Effect of seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination on severity and long-term outcomes of patients with heart failure decompensations.

AIMS: To investigate whether seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations influence the severity of decompensations and long-term outcomes of patients with acute heart failure (AHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We included consecutive AHF patients attended at 40 Spanish emergency departments during November and December 2022. They were grouped according to whether they had received seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination. The severity of heart failure (HF) decompensation was assessed with the MEESSI scale, need for hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and in-hospital mortality. Long-term outcomes were 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortality. Associations between vaccination, HF decompensation severity, and long-term outcomes were investigated. Subgroup analyses were executed for 16 patient characteristics and their relationship with vaccination and 1-year mortality. We analysed 4243 patients (median age 85 years; interquartile range 77-90; 57% female): 1841 (43%) had received influenza vaccination, 3139 (74%) COVID-19 vaccination, 1773 (41.8%) received both vaccines (full vaccination) and 1036 (24.4%) none. Previous episodes of AHF, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic treatment with diuretics were associated with vaccination (either influenza, COVID-19 and full vaccination). High or very-high risk decompensation occurred in 18.6%; hospitalization in 72.3%, ICU admission in 1.1%, and in-hospital mortality in 8.4%. Influenza vaccination was associated with lower hospitalization rates (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.746, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.636-0.876) and in-hospital mortality (OR 0.761, 95% CI 0.583-0.992), while COVID-19 vaccination was associated with increased hospitalizations (OR 1.215, 95% CI 1.016-1.454). Overall, 90-day and 1-year mortality were 20.3% and 34.4%. Both were decreased in influenza-vaccinated patients (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.831, 95% CI 0.709-0.973; and HR 0.885, 95% CI 0.785-0.999, respectively) but only at 90 days in COVID-19 vaccinated patients (HR 0.829, 95% CI 0.702-0.980). Full vaccination achieved even greater reductions in in-hospital, 90-day, and 1-year mortality (HR 0.638, 95% CI 0.479-0.851; HR 0.702, 95% CI 0.592-0.833; and HR 0.815, 95% CI 0.713-0.931, respectively). Subgroup analysis based on patient-related characteristics demonstrated the consistence of vaccination with long-term survival. CONCLUSION: In HF patients, seasonal influenza vaccination appears to be associated with less severe decompensation and lower 1-year mortality, while no firm conclusions can be drawn from the results of the present study regarding the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. Full vaccination is associated with the greatest reduction in short- and long-term mortality.

Clinical course in older patients diagnosed with syncope treated in Spanish emergency departments: results from the Emergency Department and Elder Needs-17 study. / Evolución clínica de los pacientes mayores diagnosticados de síncope en servicios de urgencias en España: resultados del estudio EDEN-17.

OBJECTIVE: To study factors associated with hospitalization in an unselected population of patients aged 65 years or older treated for syncope in Spanish hospital emergency departments (EDs). To determine the prevalence of adverse events at 30 days in patients discharged home and the factors associated with such events. METHODS: We included all patients aged 65 years or older who were diagnosed with syncope during a single week in 52 Spanish EDs, recording patient clinical and ED case management data. We compared the findings between hospitalized patients and those discharged home, following the latter for 30 days. In discharged patients, we explored predictors of a composite adverse-event outcome (occurrence of any of the following: ED revisits, hospitalization related to the index visit, or any-cause death). RESULTS: A total of 477 patients with syncope were identified; 67 (14%) were admitted, and 5 (7.5%) died. The median (interquartile range) length of hospital stay was 6 days (3-11 days). Comorbidity increased the probability of hospitalization (odds ratio, 2.172; 95% CI, 1.013-4.655). Among the 410 patients (86%) discharged home from the ED, 9.2% experienced an adverse event within 30 days (ED revisits, 8.,1%; hospitalization, 2.2%; death, 1.5%). No factors were associated with the 30-day composite outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients aged 65 years or older are discharged home from EDs, and 30-day adverse events, while infrequent, are difficult to predict. Hospitalization was related to comorbidity and an absence of cognitive decline.

OBJETIVO: Investigar en una muestra no seleccionada de población mayor (65 o más años) atendida en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) españoles por síncope los factores que se asociaron con la hospitalización, prevalencia de eventos adversos (EA) a 30 días y los factores asociados a estos entre los pacientes dados de alta desde urgencias. METODO: Se incluyeron todos pacientes con 65 o más años diagnosticados de síncope durante una semana en 52 SUH españoles. Se recogieron datos de la situación clínica y el manejo en urgencias, que se compararon entre los pacientes hospitalizados y los dados de alta directamente desde urgencias. Estos últimos fueron seguidos durante 30 días y se identificaron aquellos que presentaron un EA combinado (reconsulta en urgencias u hospitalización relacionada con el evento índice y muerte por cualquier causa), y se investigaron los factores que predecían dicho EA combinado. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 477 pacientes con síncope. Hospitalizaron 67 (14%), de los que fallecieron 5 (7,5%) y la estancia mediana fue de 6 días (RIC 3-11). La comorbilidad incrementó la probabilidad de ingreso (OR: 2,172, IC 95%: 1,013-4,655). Entre los 410 pacientes dados de alta de urgencias (86%), el 9,2% tuvo un EA durante los 30 días siguientes (reconsulta a urgencias: 8,1%; hospitalización: 2,2%; muerte: 1,5%). Ningún factor se asoció con el riesgo de EA combinado a 30 días. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los pacientes con 65 años o más atendidos en los SUH por síncope son dados de alta directamente desde urgencias, y los EA a los 30 días fueron poco frecuentes, pero difíciles de predecir. La hospitalización se relacionó con presencia de comorbilidad y ausencia de deterioro cognitivo.

Factors associated with discharge home in older patients admitted to emergency department observation units: Looking for a predictive scale.

BACKGROUND: The selection of patients who are going to be admitted to an emergency department observation unit (EDOU) is essential for the good management of these units, intended fundamentally to avoid unnecessary hospitalization of patients. This is especially important when dealing with older patients. It would be important to know what factors are associated with discharge home and to have a clinical predictive scale that appropriately selects older patients who are going to be admitted to an EDOU. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted of all patients ≥65 years of age assisted in 48 Spanish Emergency Departments for 7 consecutive days and were admitted to the EDOU. Demographics-functional, vital signs data and initial laboratory results were analyzed to investigate its association with discharge home and develop and validate a prediction model for discharge home from EDOU. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to develop a prediction model, and a scoring system was created. RESULTS: Among 5457 patients admitted to the EDOU from the emergency room, 2508 (46%) patients were discharged home, and 2949 (54%) were admitted to the hospital. Five variables were strongly associated with discharge home: the absence of fever (adjusted OR: 3.61, 95% CI:1.53-8.54), Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 points (2.80, 1.63-4.82), absence of tachypnea (2.51, 1.74-3.64) or leukocytosis (2.07, 1.70-2.52) and oxygen saturation >94% (2.00, 1.64-2.43). The final model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.648 (IC95% = 0.627-0.668) in the development cohort and 0.635 (0.614-0.656) in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: There are factors associated with a greater probability of discharge home of older patients admitted to EDOUs. Prediction at the individual level remains elusive, as the best model obtained in this study did not have sufficient validity to be applied in the clinical setting.

Impact of dementia on 30-, 180-, and 365-day mortality during the first pandemic wave in older adults seen in spanish emergency departments diagnosed with or without COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether dementia is an independent predictor of death after a hospital emergency department (ED) visit by older adults with or without a COVID-19 diagnosis during the first pandemic wave. METHOD: We used data from the EDEN-Covid (Emergency Department and Elderly Needs during Covid) cohort formed by all patients ≥65 years seen in 52 Spanish EDs from March 30 to April 5, 2020. The association of prior history of dementia with mortality at 30, 180 and 365 d was evaluated in the overall sample and according to a COVID-19 or non COVID diagnosis. RESULTS: We included 9,770 patients aged 78.7 ± 8.3 years, 51.1% men, 1513 (15.5%) subjects with prior history of dementia and 3055 (31.3%) with COVID-19 diagnosis. 1399 patients (14.3%) died at 30 d, 2008 (20.6%) at 180 days and 2456 (25.1%) at 365 d. The adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) for age, sex, comorbidity, disability and diagnosis for death associated with dementia were 1.16 (95% CI 1.01-1.34) at 30 d; 1.15 at 180 d (95% CI 1.03-1.30) and 1.19 at 365 d (95% CI 1.07-1.32), p < .001. In patients with COVID-19, the aHR were 1.26 (95% CI: 1.04-1.52) at 30 days; 1.29 at 180 d (95% CI: 1.09-1.53) and 1.35 at 365 d (95% CI: 1.15-1.58). CONCLUSION: Dementia in older adults attending Spanish EDs during the first pandemic wave was independently associated with 30-, 180- and 365-day mortality. This impact was lower when adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity and disability, and was greater in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Predictive usefulness of qSOFA, NEWS and GYM scores in the elderly patient: EDEN-5 study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prognostic accuracy of the scores NEWS, qSOFA, GYM used in hospital emergency department (ED) in the assessment of elderly patients who consult for an infectious disease. METHODS: Data from the EDEN (Emergency Department and Elderly Need) cohort were used. This retrospective cohort included all patients aged ≥65 years seen in 52 Spanish EDs during two weeks (from 1-4-2019 to 7-4-2019 and 30/3/2020 to 5/4/2020) with an infectious disease diagnosis in the emergency department. Demographic variables, demographic variables, comorbidities, Charlson and Barthel index and needed scores parameters were recorded. The predictive capacity for 30-day mortality of each scale was estimated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and sensitivity and specificity were calculated for different cut-off points. The primary outcome variable was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: 6054 patients were analyzed. Median age was 80 years (IQR 73-87) and 45.3% women. 993 (16,4%) patients died. NEWS score had better AUC than qSOFA (0.765, 95CI: 0.725-0.806, versus 0.700, 95%CI: 0.653-0.746; P < .001) and GYM (0.716, 95%CI: 0.675-0.758; P = .024), and there was no difference between qSOFA and GYM (P = .345). The highest sensitivity scores for 30-day mortality were GYM ≥ 1 point (85.4%) while the qSOFA score ≥2 points showed high specificity. In the case of the NEWS scale, the cut-off point ≥4 showed high sensitivity, while the cut-off point NEWS ≥ 8 showed high specificity. CONCLUSION: NEWS score showed the highest predictive capacity for 30-day mortality. GYM score ≥1 showed a great sensitivity, while qSOFA ≥2 scores provide the highest specificity but lower sensitivity.

[Impacto de la dependencia funcional de los pacientes mayores atendidos en los servicios de Urgencias españoles durante la primera ola pandémica de la COVID-19 sobre la mortalidad a 30, 180 y 365 días en función del diagnóstico (COVID versus no COVID).] / Impact of functional dependency of elderly patients seen in Spanish emergency departments during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality at 30, 180 and 365 days depending on the diagnosis (COVID versus non-COVID).

OBJECTIVE: Functional assessment is part of geriatric assessment. How it is performed in hospital Emergency Departments (ED) is poorly understood, let alone its prognostic value. The aim of this paper was to investigate whether baseline disability to perform basic activities of daily living (BADL) was an independent prognostic factor for death after the index visit to the ED during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether it had a different impact on patients with and without diagnosis of COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of the EDEN-Covid (Emergency Department and Elder Needs during COVID) cohort was carried out, consisting of all patients aged ≥65 years seen in 52 Spanish EDs selected by chance during 7 consecutive days (30/3/2020 to 5/4/2020). Demographic, clinical, functional, mental and social variables were analyzed. Dependence was categorized with the Barthel index (BI) as independent (BI=100), mild-moderate dependence (100>BI>60) and severe-total dependence (BI<60), and their crude and adjusted association was evaluated with mortality at 30, 180 and 365 days using COX proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Of 9,770 enrolled patients with a mean age of 79 years, 51% were men, 6,305 (64.53%) were independent, 2,340 (24%) had mild-moderate dependence, and 1,125 (11.5%) severe-total dependence. The number of deaths at 30 days in these three groups was 500 (7.9%), 521 (22.3%) and 378 (33.6%), respectively; at 180 days it was 757 (12%), 725 (30.9%) and 526 (46.8%); and at 365 days 954 (15.1%), 891 (38.1%) and 611 (54.3%). In relation to independent patients, the adjusted risks (hazard ratio) of dying within 30 days associated with mild-moderate and severe-total dependency were 1.91 (95% CI: 1.66-2.19) and 2.51. (2.11-2.98); at 180 days they were 1.88 (1.68-2.11) and 2.64 (2.28-3.05); and at 365 days they were 1.82 (1.64-2.02) and 2.47 (2.17-2.82). This negative impact of dependency on mortality was greater in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 than in non-COVID-19 (p interaction at 30, 180 and 365 days of 0.36, 0.05 and 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The functional dependence of older patients who attend Spanish EDs during the first wave of the pandemic is associated with mortality at 30, 180 and 365 days, and this risk is significantly higher in patients treated for COVID-19.

OBJETIVO: La valoración funcional forma parte de la valoración geriátrica. No se conoce bien cómo se realiza en los servicios de Urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) y menos aún su valor pronóstico. El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar si la dependencia funcional basal para realizar las actividades básicas de la vida diaria (ABVD) era un factor pronóstico independiente de muerte tras la visita índice al SUH durante la primera ola pandémica de la COVID-19 y si tuvo un impacto diferente en pacientes con y sin diagnóstico de COVID-19. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo de la cohorte EDEN-Covid (Emergency Department and Elder Needs during COVID) formada por todos los pacientes de edad mayor o igual a 65 años atendidos en 52 SUH españoles, seleccionados por oportunidad durante siete días consecutivos (del 30 de marzo al 5 de abril de 2020). Se analizaron variables demográficas, clínicas, funcionales, mentales y sociales. La dependencia se categorizó con el índice de Barthel (IB) en independiente (IB=100), dependencia leve-moderada (100>IB>60) y dependencia grave-total (IB<60), y se evaluó su asociación cruda y ajustada con la mortalidad a 30, 180 y 365 días mediante modelos de riesgos proporcionales de COX. RESULTADOS: De 9.770 pacientes incluidos con una media de edad de 79 años, un 51% eran hombres, 6.305 (64,53%) eran independientes, 2.340 (24%) tenían dependencia leve-moderada y 1.125 (11,5%) dependencia grave-total. El número de fallecidos a 30 días en estos tres grupos fue 500 (7,9%), 521 (22,3%) y 378 (33,6%), respectivamente; a 180 días fue 757 (12%), 725 (30,9%) y 526 (46,8%); y a 365 días 954 (15,1%), 891 (38,1%) y 611 (54,3%). En relación a los pacientes independientes, los riesgos (hazard ratio) ajustados de fallecer a 30 días, asociados a dependencia leve-moderada y grave-total, fueron 1,91 (IC 95%: 1,66-2,19) y 2,51 (2,11-2,98); a 180 días fueron de 1,88 (1,68-2,11) y 2,64 (2,28-3,05); y a 365 días fueron 1,82 (1,64-2,02) y 2,47 (2,17-2,82). Este impacto negativo de la dependencia sobre la mortalidad fue mayor en pacientes diagnosticados de COVID-19 que en los no COVID-19 (p interacción a 30, 180 y 365 días de 0,36, 0,05 y 0,04). CONCLUSIONES: La dependencia funcional de los pacientes mayores que acuden a SUH españoles durante la primera ola pandémica se asocia a mortalidad a 30, 180 y 365 días, y este riesgo es significativamente mayor en los pacientes atendidos por COVID-19.

Influence of type of household on prognosis at one year in patients ≥65 years attending hospital emergency departments in Spain. The EDEN-6 study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the type of household is associated with prognosis at one year in patients ≥65 years of age discharged after medical consultation requiring emergency department care. METHODS: Data from the Emergency Department and Elder Needs (EDEN) cohort were used. This retrospective cohort included all patients ≥65 years of age seen in 52 Spanish emergency departments over one week (April 1-7, 2019) in whom the type of household was recorded and categorized as living at home alone, with relatives, with professional caregivers, or in a nursing home. Patient demographic and other baseline characteristics and management during the index emergency department episode were recorded and used to adjust the following 1-year outcomes: all-cause mortality, hospitalization and emergency department revisit. Associations between type of household and outcomes are expressed as adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals using living alone as the reference category. RESULTS: 13,442 patients with a median age of 79 years (interquartile range 72-86) were included; 56% were women, 12.2% of patients lived alone, 74.9% with relatives, 3.9% with a professional caregiver, and 9.1% in a nursing home. During the year following discharge, the mortality rate was 14.0%, the hospitalization rate 29.7%, and the emergency department revisit rate 59.3%. In the fully adjusted model, the risk of death was associated only with living in a nursing home (hazard ratio 1.366 (1.101-1.695)). On the other hand, the risk of hospitalization was lower in individuals living in nursing homes (hazard ratio 0.783 [0.676-0.907]) and at home with relatives (hazard ratio 0.897 [0.810-0.992]), while the risk of emergency department revisit was lower in individuals living in nursing homes (hazard ratio 0.826 [0.742-0.920]) or at home with caregivers (hazard ratio 0.856 [0.750-0.976]). CONCLUSION: The type of household was modestly associated with the one-year prognosis of patients ≥65 years of age discharged after attendance at an emergency department. Living in a nursing home is associated with an increased risk of death but a decreased risk of rehospitalization or emergency department revisit, while living at home with relatives or professional caregivers is associated only with a decreased risk of hospitalization and emergency department revisit, respectively.

Effects of MIdazolam versus MOrphine in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: An analysis of MIMO trial.

AIMS: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important comorbidity in heart failure. The MIMO trial showed that patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE) treated with midazolam had fewer serious adverse events than those treated with morphine. In this post hoc analysis, we examined whether the presence/ absence of COPD modifies the reduced risk of midazolam over morphine. METHODS: Patients >18 years old clinically diagnosed with ACPE and with dyspnea and anxiety were randomized (1:1) at emergency department arrival to receive either intravenous midazolam or morphine. In this post hoc analysis, we calculated the relative risk (RR) of serious adverse events in patients with and without COPD. Calculating the CochranMantel-Haenszel interaction test, we evaluated if COPD modified the reduced risk of serious adverse events in the midazolam arm compared to morphine. RESULTS: Overall, 25 (22.5%) of the 111 patients randomized had a history of COPD. Patients with COPD were more commonly men with a history of previous episodes of heart failure, than participants without COPD. In the COPD group, the RR for the incidence of serious adverse events in the midazolam versus morphine arm was 0.36 (95%CI, 0.1-1.46). In the group without COPD, the RR was 0.44 (95%CI, 0.22-0.91). The presence of COPD did not modify the reduced risk of serious adverse events in the midazolam arm compared to morphine (p for interaction =0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The reduced risk of serious adverse events in the midazolam group compared with morphine is similar in patients with and without COPD.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on demand for emergency department care for older patients: the EDEN-7 COVID cohort study. / Estudio EDEN-7: impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre la demanda asistencial de personas mayores en los servicios de urgencias españoles.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Spanish emergency department (ED) care for patients aged 65 years or older during the first wave vs. a pre-pandemic period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study of a COVID-19 portion of the EDEN project (Emergency Department and Elder Needs). The EDEN-COVID cohort included all patients aged 65 years or more who were treated in 52 EDs on 7 consecutive days early in the pandemic. We analyzed care variables, discharge diagnoses, use of diagnostic and therapeutic resources, use of observation units, need for hospitalization, rehospitalization, and mortality. These data were compared with data for an EDEN cohort in the same age group recruited during a similar period the year before the pandemic. RESULTS: The 52 participating hospital EDs attended 33 711 emergencies during the pandemic vs. 96 173 emergencies in the pre-COVID period, representing a 61.7% reduction during the pandemic. Patients aged 65 years or older accounted for 28.8% of the caseload during the COVID-19 period and 26.4% of the earlier cohort (P .001). The COVID-19 caseload included more men (51.0%). Comorbidity and polypharmacy were more prevalent in the pandemic cohort than in the earlier one (comorbidity, 92.6% vs. 91.6%; polypharmacy, 65.2% vs. 63.6%). More esturesources (analgesics, antibiotics, heparins, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids) were applied in the pandemic period, and common diagnoses were made less often. Observation wards were used more often (for 37.8% vs. 26.2% in the earlier period), and hospital admissions were more frequent (in 56.0% vs. 25.3% before the pandemic). Mortality was higher during the pandemic than in the earlier cohort either in ED (1.8% vs 0.5%) and during hospitalization (11.5 vs 2.9%). CONCLUSION: The proportion of patients aged 65 years or older decreased in the participating Spanish EDs. However, more resources were required and the pattern of diagnoses changed. Observation ward stays were longer, and admissions and mortality increased over the numbers seen in the reference period.

OBJETIVO: Analizar el impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 sobre la asistencia a las personas mayores ($ 65 años) en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) españoles durante la primera oleada pandémica, comparándola con un periodo previo. METODO: Estudio transversal retrospectivo de la cohorte EDEN-COVID (Emergency Department and Elder Needs during COVID), que incluyó a todos los pacientes $ 65 años atendidos en 52 SUH españoles durante 7 días consecutivos de un periodo pandémico. Se analizaron variables asistenciales, diagnósticos de alta, consumo de recursos diagnósticos y terapéuticos, utilización de las unidades de observación, necesidad de ingreso, rehospitalización y mortalidad. Estos datos se compararon con la cohorte EDEN (Emergency Department and Elder Needs), que reclutó a pacientes del mismogrupo de edad durante un periodo similar del año anterior. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo COVID-19 se atendieron 33.711 episodios en los 52 SUH participantes, frente a 96.173 del periodo pre-COVID, lo que supone una disminución de la demanda de 61,7%. La proporción de asistencias a pacientes de 65 o más años fue de 28,8% en el periodo COVID-19 y 26,4% en el periodo previo (p 0,001). Durante el periodo COVID hubo mayor proporción de hombres (51,0% vs 44,9%), mayor comorbilidad (92,6% vs 91,6%) y polifarmacia (65,2% vs 63,6%), mayor uso de recursos, de analgésicos, antibióticos, heparinas, broncodilatadores y corticoides, menor proporción de los diagnósticos más habituales, mayor utilización de las unidades de observación (37,8% vs 26,2%) y un incremento de la proporción de ingresos (56,0% vs 25,3%), y de mortalidad en urgencias (1,8% vs 0,5%) y durante la hospitalización (11,5% vs 2,9%). CONCLUSIONES: La primera ola de la pandemia COVID-19 ha provocado una disminución global de las asistencias a personas mayores ($ 65 años) en los SUH españoles analizados, mayor consumo de recursos, un mapa diferente de procesos diagnósticos asistidos y un aumento proporcional de estancias en observación, de ingresos y de mortalidad, respecto al periodo de referencia.

Study EDEN-12: Analysis of access to intensive care units of patients older than 65 years requiring emergency hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the age of an urgently hospitalized patient and his or her probability of admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: Observational, retrospective, multicenter study. SETTING: 42 Emergency Departments from Spain. TIME-PERIOD: April 1-7, 2019. PATIENTS: Patients aged ≥65 years hospitalized from Spanish emergency departments. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: ICU admission, age sex, comorbidity, functional dependence and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: 6120 patients were analyzed (median age: 76 years; males: 52%. 309 (5%) were admitted to ICU (186 from ED, 123 from hospitalization). Patients admitted to the ICU were younger, male, and with less comorbidity, dependence and cognitive impairment, but there were no differences between those admitted from the ED and from hospitalization. The OR for ICU-admission adjusted by sex, comorbidity, dependence and dementia reached statistical significance >83 years (OR: 0.67; 95%CI: 0.45-0.49). In patients admitted to the ICU from ED, the OR did not begin to decrease until 79 years, and was significant >85 years (OR: 0.56, 95%CI: 0.34-0.92); while in those admitted to ICU from hospitalization, the decrease began 65 years of age, and were significant from 85 years (OR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.30-0.99). Sex, comorbidity, dependency and cognitive deterioration of the patient did not modify the association between age and ICU-admission (overall, from the ED or hospitalization). CONCLUSIONS: After taking into account other factors that influence admission to the ICU (comorbidity, dependence, dementia), the chances of admission to the ICU of older patients hospitalized on an emergency basis begin to decrease significantly after 83 years of age. There may be differences in the probability of admission to the ICU from the ED or from hospitalization according to age.

Midazolam versus morphine in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema patients with and without atrial fibrillation: findings from the MIMO trial.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: The MIMO clinical trial showed that patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (ACPE) treated with midazolam had fewer serious adverse events than those treated with morphine. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common comorbidity in heart failure and affects patient's outcome. OBJECTIVE: The primary endpoint of this substudy is to know if AF modified the reduced risk of serious adverse events in the midazolam arm compared to morphine. The first secondary endpoint is to know if AF modified the reduced risk of serious adverse events or death at 30 days in the midazolam arm. The second secondary objective of this substudy is to analyze whether AF modified the reduced risk of midazolam against morphine on the total number of serious adverse events per patient. DESIGN: We conducted a secondary analysis of the MIMO trial. Patients more than 18 years old clinically diagnosed with ACPE and with dyspnea and anxiety were randomized (1:1) at emergency department arrival to receive either intravenous midazolam or morphine. OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS: In this post hoc analysis, we calculated the relative risk (RR) of serious adverse events in patients with and without AF. Calculating the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel interaction test, we evaluated if AF modified the reduced risk of serious adverse events in the midazolam arm compared to morphine. MAIN RESULTS: One hundred eleven patients (median = 78.9 years; IQR, 72.3-83.7; women, 52.2%) were randomized in the MIMO trial, 55 to receive midazolam and 56 to morphine. All randomized patients received the assigned drug and there were no losses to follow-up. Forty-four patients (39.6%) had AF. In the AF group, the RR for the incidence of serious adverse events in the midazolam versus morphine arm was 0.42 (95% CI, 0.14-1.3). In the group without AF, the RR was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.21-1). The presence of AF did not modify the reduced risk of serious adverse events in the midazolam arm compared with morphine ( P for interaction = 0.88). CONCLUSION: This post hoc analysis of the MIMO trial suggests that the reduced risk of serious adverse events in the midazolam group compared to morphine is similar in patients with and without AF.

Effects of midazolam vs morphine in patients with acute pulmonary edema with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a secondary analysis of data from the MIMO trial. / Efectos del midazolam frente a la morfina en pacientes con edema agudo de pulmón con disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda: un análisis secundario del ensayo MIMO.

OBJECTIVES: The midazolam vs morphine (MIMO) trial showed that patients treated with midazolam had fewer serious adverse events than those treated with morphine. In many patients with acute pulmonary edema, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is preserved, at 50% or higher. We aimed to determine whether left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (D), defined by an LVEF of less than 50%, modifies the protective effect of midazolam vs morphine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The MIMO trial randomized 111 patients with acute pulmonary edema to receive intravenous midazolam in 1-mg doses to a maximum of 3 mg (n = 55) or morphine in 2- to 4-mg doses to a maximum of 8 mg (n= 56). We calculated the relative risk (RR) for a serious adverse event in patients with and without systolic LVD. RESULTS: LVEF was preserved in 84 (75.7%) of the patients with acute pulmonary edema. In patients with systolic LVD, 4 patients (26.9%) in the midazolam arm vs 6 (50%) in the morphine arm developed serious adverse events (RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.2-1.4). In patients without systolic LVD, 6 patients (15%) in the midazolam arm vs 18 (40.9%) in the morphine arm experienced such events (RR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16-0.83). The presence of systolic LVD did not modify the protective effect of midazolam on serious adverse effects (P=.57). CONCLUSION: The effect of midazolam vs morphine in protecting against the development of serious adverse events or death is similar in patients with and without systolic LVD.

OBJETIVO: El ensayo clínico MIMO demostró que los pacientes con edema agudo de pulmón (EAP) tratados con midazolam tenían menos eventos adversos graves (EAG) que los tratados con morfina. Muchos pacientes con EAP tienen fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) preservada ($ 50%). El objetivo fue conocer si la disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda (DSVI) (fracción eyección ventrículo izquierdo 50%) modifica el efecto protector del midazolam frente a la morfina. METODO: El estudio MIMO asignó al azar 111 pacientes con EAP a tratamiento con midazolam (dosis de 1 mg intravenosa, hasta una dosis máxima de 3 mg, n = 55) o morfina (dosis de 2-4 mg, hasta una dosis máxima de 8 mg, n = 56). Se calculó el riesgo relativo (RR) de padecer un EAG en pacientes con y sin DSVI. RESULTADOS: La FEVI preservada estuvo presente en 84 (75,7%) pacientes con EAP. En el grupo con DSVI, 4 pacientes (26,9%) en el brazo midazolam frente a 6 (50%) en el brazo morfina presentaron EAG (RR = 0,53; IC 95: 0,2-1,4). En el grupo sin DSVI 6 pacientes (15%) del brazo midazolam frente a 18 (40,9%) del brazo morfina presentaron EAG (RR = 0,37; IC 95: 0,16-0,83). La DSVI no modificó el efecto protector del midazolam en la aparición de EAG con respecto a la morfina (p = 0,57). CONCLUSIONES: En pacientes con EAP el efecto protector del midazolam sobre la morfina en la aparición de EAG y EAG o muerte fue similar en pacientes con y sin DSVI.

Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: clinical suspicion and basic management in emergency departments - an expert review and consensus statement from the Spanish societies of hematology and hemotherapy (SEHH) and emergency medicine (SEMES). / Púrpura trombocitopénica trombótica inmune: sospecha y manejo básico en los servicios de urgencias. Revisión y consenso de un grupo de expertos de las sociedades científicas SEHH y SEMES.

TEXT: Acquired or immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are thrombotic microangiopathies associated with high mortality if treatment is not started early. Onset is usually sudden, meaning that the condition is often diagnosed in hospital emergency departments, where TTP must be suspected as early as possible. These guidelines were drafted by specialists in emergency medicine and hematology to cover the diagnosis, referral, and treatment of patients suspected of immune-mediated TTP who require emergency care. Immune TTP should be suspected whenever a patient presents with hemolytic microangiopathy and has a negative Coombs test, and thrombocytopenia, possibly in conjunction with fever and neurologic and cardiac alterations. If one of the existing diagnostic algorithms indicates there is a high probability that the patient has immune TTP, plasma exchange therapy should be started along with immunosuppressants. Treatment with caplacizumab should also be considered. The patient should be referred immediately to the hematology department within the same hospital or a referral hospital.

TEXTO: La púrpura trombótica trombocitopénica adquirida o inmune (PTTi) es una microangiopatía trombótica (MAT) con una elevada mortalidad si no se instaura un tratamiento precoz. El inicio habitualmente brusco de la enfermedad hace que, en la mayoría de los pacientes, el diagnóstico inicial se haga en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH), donde se debe sospechar esta entidad con la mayor inmediatez posible. Esta guía, elaborada por profesionales de Medicina de Urgencias y de Hematología, establece unas recomendaciones en cuanto al diagnóstico, derivación y tratamiento de los pacientes con sospecha de PTTi en los SUH. Se debe sospechar PTTi en todo paciente que presente una anemia hemolítica microangiopática, prueba de Coombs directo negativa y trombocitopenia pudiendo asociar, además, fiebre, alteraciones neurológicas y cardiacas. Si tras la aplicación de alguno de los algoritmos diagnósticos existentes, hay una alta probabilidad de que el paciente presente una PTTi, debería iniciarse tratamiento con recambio plasmático, inmunosupresores y valorar el inicio de caplacizumab. Además, debe gestionarse el traslado inmediato de los pacientes al Servicio de Hematología, bien del mismo centro o a uno de referencia.

The Guadalajara Declaration on sepsis: emergency physicians' constructive comments on the Surviving Sepsis Campaign's 2021 updated guidelines. / Declaración de Guadalajara: una visión constructiva desde el servicio de urgencias a partir de la Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021.

TEXT: The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) published a 2021 update of its 2016 recommendations. The update was awaited with great anticipation the world over, especially by emergency physicians. Under the framework of the CIMU 2022 (33rd World Emergency Medicine Conference) in Guadalajara, Mexico in March, emergency physiciansreviewed and analyzed the 2021 SSC guidelines from our specialty's point of view. In this article, the expert reviewers present their consensus on certain key points of most interest in emergency settings at this time. The main aims of the review are to present constructive comments on 10 key points and/or recommendations in the SSC 2021 update and to offer emergency physicians' experience- and evidence-based proposals. Secondarily, the review's recommendations are a starting point for guidelines to detect severe sepsis in emergency department patients and prevent progression, which is ultimate goal of what has become known as the Guadalajara Declaration on sepsis.

TEXTO: En noviembre del año 2021, la Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) publicó una actualización de sus recomendaciones y directrices de 2016. Estas fueron recibidas con una enorme expectativa en todo el mundo, especialmente entre los médicos de urgencias y emergencias (MUE). Recientemente, en el marco del CIMU 2022 (33 Congreso Mundial de Medicina de Urgencias celebrado en marzo de 2022 en Guadalajara ­ México) se ha revisado y analizado, desde la perspectiva del MUE, la Guía SSC de 2021. Los expertos que realizaron esa tarea y también consensuaron algunos de los puntos clave que más interesan y preocupan a los MUE en la actualidad han elaborado este documento. Su objetivo principal es analizar de forma constructiva diez de los puntos clave y recomendaciones de la SSC 2021 para complementarlas con argumentos y propuestas desde la experiencia, evidencia y perspectiva del urgenciólogo. Además, de forma secundaria, pretende ser el punto de partida de la elaboración de las guías para detectar, prevenir la progresión y atender a los pacientes con infección grave y sepsis en urgencias, que supone la meta final de lo que desde la MUE ya se conoce como "la Declaración de Guadalajara".

Midazolam versus morphine in acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema: results of a multicentre, open-label, randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: Benzodiazepines have been used as safe anxiolytic drugs for decades and some authors have suggested they could be an alternative for morphine for treating acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (ACPE). We compared the efficacy and safety of midazolam and morphine in patients with ACPE. METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomized, multicentre, open-label, blinded endpoint clinical trial was performed in seven Spanish emergency departments (EDs). Patients >18 years old clinically diagnosed with ACPE and with dyspnoea and anxiety were randomized (1:1) at ED arrival to receive either intravenous midazolam or morphine. Efficacy was assessed by in-hospital all-cause mortality (primary endpoint). Safety was assessed through serious adverse event (SAE) reporting, and the composite endpoint included 30-day mortality and SAE. Analyses were made on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis by the safety monitoring committee. At that time, 111 patients had been randomized: 55 to midazolam and 56 to morphine. There were no significant differences in the primary endpoint (in-hospital mortality for midazolam vs. morphine 12.7% vs. 17.9%; risk ratio[RR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-1.74; p = 0.60). SAE were less common with midazolam versus morphine (18.2% vs. 42.9%; RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22-0.80; p = 0.007), as were the composite endpoint (23.6% vs. 44.6%; RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30-0.92; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Although the number of patients was too small to draw final conclusions and there were no significant differences in mortality between midazolam and morphine, a significantly higher rate of SAEs was found in the morphine group.

Safety and Revisit Related to Discharge the Sixty-one Spanish Emergency Department Medical Centers Without Hospitalization in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia. A Prospective Cohort Study UMC-Pneumonia COVID-19

ABSTRACT Background: Information is needed on the safety and efficacy of direct discharge from the emergency department (ED) of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to study the variables associated with discharge from the ED in patients presenting with COVID-19 pneumonia, and study ED revisits related to COVID-19 at 30 days (EDR30d). Methods: Multicenter study of the SIESTA cohort including 1198 randomly selected COVID patients in 61 EDs of Spanish medical centers from March 1, 2020, to April 30, 2020. We collected baseline and related characteristics of the acute episode and calculated the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for ED discharge. In addition, we analyzed the variables related to EDR30d in discharged patients. Results: We analyzed 859 patients presenting with COVID-19 pneumonia, 84 (9.8%) of whom were discharged from the ED. The variables independently associated with discharge were being a woman (aOR 1.890; 95%CI 1.176-3.037), age < 60 years (aOR 2.324; 95%CI 1.353-3.990), and lymphocyte count > 1200/mm3 (aOR 4.667; 95%CI 1.045-20.839). The EDR30d of the ED discharged group was 40.0%, being lower in women (aOR 0.368; 95%CI 0.142-0.953). A total of 130 hospitalized patients died (16.8%) as did two in the group discharged from the ED (2.4%) (OR 0.121; 95%CI 0.029-0.498). Conclusion: Discharge from the ED in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was infrequent and was associated with few variables of the episode. The EDR30d was high, albeit with a low mortality.

Utilidad del modelo 5MPB-Toledo para predecir bacteriemia en el paciente anciano / Usefulness of the 5MPB-Toledo model to predict bacteremia in the elderly patient

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar la utilidad del modelo predictivo de bacteriemia (5MPB-Toledo) en los mayores de 65 años atendidos por infección en el servicio de urgencias (SU). Material y Método: Estudio observacional prospectivo y multicéntrico de los hemocultivos (HC) obtenidos en pacientes mayores de 65 años atendidos por infección en 66 SU españoles desde el 1 de diciembre de 2019 hasta el 30 de abril de 2020. Se analizó la capacidad predictiva del modelo con el área bajo la curva (ABC) de la característica operativa del receptor (COR) y se calculó el rendimiento diagnóstico de los puntos de corte (PC) del modelo elegido con los cálculos de la sensibilidad, la especificidad, el valor predictivo positivo y el valor predictivo negativo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 2.401 episodios de HC extraídos. De ellos, se consideró como bacteriemia verdadera a 579 (24,11%) y como HC negativo a 1.822 (75,89%). Entre los negativos, 138 (5,74%) se consideraron contaminados. Se categorizó a los pacientes en bajo (0-2 puntos), moderado (3-5 puntos) y alto (6-8 puntos) riesgo, con una probabilidad de bacteriemia de 1,2%, 18,1% y 80,7%, respectivamente. El ABC-COR del modelo tras remuestreo fue de 0,908 (IC 95%: 0,897-0,924). El rendimiento diagnóstico del modelo, considerando un PC ≥ 5 puntos, obtiene una sensibilidad de 94% (IC 95%:92-96), especificidad de 77% (IC 95%:76-79) y un valor predictivo negativo de 97% (IC 95%:96-98). Conclusión: El modelo 5MPB-Toledo es de utilidad para predecir bacteriemia en los mayores de 65 años atendidos en el SU por un episodio de infección.

Abstract Objective: To analyse a risk score to predict bacteremia (MPB5-Toledo) in the patients aged older 65 years seen in the emergency departments (ED) due to infections. Patients and Methods: Prospective and multicenter observational cohort study of the blood cultures (BC) ordered in 66 Spanish ED for patients aged older 65 years seen from December 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020. The predictive ability of the model was analyzed with the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). The prognostic performance for true bacteremia was calculated with the cut-off values chosen for getting the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Results: A total of 2.401 blood samples wered cultured. True cases of bacteremia were confirmed in 579 (24.11%). The remaining 1.822 cultures (75.89%) wered negative. And, 138 (5.74%) were judged to be contaminated. Low risk for bacteremia was indicated by a score of 0 to 2 points, intermediate risk by 3 to 5 points, and high risk by 6 to 8 points. Bacteremia in these 3 risk groups was predicted for 1.2%, 18.1%, and 80.7%, respectively. The model´s area under the receiver ope rating characteristic curve was 0.908 (95% CI, 0.897-0.924). The prognostic performance with a model´s cut-off value of ≥ 5 points achieved 94% (95% CI: 92-96) sensitivity, 77% (95% CI: 76-79) specificity, and negative predictive value of 97% (95% CI: 96-98). Conclusion: The 5MPB-Toledo score is useful for predicting bacteremia in the patients aged older 65 years seen in the emergency departments due to infections.

Safety and Revisit Related to Discharge the Sixty-one Spanish Emergency Department Medical Centers Without Hospitalization in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia. A Prospective Cohort Study UMC-Pneumonia COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Information is needed on the safety and efficacy of direct discharge from the emergency department (ED) of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to study the variables associated with discharge from the ED in patients presenting with COVID-19 pneumonia, and study ED revisits related to COVID-19 at 30 days (EDR30d). METHODS: Multicenter study of the SIESTA cohort including 1198 randomly selected COVID patients in 61 EDs of Spanish medical centers from March 1, 2020, to April 30, 2020. We collected baseline and related characteristics of the acute episode and calculated the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for ED discharge. In addition, we analyzed the variables related to EDR30d in discharged patients. RESULTS: We analyzed 859 patients presenting with COVID-19 pneumonia, 84 (9.8%) of whom weredischarged from the ED. The variables independently associated with discharge were being a woman (aOR 1.890; 95%CI 1.176 3.037), age < 60 years (aOR 2.324; 95%CI 1.353-3.990), and lymphocyte count > 1200/mm3 (aOR 4.667; 95%CI 1.045-20.839). The EDR30d of the ED discharged group was 40.0%, being lower in women (aOR 0.368; 95%CI 0.142-0.953). A totalof 130 hospitalized patients died (16.8%) as did two in the group discharged from the ED (2.4%) (OR 0.121; 95%CI 0.029-0.498). CONCLUSION: Discharge from the ED in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia was infrequent and was associated with few variables of the episode. The EDR30d was high, albeit with a low mortality.

Influence of the COPD Assessment Test respiratory item score on the decision to hospitalize patients with disease exacerbation in a hospital emergency department. / Influencia de los ítems respiratorios del COPD Assessment Test (CAT) en la decisión de ingreso de las agudizaciones de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) atendidos en urgencias hospitalarias.

OBJECTIVES: The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) measures quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as disease impact on activities of daily living. The questionnaire consists of 8 items related to breathing (cough, phlegm, chest tightness, and breathlessness) and other symptoms (low energy level, sleep disturbances, limitations on daily activities, and confidence when leaving the home). We investigated the relative impact of respiratory versus nonrespiratory scoring on the total CAT score at different moments in the course of COPD exacerbations: baseline (24 hours before an exacerbation), during the exacerbation, 15 days later, and 2 months later. To assess the influence of the respiratory item score on decisions to hospitalize patients treated for exacerbated COPD in our hospital emergency department (ED). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study. We recruited patients who came to our ED for symptoms consistent with exacerbated COPD. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded. Clinical information, including treatments pleustarted in the ED and CAT scores, were also recorded. The event was defined as highly symptomatic if the patient's score was 3 points or higher on at least 3 of the 4 respiratory items at baseline. The outcome measures for the first objective were the total CAT score and item scores at the 4 time points before (baseline), during (ED), and after the exacerbation. The outcome for the second objective was hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 587 patients were included. The mean (SD) total CAT score was 13.48 (7.29) at baseline, 24.86 (7.25) in the ED, 14.7 (7.47) at 15 days, and 13.45 (7.36) at 2 months. The respiratory item scores accounted for a mean 53.4% (20.76%) of the total score at baseline and 48.2% (11.47%) of the total score in the ED. Eighty-two patients (14.0%) were classified as being highly symptomatic. A total of 359 (61.2%) were admitted. Predictors of hospital admission were classification as highly symptomatic, odds ratio (OR, 3.045; 95% CI, 1.585-5.852, P .001), dyspnea at rest (OR, 2.906; 95% CI:1.943-4.346, P .001), and start of the following treatments in the ED: oxygen therapy (OR, 4.550; 95% CI, 3.056-6.773; P .0001), diuretic (OR, 1.754; 95% CI, 1.091-2.819; P = .02), and intravenous antibiotics (OR, 1.536; 95% CI, 1.034-2.281; P = .03). The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95% CI, 0.763-0.836). CONCLUSION: Hospital admission from the ED is highly likely in patients with COPD exacerbation who have high baseline CAT scores, dyspnea at rest in the ED, and require oxygen therapy, diuretics, or intravenous antibiotics in the ED. The total CAT score and scores on respiratory items provide a tool for tailoring pharmacalogic and nonpharmacologic treaments and can facilitate follow-up evaluations.

OBJETIVO: El CAT (COPD Assessment Test) es un cuestionario de calidad de vida que mide el impacto que la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) está teniendo en el bienestar y vida diaria de los pacientes. Consta de 8 ítems divididos en 4 respiratorios y 4 no respiratorios. Conocer el impacto de las puntuaciones de los ítems respiratorios y no respiratorios en la puntuación CAT total, en diferentes momentos de la exacerbación de EPOC (24 horas antes de la exacerbación o basal, en la exacerbación, a los 15 días y a los 2 meses). Secundariamente, se valoró la influencia de los ítems respiratorios de la puntuación CAT total, en la decisión de ingreso de los pacientes atendidos por exacerbación de EPOC (EA-EPOC) en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH). METODO: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Se reclutaron pacientes que acudían al SUH con síntomas compatibles con EA-EPOC. La variable "Paciente respiratorio altamente sintomático"(PRAS) se definió como el paciente que tiene 3 puntos o más en al menos 3 de los 4 ítems respiratorios del CAT basal. Las variables de resultado fueron para el primer objetivo: la puntuación CAT total y desglosada por ítems, en los 4 momentos estudiados. Para el segundo objetivo fue el ingreso hospitalario. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 587 pacientes. La media de la puntuación CAT total basal fue 13,48 (7,29), en urgencias fue 24,86 (7,25), a los 15 días fue 14,7 (7,47) y a los 2 meses 13,45 fue (7,36). La proporción sobre la puntuación CAT basal total de los ítems respiratorios fue de 53,4% (20,76) y en el momento de llegar a urgencias del 48,2% (11,47). Los PRAS fueron 82 (14,0%). Ingresaron 359 pacientes (61,2%). Los predictores de ingreso hospitalario fueron: PRAS (OR 3,045, IC 95%: 1,585-5,852, p 0,001), disnea de reposo (OR 2,906, IC 95%: 1,943-4,346, p 0,001) y algunos tratamientos instaurados en el SUH (oxigenoterapia: OR 4,550, IC 95%: 3,056-6,773, p 0,001; diurético: OR 1,754, IC 95%: 1,091-2,819, p = 0,02; y antibiótico iv: OR 1,536, IC 95%: 1,034-2,281, p = 0,03). Este modelo logra un área bajo la curva COR de 0,80 (IC 95%: 0,763-0,836). CONCLUSIONES: En pacientes con EA-EPOC atendidos en urgencias, la alta puntuación de ítems respiratorios en el CAT basal, la disnea de reposo a su llegada al SUH y varios de los tratamientos instaurados en urgencias (oxigenoterapia, diuréticos y antibioterapia intravenosa) demostraron tener buena capacidad de predicción de ingreso hospitalario. La puntuación CAT total así como la puntuación en los ítems respiratorios del mismo son una herramienta que podría ayudar al clínico a individualizar el tratamiento o los controles posteriores.