The effect of prolonged ED stay on outcome in patients with necrotizing fasciitis

Yu Cheng Hong, Meng Hua Chou, Estella H. Liu, Cheng Ting Hsiao, Jen Tse Kuan, Ju Chan Lin, I. Chuan Chen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Overcrowding in hospitals, especially in EDs, is a serious problem in the United States, Europe, and Taiwan. However, the association between prolonged ED boarding stay and mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis remains underinvestigated. Methods: This was a retrospective study. A total of 195 patients were enrolled and analyzed. The sample was divided into 2 groups: nonmortality and mortality. A stepwise logistic regression model was developed to investigate 3 factors of clinical relevance predicting patient mortality. Result: The results of the stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that hypotension (odds ratio [OR], 32.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9-156.0) and prolonged ED boarding stay (OR, 3.4; 95% CI 1.3-8.6) were both associated with higher mortality. Early operation (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06 - 0.45) was associated with lower mortality. Conclusion: Prolonged ED boarding stay was associated with increased mortality in patients with necrotizing fasciitis. Early operation (within 24 hours of ED arrival) was associated with decreased mortality.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)385-390
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume27
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 05 2009

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