Oncologic patients in the emergency room

Abstract

e20748 Background: Cancer is a very frequent pathology with a gradual increase of its prevalence. Oncologic patients are exposed to suffer many complications which may need emergency attention. The aim of this study is to describe patients which consult in the emergency room and frecuency of different causes of complaint. Methods: Between October 2007 and October 2008, we collected all oncologic patients who consulted in our emergency room. We describe tumor location and causes of complaint. Results: 560 oncologic patients were attended in 12 months (median 12 per week). By tumor location, 134 (23,9%) patients had not small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 101 (18%) colorrectal cancer, 64 (11.4%) breast cancer, and 261 (53%) other malignancies. Of all patients, 440 (82.7%) had stage IV disease and 318 (56.8%) were receiving chemotherapy treatment The most common causes to complaint were oncologic pain (22.5%), fever (17.5%), dysphnea (12.7%), neurologic symptoms (9.1%), and asthenia (8.6%). Conclusions: Oncologic patients consult frecuently in the emergency room, mainly those with NSCLC and colorrectal cancer. Metastasic disease and chemotherapy treatment are common too. Oncologic pain, fever and dysphnea are the most frequent causes of complaint,with an important impact on their quality of life. No significant financial relationships to disclose.