Triage vital signs predict in-hospital mortality among emergency department patients with acute poisoning: a case control study

• Main Authors: Yu Jiun-Hao, Weng Yi-Ming, Chen Kuan-Fu, Chen Shou-Yen, Lin Chih-Chuan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-08-01
• Series: BMC Health Services Research
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/12/262

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To document the relationship between triage vital signs and in-hospital mortality among emergency department (ED) patients with acute poisoning.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Poisoning patients who admitted to our emergency department during the study period were enrolled. Patient’s demographic data were collected and odds ratios (OR) of triage vital signs to in-hospital mortality were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the proper cut-off value of vital signs that predict in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test the association of in-hospital mortality and vital signs after adjusting for different variables.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>997 acute poisoning patients were enrolled, with 70 fatal cases (6.7%). A J-shaped relationship was found between triage vital signs and in-hospital mortality. ED triage vital signs exceed cut-off values independently predict in-hospital mortality after adjusting for variables were as follow: body temperature <36 or >37°C, <it>p</it> < 0.01, OR = 2.8; systolic blood pressure <100 or >150 mmHg, <it>p</it> < 0.01, OR: 2.5; heart rate <35 or >120 bpm, <it>p</it> < 0.01, OR: 3.1; respiratory rate <16 or >20 per minute, <it>p</it> = 0.38, OR: 1.4.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Triage vital signs could predict in-hospital mortality among ED patients with acute poisoning. A J-curve relationship was found between triage vital signs and in-hospital mortality. ED physicians should take note of the extreme initial vital signs in these patients.</p>