Impact of a delayed presentation to the emergency department for acute renal colic on biochemical and clinical outcomes

Introduction and objective: To verify the impact of delay on biochemical and clinical outcomes for patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute renal colic. Materials and methods: Data were retrospectively collected from 3 institutions of 2 European countries between 01 January and 30 April 2020. Patients who presented to the ED with unilateral or bilateral renal colic caused by urolithiasis confirmed by imaging tests during the study period were included. A presentation after 24 hours since the onset of symptoms was considered a delay. Patients presenting before 24 hours from the symptom onset were included in Group A, while the patients presenting after 24 hours in Group B. Clinical and biochemical parameters and management were compared. Results: 397 patients who presented to ED with confirmed urolithiasis were analyzed (Group A, n = 199; Group B, n = 198. The median (IQR) delay in presentation was 2 days (1,5-4). At presentation, no statistically significant differences were found amongst the 2 groups of patients regarding presenting symptoms such as fever and flank pain, and the median serum levels of creatinine, C reactive protein and white blood cells. No differences were found in terms of conservative or operative management. Conclusions: Delay in consultation >24 hours is not associated with worsening biochemical parameters and clinical outcomes. Most patients with acute loin pain do not necessarily need urgent attendance to the ED and may be managed in the outpatients.