Syncope in the emergency department of a large northern Italian hospital: incidence, efficacy of a short-stay observation ward and validation of the OESIL risk score

Abstract

As reported in the literature, syncope accounts for 2.3% of ED consultations and for 4.2% of total hospital admissions. A brief observation ward in the ED seems to have the necessary characteristics for managing most cases of syncope quickly (3.5 days). The final diagnosis was certain in 60%, suspected in 33% and unexplained in 7% of patients. The commonest forms of syncope were non-cardiogenic. Factors associated with cardiogenic syncope were previous syncopal events, lack of prodromal symptoms and a high OESIL risk score.