RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A retrospective analysis of the cost-effective workup of syncope in children
JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
JO Cleve Clin J Med
FD Cleveland Clinic
SP 391
OP 394
VO 54
IS 5
A1 Gordon, Terry A.
A1 Moodie, Douglas S.
A1 Passalacqua, Matthew
A1 Sterba, Richard
A1 Rothner, A. David
A1 Erenberg, Gerald
A1 Cruse, Robert P.
YR 1987
UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/54/5/391.abstract
AB Syncope in children can result from a wide variety of causes. Consequently, an evaluation that fails to approach this problem in a goal-directed fashion often proves to be extremely expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating to all concerned. In today’s medical and economic climate, it is crucial to implement a cost-effective approach to the workup of children with syncope. The authors evaluated 73 children with syncope, using a total of 443 diagnostic tests or consultations at a total cost of $77,419. In a large proportion of patients, the cause of the syncope could not be established. The initial clinical examination with special emphasis on historical data, if it suggests a probable cause, should direct the physician in further diagnostic workup. This examination should include a complete physical and ECG. If warranted, a goal-directed, cost-effective workup can then ensue.