RCT | Pre-hospital rule-out of NSTE-ACS by ambulance paramedics with point-of-care troponin is feasible and cost-saving
16 Mar, 2023 | 13:27h | UTCSummary: Using a point-of-care (POC) troponin measurement, this randomized trial in the Netherlands assessed the safety and healthcare costs of a pre-hospital rule-out strategy for patients with suspected non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).
The study included only patients considered at low risk with a HEAR (History, ECG, Age, Risk factors) score ≤3. A total of 863 low-risk participants were randomized to direct transfer to the ED or a pre-hospital rule-out strategy with POC troponin measurement.
The trial found that pre-hospital rule-out of NSTE-ACS in low-risk patients using a single POC troponin measurement is feasible, significantly reduces healthcare costs, and is associated with a low incidence of major adverse cardiac events.
The HEAR score, combined with a POC troponin measurement by ambulance paramedics, accurately identifies low-risk patients for whom ED evaluation is unnecessary. Implementing this pre-hospital rule-out strategy in low-risk patients could significantly reduce healthcare costs through more efficient use of ambulance services and fewer ED visits. It is worth noting, however, that further studies in other localities are necessary before the widespread use of this strategy can be implemented.
Commentaries:
JC: Can we rule out ACS by a single prehospital troponin measurement? – St. Emyln’s
Rule-Out of NSTE-ACS by a Prehospital Troponin Measurement – American College of Cardiology