Methodology: 3/5
Usefulness: 3/5

Couturaud F, et al. JAMA. 2021 Jan 5;325(1):59-68. 

Question and Methods: This study used a multicenter, cross-sectional methodology with prospective follow up to determine the rates of PE in 740 COPD patients using the rGeneva score.
Findings: PE was confirmed in 44 patients within 48 hours of admission (5.9%; 95% CI, 4.5%-7.9%), and 5 (0.7%; 95% CI, 0.3%-1.7%) at 3-months follow up.
Limitations: Major limitations included underrepresentation of patients with mild and severe worsening of respiratory symptoms, and failure to complete the full assessment for 121 (17.6%) patients.

Interpretation: The rGeneva score may be used as a PE screening tool when COPD patients are admitted with worsening respiratory symptoms from the ED.

By: Dr. Ilan Fellus

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Author

  • Hans Rosenberg

    Dr. Rosenberg is an emergency physician at the Ottawa Hospital, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa, and Director of the Digital Scholarship and Knowledge Dissemination Program.

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