Osmangazi University score to reduce ionizing radiation in renal colic patients in emergency department

Abstract

Objective: Computerized tomography remains the gold standard imaging in renal colic patients. In this study, we develop a scoring system to select patients in emergency department for unnecessary computerized tomography imaging in order to decrease radiation exposure. Methods: Computerized tomography imaging of patients with renal colic in emergency department were retrospectively reviewed. Symptoms, laboratory results were recorded. Significant parameters were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis. Coefficients were found to obtain score points and receiver operating curve was used to find a cut-off value. Results: A total of 123 patients with a mean age of 42 years (18–75 years) were enrolled in the study. About, 20.3% of patients were stone-free in computerized tomography. Mean stone size was 6.1 ± 1.89 mm. According to analysis, four parameters were significant; nausea, stone history, creatinine, and hematuria with a total score 9 called as Osmangazi University STONE score. Cut-off value was found as >3, which computerized tomography imaging is recommended. Conclusion: Osmangazi University STONE score is useful and simple tool in emergency department to reduce unnecessary computerized tomography imaging in renal colic patients and also lowers cost and ionizing radiation exposure.