Researchers from Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland found misdiagnoses in almost one in four ICU deaths, according to a study published in BMJ Quality & Safety.
For the study, researchers analyzed 31 studies describing 5,863 autopsies. They found 28 percent of autopsies had at least one misdiagnoses and 8 percent of autopsies had a Class I (potentially lethal) diagnostic error. The most common lethal diagnoses were PE, MI, pneumonia and aspergillosis.
Based on these findings, researchers estimate 40,500 adult ICU patients die with a misdiagnosis every year.
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For the study, researchers analyzed 31 studies describing 5,863 autopsies. They found 28 percent of autopsies had at least one misdiagnoses and 8 percent of autopsies had a Class I (potentially lethal) diagnostic error. The most common lethal diagnoses were PE, MI, pneumonia and aspergillosis.
Based on these findings, researchers estimate 40,500 adult ICU patients die with a misdiagnosis every year.
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