RESUMO
Methods: This retrospective observational study, conducted in the ED of King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during July and August of 2021(2 months) examined coagulation profile requests. Patients' demographic data (age and gender), medical and clinical history (presenting complaint, comorbidities, and diagnosis), the use of antiplatelets or anticoagulant agents and laboratory values for PT, APTT, and INR were collected. We calculated the total cost of unnecessary coagulation profile testing based on the independent assessment of two ED consultants. Results: Of 1,754 patients included in the study, 811 (46.2%) were males and 943 (53.8%) were females, with a mean age of 42.1 ± 18.5 years. There were 29 (1.7%) patients with liver disease and 21 (1.2%) patients had thromboembolic disease. The majority of the patients' results were within normal levels of PT (n = 1,409, 80.3%), APTT (n = 1,262, 71.9%), and INR (n = 1,711, 97.4%). Evidence of active bleeding was detected in 29 patients (1.7%). Among patients with bleeding only one had an abnormal INR (3.01) and was on warfarin. Forty-six (2.6%) patients had elevated INR level. Cohen's kappa between the two consultants was recorded at 0.681 (substantial agreement) in their assessment of the appropriateness of coagulation tests requests and both consultants believed that 1,051 tests (59.9%) were not indicated and were unnecessary. The expected annual cost saving if the unnecessary tests were removed would be around SAR 1,897,200 (approximately US$ 503,232) which is about SAR 180000 (US$ 48000)/1000 patients. Conclusion: This study showed that coagulation tests are overused in the ED. More than half of coagulation profile tests in our study population were deemed unnecessary and associated with significant cost. Targeted testing based on specific patient presentation and medical history can guide physicians in wisely choosing who needs coagulation studies.
RESUMO
A previously healthy child, presented with severe abdominal and scrotal pain with scrotal swelling for five days. There was associated fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. There was history of COVID-19 infection in the previous month. The patient was febrile (39°C), and in pain. His other vitals were unremarkable. Testicular torsion and appendicitis were ruled out by ultrasound. Abdominal CT scan showed signs indicating terminal ileitis. His MIS-C panel revealed elevated inflammatory markers and cardiac enzymes and positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels. All cultures and RT-PCR COVID-19 were negative. Echocardiogram showed only minor mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. The patient was diagnosed as a case of MIS-C. and recovered completely on management. Our patient showed an inexplicable previously unreported complaint of scrotal pain and swelling as a symptom of MIS-c. Further research tackling MIS-C's different presentations and comparing the efficacy of the different treatment methods will help us better manage this disease.
