatic-hypotension syncope in 13 patients, neurally mediated syncope in 10, cardiogenic syncope in 9, epilepsy in 5, and other in 4 patients. The proportion of mandibular fractures and the mean facial injury severity scale score were significantly greater in the LOCF group (2.20 ± 1.19) than in the STSF group (1.65 ± 1.15; P = .0067). The incidence of concomitant injuries was significantly greater in the STSF group than in the LOCF group (P = .023), and the distribution of sites was significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .039). CONCLUSIONS Our results have shown that maxillofacial fractures secondary to LOCFs tend to be more severe and to have a lower incidence of concomitant injuries compared with STSFs. We believe these features originate from the absence of protective reflexes resulting from the loss of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Ito
- Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan.
| | - Kosei Kubota
- Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Shinya Yaguchi
- Assistant Professor, Department of Disaster and Critical Care Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Ken Furudate
- Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Yusuke Tanaka
- Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Wataru Kobayashi
- Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
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Albassam OT, Redelmeier RJ, Shadowitz S, Husain AM, Simel D, Etchells EE. Did This Patient Have Cardiac Syncope?: The Rational Clinical Examination Systematic Review. JAMA 2019; 321:2448-2457. [PMID: 31237649 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2019.8001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Syncope can result from a reduction in cardiac output from serious cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias or structural heart disease (cardiac syncope), or other causes, such as vasovagal syncope or orthostatic hypotension. OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review of studies of the accuracy of the clinical examination for identifying patients with cardiac syncope. STUDY SELECTION Studies of adults presenting to primary care, emergency departments, or referred to specialty clinics. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Relevant data were abstracted from articles in databases through April 9, 2019, and methodologic quality was assessed. Included studies had an independent comparison to a reference standard. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs). RESULTS Eleven studies of cardiac syncope (N = 4317) were included. Age at first syncope of at least 35 years was associated with greater likelihood of cardiac syncope (n = 323; sensitivity, 91% [95% CI, 85%-97%]; specificity, 72% [95% CI, 66%-78%]; LR, 3.3 [95% CI, 2.6-4.1]), while age younger than 35 years was associated with a lower likelihood (LR, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.06-0.25]). A history of atrial fibrillation or flutter (n = 323; sensitivity, 13% [95% CI, 6%-20%]; specificity, 98% [95% CI, 96%-100%]; LR, 7.3 [95% CI, 2.4-22]), or known severe structural heart disease (n = 222; range of sensitivity, 35%-51%, range of specificity, 84%-93%; range of LR, 3.3-4.8; 2 studies) were associated with greater likelihood of cardiac syncope. Symptoms prior to syncope that were associated with lower likelihood of cardiac syncope were mood change or prodromal preoccupation with details (n = 323; sensitivity, 2% [95% CI, 0%-5%]; specificity, 76% [95% CI, 71%-81%]; LR, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.02-0.38]), feeling cold (n = 412; sensitivity, 2% [95% CI, 0%-5%]; specificity, 89% [95% CI, 85%-93%]; LR, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.06-0.64]), or headache (n = 323; sensitivity, 3% [95% CI, 0%-7%]; specificity, 80% [95% CI, 75%-85%]; LR, 0.17 [95% CI, 0.06-0.55]). Cyanosis witnessed during the episode was associated with higher likelihood of cardiac syncope (n = 323; sensitivity, 8% [95% CI, 2%-14%]; specificity, 99% [95% CI, 98%-100%]; LR, 6.2 [95% CI, 1.6-24]). Mood changes after syncope (n = 323; sensitivity, 3% [95% CI, 0%-7%]; specificity, 83% [95% CI, 78%-88%]; LR, 0.21 [95% CI, 0.06-0.65]) and inability to remember behavior prior to syncope (n = 323; sensitivity, 5% [95% CI, 0%-9%]; specificity, 82% [95% CI, 77%-87%]; LR, 0.25, [95% CI, 0.09-0.69]) were associated with lower likelihood of cardiac syncope. Two studies prospectively validated the accuracy of the multivariable Evaluation of Guidelines in Syncope Study (EGSYS) score, which is based on 6 clinical variables. An EGSYS score of less than 3 was associated with lower likelihood of cardiac syncope (n = 456; range of sensitivity, 89%-91%, range of specificity, 69%-73%; range of LR, 0.12-0.17; 2 studies). Cardiac biomarkers show promising diagnostic accuracy for cardiac syncope, but diagnostic thresholds require validation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The clinical examination, including the electrocardiogram as part of multivariable scores, can accurately identify patients with and without cardiac syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar T Albassam
- Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Cardiology, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert J Redelmeier
- Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven Shadowitz
- Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aatif M Husain
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Neuroscience Medicine, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina
- Neurodiagnostic Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David Simel
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Edward E Etchells
- Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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The Association of Kidney Function and Albuminuria With the Risk and Outcomes of Syncope: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Can J Cardiol 2018; 34:1631-1640. [PMID: 30527152 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2018.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risks and subsequent outcomes of syncope among seniors with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unclear. METHODS We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of 272,146 patients ≥ 66 years old, in Ontario, Canada, from April 1, 2006, to March 31, 2016. Using administrative health care databases, we examined the association of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) with incident syncope and the association of incident syncope with the composite outcome of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death by levels of eGFR/ACR, using adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS A total of 15,074 incident syncopal events occurred during the study period. The adjusted risk for syncope was higher with a lower eGFR and higher ACR in a stepwise manner (eGFR 60 to < 90: HR 1.17 [1.09-1.26] vs eGFR < 30: HR 1.67 (1.50-1.87) with eGFR ≥ 90 referent; ACR > 30: HR 1.15 [1.07-1.24] with ACR < 3 referent). Among the 12,710 patients with a first syncope event and 1 year of follow-up, the adjusted risk for the composite outcome was higher with a lower eGFR and higher ACR in a stepwise manner (eGFR 60 to < 90: HR 1.05 [0.90-1.22] vs eGFR < 30: HR 1.62 [1.34-1.96] with eGFR ≥ 90 referent; ACR > 30: HR 1.77 [1.60-1.96], ACR < 3 referent). CONCLUSIONS A lower eGFR and higher ACR are associated with a higher risk of a hospital encounter for syncope and of related complications among persons of advanced age.
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Review of the Evaluation and Treatment of Vasovagal Reactions in Outpatient Procedures. Dermatol Surg 2018; 44:1483-1488. [DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000001598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Adkisson WO, Benditt DG. Pathophysiology of reflex syncope: A review. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2018; 28:1088-1097. [PMID: 28776824 DOI: 10.1111/jce.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this correspondence, the pathophysiology of reflex syncope (vasovagal syncope, carotid sinus syndrome, and situational syncope) is reviewed, including clarification of the nomenclature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne O Adkisson
- Cardiac Arrhythmia and Syncope Center, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David G Benditt
- Cardiac Arrhythmia and Syncope Center, Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Abstract
Syncope is a frequent condition, owing to a transient global cerebral hypoperfusion, that may depend on a reduction of vascular total peripheral resistance and/or cardiac output. Cardiac syncope doubled the risk of death from any cause and increased the risk of nonfatal and fatal cardiovascular events. Arrhythmias are the most common cardiac causes of syncope. Both bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias may predispose to syncope. The first line evaluation relies on clinical history, physical examination, active standing test, 12-lead echocardiogram. The diagnostic yield of electrophysiological study in detecting the cause of syncope depends highly on the pretest probability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ungar
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence 50139, Italy.
| | - Martina Rafanelli
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence 50139, Italy
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Tilt testing and what you should know about it - Experience with 835 consecutive patients with syncope of unknown origin. Int J Cardiol 2018; 258:90-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.01.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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30
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Brignole M, Moya A, de Lange FJ, Deharo JC, Elliott PM, Fanciulli A, Fedorowski A, Furlan R, Kenny RA, Martín A, Probst V, Reed MJ, Rice CP, Sutton R, Ungar A, van Dijk JG. 2018 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of syncope. Eur Heart J 2018; 39:1883-1948. [PMID: 29562304 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 955] [Impact Index Per Article: 159.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Koene RJ, Adkisson WO, Benditt DG. Syncope and the risk of sudden cardiac death: Evaluation, management, and prevention. J Arrhythm 2017; 33:533-544. [PMID: 29255498 PMCID: PMC5728985 DOI: 10.1016/j.joa.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Syncope is a clinical syndrome defined as a relatively brief self-limited transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) caused by a period of inadequate cerebral nutrient flow. Most often the trigger is an abrupt drop of systemic blood pressure. True syncope must be distinguished from other common non-syncope conditions in which real or apparent TLOC may occur such as seizures, concussions, or accidental falls. The causes of syncope are diverse, but in most instances, are relatively benign (e.g., reflex and orthostatic faints) with the main risks being accidents and/or injury. However, in some instances, syncope may be due to more worrisome conditions (particularly those associated with cardiac structural disease or channelopathies); in such circumstances, syncope may be an indicator of increased morbidity and mortality risk, including sudden cardiac death (SCD). Establishing an accurate basis for the etiology of syncope is crucial in order to initiate effective therapy. In this review, we focus primarily on the causes of syncope that are associated with increased SCD risk (i.e., sudden arrhythmic cardiac death), and the management of these patients. In addition, we discuss the limitations of our understanding of SCD in relation to syncope, and propose future studies that may ultimately address how to improve outcomes of syncope patients and reduce SCD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David G. Benditt
- From the Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Abstract
Dizziness/vertigo, falls and syncope are among the most common reasons for seeking medical care. As clinical entities they share common pathogenetic and clinical features and differences. The diagnostic work-up can often be initiated in a general practitioner's or internist's practice and, if necessary, completed in an interdisciplinary emergency unit. Simple diagnostic tools can be used in an outpatient setting to obtain valuable diagnostic information. First and foremost, it is important to differentiate between prognostically favorable clinical events and potentially serious disease. In younger patients diagnostic procedures should primarily focus on potential structural cardiac disease and/or primary arrhythmia. The same applies to elderly patients in whom, however, multicausal clinical symptoms and severe complications in the case of falls are characteristic. Elderly patients frequently require the involvement of various clinical specialties to investigate a broad spectrum of potential differential diagnoses in an interdisciplinary diagnostic approach, which is not always available in practice. In the emergency unit, decisions regarding inpatient care need to be made individually. In elderly patients, inpatient care is sometimes necessary not only due to acute disease, but also in order to ensure social care. Geriatric day hospitals may be a suitable option for some of these patients.
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de Ruiter SC, Wold JFH, Germans T, Ruiter JH, Jansen RWMM. Multiple causes of syncope in the elderly: diagnostic outcomes of a Dutch multidisciplinary syncope pathway. Europace 2017; 20:867-872. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/eux099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne C de Ruiter
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Northwest Clinics, Wilhelminalaan 12, 1815 JD, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Johan F H Wold
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Northwest Clinics, Wilhelminalaan 12, 1815 JD, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Tjeerd Germans
- Department of Cardiology, Northwest Clinics, Wilhelminalaan 12, 1815 JD, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap H Ruiter
- Department of Cardiology, Northwest Clinics, Wilhelminalaan 12, 1815 JD, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | - René W M M Jansen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Northwest Clinics, Wilhelminalaan 12, 1815 JD, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
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Han SK, Yeom SR, Lee SH, Park SC, Kim HB, Cho YM, Park SW. Transthoracic echocardiogram in syncope patients with normal initial evaluation. Am J Emerg Med 2017; 35:281-284. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2016.10.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Hogan TM, Constantine ST, Crain AD. Evaluation of Syncope in Older Adults. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2016; 34:601-27. [PMID: 27475017 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2016.04.010] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The older adult patient with syncope is one of the most challenging evaluations for the emergency physician. It requires clinical skill, patience, and knowledge of specific older adult issues. It demands care in the identification of necessary resources, such as medication review, and potential linkage with several multidisciplinary follow-up services. Excellent syncope care likely requires reaching out to ensure institutional resources are aligned with emergency department patient needs, thus asking emergency physicians to stretch their administrative talents. This is likely best done as preset protocols prior to individual patient encounters. Emergency physicians evaluate elders with syncope every day and should rise to the challenge to do it well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresita M Hogan
- Geriatric Emergency Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 S Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | | | - Aoko Doris Crain
- University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 S Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Kleyman I, Weimer LH. Syncope: Case Studies. Neurol Clin 2016; 34:525-45. [PMID: 27445240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2016.04.002] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Syncope, or the sudden loss of consciousness, is a common presenting symptom for evaluation by neurologists. It is not a unique diagnosis but rather a common manifestation of disorders with diverse mechanisms. Loss of consciousness is typically preceded by a prodrome of symptoms and sometimes there is a clear trigger. This article discusses several cases that illustrate the various causes of syncope. Reflex syncope is the most common type and includes neurally mediated, vasovagal, situational, carotid sinus hypersensitivity, and atypical forms. Acute and chronic autonomic neuropathies and neurodegenerative disorders can also present with syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Kleyman
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Neurological Institute of New York, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Louis H Weimer
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Neurological Institute of New York, 710 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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37
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Managing Syncope in the Elderly: The Not So Simple Faint in Aging Patients. Can J Cardiol 2016; 32:1124-31. [PMID: 27402366 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing care to the elderly patient with syncope poses problems that are unusual in their complexity. The differential diagnosis is broad, and sorting through it is made more difficult by the relative lack of symptoms surrounding the faint. Indeed, distinguishing faints from falls is often problematic. Many elderly patients are frail and are at risk of trauma if they should have an unprotected faint or fall to the ground. However, not all elderly patients are frail, and definitions of frailty vary. Providing accurate, effective, and appropriate care for the frail elderly patient who faints may require a multidisciplinary approach.
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Ungar A, Rivasi G, Rafanelli M, Toffanello G, Mussi C, Ceccofiglio A, McDonagh R, Drumm B, Marchionni N, Alboni P, Kenny RA. Safety and tolerability of Tilt Testing and Carotid Sinus Massage in the octogenarians. Age Ageing 2016; 45:242-8. [PMID: 26833302 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afw004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to evaluate the safety and tolerability of Tilt Testing (TT) and Carotid Sinus Massage (CSM) in octogenarians with unexplained syncope. METHODS patients consecutively referred for transient loss of consciousness to the 'Syncope Units' of three hospitals were enrolled. TT and CSM were performed according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines on syncope. Complications were evaluated in each group. An early interruption of TT was defined as 'intolerance' and considered as a non-diagnostic response. RESULTS one thousand four hundred and one patients were enrolled (mean age 72 ± 16 years, male 40.8%). Six hundred and ninety-four patients (49.5%) were 80 years old or older (mean age 83 ± 3 years) and 707 (50.5%) were younger (mean age 60 ± 17 years). Complications after TT occurred in 4.5% of older patients and in 2.1% of the younger ones (P = 0.01). All complications were 'minor/moderate', as prolonged hypotension, observed in ∼3% of patients ≥80 years. Major complications such as sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, asystole requiring cardiac massage, transient ischaemic attack, stroke and death were not observed in any patient. The presence of orthostatic hypotension and the mean number of syncopal episodes were predictors of TT complications. Intolerance was reported in 2.4% of older patients and 1% of the younger ones (P = 0.08), mainly due to orthostatic intolerance. No complications occurred after CSM. CONCLUSIONS TT and CSM appear to be safe and well tolerated in octogenarians, who should not be excluded by age from the diagnostic work-up of syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ungar
- Geriatric Cardiology and Medicine, University of Florence and Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Geriatric Cardiology and Medicine, University of Florence and Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Rafanelli
- Geriatric Cardiology and Medicine, University of Florence and Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Toffanello
- Geriatric Cardiology and Medicine, University of Florence and Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Mussi
- Geriatric and Gerontology Institute, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alice Ceccofiglio
- Geriatric Cardiology and Medicine, University of Florence and Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Ruth McDonagh
- Department of Neurology, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Breffni Drumm
- School of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niccolò Marchionni
- Geriatric Cardiology and Medicine, University of Florence and Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Alboni
- Section of Cardiology and Syncope Unit, Ospedale Privato Quisisana, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- School of Medicine and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Abstract
For some decades, after the introduction of the head-up tilt test into clinical practice, the clinical presentation of vasovagal syncope (VVS) has been classified as typical (or classical) and atypical (or non-classical). Some clinical features and recent data suggest that even unexplained falls and syncope during sleeping hours may be possible clinical presentations of VVS. In recent studies, tilt testing and carotid sinus massage by means of the 'method of symptoms' were performed in one group of patients with unexplained falls and in another group with unexplained syncope (presence of prodromal symptoms). Overall, tilt testing and carotid sinus massage displayed a high positivity rate in the group of patients with unexplained falls (about 60%), which was similar to that of the unexplained syncope group. These new data seem to indicate that some unexplained falls could be cases of atypical VVS/carotid sinus syncope with retrograde amnesia. Some clinical features suggest that syncope during sleeping hours is a form of VVS with a different clinical presentation: high prevalence of autonomic prodromes, of diurnal episodes of typical VVS and specific phobias, and of positive tilt testing with severe cardioinhibition.
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Abstract
A rapid change in ageing demographic is taking place worldwide such that healthcare professionals are increasingly treating old and very old patients. Syncope in the elderly is a challenging presentation that is under-recognised, particularly in the acute care setting. The reason for this is that presentation in the older person may be atypical: patients are less likely to have a prodrome, may have amnesia for loss of consciousness and events are frequently unwitnessed. The older patient thus may present with a fall rather than transient loss of consciousness. There is an increased susceptibility to syncope with advancing age attributed to age-related physiological impairments in heart rate and blood pressure, and alterations in cerebral blood flow. Multi-morbidity and polypharmacy in these complex patients increases susceptibility to syncope. Cardiac causes and more than one possible cause are also common. Syncope is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is associated with enormous personal and wider health economic costs. In view of this, prompt assessment and early targeted intervention are recommended. The purpose of this article is to update the reader regarding the presentation and management of syncope in this rapidly changing demographic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen O' Brien
- Department of Medical Gerontology, TCIN, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- Department of Medical Gerontology, TCIN, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Straand J. Gamle som faller. TIDSSKRIFT FOR DEN NORSKE LEGEFORENING 2014; 134:56. [DOI: 10.4045/tidsskr.13.1130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Ungar A, Sgobino P, Russo V, Vitale E, Sutton R, Melissano D, Beiras X, Bottoni N, Ebert HH, Gulizia M, Jorfida M, Moya A, Andresen D, Grovale N, Brignole M. Diagnosis of neurally mediated syncope at initial evaluation and with tilt table testing compared with that revealed by prolonged ECG monitoring. An analysis from the Third International Study on Syncope of Uncertain Etiology (ISSUE-3). Heart 2013; 99:1825-31. [DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2013-304399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Muehlsteff J, Correia T, Couceiro R, Carvalho P, Ritz A, Eickholt C, Kelm M, Meyer C. Detection of hemodynamic adaptations during impending syncope: implementation of a robust algorithm based on pulse arrival time measurements only. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2013; 2013:2291-4. [PMID: 24110182 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2013.6609995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Syncopes are a major public health concern since they can cause severe injuries e.g. by associated falls. We previously demonstrated the feasibility of syncope prediction based on the pulse arrival time (PAT) analysis. Importantly, algorithms for early detection of impending syncope need to be robust against measurement noise, in particular photoplethysmography (PPG) artifacts, causing false detection. We introduce in this work an algorithm concept to deal with artifacts as well as to detect the onset of syncope based on tracking of relative PAT changes only. Our method has been shown useful to improve detection performance for measurements during impending syncope in patients undergoing head-up tilt table testing which might improve syncope prediction.
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Berecki-Gisolf J, Sheldon A, Wieling W, van Dijk N, Costantino G, Furlan R, Shen WK, Sheldon R. Identifying cardiac syncope based on clinical history: a literature-based model tested in four independent datasets. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75255. [PMID: 24223233 PMCID: PMC3815402 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to develop and test a literature-based model for symptoms that associate with cardiac causes of syncope. METHODS AND RESULTS Seven studies (the derivation sample) reporting ≥2 predictors of cardiac syncope were identified (4 Italian, 1 Swiss, 1 Canadian, and 1 from the United States). From these, 10 criteria were identified as diagnostic predictors. The conditional probability of each predictor was calculated by summation of the reported frequencies. A model of conditional probabilities and a priori probabilities of cardiac syncope was constructed. The model was tested in four datasets of patients with syncope (the test sample) from Calgary (n=670; 21% had cardiac syncope), Amsterdam (n=503; 9%), Milan (n=689; 5%) and Rochester (3877; 11%). In the derivation sample ten variables were significantly associated with cardiac syncope: age, gender, structural heart disease, low number of spells, brief or absent prodrome, supine syncope, effort syncope, and absence of nausea, diaphoresis and blurred vision. Fitting the test datasets to the full model gave C-statistics of 0.87 (Calgary), 0.84 (Amsterdam), 0.72 (Milan) and 0.71 (Rochester). Model sensitivity and specificity were 92% and 68% for Calgary, 86% and 67% for Amsterdam, 76% and 59% for Milan, and 73% and 52% for Rochester. A model with 5 variables (age, gender, structural heart disease, low number of spells, and lack of prodromal symptoms) was as accurate as the total set. CONCLUSION A simple literature-based Bayesian model of historical criteria can distinguish patients with cardiac syncope from other patients with syncope with moderate accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke Berecki-Gisolf
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Aaron Sheldon
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wouter Wieling
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nynke van Dijk
- General Practice/Family Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giorgio Costantino
- Syncope Unit, Internal Medicine II, “L. Sacco” Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaello Furlan
- Syncope Unit, Internal Medicine II, “L. Sacco” Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Win-Kuang Shen
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Robert Sheldon
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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PETIX NUNZIAR, DEL ROSSO ATTILIO, FURLAN RAFFAELLO, GUARNACCIA VINCENZO, ZIPOLI ANDREA. Nitrate-Potentiated Head-Up Tilt Testing (HUT) Has a Low Diagnostic Yield in Patients with Likely Vasovagal Syncope. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2013; 37:164-72. [DOI: 10.1111/pace.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- NUNZIA R. PETIX
- Arrhythmology Section - Cardiology Department; San Giuseppe Hospital; Empoli (FI) Italy
| | - ATTILIO DEL ROSSO
- Arrhythmology Section - Cardiology Department; San Giuseppe Hospital; Empoli (FI) Italy
| | - RAFFAELLO FURLAN
- Internal Medicine Department, Istituto Clinico Humanitas; University of Milan; Rozzano (MI) Italy
| | - VINCENZO GUARNACCIA
- Arrhythmology Section - Cardiology Department; San Giuseppe Hospital; Empoli (FI) Italy
| | - ANDREA ZIPOLI
- Arrhythmology Section - Cardiology Department; San Giuseppe Hospital; Empoli (FI) Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradyot Saklani
- University of Western Ontario, Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, London, Ontario, Canada
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48
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Abstract
While the overall prognosis of syncope is favorable, the identification of individuals with a potentially life-threatening cause is of paramount importance. Cardiac syncope is associated with an elevated risk of mortality, and includes both primary arrhythmic and obstructive etiologies. Identification of these individuals is contingent on careful clinical assessment and judicious use of diagnostic investigations. This article focuses on life-threatening causes of syncope and a diagnostic approach to facilitate their identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarence Khoo
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada
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Herlich A. Anesthetic emergencies in oral surgery: malignant hyperthermia, endocrinopathy, and neurologic events. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2013; 25:507-14, vii. [PMID: 23664228 DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite the impressive safety of office-based anesthesia, serious emergencies still occur. Early and appropriate treatment is likely to improve outcomes. This article discusses selected emergencies with backgrounds and rationale for emergent treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Herlich
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 1400 Locust Street, Suite 2192, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
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Brunetti ND, De Gennaro L, Dellegrottaglie G, Antonelli G, Amoruso D, Di Biase M. Prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in pre-hospital tele-cardiology electrocardiograms of emergency medical service patients referred for syncope. J Electrocardiol 2012; 45:727-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2012.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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