Key result
Older age and absent chest symptoms linked to ~410% higher odds of PE diagnostic delay.
Why the study?
What is the extent of and what are the determinants associated with diagnostic delay of pulmonary embolism in primary care?
Observational (n=180)
Yes
What is the extent of and what are the determinants associated with diagnostic delay of pulmonary embolism in primary care?
Effect estimate: OR 5.1 (95% CI 1.8 to 14.1)
Diagnostic delay of pulmonary embolism is common in primary care, occurring in about a quarter of patients, and is strongly associated with older age and the absence of typical chest symptoms.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
May support heightened PE suspicion in older patients without chest symptoms; leaves open whether targeted interventions reduce diagnostic delay.
Hendriksen et al. (2017) conducted an observational in Pulmonary embolism (n=180). Older age (>75 years) and absence of chest symptoms vs. Younger age and presence of chest symptoms was evaluated on Diagnostic delay (>7 days between first potentially PE-related contact and final PE diagnosis) (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.8 to 14.1). Older age (>75 years; OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.8-14.1) and absence of chest symptoms (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.9-15.2) were independent determinants for diagnostic delay of pulmonary embolism in primary care.
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