A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic delay in pulmonary embolism.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diagnostic delay in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) is typical, yet the proportion of patients with PE that experienced delay and for how many days is less well described, nor are determinants for such delay.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and extent of delay in diagnosing PE.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to identify articles reporting delays in diagnosing PE. The primary outcome was mean delay (in days) or a percentage of patients with diagnostic delay (defined as PE diagnosis more than seven days after symptom onset). The secondary outcome was determinants of delay. Random-effect meta-analyses were applied to calculate a pooled estimate for mean delay and to explore heterogeneity in subgroups.

Results

SUBMITTER: van Maanen R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9246192 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature