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Use of biochemical profile in children's hospital: results of two controlled trials
Insights
Biochemical profiles in pediatric care led to a small number of new diagnoses and increased lab test requests but did not shorten hospital stays. These profiles made a minor contribution to overall patient care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Diagnostic Testing
Background:
- Biochemical profiles are used to aid in pediatric diagnoses.
- The impact of biochemical profiles on diagnostic yield and resource utilization requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if biochemical profiles lead to new diagnoses in children.
- To determine the effect of biochemical profiles on laboratory investigations and hospital length of stay.
Main Methods:
- Two controlled trials were conducted in a pediatric hospital.
- A total of 2816 children were included in the study.
- Data on new diagnoses, pathology requests, and length of stay were collected.
Main Results:
- 13 new diagnoses were made using the biochemical profile.
- A significant increase in the total number of pathology requests was observed.
- The biochemical profile did not significantly alter the length of hospital stay.
Conclusions:
- Biochemical profiles contributed minimally to the overall care of pediatric patients.
- The diagnostic yield of biochemical profiles in this setting was limited.
- Further research may be needed to optimize the use of biochemical profiles in pediatric healthcare.
Abstract:
Two controlled trials of the use of a biochemical profile were conducted in a childern's hospital to see whether the profile led to diagnoses which would not otherwise [have been made and to see what effect it had on the number of extra requests for pathololgical investigations and the length of stay in hospital]. Altogether 2816 children were examined and 13 new diagnoses made. There was a significant increases in the total number of pathorequests but the profile did not alter the length of stay in hospital. We conclude that the profile mad only a small contribtuion to the overall care of the pateints.