[Lipid profile frequency and relevancy as an initial test for peripheral vertigo]. / Frecuencia y pertinencia del perfil lipídico como examen inicial en vértigo periférico.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Determining the prevalence of requesting lipid profile as a first-line diagnostic method in patients having a clinical impression of peripheral vertigo and also determining such request's cost- benefit ratio. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 201 clinical charts regarding patients diagnosed as having peripheral vertigo at the Teletón teaching hospital's outpatient services in Chía between January 2005 and July 2008. Clinical charts drawn up by both general practitioners and medical specialists at first-time visit were compiled and analyzed. RESULTS: The patients were aged 6 to 87 years old; 36 % were males and 64 % females. Lipid profile was requested for 76 % of the patients as initial diagnostic method; it was found that 80 % of the results revealed no abnormality. CONCLUSION: Although a high prevalence regarding a request for lipid profile first-line study was found for patients having peripheral vertigo, there was no scientific evidence supporting such requirement. Ordering this kind of study not only increases unnecessary costs concerning diagnostic methods but also involves unjustified treatment. Feedback is needed for both doctors and first attention staff to ensure that this type of practice becomes changed.