Evaluation of cardiology consultations sought from the anaesthesia clinic.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the criteria for cardiology referrals and to assess the perioperative relevance of the cardiology advice given in patients evaluated for non-cardiac surgery.


METHODS
Single center, observational study.


METHODS
Outpatient Anaesthesia Clinic at The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), between January 2001- August 2001 and February 2002- August 2002.


METHODS
A review of case files of 70 patients, scheduled for non-cardiac surgery, who were referred for cardiology consultations from the anaesthesia clinic at AKUH during the study period. The clinical criteria for seeking cardiology advice, the cardiology advice given, its influence on patient management, as well as number of adverse cardiac events in the perioperative period were documented.


RESULTS
A history of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and ECG abnormalities were the major criteria for seeking opinion on cardiac status. Cardiology advice frequently resulted in the ordering of extensive cardiac investigations. Among the patients identified for further tests by the cardiologists, 75% had no evidence of ischemic heart disease or myocardial dysfunction; none of them were monitored invasively intraoperatively or had adverse cardiac events in the perioperative period requiring intensive care or prolonged hospital stay.


CONCLUSIONS
No definite criteria or pattern for referrals was identified. Most of the referrals did not fall within the AHA guidelines. Cardiology advice given had very little influence on the perioperative management.
Minai
Fauzia N
FN
Department of Anaesthesia, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. fauzia.minai@aku.edu
Kamal
Rehana S
RS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000761:Anesthesia Department, Hospital; D000776:Anesthesiology; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D018570:Risk Assessment