Dermatology-related Emergency Department Visits between 2010 and 2015: A Statistical Analysis

Choi, Hoo Min; Cho, Han Kyoung

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Dermatologic diseases comprise a significant portion of emergency department (ED) visits. However, minimal data exist on patients with skin diseases presenting to the ED.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to quantify and characterize recent ED visits by patients with skin concerns in our hospital.
METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted with patients treated by a dermatologist in the ED from January 2010 to December 2015.
RESULTS
We identified 464 patients with a mean age of 41.2 years (women, 57%; men, 43%). The highest and lowest incidence of ED visits for dermatologic concerns were in June (11.4%) and November (4%), respectively. Peak arrival time was in the evening between 6 and 9 PM (23.7%), while the lowest was in the morning, between 3 and 6 AM (2.1%). Based on in-residence time distribution, peak incidence occurred in less than 2 hours (73.2%), followed by 2âˆ¼4 hours (23.7%). Herpes zoster was the most common complaint (31.0%), followed by urticaria/angioedema (12.9%) and contact dermatitis (10.3%). Overall, 23.7% (n=110) of the enrolled patients were admitted, mainly for herpes zoster (n=64, 60.9%). Erysipelas/cellulitis had the highest admission rate (50%, 7/14), followed by herpes zoster (46.5%, 67/144).
CONCLUSION
This retrospective study provides data about patients with skin diseases presenting to the ED. Altogether, these data may assist not only EM specialists, but also dermatologists in diagnosing and treating patients with skin diseases more efficiently in the ED.