Browsing by Author "Gerling, Michael"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Refined Prognostication in Coronary Artery Disease Using Routine Laboratory Test Data
    (2016) Gerling, Michael; de Koning, Lawrence; James, Matthew; Naugler, Christopher; Wilton, Stephen
    Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Numerous prognostic scores have been developed that rely on clinical information to predict risk of adverse outcomes and subsequently aid clinicians in determining appropriate intervention strategies. This thesis examines the ability of laboratory test data, including the complete blood count (CBC), electrolytes, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and 25-OH vitamin D, to improve prognostic assessment in CAD patients beyond existing clinical risk factors. Although 25-OH vitamin D status was found to be inversely associated with mortality, it was neither associated with nor predictive of hospital readmission, and provided little additional prognostic information beyond existing risk factors. Conversely, a risk score derived from components of the CBC, electrolytes, and eGFR, in conjunction with age and sex, was strongly predictive of mortality, and led to considerable improvement in the ability to identify high-risk patients beyond existing risk factors.