Sensitivity and specificity of a urinary screening test used in an emergency setting to detect abnormal first trimester pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of a commercial urinary test to screen for abnormal first trimester pregnancies in women presenting to an emergency room. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective observational cohort, women with a confirmed first trimester pregnancy (gestational age <12 weeks) provided a urine sample for diagnosing the viability of their gestation. Pregnancy viability and location testing were confirmed by ultrasound and/or laparoscopy. RESULTS: From 815 eligible patients for the study, 12 were excluded for not having a confirmed pregnancy (n = 6) or were lost to follow-up (n = 6). A total of 803 patients underwent testing and completed follow-up. The pretest probability of an abnormal pregnancy was 44% (9% for ectopic pregnancy and 35% for miscarriage). The test had the following parameters to identify an abnormal first-trimester pregnancy (sensitivity, 13%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10-17; specificity, 82%; 95% CI, 78-86; positive predictive value, 36; 95% CI, 28-46; negative predictive value, 54; 95% CI, 50-58; accuracy, 47%; positive likelihood ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53-1.03; negative likelihood ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1-1.12). The reproducibility of the test in our study was high (kappa index between readers, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.77-1). CONCLUSION: In our emergency setting, we were not able to confirm that the commercial test is adequate to detect or exclude an abnormal first-trimester pregnancy.

Predictors of Hospitalization in Vitamin K Antagonist Users Presenting with Bleeding at the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are indicated for the prevention of thromboembolic events and reduction of mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation and patients with valvular prostheses. However, their use is associated with bleeding complications and hospitalizations. Predictors of hospital admission for bleeding in these patients are poorly known. Objectives To define the predictors for hospitalization of VKA users who seek emergency care due to bleeding. Methods Single-center, cross-sectional study, with retrospective analysis of electronic medical records from 03/01/2012 to 02/27/2017. Clinical and laboratory variables were compared between patients who were hospitalized and those who were not. A logistic regression model as used, in which the variables were included using the Backward stepwise method, with a p value of 0.05 as the input criterion, a removal value of 0.20 and a confidence interval of 95%. The p-value was considered statistically significant when <0.05. Results A total of 510 patients with bleeding were included, of whom 158 were hospitalized. Predictors of hospitalization were: INR at supratherapeutic levels (OR 3.45; P <0.01; 95% CI 1.58 - 7.51), gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 2.36; P <0.01; CI 95% 1.24 - 4.50), drop in hemoglobin (OR 6.93; P <0.01; 95% CI 3.67 - 13.07), heart failure (OR 1.96; P 0.01; 95% CI 1.16 - 3.30) and need for blood transfusion (OR 8.03; P <0.01; 95% CI 2.98 - 21.64). Conclusion Drop in hemoglobin, heart failure, INR at supratherapeutic levels, gastrointestinal bleeding and need for blood transfusion were associated with hospitalization. Identification of these factors in the initial evaluation would help to define which patients will demand more intensive care.

Daily dose of clindamycin versus standard divided doses in obstetrical and gynecological infections: a retrospective cohort study.

To compare the rates of cure of septic abortion and pelvic inflammatory disease using a daily dose of clindamycin with gentamicin versus divided doses, we conducted a retrospective cohort study, where the electronic records of 661 patients who used clindamycin 1 × , 3 × or 4 ×/day (groups 1, 3 and 4, respectively) between September 2002 and August 2010 were analysed. Major outcomes included rates of cure and failure according to the clinical records. Secondary endpoints were percentage of adverse effects related to medication regimen and the prevalence of positive VDRL and HIV. Similar conditions were observed in all groups - septic abortion: 167/116/123; pelvic inflammatory disease: 73/95/87 (groups 1, 3 and 4, respectively). No significant difference was found among groups for age or for rate of cure. Rates of cure (cure/total [rate (95%CI)]) in groups 1, 3 and 4 were 236/240 [0.983 (0.957-0.993)], 205/211 [0.971 (0.939-0.986)], 203/210 [0.966 (0.932-0.983)], respectively. Days of use of clindamycin was significantly reduced in group 1, compared to groups 3 and 4 (2.6 ± 1.3 vs. 3.5 ± 2.5 vs. 3.3 ± 1.9-mean ± SD; p < 0.0001 - ANOVA), but this may be due to differences in how length of therapy was measured and not the effect on clinical cure.