1
|
Barton MF, Brower CH, Barton BL, Duggan NM, Baugh CW, Haleblian GE, Goldsmith AJ. POCUS-first for nephrolithiasis: A Monte Carlo simulation illustrating cost savings, LOS reduction, and preventable radiation. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 74:41-48. [PMID: 37769445 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) is the gold standard for nephrolithiasis evaluation in the emergency department (ED). However, Choosing Wisely guidelines recommend against ordering NCCT for patients with suspected nephrolithiasis who are <50 years old with a history of kidney stones. Our primary objective was to estimate the national annual cost savings from using a point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)-first approach for patients with suspected nephrolithiasis meeting Choosing Wisely criteria. Our secondary objectives were to estimate reductions in ED length of stay (LOS) and preventable radiation exposure. METHODS We created a Monte Carlo simulation using available estimates for the frequency of ED visits for nephrolithiasis and eligibility for a POCUS-first approach. The study population included all ED patients diagnosed with nephrolithiasis. Based on 1000 trials of our simulation, we estimated national cost savings in averted advanced imaging from this strategy. We applied the same model to estimate the reduction in ED LOS and preventable radiation exposure. RESULTS Using this model, we estimate a POCUS-first approach for evaluating nephrolithiasis meeting Choosing Wisely guidelines to save a mean (±SD) of $16.5 million (±$2.1 million) by avoiding 159,000 (±18,000) NCCT scans annually. This resulted in a national cumulative decrease of 166,000 (±165,000) annual bed-hours in ED LOS. Additionally, this resulted in a national cumulative reduction in radiation exposure of 1.9 million person-mSv, which could potentially prevent 232 (±81) excess cancer cases and 118 (±43) excess cancer deaths annually. CONCLUSION If adopted widely, a POCUS-first approach for suspected nephrolithiasis in patients meeting Choosing Wisely criteria could yield significant national cost savings and a reduction in ED LOS and preventable radiation exposure. Further research is needed to explore the barriers to widespread adoption of this clinical workflow as well as the benefits of a POCUS-first approach in other patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Barton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Charles H Brower
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Brenna L Barton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Nicole M Duggan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Christopher W Baugh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - George E Haleblian
- Division of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andrew J Goldsmith
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Smith-Bindman R, Nielsen ME, Wang RC. Unchanged Diagnostic Imaging for Urinary Stone Disease-Where Do We Go From Here? JAMA Intern Med 2022; 182:1246-1247. [PMID: 36315160 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.4917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Smith-Bindman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco.,Departments of Urology, Epidemiology, and Health Policy & Management, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Matthew E Nielsen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Ralph C Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Trottier ED, Farley St-Amand B, Vincent M, Chevalier I, Autmizguine J, Tremblay S, Gouin S. Outpatient management of moderate cellulitis in children using high-dose oral cephalexin. Paediatr Child Health 2022; 27:213-219. [PMID: 35859686 PMCID: PMC9291389 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the effectiveness of a high-dose (HD) oral cephalexin treatment guideline for children with moderate cellulitis treated as outpatients.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, we included children who presented to the emergency department (ED) with moderate cellulitis and treated according to the institution’s HD oral cephalexin guideline over a 2-year period. All children had standardized follow-up at a medical day hospital (MDH). Treatment was considered effective in the absence of treatment failure, defined as admission, switch to IV treatment or ED visit within 2 weeks of discharge from the MDH. Safety was ascertained by recording adverse events and severe complications at follow-up.
Results
A total of 123 children were treated as outlined in the guideline, including 117 treated with HD oral cephalexin. The success rate was 89.7% (105/117). Among 12 (10.3%) children who had treatment failure, 10 (8.5%) required admission, 1 (0.9%) received IV antibiotics at the MDH and 1 (0.9%) had a return visit to the ED without admission. No severe complications were reported; four abscesses required drainage and one patient had a rash. The mean number of visits per child at the MDH was 1.6 (SD 1.0).
Conclusions
With a success rate of 89.7%, HD oral cephalexin seems effective and safe for the treatment of children with moderate cellulitis. Its use potentially reduces hospitalization rates for this condition and decreases the need for IV insertion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne D Trottier
- Department of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Beatrice Farley St-Amand
- Department of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Vincent
- Department of Paediatrics, Université de Montréal, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Isabelle Chevalier
- Department of Paediatrics, Université de Montréal, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Julie Autmizguine
- Department of Paediatrics, Université de Montréal, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Tremblay
- Department of Pharmacy, Université de Montréal, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Serge Gouin
- Department of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jayman J, Gibbs H, Mathias R, Epelman M, Ellsworth P. Progression of asymptomatic nephrolithiasis in children: How often should patients receive follow-up ultrasound imaging? J Pediatr Urol 2022; 18:25.e1-25.e8. [PMID: 34756785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.10.010] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The natural history of asymptomatic nephrolithiasis (AN) in children is not well defined. Furthermore, there is no guidance on the utility of repeated renal ultrasound evaluations in this same population. Follow-up ultrasound studies are often obtained as frequently as every 6 months. The goal of this study is to assess the follow-up ultrasound interval in the management of these patients. METHODS A retrospective IRB approved chart review was performed for patients seen for non-cysteine AN between 2012 and 2019. AN was defined as patients without obstructive uropathy abdominal, flank pain and/or gross hematuria. Asymptomatic stones were discovered incidentally or after an acute stone event. Patients with pre-existing renal anomalies and the timepoints with stone passage or stone procedure were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic information. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze risk factors. Statistical significance was set to p < 0.05. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients had 90 ultrasounds. The average age at diagnosis was 10.8 ± 6.2 years. The average number of ultrasound studies per patient was 3.2 ± 1.7. The median time between follow-up ultrasounds was 5.2 months [IQR 2.8-10.0]. Median follow-up of patients was 10.6 months [IQR 4.9-21.9]. The change in total stone burden occurred at a rate of 0.11 mm/month (CI [-0.06-0.28], p = 0.20, r2 = 0.42) or 0.66 mm/6 months. Patients with more renal stones had almost a threefold increase in stone burden compared to patients with fewer renal stones (2.98 [CI 1.34-4.62], p=0.001, r2=0.33). Patients with a family history of stones had a twofold increase in the size of their largest stone when compared to patients without a family history (1.97 [CI 0.26-3.68], p=0.02, r2=0.60. CONCLUSION A complex interplay of multiple factors influence the progression of AN in children. Children with a greater number of stones have a higher increase in total stone burden and children with a family history of stones have a faster increase in largest stone size. These patients may require more frequent imaging studies. The small change in stone size over time favors a longer than 6-month interval for many children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Jayman
- University of Central Florida School of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Hannah Gibbs
- University of Central Florida School of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Robert Mathias
- Division of Nephrology, Nemours Children's Hospital, Nemours Healthcare System, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Monica Epelman
- Division of Radiology, Nemours Children's Hospital, Nemours Healthcare System, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Pamela Ellsworth
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Nemours Children's Hospital, Nemours Healthcare System, Orlando, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rusiecki D, Douglas SL, Bell C. Point-of-Care Ultrasound Use and Monetary Outcomes in a Single-Payer Health Care Setting. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2021; 40:1803-1809. [PMID: 33169875 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a widely used diagnostic modality in the emergency physician's tool kit. The effect on health care costs is disputed. This study examined whether POCUS was associated with system-level cost savings. Secondary objectives included adverse patient outcomes and the association between POCUS use and diagnostic costs in specific patient groups. METHODS The Point-of-Care Ultrasound Use and Monetary Outcomes study was a single-center prospective observational study. A convenience sample of emergency medicine physicians working from July to October 2019 were included after using POCUS as part of their assessment. The cost of patient investigations was compared with those proposed by a control group of physicians simultaneously on shift, who were blinded to the POCUS findings. Ethical approval was obtained from the Queen's University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board. RESULTS Fifty patient assessments using POCUS were included. Overall, the median investigation cost in United States dollars in the POCUS group was $102.00 (interquartile range [IQR], $39.80-$167.90) versus $122.40 (IQR, $70.96-$175.60) in controls (P = .08). When stratified by disposition, POCUS use in patients discharged home resulted in a median expenditure of $71.80 (IQR, $36.48-$116.70) versus $122.70 (IQR, $71.18-$183.20; P < .001). Significant cost savings were also found in flank pain presentations (median, $138.90; IQR, $136.60-$186.10; P = .01). There were no differences in the quantity of investigations ordered, the patient emergency department repeated presentation rate, or safety outcomes at 7 days. CONCLUSIONS Point-of-care ultrasound use was not associated with significant cost savings in our overall population. The subgroup analysis revealed significant POCUS-associated cost savings in patients discharged home and those presenting with flank pain. Notably, POCUS was not associated with an increase in adverse patient safety outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rusiecki
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stuart L Douglas
- Departments of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colin Bell
- Departments of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Doty E, DiGiacomo S, Gunn B, Westafer L, Schoenfeld E. What are the clinical effects of the different emergency department imaging options for suspected renal colic? A scoping review. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2021; 2:e12446. [PMID: 34179874 PMCID: PMC8208654 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinicians have minimal guidance regarding the clinical consequences of each radiologic imaging option for suspected renal colic in the emergency department (ED), particularly in relation to patient-centered outcomes. In this scoping review, we sought to identify studies addressing the impact of imaging options on patient-centered aspects of ED renal colic care to help clinicians engage in informed shared decision making. Specifically, we sought to answer questions regarding the effect of obtaining computed tomography (CT; compared with an ultrasound or delayed imaging) on safety outcomes, accuracy, prognosis, and cost (financial and length of stay [LOS]). METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search using Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science conference proceedings index, and Google Scholar, identifying studies pertaining to renal colic, urolithiasis, and ureterolithiasis. In a prior qualitative study, stakeholders identified 14 key questions regarding renal colic care in the domains of safety, accuracy, prognosis, and cost. We systematically screened studies and reviewed the full text of articles based on their ability to address the 14 key questions. RESULTS Our search yielded 2570 titles, and 68 met the inclusion criteria. Substantial evidence informed questions regarding test accuracy and radiation exposure, but less evidence was available regarding the effect of imaging modality on patient-oriented outcomes such as cost and prognosis (admissions, ED revisits, and procedures). Reviewed studies demonstrated that both standard renal protocol CT and low-dose CT are highly accurate, with ultrasound having lower accuracy. Several studies found that ureterolithiasis diagnosed by ultrasound was associated with overall reduced radiation exposure. Existing studies did not suggest choice of imaging influences prognosis. Several studies found no substantial differences in monetary cost, but LOS was found to be shorter if a diagnosis was made with point-of-care ultrasound. CONCLUSION There is a plethora of data related to imaging accuracy. However, there is minimal data regarding the effect of CT on many patient-centered outcomes. Further research could improve the patient-centeredness of ED care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Doty
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School–BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | - Stephen DiGiacomo
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School–BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | - Bridget Gunn
- Information and Knowledge Services, Health Sciences Library, Baystate Medical CenterSpringfieldMAUSA
| | - Lauren Westafer
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School–BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population ScienceUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School–BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| | - Elizabeth Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School–BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population ScienceUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School–BaystateSpringfieldMassachusettsUSA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lentz B, Fong T, Rhyne R, Risko N. A systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of ultrasound in emergency care settings. Ultrasound J 2021; 13:16. [PMID: 33687607 PMCID: PMC7943664 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-021-00216-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of ultrasound (US) in emergency departments (ED) has become widespread. This includes both traditional US scans performed by radiology departments as well as point-of-care US (POCUS) performed by bedside clinicians. There has been significant interest in better understanding the appropriate use of imaging and where opportunities to enhance cost-effectiveness may exist. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify published evidence surrounding the cost-effectiveness of US in the ED and to grade the quality of that evidence. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the literature following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were considered for inclusion if they were: (1) economic evaluations, (2) studied the clinical use of ultrasound, and (3) took place in an emergency care setting. Included studies were critically appraised using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist. RESULTS We identified 631 potentially relevant articles. Of these, 35 studies met all inclusion criteria and were eligible for data abstraction. In general, studies were supportive of the use of US. In particular, 11 studies formed a strong consensus that US enhanced cost-effectiveness in the investigation of pediatric appendicitis and 6 studies supported enhancements in the evaluation of abdominal trauma. Across the studies, weaknesses in methodology and reporting were common, such as lack of sensitivity analyses and inconsistent reporting of incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. CONCLUSIONS The body of existing evidence, though limited, generally demonstrates that the inclusion of US in emergency care settings allows for more cost-effective care. The most definitive evidence for improvements in cost-effectiveness surround the evaluation of pediatric appendicitis, followed by the evaluation of abdominal trauma. POCUS outside of trauma has had mixed results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lentz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Highland Hospital-Alameda Health System, 1411 E. 31st Street, QIC 22123, Oakland, CA, 94602, USA
| | - Tiffany Fong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Randall Rhyne
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Nicholas Risko
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bayne DB, Chi TL. Assessing Cost-Effectiveness of New Technologies in Stone Management. Urol Clin North Am 2019; 46:303-313. [PMID: 30961862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are all influential in determining the overall cost to the health care system for kidney stones. New innovations in the field of nephrolithiasis have been abundant, including disposable ureteroscopes, ultrasound-guided approaches to percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and advanced laser lithotripters. Identifying cost-effective treatment strategies encourages practitioners to be thoughtful about providing value-based high-quality care and remains on important principle in the treatment of urinary stone disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David B Bayne
- Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Thomas L Chi
- Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wong C, Teitge B, Ross M, Young P, Robertson HL, Lang E. The Accuracy and Prognostic Value of Point-of-care Ultrasound for Nephrolithiasis in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Acad Emerg Med 2018; 25:684-698. [PMID: 29427476 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been suggested as an initial investigation in the management of renal colic. Our objectives were: 1) to determine the accuracy of POCUS for the diagnosis of nephrolithiasis and 2) to assess its prognostic value in the management of renal colic. METHODS The review protocol was registered to the PROSPERO database (CRD42016035331). An electronic database search of MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed was conducted utilizing subject headings, keywords, and synonyms that address our research question. Bibliographies of included studies and narrative reviews were manually examined. Studies of adult emergency department patients with renal colic symptoms were included. Any degree of hydronephrosis was considered a positive POCUS finding. Accepted criterion standards were computed tomography evidence of renal stone or hydronephrosis, direct stone visualization, or surgical findings. Screening of abstracts, quality assessment with the QUADAS-2 instrument, and data extraction were performed by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by consensus with a third reviewer. Test performance was assessed by pooled sensitivity and specificity, calculated likelihood ratios, and a summary receiver operator curve (SROC). The secondary objective of prognostic value was reported as a narrative summary. RESULTS The electronic search yielded 627 unique titles. After relevance screening, 26 papers underwent full-text review, and nine articles met all inclusion criteria. Of these, five high-quality studies (N = 1,773) were included in the meta-analysis for diagnostic accuracy and the remaining yielded data on prognostic value. The pooled results for sensitivity and specificity were 70.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 67.1%-73.2%) and 75.4% (95% CI = 72.5%-78.2%), respectively. The calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios were 2.85 and 0.39. The SROC generated did not show evidence of a threshold effect. Two of the studies in the meta-analysis found that the finding of moderate or greater hydronephrosis yielded a specificity of 94.4% (95% CI = 92.7%-95.8%). Four studies examining prognostic value noted a higher likelihood of a large stone when positive POCUS findings were present. The largest randomized trial showed lower cumulative radiation exposure and no increase in adverse events in those who received POCUS investigation as the initial renal colic investigation. CONCLUSION Point-of-care ultrasound has modest diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing nephrolithiasis. The finding of moderate or severe hydronephrosis is highly specific for the presence of any stone, and the presence of any hydronephrosis is suggestive of a larger (>5 mm) stone in those presenting with renal colic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Wong
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
| | - Braden Teitge
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
| | - Marshall Ross
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
| | - Paul Young
- Department of Family MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
| | | | - Eddy Lang
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The evaluation and management of urolithiasis in the ED: A review of the literature. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 36:699-706. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
|
11
|
Ludwig WW, Matlaga BR. Urinary Stone Disease: Diagnosis, Medical Therapy, and Surgical Management. Med Clin North Am 2018; 102:265-277. [PMID: 29406057 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Clinical suspicion of urolithiasis should be evaluated with low-dose computed tomography as the first-line imaging modality for nonpregnant, adult patients. A period of observation may be appropriate for ureteral stones less than 10 mm, and medical expulsive therapy may be beneficial for facilitating passage of distal ureteral stones. Regardless of stone type, patients should adhere to a low-sodium diet and attempt to achieve a urine volume of more than 2.5 L daily. Individuals with calcium stones should maintain a normal calcium diet, and if stones persist, citrate therapy or thiazide diuretics in the setting of hypercalciuria may be indicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wesley W Ludwig
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Marburg 134, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Brian R Matlaga
- Department of Urology, The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Marburg 134, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
The prevalence of urinary stones in the United States has been described as 1 in 11 persons reporting a history of stones. Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis, management, and follow-up for these patients and imaging technology over the last 100 years has advanced as the disease prevalence has increased. CT remains the gold standard for imaging urolithiasis and changes in this technology, with the addition of multidetector CT and dual-energy CT, as well as the changes in utilization of CT, have decreased the radiation dose encountered by patients and allowed for improved stone detection. The use of digital tomography has been introduced for follow-up of recurrent stone formers offering the potential to lower radiation exposure over the course of a patient's lifelong treatment. However, there is still a demand for improved imaging techniques to detect smaller stones and stones in larger patients at lower radiation doses as well as the continued need for the judicious use of all imaging modalities for healthcare cost containment and patient safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Dale
- 1 Department of Urology, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rajan T Gupta
- 1 Department of Urology, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina.,2 Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Daniele Marin
- 2 Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael Lipkin
- 1 Department of Urology, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Glenn Preminger
- 1 Department of Urology, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sternberg KM, Littenberg B. Trends in Imaging Use for the Evaluation and Followup of Kidney Stone Disease: A Single Center Experience. J Urol 2017; 198:383-388. [PMID: 28161351 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2017.01.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent reports support renal ultrasound as the initial imaging study to evaluate patients with suspected renal colic. However, urologists often advocate for computerized tomography to better define stone size and location, especially before proceeding with endourological intervention. One concern with using ultrasound as initial imaging is that computerized tomography may be required later, obviating the reduction in costs and radiation gained by using ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the electronic health records of 10,680 episodes of stone disease in a total of 7,659 patients who presented to the emergency department or walk-in clinic with a chief complaint or visit diagnosis of urolithiasis from 2009 to 2015 at a single institution. Images obtained during the index encounter and in the following 90 days were recorded. RESULTS The index encounter included computerized tomography in 47% of episodes, ultrasound in 20%, plain x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder in 12% and no imaging in 29%. Of the index visits 49% included multiple testing. If no computerized tomography was obtained during the index visit, 10% of patients underwent computerized tomography later in the episode. Total imaging costs and radiation exposure during 90 days were significantly higher when computerized tomography was done at the index visit. If the initial image obtained during an episode was ultrasound, computerized tomography was performed in 20% of cases within 90 days. CONCLUSIONS Of patients who underwent an initial ultrasound 80% avoided computerized tomography imaging. Avoiding computerized tomography at the index visit was associated with substantial reductions in radiation exposure and imaging costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevan M Sternberg
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont; Department of Medicine (BL), University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.
| | - Benjamin Littenberg
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont; Department of Medicine (BL), University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
Abstract
Kidney stone imaging is an important diagnostic tool and initial step in deciding which therapeutic options to use for the management of kidney stones. Guidelines provided by the American College of Radiology, American Urological Association, and European Association of Urology differ regarding the optimal initial imaging modality to use to evaluate patients with suspected obstructive nephrolithiasis. Noncontrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis consistently provides the most accurate diagnosis but also exposes patients to ionizing radiation. Traditionally, ultrasonography has a lower sensitivity and specificity than CT, but does not require use of radiation. However, when these imaging modalities were compared in a randomized controlled trial they were found to have equivalent diagnostic accuracy within the emergency department. Both modalities have advantages and disadvantages. Kidney, ureter, bladder (KUB) plain film radiography is most helpful in evaluating for interval stone growth in patients with known stone disease, and is less useful in the setting of acute stones. MRI provides the possibility of 3D imaging without exposure to radiation, but it is costly and currently stones are difficult to visualize. Further developments are expected to enhance each imaging modality for the evaluation and treatment of kidney stones in the near future. A proposed algorithm for imaging patients with acute stones in light of the current guidelines and a randomized controlled trial could aid clinicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Brisbane
- Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356510, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
| | - Michael R Bailey
- Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th Street, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Mathew D Sorensen
- Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356510, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.,Division of Urology, Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, 1660S Columbian Way, Seattle, Washington 98108, USA
| |
Collapse
|