Electrocardiogram in Pediatric Syncope

Abstract

Objectives: We intended to assess emergency department physician's practice pattern and their motivations for obtaining electrocardiograms (ECGs) in pediatric vasovagal syncope presentations. We also explored if borderline ECG findings alters emergency department physicians' management in this population.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of emergency physicians enrolled in the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada network. The survey questionnaire introduced 2 clinical vignettes presenting a typical vasovagal syncope and a presentation suggestive of a cardiac etiology. Outcome measures included frequency investigations, specialist consultation, and disposition stratified by type of syncope presentation. We also evaluated which specific ECG findings were likely to change physicians' management and explored factors influencing the decision to perform or not perform the ECG. Results:The analyzable response rate was 47% (105/225). In the low-risk scenario, 51% of respondents requested an ECG, and none consulted the cardiology service, given that all requested investigations are normal. Forty-five percent of physicians modified their management if an ECG was reported as anything but totally normal. In the high-risk scenario, all respondents requested either a 12-lead ECG or a high-lead ECG, and 94% consulted the cardiology service. Physicians also identified clear differences in the motivations behind their decision to perform an ECG in typical vasovagal syncope.Conclusions: This study highlights the significant practice variation in the evaluation and management of typical vasovagal syncope among physicians, which is informed by complex interactions of patient, provider, and institutional factors and the perceived clinical significance of borderline ECG findings.

National Survey on the Emergency Department Management of Febrile Infants 29 to 60 Days Old With an Abnormal Urinalysis

“…This response rate is similar to a recent survey conducted using the PERC database. 37 The survey was distributed only a few months after the release of the AAP Clinical Practice Guideline, which may have limited translation of some of the recommendations into practice. However, the evidence supporting these recommendations predates the publication of the AAP guideline, providing a longer latency for uptake into clinical practice.…”