Risk Factors for Delayed Diagnosis of Scabies in Hospitalized Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Lay Chorng-Jang, Wang Chun-Lung, Chuang Hui-Ying, Chen Ya-Lan, Chen Hsiang-Ling, Tsai Shu-Juan, Tsai Chen-Chi
Primary Institution: Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital
Hypothesis
What are the risk factors for delayed diagnosis of scabies in hospitalized patients from long-term care facilities?
Conclusion
Chronic usage of steroids is a significant risk factor for delayed diagnosis of scabies in hospitalized patients from long-term care facilities.
Supporting Evidence
- 706 episodes of scabies were identified in 399 patients.
- 44 episodes were considered delayed diagnoses.
- Patients with delayed diagnosis had a longer hospitalization duration (30 days vs. 13 days).
- 73% of patients with delayed diagnosis were on chronic steroid therapy.
Takeaway
If someone in a nursing home has scabies and is taking steroids, doctors need to check them carefully to avoid missing the diagnosis.
Methodology
A retrospective analysis of hospitalized patients diagnosed with scabies was conducted, using logistic regression to identify risk factors.
Limitations
The study is limited to a specific hospital and may not be generalizable to all long-term care facilities.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 80 years, with a gender distribution of 347 males to 359 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
< 0.001
Confidence Interval
11.354 - 48.612
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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