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Journal of Current Pediatric Research | Volume: 23
March 14-15, 2019 | London, UK
International Conference on
Pediatrics & Neonatal Healthcare
Background:
Chest Pain is a common presenting complaint
to general practitioners, paediatricians and the emergency
department, often resulting in a paediatric cardiology
referral. However, unlike adult chest pain, paediatric chest
pain rarely has a cardiac aetiology, often resulting in high
levels of unnecessary testing and associated anxiety.
Currently there is no UK guidance for paediatric chest pain
assessment. Aims: To assess the outcome of referrals to a
paediatric cardiology department with primary symptom of
chest pain.
Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was
conducted of paediatric patients aged 4-18 years referred
to the paediatric cardiology department of Southampton
General Hospital (SGH) with the primary symptom of chest
pain. Prospective and retrospective data was gathered
in paediatric cardiology clinics and from patient notes at
SGH between October 2016-July 2017. Data was collected
regarding presenting symptoms, patient and family history,
physical examination, diagnostic testing and eventual
diagnosis.
Results:
A total of 100 patients were included in the study
(84 retrospective, 16 prospective) 47 patients were female
and 53 males, with an average age of 12.09 years (+/- 3.64).
Chest pain aetiologies included 65% non-cardiac/idiopathic,
27% musculoskeletal, 3% gastrointestinal, 4% psychogenic
and 1% respiratory. No patients were identified to have
cardiac chest pain. Patients had an average of 2.9 diagnostic
tests.
Conclusions:
Paediatric chest pain rarely has a cardiac
aetiology. Practice variation and unnecessary resource use is
a concern and a standardized approach to assessment could
potentially improve patient care. A detailed history, physical
examination and ECG are usually sufficient for diagnosis.
e:
slg1g13@soton.ac.ukAnalysing current practice in the assessment of Paediatric Chest Pain
Sarah L Gummer, Abigail Sharpe
and
Tara Bharucha
University Hospital Southampton, UK
Curr Pediatr Res, Volume 23
DOI: 10.4066/0971-9032-C1-012