The usefulness of urine fluorescence for suspected antifreeze ingestion in children

Tania Parsa, Sandra J. Cunningham, Stephen P. Wall, Steven C. Almo, Ellen F. Crain

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate urine fluorescence as a diagnostic tool. Procedures: Using a Wood lamp, 60 physicians, assigned to group 1 or 2, independently rated 150 urine specimens from nonpoisoned children as fluorescent or nonfluorescent. Interobserver and intraobserver agreements were assessed. Physician ratings were compared with fluorometry results. The prevalence of urine fluorescence was determined by fluorometry. Main Findings: Group 1 reported fluorescence in 80.7% (95% CI 73.4%-86.6%) of urine specimens; group 2 reported fluorescence in 69.3% (95% CI 61.3%-76.5%). Interrater agreement was poor (72.5%, κ = 0.25, 95% CI 0.13-0.37); intrarater agreement was good (physician group 1: 97.9%, κ = 0.93, 95% CI 0.77-1.00; physician group 2: 93.3%, κ = 0.85, 95% CI 0.69-1.00). The prevalence of urine fluorescence was 100% (95% CI 98.1%-100%). Conclusion: Our data suggest that determination of urine fluorescence using a Wood lamp is a poor screening tool for suspected antifreeze ingestion in children.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)787-792
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Emergency Medicine
Volume23
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency Medicine

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