SEED Study (Syncope in European Emergency Departments)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The management of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) and suspected syncope in European Emergency Departments: a prospective cohort study
IRAS ID
313932
Contact name
Rory J Anderson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 0 months, 14 days
Research summary
Syncope is a common emergency department (ED) problem, defined as transient loss of consciousness due to cerebral hypoperfusion (reduced blood flow to brain), characterised by its rapid onset, short duration and spontaneous complete recovery and commonly referred to as “fainting” or “passing out”. The three underlying causes are reflex (simple faint), orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure fall on standing) and cardiac disease (structural heart disease or cardiac dysrhythmia). Diagnosis is difficult and is not apparent in approximately 50% of patients after assessment.
For the first time, European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines incorporating ED management of patients presenting with suspected syncope, have been produced. However, very little is currently known about the use of diagnostic algorithms and management of this patient group in EDs across Europe.
This is the UK arm of a prospective cohort study led by an international group of physicians who work in EDs across Europe. It aims to describe the prevalence, clinical presentation, current assessment, management strategies and ESC risk categories of patients presenting with suspected syncope; to understand the degree to which current assessment strategies of suspected syncope are consistent with the guidelines and to identify opportunities to improve the assessment and management of this patient group.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
22/WA/0176
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jun 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion