Repeated vital sign measurements in the emergency department predict patient deterioration within 72 hours: a prospective observational study

This research article found that more than one in five patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with (suspected) infection or sepsis deteriorate within 72 h from admission. The authors state that surprisingly little is known about vital signs in relation to deterioration, especially in the ED. The aim of the study was to determine whether repeated vital sign measurements in the ED can differentiate between patients who will deteriorate within 72 h and patients who will not deteriorate. They found that repeated vital sign measurements in the ED are better at identifying patients at risk for deterioration within 72 h from admission than single vital sign measurements at ED admission.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news