Usefulness of a low CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc score to predict normal diagnostic testing in emergency department patients with an acute exacerbation of previously diagnosed atrial fibrillation.

ABSTRACT: International guidelines do not specify what testing should be performed during emergency department (ED) evaluations for patients presenting with an exacerbation of previously diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that low CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores predict normal routine diagnostic testing in these patients. We conducted an analysis within a prospective observational cohort study at a university-affiliated hospital. We included patients with previously diagnosed AF and who presented to the ED primarily for an AF-related complaint. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores and abnormal results for blood counts, electrolytes, cardiac markers, thyroid function, and chest x-rays. We included 216 patients in this analysis.

SUBMITTER: Barrett TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4160886 | biostudies-literature | 2014 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature