Role of emergency department observation units in the management of patients with unexplained syncope: a critical review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: This meta-analysis aimed to establish the role of standardized emergency department (ED) observation protocols in the management of syncopal patients as an alternative to ordinary admission. A systematic electronic literature search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials or observational studies evaluating syncopal patients managed in ED observation units. Data regarding mean length of stay, rate of etiological diagnosis, admission rate, and incidence of short-term serious outcomes were extracted. Six mostly single-center, small sized studies characterized by high heterogeneity, were included. A total of 458 patients were included with a balanced sex distribution (male 50.2%), a mean age of 60.1 years, and a considerable prevalence of heart disease (32.4%). Pooled analysis

SUBMITTER: Numeroso F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5758624 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature