Use of CT Scans for Abdominal Pain in the ED: Factors in Choice.

Overutilization of healthcare resources is a threat to long-term healthcare sustainability and patient outcomes. CT is a costly but efficient means of assessing abdominal pain; however, 97 per cent of ED physicians acknowledge its overutilization. This study sought to understand factors that influence ED providers' decision regarding CT use in the evaluation of abdominal pain. After evaluating a patient for acute abdominal pain, ED providers filled in a form in which the primary diagnosis and index of suspicion were recorded. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of outcomes. The CT scan utilization rate was 54.82 per cent. Whereas 34.11 per cent of CT scans were normal, 30 per cent yielded an acute abdominal pathology. Tenderness and rebound tenderness were positive predictors of high index of suspicion [odds ratio (OR) 2.09 and 2.54, respectively]. These variables were also predictive of obtaining a CT scan [OR 2.64 and 3.41, respectively]. Compared with whites, the index of suspicion was 26 per cent and 56 per cent less likely to be high when patients were black [OR 0.73] or Hispanic [OR 0.44] respectively. Blacks and Hispanics were less likely to have CT scans performed than whites [OR 0.58 and 0.48, respectively]. Leukocytosis significantly affected the index of suspicion for acute abdominal pathology, obtaining a CT scan and the acuity of CT scan diagnosis on multivariate analysis. Patients aged ≥60 years had 2.03 odds of acute CT finding compared with those aged <60 years. There is a need for committed efforts to optimize CT scan utilization and eliminate socioeconomic disparities in health care.

Management of Ornithine Carbamoyltransferase Deficiency with Underlying Hyperammonia Hyperinsulinemia Syndrome.

BACKGROUND The urea cycle converts amino acids to urea and is excreted by the kidneys. Ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OTC) deficiency is a rare X-linked urea cycle disorder which results in hyperammonemia. Diagnosis is made based on a clinical presentation of poor feeding, hypotonia, biochemical profile, and genetic testing. Another genetic cause for hyperammonemia is hyperammonia hyperinsulinemia (HAHI) syndrome. A mutation coding for glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) results in increased alpha-keto glutarate and ATP, triggering the secretion of pancreatic insulin. However, unlike OTC deficiency, these patients are asymptomatic but do have symptoms of hypoglycemia. The purpose of this article is to present the case of a 66-year-old woman with an unusual late-onset of OTC deficiency compounded with an underlying HAHI syndrome with co-disease management. CASE REPORT A 66-year-old female with a history significant for transient ischemic attack (TIA) and urea cycle disorder was admitted for new adverse symptoms. Further evaluation revealed hyperammonemia and hypoglycemia. Despite standard previous treatment for her underlying urea cycle disorder, high ammonia levels and hypoglycemia persisted. The contradicting values with continued hypoglycemia regardless of dextrose treatment was suspicious for underlying HAHI. Further genetic testing during her admission revealed a deletion in GLUD-1 gene concurrent with diagnosis of HAHI. After co-diagnosis was established, effective management required medications for both disorders in concordance with dietary restriction. CONCLUSIONS This is an extremely rare case of OTC deficiency, with a vague presentation in an elderly female. Exploring compounding genetic disorders in the presence of one that is already established and early recognition are crucial for prompt diagnosis and management.