A comparison of the effect of patient-specific versus weight-based protocols to treat vaso-occlusive episodes in the emergency department.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) cause debilitating pain and are a common cause of emergency department (ED) visits, for people with sickle cell disease (SCD). Strategies for achieving optimal pain control vary widely despite evidence-based guidelines. We tested existing guidelines and hypothesized that a patient-specific pain protocol (PSP) written by their SCD provider may be more effective than weight-based (WB) dosing of parenteral opiate medication, in relieving pain.

Methods

This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing a PSP versus WB protocol for patients presenting with VOCs to six EDs. Patients were randomized to a PSP or WB protocol prior to an ED visit. The SCD provider wrote their protocol and placed it in the electronic health recor

SUBMITTER: Tanabe P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10783854 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature