Study of clinical features and outcomes in patients presenting to the emergency department with acute abdomen

Abstract

Background: Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons for an emergency department (ED) visit. The present study, evaluated the clinicodemographic profile of patients presenting with acute abdomen to the ED in a tertiary care institute, South India. Methods: A prospective, observational study was done in patients presenting with non-traumatic acute abdomen to the ED at our teaching tertiary Care hospital between March 2016 and April 2017. Demographic profile, detailed history, physical examination, management and outcome were noted. Results: Of 200 patients, 56% were males. Their mean age was 46.2 years. Peptic ulcer disease (22%) was the most common presentation followed by surgical causes such as acute appendicitis (20%) and acute intestinal obstruction (11%). Diabetes mellitus was the most common co-morbid condition (25%) followed by hypertension (15%) and ischaemic heart disease (6%). Abdominal Ultrasonography was helpful in the diagnosis of 83% of the patients and 13% of the patients required computed tomography abdomen. Conclusion: Our observations suggest that peptic ulcer disease, acute appendicitis and acute intestinal obstruction were most common causes of acute abdomen. A high index of suspicion will help in early diagnosis and instituting effective treatment.