Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis in Emergency Setting: The BEEPER Study

Bedside Exclusion of Pulmonary Embolism in Children without Radiation

Protocol Description

The purpose of this multi-center study is to identify a set of rules that can be used to exclude a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in children seen in an emergency room setting. PE, a condition of blood clots in the lungs, can be definitively diagnosed through a CT scan of the chest. In adults, certain risk factors, vital signs, and physical exam findings are used to rule out PE without requiring further testing, but no such criteria yet exists for pediatric cases. The results of this research may lead to improved care of children in emergency room situations.

Eligibility Criteria

The study focuses on children ages 4 through 17 who are being seen in the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Emergency Department because of complaints, signs, and symptoms of PE.
Boys and Girls: Ages 4 through 17

Requirements

In this study, research coordinators will record vital signs and physical exam findings taken during the Emergency Department visit, along with clinician input about the patient’s perceived risk of PE. Approximately 45 days after the Emergency Department visit, the research team will contact parents/guardians of study participants to see if patients had been diagnosed with blood clots in the lungs and veins during or after the initial visit.
Visits: 1, the initial Emergency Department visit and a follow-up contact
Duration: Up to 45 days

Status: Enrolling by Invitation

Source(s) of Support

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health
Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)

Primary Investigator

Erin Hoehn, MD

Contact Information

For more information about the study, please contact:
Research Coordinator Lindsey Ficorilli
412-864-8380