ArticleIrish journal of medical science2024
Outcomes of abdominal pain among children presenting to the Emergency Department of a tertiary hospital in the Republic of Ireland before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article in Irish journal of medical science, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundAcute abdominal pain in paediatric patients is a common presentation to the Emergency Department (ED). The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the health care sector leading to a decline in hospital attendance.
aimsWe compare the burden of paediatric abdominal pain 1 year before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in an Irish ED.
methodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Ethical approval was obtained. Data was collected from January 1 to June 30, 2019, and 2021. Patients' charts were accessed using Therefore
resultsSix hundred sixty-one (2019) and 479 (2021) patient records were evaluated. There was a 28% reduction in case presentations during pandemic months. Age group, sex and attending discipline were similar for both years. Rates of imaging were significantly higher in 2021 (22.5% vs. 10.6%). Overall admission rate was higher in 2021 (37% vs. 25%, p < 0.001). Viral gastroenteritis decreased (13%) and non-specific diagnosis increased (46%) in 2021. Fewer children re-presented in 2021 (13%).
conclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the presentation, investigations and admission rates of abdominal pain in the ED. Our study highlights the need for increased awareness of severe abdominal pain signs and symptoms in paediatric patients and importance for diagnostic accuracy. Improving patient flow through the ED and having clear guidelines for staff and parents can optimise clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
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