Diagnostic discrepancies between emergency department admissions and hospital discharges among older adults: secondary analysis on a population-based survey

BACKGROUND: Older adults frequently experience nonspecific clinical features. However, there is limited evidence on how often admission diagnoses for hospitalized older patients are incorrect, potentially leading to treatment delays. OBJECTIVES: To determine the consistency between hospital admission and discharge diagnoses, and identify factors associated with diagnostic discrepancies in older adults. DESIGN AND SETTING: Population-based cohort study in the United States. We included adults aged ≥ 18 years who were admitted from emergency departments (EDs) to hospitals, identified using the 2005-2010 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Survey, a nationally representative survey. METHODS: Three admission diagnoses and the principal discharge diagnosis were captured and classified as discrepant if they involved considerably different conditions within the same organ system, or different organ systems altogether. RESULTS: Each year, 12 million adults were hospitalized following ED visits in the United States; 45% were aged ≥ 65 years. These patients' mean age was 79 years and 58% were women. Diagnostic discrepancies between admission and discharge were more common among adults ≥ 65 years (12.5 versus 8.3%; P < 0.001). Certain admission diagnoses had particularly high rates of diagnostic discrepancies: 26-27% of patients presenting with mental disorders or with endocrine and metabolic diseases had substantial diagnostic discrepancies between admission and discharge. Substantial diagnostic discrepancy was independently associated with longer hospitalization and higher in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: One out of eight older adults hospitalized from EDs was discharged with a principal diagnosis differing considerably from the admission diagnosis. Given that missed or delayed diagnoses are a critical safety problem, clinicians should be vigilant and frequently cogitate alternative diagnostic possibilities

Prevalence of Masked and White-Coat Hypertension in Pre-Hypertensive and Stage 1 Hypertensive patients with the use of TeleMRPA / Prevalência de Hipertensão Mascarada e do Avental Branco em Pré-Hipertensos e Hipertensos Estágio 1 com o uso da TeleMRPA

Abstract Background: The diagnosis of arterial hypertension based on measurements of blood pressure in the office has low accuracy. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of masked hypertension (MH) and white-coat hypertension through home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) in pre-hypertensive and stage 1 hypertensive patients. Method: Retrospective study, of which sample consisted of individuals with BP ≥ 120/80 mmHg and < 160/100 mmHg at the medical office without the use of antihypertensive medication and who underwent exams on the HBPM platform by telemedicine (TeleMRPA) between May 2017 and September 2018. The four-day MRPA protocol was used, with 24 measurements, using automated, validated, calibrated equipment with a memory function. Results: The sample consisted of 1,273 participants, of which 739 (58.1%) were women. The mean age was 52.4 ± 14.9 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 28.4 ± 5.1 kg/m2. The casual BP was higher than the HBPM in 7.6 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 5.2 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), both with statistical significance (p < 0.001). There were 558 (43.8%) normotensive individuals; 291 (22.9%) with sustained hypertension; 145 (11.4%) with MH and 279 (21.9%) with white-coat hypertension (WCH), with a diagnostic error by casual BP in the total sample in 424 (33.3%) patients. In stage 1 hypertensive individuals, the prevalence of WCH was 48.9%; in prehypertensive patients, the prevalence of MH was 20.6%. Conclusion: MH and WCH have a high prevalence rate in the adult population; however, in prehypertensive or stage 1 hypertensive patients, the prevalence is higher. Out-of-office BP measurements in these subgroups should be performed whenever possible to prevent misdiagnosis.

Resumo Fundamento: O diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial baseado nas medidas do consultório tem baixa acurácia. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de hipertensão mascarada (HM) e do avental branco pela monitorização residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA) em pacientes pré-hipertensos e hipertensos estágio. Método: Estudo retrospectivo com amostra constituída de indivíduos com pressão arterial (PA) na clínica ≥ 120/80 mmHg e < 160/100 mmHg sem uso de medicação anti-hipertensiva e que realizaram exames na plataforma de MRPA por telemedicina (TeleMRPA) entre maio de 2017 e setembro de 2018. Foi utilizado o protocolo MRPA de quatro dias, com 24 medidas, com equipamentos automáticos, validados, calibrados e com memória. Resultados: A amostra foi constituída de 1.273 participantes, sendo 739 (58,1%) mulheres. A idade média foi 52,4 ± 14,9 anos, índice de massa corporal (IMC) médio 28,4 ± 5,1 kg/m2. A PA casual foi maior que a MRPA em 7,6 mmHg para pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e 5,2 mmHg para a pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), ambas com significância estatística (p < 0,001). Foram diagnosticados 558 (43,8%) normotensos; 291 (22,9%) hipertensos sustentados; 145 (11,4%) com HM e 279 (21,9%) com hipertensão do avental branco (HAB), com erro diagnóstico pela PA casual na amostra total em 424 (33,3%) pacientes. Em hipertensos estágio 1, a prevalência de HAB foi de 48,9%; nos pré-hipertensos a prevalência de HM foi de 20,6%. Conclusão: HM e HAB têm elevada prevalência na população adulta; entretanto, na população de pré-hipertensos ou hipertensos estágio 1 a prevalência é maior. Medidas da PA fora do consultório, nestes subgrupos, devem ser realizadas sempre que possível para evitar erro diagnóstico.

Pediatric appendicitis: age does make a difference / Apendicite em pediatria: a idade é importante

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the influence of patient age on the diagnosis and management of appendicitis, as well as to evaluate the rate of complications according to the age group. Methods: We undertook a retrospective analysis of 1,736 children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy in our center between January 2000 and December 2013. Patients were divided in groups taken into account their age: group A were infants, group B were preschoolers, group C were those ones older than five years old, and group D were those ones younger than five years old. A p value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We found higher incidence of misdiagnosis and atypical symptoms in the youngest patients. The rate of perforation was similar between group A and B (p=0.17). However, it was higher in group D than in group C (p<0.0001). The incidence of postoperative complications was higher in the youngest patients too (p=0.0002). Conclusions: The age does make a difference in acute appendicitis. Because of its unusual presentation in children younger than five years old, it is often misdiagnosed, which leads to an increased morbidity. Although clinical presentation varies between infants and preschoolers, no statistically significant differences were observed in the rate of perforated appendix or postoperative complications.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a influência da idade do paciente no diagnóstico e tratamento de apendicite, bem como avaliar a frequência de complicações dependendo da faixa etária. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos 1.736 pacientes pediátricos que foram submetidos à apendicectomia laparoscópica em nosso hospital de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2013. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupos de acordo com sua idade: grupo A eram crianças, grupo B eram pré-escolares, grupo C eram maiores de cinco anos de idade e grupo D eram menores de cinco anos de idade. Considerou-se estatisticamente significante p-valor <0,05. Resultados: Encontramos maior incidência de diagnóstico incorreto e sintomas atípicos em pacientes mais novos. A taxa de perfuração foi semelhante entre os grupos A e B (p=0.17); foi maior, porém, no grupo D que no grupo C (p<0.0001). A incidência de complicações no pós-operatório também foi maior em pacientes mais novos (p=0.0002). Conclusões: A idade faz diferença em casos de apendicite aguda. Por causa da sua apresentação rara em crianças menores de cinco anos, é frequentemente diagnosticada incorretamente, o que aumenta a morbidade. Apesar de sua apresentação clínica variar entre lactentes e pré-escolares, não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas na proporção de apêndices perfurados nem na de complicações pós-operatórias.

Misdiagnosis of acute ischemic stroke in young patients

Misdiagnosis is a challenging risk in young patients with ischemic stroke that leads to delayed recognition, prevents thrombolytic therapy and increases morbidity and mortality. To assess the frequency and reasons for misdiagnosis of ischemic stroke in young adults in the emergency department, we retrospectively evaluated 101 consecutive patients. The diagnosis required both the presence of an ischemic lesion in diffusion-weighted MRI as well as neurological symptoms. Twenty-three individuals were misdiagnosed (15 females, mean age 43 years [range 26-55 years]). The most common diagnostic errors included headache/ neck pain n = 11 (48%) and peripheral vertigo n = 4 (17.3%), and the most common missed etiology was arterial dissection (AD) n = 15 (65.2%). The initial diagnosis was made by emergency physicians in 22 persons. The group with misdiagnosis had a significantly higher frequency of AD at 15 vs. 8 (p < 0.01), posterior territory involvement at 12 vs. 6 (p < 0.01), and female predominance. Misdiagnosis occurred in a third of young patients with an ischemic stroke and was more frequent in those with arterial dissection involving the posterior circulation and presenting with non-specific symptoms.

El error diagnóstico es una situación riesgosa en pacientes jóvenes con infarto cerebral, ya que conduce a demora en el reconocimiento, previene la administración de terapia trombolítica e incrementa la morbimortalidad. Para valorar la frecuencia y las razones de errores en esta población, evaluamos retrospectivamente 101 pacientes consecutivos. El diagnóstico de infarto cerebral requirió tanto la presencia de lesión isquémica aguda en resonancia magnética como también la presencia de síntomas neurológicos. Veintitrés pacientes fueron mal diagnosticados (15 mujeres, edad media 43 años, [rango 26-55 años]). El error más frecuente incluyó cefalea/cervicalgia n = 11 (48%) y vértigo periférico n = 4 (17.3%). La etiología menos sospechada fue disección arterial n = 15 (62.2%). La evaluación inicial en 22 pacientes fue realizada por emergentólogos. El grupo con errores tuvo significativamente mayor frecuencia de disección arterial 15 vs. 8 (p < 0.01), afectación del territorio posterior 12 vs. 6 (p < 0.01) y sexo femenino. En conclusión, los errores diagnósticos ocurrieron en un tercio de los pacientes jóvenes con infarto cerebral, y fueron más frecuentes en aquellos con disección arterial, compromiso del territorio posterior y síntomas de presentación inespecífica.

Evaluation of the discrepancy between clinical diagnostic hypotheses and anatomopathological diagnoses resulting from autopsies

OBJECTIVES: An objective of clinical autopsies is to determine the final cause of death and the pathological changes that may have triggered it. Despite advances in Medicine, the level of discrepancy between clinical and autopsy diagnoses remains significant. The aim of this study was to compare the data obtained from autopsies carried out at the São Bernardo do Campo/SP Death Verification Section with clinical diagnostic hypotheses proposed during medical care. METHOD: This was a retrospective study involving the comparison of necroscopic reports issued by the São Bernardo do Campo/São Paulo Death Verification Section in 2014 and 2015 and the Cadaver Referral Guides completed by attending physicians prior to the necroscopic examination. RESULTS: A total of 465 cases were analyzed. In general, discrepancies between the clinical diagnostic hypothesis and the autopsy diagnosis occurred in 28% of the cases. A logistic regression model, with diagnostic discrepancy as a response variable and sex, age, duration of care, type of institution providing medical care and organ system as explanatory variables, was fit to the data; the results indicated that all explanatory variables with the exception of organ system are not significant (p>0.132). CONCLUSIONS: Discrepancies between clinical diagnostic hypotheses and autopsy diagnoses continue to occur, despite new developments in complementary examinations and therapies. The odds of a discrepancy when patients present with diseases of the cardiac system are greater than those when there are problems in the vascular, endocrine and neurological systems.

Apendicetomía no terapéutica: revisión de 1 año en el Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell, Montevideo, Uruguay / Non-therapeutic appendectomy: 1-year review at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center, Montevideo, Uruguay / Apendicectomia não terapêutica: revisão de 1 ano no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell, Montevidéu, Uruguai

Objetivos: La apendicitis aguda es una de las patologías quirúrgicas más frecuentes en pediatría y la apendicectomía un procedimiento históricamente probado para su tratamiento. Sin embargo, se ha llamado la atención sobre la morbilidad y costos que implican los casos de apendicectomías no terapéuticas (ANT). Realizamos un estudio para determinar la proporción de ANT en nuestro hospital, analizar sus características y plantear hipótesis de trabajo que nos permitan disminuir su incidencia. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo incluyendo todos los pacientes que fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente desde el 1/1/13 hasta el 31/12/13 con diagnóstico clínico presuntivo de apendicitis aguda, en el Hospital Pediátrico del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Se analizaron la edad, el sexo, la vía de abordaje, los hallazgos intra-operatorios, el diagnóstico anátomo-patológico y el uso y los resultados del hemograma y la ecografía. Resultados: En el período mencionado se realizaron 287 apendicectomías en pacientes con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda, de los cuales 146 (50,87%) fueron operados por medio de un abordaje convencional y 141 (49,13%) por abordaje laparoscópico. El índice de ANT fue de 10,1% siendo similares las tasas para ambas vías de abordaje (10,27% convencional vs 9,92% laparoscópica). Por otra parte, se evidenció una mayor incidencia de ANT en el sexo femenino (16,6% vs 5,8%). Respecto a la franja etaria, la tasa de ANT fue mayor entre los pacientes de 11-15 años(12,19%), mientras que para las edades comprendidas entre 6-10 años fue de 8,08% y para los pacientes de 0-5 años fue de 4,16%. De los 29 pacientes que presentaron apéndice sano, 12 presentaban adenitis mesentérica, una paciente presentaba una rotura folicular y una paciente presentaba una peritonitis de causa médica. En 15 pacientes no se encontraron otras alteraciones. Conclusiones: El índice de apendicectomías no terapéuticas en nuestro hospital fue del 10,10% en el año 2013. La experiencia internacional y algunos trabajos nacionales demuestran que este resultado es mejorable. Se plantea la utilización de algoritmos clínicos para mejorar la presunción diagnóstica y hacer el mejor uso de los recursos diagnósticos disponibles, así como la instauración de un sistema de registro y análisis prospectivo de los resultados clínicos en apendicitis aguda.

Objectives: Acute appendicitis is one of the most frequent pediatric surgical diseases and appendectomy is a historically proved treatment. However, attention has been directed at morbidity and costs of negative appendectomy (NA). Here we analyze the incidence of NA at our hospital and its characteristics in order to propose a working hypothesis that allows a decrease in its incidence. Methods: A retrospective analysis including all patients who underwent surgery from 01/01/13 to 31/12/13, with presumptive clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis, in the Pediatric Hospital of the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center, was done. Age, sex, surgical approach, operative findings, pathologic diagnosis and the use and results of laboratory and ultrasound, were analyzed. Results: In the referred period, appendectomies were performed in 287 patients with diagnosis of acute appendicitis, of which 146 (50.87%) were operated by a conventional approach and 141 (49.13%) by laparoscopic approach. The NA were 10.10%, with similar rates for both approaches (10.27% vs 9.92%, conventionalvs laparoscopic).A higher incidence of of NA was evident in girls, (16,6% vs 5,8% conventionalvs. laparoscopic ).With respect to the age group, the rate of NA was higher among 11-15 years old patients (12,19%), while for those aged between 6-10 years it was 8.08 % and for patients aged 0-5 years it was 4.16%. Of the 29 patients who had a healthy appendix, 12 had mesenteric adenitis, one patient had a follicular rupture and other had a medical peritonitis. In 15 patients no other abnormalities were found. Conclusions: The NA rate at our Hospital was 10.10% during 2013. The international experience and some national works prove that this result is improvable. We propose the utilization of clinical scores in order to improve clinical diagnostic and rational use of ancillary resources and the installation of a prospective registry and analysis system of results in acute appendicitis.

Objetivos: A apendicite aguda é uma das patologias cirúrgicas mais frequentes em pediatria e apendicectomia, um procedimento historicamente comprovado para seu tratamento. Entretanto, a atenção e a morbidade e os custos envolvidos em casos de apendicectomias não terapêuticas (ANT) chamaram a atenção. Realizamos um estudo para determinar a proporção de ANT em nosso hospital, analisamos suas características e propomos hipóteses de trabalho que nos permitem reduzir sua incidência. Métodos: Realizamos uma análise retrospectiva, incluindo todos os pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de 1/1/13 a 12/31/13 com diagnóstico clínico presumível de apendicite aguda no Hospital Pediátrico do Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell. Analisamos a idade, sexo, abordagem, achados intra-operatórios, diagnóstico anatomopatológico e o uso e resultados de hemograma e ultra-som. Resultados: no período mencionado, foram realizadas 287 apendicectomias em pacientes com apendicite aguda, dos quais 146 (50,87%) foram operados por abordagem convencional e 141 (49,13%) por abordagem laparoscópica. O índice ANT foi de 10,1% com taxas semelhantes para ambas as abordagens (10,27% versus 9,92% laparoscópicas). Por outro lado, houve maior incidência de ANT no sexo feminino (16,6% vs 5,8%). Em relação à faixa etária, a taxa de ANT foi maior entre os pacientes com idades entre 11-15 anos (12,19%), enquanto que para as idades 6-10 anos foi de 8,08% e para pacientes de 0 -5 anos foi de 4,16%. Dos 29 pacientes com apêndice saudável, 12 apresentavam adenite mesentérica, um paciente apresentava ruptura folicular e um paciente apresentava peritonite de grau médico. Não foram encontradas outras alterações em 15 pacientes. Conclusões: A taxa de apendicectomias não terapêuticas em nosso hospital foi de 10,10% no ano de 2013. A experiência internacional e alguns estudos nacionais mostram que esse resultado pode ser melhorado. O uso de algoritmos clínicos para melhorar a presunção diagnóstica e fazer o melhor uso dos recursos diagnósticos disponíveis, bem como o estabelecimento de um sistema de registro e análise prospectiva dos resultados clínicos em apendicite aguda.

Analyisis of the adverse events reported to the office of the clinical director at a dental school in Bogota, Colombia / Análisis de los events adversos reportados a direcciónde clínicas en una facultad de odontología de Bogotá-Colombia

Dentistry is interested in identifying and controlling adverseevents, understood as involuntary injuries to the patient duringdental care. The aim of this study was to analyze the adverse eventsreported to the Office of the Clinical Director at the School ofDentistry at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia) during2011­2012. It was an observational, descriptive study thatevaluated 227 dental clinical records of patients who filed acomplaint with the Office of the Clinical Director. Of these, 43were adverse events and were used as the basis for this study. Ofthe 16,060 patients who received care during 2011 ­ 2012, 0.26%(43) filed a complaint involving an adverse event, of which 97.7 %were considered preventable. Most of these (76.18%, n= 32)occurred during clinical management of treatments in differentspecialties, 9.5% (4) were the result of deficient external dentallaboratory quality, and 14.32% (6) were due to failure in documentmanagement, soft tissue injury, misdiagnosis and swallowingforeign objects. Of the patients involved, 65.2% (28) received carefrom postgraduate students, with the highest number of cases inthe Oral Rehabilitation speciality. The occurrence of adverseevents during dental care, indicates the need for information abouttheir origin in order to establish protection barriers and preventtheir incidence, particularly in the educational area under thestudent dental clinic service model.

En odontología existe interés por identificar y controlar loseventos adversos, entendidos como las lesiones no voluntarias que ocurren durante la atención odontológica. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los eventos adversos reportados a Dirección de Clínicas de la Facultad de Odontología de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana durante el periodo 2011­2012.Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo para el que se evaluaron 227 historias clínicas de pacientes que reportar onuna queja a la Dirección de Clínicas, de las cuales en 43 se evidenció la presencia de eventos adversos, a partir de las cualesse registró la información analizada en este estudio. De los16.060 pacientes atendidos durante el periodo 2011 y 2012, el0,26% (43) formularon alguna queja que resultó en un evento adverso, de los cuales el 97,7 % se consideraron prevenibles. Elmayor porcentaje 76,18 % (32) se presentó durante la gestión clínica de tratamientos en diferentes áreas. El 9,5 % (4), sedebieron a fallas en la calidad del trabajo del laboratorio externo; el 14,32% (6) correspondió a eventos generados porfallas en la gestión documental, lesiones de tejidos blandos, fallas de diagnóstico y deglución de objetos extraños. El 65,2 %(28) de los pacientes fueron atendidos por estudiantes de posgrado, con el mayor número de casos en la especialidad de Rehabilitación Oral. La presentación de eventos adversos durante el proceso de atención en odontología, es indicador dela necesidad de conocer su origen para establecer barreras deprotección y prevenir su incidencia, especialmente en el área formativa bajo el modelo de atención docencia servicio.

Error en el informe radiológico: la paradoja del elefante en la habitación y otros tropiezos / Error in the radiological report: the paradox of the elephant in the room and other mistakes

The expression "there is an elephant in the room" refers to an obvious problem that goes unnoticed. Often we wonder how it was possible that we have not reported a major lesion ("the size of an elephant") in the report that comes into our hands for review. Unlike clinical findings such as the anamnesis and the physical examination, evidence from the radiological examination remains available for subsequent reviews. The error and its consequences are a phenomenon that vertically and horizontally traverse all the medical specialties and those who perform within them. Radiologists are not exempt from this. During each stage of the reporting process, the radiologist may make mistakes. In this article we will concentrate on those errors in which the radiologist participates directly, with graphical representations that illustrate the nature of the error in each case. We will review the phases of the imaging diagnosis and the different types of errors such as Perceptual Errors (error by under-reading, search satisfaction errors, and error due to alterations outside the study area), Cognitive errors (complacency error, error of reasoning, alliterative error, error due to lack of knowledge, error due to lack of clinical records and error due to lack of consultation of previous examinations), Communication error and study type error. Because we cannot completely eliminate the diagnostic errors in our daily practice, we cannot guarantee the outcome; but we can demonstrate that we have done our best, with duly justified technical quality examinations, in the adequate time and with the necessary security.

La expresión "hay un elefante en la habitación", se refiere a que existe un problema obvio que pasa inadvertido. Muchas veces nos preguntamos cómo fue posible que no hayamos reportado una gran lesión ("del tamaño de un elefante") en el informe que llega a nuestras manos para revisión. A diferencia de los hallazgos clínicos como la anamnesis y el examen físico, la evidencia del examen radiológico permanece disponible para revisiones subsecuentes. El error y sus consecuencias son un fenómeno que cruza vertical y horizontalmente todas las especialidades médicas y a quienes en ellas se desempeñan. Los radiólogos no estamos exentos de ello. Durante cada etapa del proceso de informe, el médico radiólogo puede cometer errores. En este artículo nos concentraremos en aquellos errores en los que el radiólogo participa directamente, con representaciones gráficas que ilustran la naturaleza del error en cada caso. Revisaremos las fases del diagnóstico por imágenes y los diferentes tipos de errores como los Errores de percepción (error por sub-lectura, error por satisfacción de la búsqueda y error debido a alteraciones fuera del área de estudio), Errores cognitivos (error de complacencia, error de razonamiento, error aliterativo, error por falta de conocimientos, error por falta de antecedentes clínicos y error por falta de consulta de exámenes previos), Error de comunicación y Error de tipo de estudio. Debido a que no podemos eliminar completamente los errores diagnósticos en nuestra práctica diaria, no podemos garantizar el resultado; pero podemos demostrar que hicimos lo mejor posible, con exámenes de calidad técnica, debidamente justificados, en el tiempo adecuado y con la seguridad necesaria.

Perception of stroke symptoms and utilization of emergency medical services / Percepción de los síntomas del accidente cerebrovascular y utilización de los servicios de emergencias médicos

ABSTRACT Lack of stroke awareness and slow activation of emergency medical services (EMS) are frequently reported reasons for delayed arrival to the hospital. We evaluated these variables in our population. Methods Review of hospital records and structured telephone interviews of 100 consecutive stroke patients. Forward stepwise logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis. Results Seventy patients (75%) arrived at the hospital 4.5 hours after stroke symptoms onset. The use of EMS did not improve arrival times. Most patients who recognized their symptoms did not use EMS (p < 0.02). Nineteen patients (20%) were initially misdiagnosed. Eighteen of them were first assessed by non-neurologist physicians (p < 0.001). Conclusions Our population showed a low level of stroke awareness. The use of EMS did not improve arrival times at the hospital and the non-utilization of the EMS was associated with the recognition of stroke symptoms. There was a concerning rate of misdiagnosis, mostly by non-neurologist medical providers.

RESUMO La falta de reconocimiento de los síntomas del accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y la lenta activación de los servicios de emergencias médicos (SEM) son causas frecuentes de demoras en el arribo hospitalario. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar ambas variables en nuestra población. Métodos Revisión de registros hospitalarios y entrevista telefónica estructurada de 100 pacientes consecutivos internados por ACV. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante un modelo de regresión logística multivariada por pasos. Resultados Setenta pacientes (75%) arribaron al hospital luego de 4.5 horas del comienzo de los síntomas. El uso de los SEM no mejoró los tiempos de arribo al hospital (p < 0.02). Inicialmente, 19 pacientes (20%) recibieron un diagnóstico erróneo. Dieciocho de ellos fueron evaluados por médicos no neurólogos. (p < 0.001). Conclusiones El reconocimiento de los síntomas de ACV en nuestra población fue bajo. El uso de los SEM no mejoró los tiempos de arribo hospitalario y la no utilización de los mismos se asoció con el correcto reconocimiento de los síntomas por parte de los pacientes. La proporción de diagnósticos erróneos fue preocupante, fundamentalmente entre médicos no neurólogos.

Negative Biopsy after Referral for Biopsy-Proven Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Repeat endoscopy with biopsy is often performed in patients with previously diagnosed gastric cancer to determine further treatment plans. However, biopsy results may differ from the original pathologic report. We reviewed patients who had a negative biopsy after referral for gastric cancer. METHODS: A total of 116 patients with negative biopsy results after referral for biopsy-proven gastric cancer were enrolled. Outside pathology slides were reviewed. Images of the first and second endoscopic examinations were reviewed. We reviewed the clinical history from referral to the final treatment. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients (76%) arrived with information about the lesion from the referring physician. Among 96 patients with available outside slides, the rate of interobserver variation was 24%. Endoscopy was repeated at our institution; 85 patients (73%) were found to have definite lesions, whereas 31 patients (27%) had indeterminate lesions. In the group with definite lesions, 71% of the lesions were depressed in shape. The most common cause of a negative biopsy was mistargeting. In the group with indeterminate lesions, 94% had insufficient information. All patients with adequate follow-up were successfully treated based on the findings in the follow-up endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: A negative biopsy after referral for biopsy-proven gastric cancer is mainly caused by mistargeting and insufficient information during the referral.

Erro em antropometria aplicada à avaliação nutricional nos serviços de saúde: causas, consequências e métodos de mensuração / Error in anthropometry applied to nutritional assessment in health services: causes, consequences and methods of measurement

OBJECTIVE: To discuss anthropometric errors in health services, their implications in nutritional diagnosis, main causes, and methods of measurement. METHODS: To subsidize the discussion, we considered the anthropometric data of preschool children collected by three health professionals and a Supervisor (gold standard) during training in anthropometry. We also reviewed national and international literature on the subject. RESULTS: Errors in anthropometry may be derived from the equipment used, adequacy of the measurement environment, training level of the health professional, and issues inherent to the individual assessed. The most commonly used methods to measure such errors are Standardization and the Technical Error of Measurement, which are distinguished by the rigor in the evaluation of professionals, interpretation of results, and the possibility of multiple analysis of measurement quality. Such distinctions were observed in this study, in which the degree of precision and accuracy varied for the three evaluators, according to the method adopted. The choice of the method will depend on the public involved and the intended purpose. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of measurement errors in anthropometry is an important tool to highlight the need for training and qualification of professionals in nutritional assessment

OBJETIVO: Discutir acerca dos erros em antropometria nos serviços de saúde, suas implicações no diagnóstico nutricional, principais causas, e métodos de mensuração. MÉTODOS: Para subsidiar a discussão, consideraram-se os dados antropométricos de crianças em idade pré-escolar coletados por três profissionais de saúde e um supervisor (padrão-ouro) durante capacitação em antropometria. Procedeu-se também a revisão na literatura nacional e internacional acerca do tema. RESULTADOS: Erros em antropometria podem ser causados pelos equipamentos utilizados, pela adequação do ambiente de medição, pelo grau de treinamento do avaliador (profissional de saúde) e por questões inerentes ao próprio indivíduo avaliado. Os métodos mais empregados para mensurar erros são a Padronização e o Erro Técnico de Medição, que se distinguem quanto ao rigor na avaliação, interpretação dos resultados e possibilidade de desdobramento nas análises da qualidade das mensurações. Tais distinções foram evidenciadas neste estudo, em que o grau de precisão e exatidão variou, para os três antropometristas, segundo o método adotado. A escolha do método dependerá do público-alvo envolvido e do objetivo pretendido. CONCLUSÕES: Avaliar erros de mensuração em antropometria é uma importante ferramenta para apontar a necessidade de capacitação e qualificação de profissionais em avaliação nutricional

Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Interval Gastric Cancer in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Interval gastric cancer (IGC) is defined as cancer that is diagnosed between the time of screening and postscreening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Unfortunately, little is known about the characteristics of IGC in Korea, a country with a high incidence of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of IGCs in Korea. METHODS: From January 2006 to July 2011, a total of 81,762 subjects underwent screening EGD at Yonsei University Health Promotion Center, Seoul, Korea. We defined missed cancer as cancer diagnosed within 1 year of screening EGD and latent cancer as cancer diagnosed more than 1 year after EGD. RESULTS: A total of 16 IGC patients (17 lesions; three missed cancers and 14 latent cancers) were identified, with a mean age of 60.68 years and a mean interval time of 19.64 months. IGCs tended to be undifferentiated (12/17, 70.6%), located in the lower body of the stomach (12/17, 70.6%) and exhibited flat/depressed endoscopic morphology (11/17, 64.7%). The patients with missed cancer were generally younger than the patients with latent cancer (51.3 years vs 62.8 years, p=0.037), and the patients with undifferentiated cancer were significantly younger than those with differentiated cancer (57.0 years vs 68.8 years, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: IGCs tended to be undifferentiated, located in the lower body of the stomach, and exhibited flat/depressed endoscopic morphology.

Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Interval Gastric Cancer in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Interval gastric cancer (IGC) is defined as cancer that is diagnosed between the time of screening and postscreening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Unfortunately, little is known about the characteristics of IGC in Korea, a country with a high incidence of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics of IGCs in Korea. METHODS: From January 2006 to July 2011, a total of 81,762 subjects underwent screening EGD at Yonsei University Health Promotion Center, Seoul, Korea. We defined missed cancer as cancer diagnosed within 1 year of screening EGD and latent cancer as cancer diagnosed more than 1 year after EGD. RESULTS: A total of 16 IGC patients (17 lesions; three missed cancers and 14 latent cancers) were identified, with a mean age of 60.68 years and a mean interval time of 19.64 months. IGCs tended to be undifferentiated (12/17, 70.6%), located in the lower body of the stomach (12/17, 70.6%) and exhibited flat/depressed endoscopic morphology (11/17, 64.7%). The patients with missed cancer were generally younger than the patients with latent cancer (51.3 years vs 62.8 years, p=0.037), and the patients with undifferentiated cancer were significantly younger than those with differentiated cancer (57.0 years vs 68.8 years, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: IGCs tended to be undifferentiated, located in the lower body of the stomach, and exhibited flat/depressed endoscopic morphology.

NHETS - Estudo de Necrópsias de Pacientes Submetidos a Transplante Cardíaco / NHETS ? Necropsy Heart Transplantation Study

Fundamento: Discordâncias entre diagnóstico pre e post-mortem são relatadas na literatura, podendo variar de 4,1 a 49,8% dentre os casos encaminhados para exame necroscópico, com importante repercussão no tratamento dos pacientes. Objetivo: Analisar pacientes com óbito após o transplante cardíaco e confrontar os diagnósticos pre e post-mortem. Métodos: Por meio da revisão de prontuários, foram analisados dados clínicos, presença de comorbidades, esquema de imunossupressão, exames laboratoriais, causa clínica do óbito e causa do óbito à necrópsia. Foram confrontadas, então, a causa clínica e a causa necroscópica do óbito de cada paciente. Resultados: Foram analisados 48 óbitos submetidos à necrópsia no período de 2000 a 2010; 29 (60,4%) tiveram diagnósticos clínico e necroscópico concordantes, 16 (33,3%) tiveram diagnósticos discordantes e três (6,3%) tiveram diagnóstico não esclarecido. Entre os discordantes, 15 (31,3%) apresentaram possível impacto na sobrevida e um (2,1%) não apresentou impacto na sobrevida. O principal diagnóstico clínico feito equivocadamente foi o de infecção, com cinco casos (26,7% dos discordantes), seguido por rejeição hiperaguda, com quatro casos (20% dos discordantes), e tromboembolismo pulmonar, com três casos (13,3% dos discordantes). Conclusão: Discordâncias entre o diagnóstico clínico e achados da necrópsia são comumente encontradas no transplante cardíaco. Novas estratégias no aperfeiçoamento do diagnóstico clínico devem ser introduzidas, considerando-se os resultados da necrópsia para melhoria do tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca por meio do transplante cardíaco. .

Background: Discrepancies between pre and post-mortem diagnoses are reported in the literature, ranging from 4.1 to 49.8 % in cases referred for necropsy, with important impact on patient treatment. Objective: To analyze patients who died after cardiac transplantation and to compare the pre- and post-mortem diagnoses. Methods: Perform a review of medical records and analyze clinical data, comorbidities, immunosuppression regimen, laboratory tests, clinical cause of death and cause of death at the necropsy. Then, the clinical and necroscopic causes of death of each patient were compared. Results: 48 deaths undergoing necropsy were analyzed during 2000-2010; 29 (60.4 %) had concordant clinical and necroscopic diagnoses, 16 (33.3%) had discordant diagnoses and three (6.3%) had unclear diagnoses. Among the discordant ones, 15 (31.3%) had possible impact on survival and one (2.1%) had no impact on survival. The main clinical misdiagnosis was infection, with five cases (26.7 % of discordant), followed by hyperacute rejection, with four cases (20 % of the discordant ones), and pulmonary thromboembolism, with three cases (13.3% of discordant ones). Conclusion: Discrepancies between clinical diagnosis and necroscopic findings are commonly found in cardiac transplantation. New strategies to improve clinical diagnosis should be made, considering the results of the necropsy, to improve the treatment of heart failure by heart transplantation. .

O uso de indicadores da fase pré-analítica como ferramenta da gestão laboratorial / The use of indicators in the pre-analytical phase as a laboratory management tool

Introduction: Efficient laboratory services are the basis of modern health systems. Scientific innovations have contributed to substantial improvements in the laboratory environment, but errors still persist. These errors are classified as pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical, according to the time of occurrence. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of pre-analytical errors in the clinical laboratory service of a military hospital. Methods: A total of 329,582 tests were performed in the clinical laboratory of Hospital Naval Marcílio Dias (HNMD) from August to October 2012, and pre-analytical errors were documented. Results: The most frequent cause of the observed pre-analytical errors was hemolysis (27.54%), followed by samples not received (25.43%) and insufficient sample volume (18.49%). The samples from the Integrated Home Care Service (SIAD) showed the highest frequency of errors (3.38%), followed by those from the inpatient (0.76%) and the outpatient departments (0.21%). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the importance of managing laboratory pre-analytical quality in order to ensure service excellence...

Introdução: Serviços laboratoriais efetivos são a base dos sistemas de saúde modernos. Inovações científicas têm contribuído para melhorias substanciais no meio laboratorial, mas os erros ainda persistem. Esses erros são classificados como pré-analíticos, analíticos e pós-analíticos, dependendo do momento de sua ocorrência. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência de erros pré-analíticos ocorridos no serviço de análises clínicas de um hospital militar. Métodos: Um total de 329.582 exames foram realizados no laboratório de análises clínicas do Hospital Naval Marcílio Dias no período de agosto a outubro de 2012, e os erros pré-analíticos documentados. Resultados: Os erros pré-analíticos mais observados foram decorrentes da hemólise (27,54%), seguidos de material não recebido (25,43%) e amostra insuficiente (18,49%). As amostras oriundas do Serviço Integrado de Atendimento Domiciliar (SIAD) foram as que apresentaram a maior frequência de erros (3,38%), seguidas pelo setor de pacientes internos (0,76%) e ambulatoriais (0,21%), respectivamente. Conclusão: Nosso estudo demonstra a importância da gestão da fase pré-analítica na garantia da qualidade laboratorial, de maneira a assegurar um serviço de excelência...

Medical negligence in surgery: 112 cases retrospective analysis / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the general characteristics of medical negligence in surgery in order to provide the reference for forensic practices.@*METHODS@#One hundred and twelve cases of medical negligence in surgical department were retrospectively analyzed in Fada Institute of Forensic Medicine and Science from 2008 to 2010.@*RESULTS@#The common types of medical negligence cases in the surgery were improper operation procedure (28.57%), failure of consent (26.79%), and inadequate monitoring (22.32%). The results of complications included disability or functional impairment (61.61%), death (31.25%) and transient impairment with no obvious adverse reactions (7.14%). The most common roles played by the medical negligence cases were minor role (26.79%), equal role (19.64%), and slight role (14.29%).@*CONCLUSION@#Significant attention should be paid to the operation procedure, consent, and monitoring. It should be cautious to not make assessment on involvement degree of medical negligence.