Pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) rule in European patients with low implicit clinical probability (PERCEPIC): a multicentre, prospective, observational study.

Background: The ability of the pulmonary embolism rule-out criteria (PERC) to exclude pulmonary embolism without further testing remains debated outside the USA, especially in the population with suspected pulmonary embolism who have a high prevalence of the condition. Our main objective was to prospectively assess the predictive value of negative PERC to rule out pulmonary embolism among European patients with low implicit clinical probability.

Methods: We did a multicentre, prospective, observational study in 12 emergency departments in France and Belgium.

Multifaceted Intervention to Prevent Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Medical Illness: A Multicenter Cluster-Randomized Trial.

Background: Misuse of thromboprophylaxis may increase preventable complications for hospitalized medical patients.

Objectives: To assess the net clinical benefit of a multifaceted intervention in emergency wards (educational lectures, posters, pocket cards, computerized clinical decision support systems and, where feasible, electronic reminders) for the prevention of venous thromboembolism.

Patients/methods: Prospective cluster-randomized trial in 27 hospitals.

[Non-justified visits to emergency units. Proposal of differentiated care].

Objective: The number of visits to emergency units in public hospital settings in France increases every year. The adequation between admission to an SAU--Service d'accueil d'urgence (emergency unit) and the clinical status of the patient must be checked to improve handling upstream of the SAU.

Method: A prospective study was conducted in the SAU of the University Hospital in Nantes to assess the proportion of patients who would benefit from direct hospitalisation, scheduled in a department of specialised or polyvalent medicine.

[Meningitis with direct negative bacteriological examination. Prospective assessment of a decision making tree].

Objective: Elaboration of a decision-making tree for differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral meningitis, when initial Gram's staining is negative. Method One-Year prospective study in an adult emergency department. Comparison with the immediately-preceding period.

[Maternal and obstetrical risk factors of placental vascular pathology (biologic and epidemiological data excluded)].

The purpose is to identify maternal and prenatal risks factors for placental vascular disorders. We excluded biologic and epidemiological data which are discussed in another chapter. Maternal risks factors are pre-existing vascular systemic diseases.

Temporal arteritis associated with systemic necrotizing vasculitis.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with systemic vasculitis associated with temporal artery involvement.

Methods: From a cohort of 120 patients fulfilling American College of Rheumatology criteria for temporal arteritis, we retrospectively identified 7 patients with systemic necrotizing vasculitis associated with histological temporal arteritis.

Results: Among the 7 patients, 2 had classic polyarteritis nodosa, one had unclassified systemic vasculitis, one had Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), and 3 had microscopic polyangiitis.