Clinical Predictors of COVID-19 in the ED

Anosmia and bilateral B-lines on ultrasound predicted COVID-19 in a high-prevalence cohort.

Identifying patients likely to have COVID-19 could help conserve tests and personal protective equipment. To identify predictors of COVID-19 in the emergency department (ED), researchers analyzed prospectively recorded clinical features for 391 adult patients in an ED in France who were tested for SARS-CoV-2. Reasons for testing included respiratory symptoms, age >70 years, immunosuppression or other comorbidities, and weakness too severe for discharge home. Emergency physicians documented symptoms and rated suspicion for COVID-19 as low, moderate, or high (only for 273 patients).

Overall, 57.6% of patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The best predictor for ruling in COVID-19 was anosmia (positive likelihood ratio [+LR], 7.6), followed b…

Reviewing Author

Lauren M. Westafer, DO, MPH, MS

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Emergency Medicine

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAcademy for Academic Women in Emergency Medicine (Social Media Chair)

Lauren M. Westafer, DO, MPH, MS

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Emergency Medicine

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAcademy for Academic Women in Emergency Medicine (Social Media Chair)

Clinical Predictors of COVID-19 in the ED

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Reviewing Author