Clinical outcome of children with suspected shunt malfunction evaluated in the emergency department.

摘要: BACKGROUND Patients with cerebrospinal fluid shunts frequently present to the emergency department (ED) suspected shunt malfunction. The outcome of those patients who were discharged from ED when malfunction was deemed unlikely has not been previously documented. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate there is no increase in severity or likelihood harm for are directly after adequate evaluation, as compared selected inpatient hospitalization. METHODS report screens 3080 visits between 2010 and 2013 made by shunted hydrocephalus. preceded another visit neurosurgical procedures within 60 days excluded. reasons unrelated function excluded, 1943 met inclusion criteria. Final dispositions included home (n = 1176), admission neurosurgery service 550), other services 217). Subsequent events 30 days, including elective nonelective shunt-related surgery, reviewed. RESULTS clinical characteristics 3 groups similar. Of ED, 19.0% returned 4.5% required surgeries. admitted observation, 18.7% 14.2% surgery. hospital services, 19.6% 2.0% requiring surgical intervention. There mortalities any groups. CONCLUSION Children often evaluated ED. Discharge suspicion low, an appropriate practice.