Prognostic value of the emergency department cardiogram for in-hospital complications of acute myocardial infarction [corrected].
OBJECTIVE
To identify patients who are admitted from the emergency department with chest discomfort who are at low risk for life-threatening complications.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
A 450-bed military medical center providing active duty and military beneficiaries.


METHODS
Six hundred twenty-one patients admitted to an ICU from the ED with the chief compliant of chest discomfort.


RESULTS
Study participants were placed into low- and high-risk groups based on clinical criteria and ECGs. The groups were compared with respect to occurrence of life-threatening complications during the hospital course. Three of the 262 patients in the low-risk group experienced life-threatening events; two died. Twenty-nine of the 224 high-risk patients experienced life-threatening events; 17 died . Results were statistically evaluated using Fisher's exact test. Significance was achieved at a value of P < .01.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who meet low-risk group criteria have a low likelihood of immediate life-threatening events and could be admitted to an intermediate care unit.
Sirois
J G
JG
Joint Military Medical Centers, San Antonio, Texas.
Pimentel
L
L
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors