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. 2013 Mar-Apr;39(2):164-72.
doi: 10.1590/s1806-37132013000200007.

Epidemiological aspects of respiratory symptoms treated in the emergency room of a tertiary care hospital

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Denise Rossato Silva  1 , Vinícius Pellegrini Viana, Alice Mânica Müller, Ana Cláudia Coelho, Gracieli Nadalon Deponti, Fernando Pohlmann Livi, Paulo de Tarso Roth Dalcin
Affiliations

Epidemiological aspects of respiratory symptoms treated in the emergency room of a tertiary care hospital

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Denise Rossato Silva et al. J Bras Pneumol. 2013 Mar-Apr.

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms as the motive for emergency room visits by adult and pediatric patients, describing the major clinical syndromes diagnosed and the outcomes of the patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in the emergency room of a tertiary care university hospital. Between November of 2008 and November of 2009, we reviewed the total number of emergency room visits per day. Children and adults who presented with at least one respiratory symptom were included in the study. The electronic medical records were reviewed, and the major characteristics of the patients were recorded.

Results: During the study period, there were 37,059 emergency room visits, of which 11,953 (32.3%) were motivated by respiratory symptoms. The prevalence of emergency room visits due to respiratory symptoms was 28.7% and 38.9% among adults and children, respectively. In adults, the rates of hospitalization and mortality were 21.2% and 2.7%, respectively, compared with 11.9% and 0.3%, respectively, in children. Among the adults, the time from symptom onset to emergency room visit correlated positively with the need for hospitalization (p < 0.0001), the length of the hospital stay (p < 0.0001), and the mortality rate (p = 0.028).

Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms as the motive for emergency room visits by adult and pediatric patients. Our results could inform decisions regarding the planning of prevention measures. Further epidemiological studies are needed in order to clarify the risk factors for severe respiratory symptoms.

OBJETIVO:: Avaliar a prevalência de sintomas respiratórios como motivo para procura de atendimento de emergência por pacientes adultos e pediátricos, descrevendo as principais síndromes clínicas diagnosticadas e o desfecho dos pacientes.

MÉTODOS:: Estudo transversal, realizado na emergência de um hospital universitário terciário. Entre novembro de 2008 e novembro de 2009, o número total de atendimentos foi revisado diariamente. Foram incluídos no estudo crianças e adultos com pelo menos um sintoma respiratório. Os prontuários eletrônicos foram revisados e foram registradas as principais características dos pacientes.

RESULTADOS:: Durante o período do estudo, houve 37.059 admissões na emergência, das quais 11.953 (32,3%) foram motivadas por sintomas respiratórios. A prevalência de atendimentos por sintomas respiratórios foi 28,7% e 38,9% nos adultos e crianças, respectivamente. As taxas de internação hospitalar e de mortalidade nos adultos foram 21,2% e 2,7%, respectivamente, comparadas com 11,9% e 0,3%, respectivamente, nas crianças. Nos adultos, quanto maior o tempo entre o início dos sintomas e a visita à emergência, maiores foram a necessidade de hospitalização (p < 0,0001), o tempo de hospitalização (p < 0,0001) e a mortalidade (p = 0,028).

CONCLUSÕES:: Encontramos uma prevalência elevada de atendimentos por sintomas respiratórios entre os pacientes adultos e pediátricos. Nossos resultados podem contribuir para o planejamento de medidas de prevenção. Futuros estudos epidemiológicos poderão colaborar para a melhor elucidação dos fatores de risco para a presença de sintomas respiratórios nesses pacientes.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Monthly variation in the number of visits to the adult sector of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre emergency room (for patients ≥ 14 years of age) motivated by respiratory symptoms, between November of 2008 and November of 2009.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Monthly variation in the number of visits to the pediatric sector of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre emergency room (for patients < 14 years of age) motivated by respiratory symptoms, between November of 2008 and November of 2009.
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