Characteristics of undiagnosed diseases network applicants: implications for referring providers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The majority of undiagnosed diseases manifest with objective findings that warrant further investigation. The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) receives applications from patients whose symptoms and signs have been intractable to diagnosis; however, many UDN applicants are affected primarily by subjective symptoms such as pain and fatigue. We sought to characterize presenting symptoms, referral sources, and demographic factors of applicants to the UDN to identify factors that may determine application outcome and potentially differentiate between those with undiagnosed diseases (with more objective findings) and those who are less likely to have an undiagnosed disease (more subjective symptoms).

Methods

We used a systematic retrospective review of 151 consecutive

SUBMITTER: Walley NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6106923 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature