Adjusted Hospital Costs Research Articles

Trends and Outcomes of US Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Hospitalizations in Hispanic Americans: Epidemiology from 2016 to 2020.

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) hospitalizations are increasing in the USA; however, the impact of race and ethnicity on key outcomes in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white HTG-AP hospitalizations has not been studied. We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2016 and 2020 identifying all patients with discharge diagnosis AP. HTG-AP hospitalizations were identified for Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients. Primary outcomes included yearly rate of HTG-AP and in-hospital mortality from HTG-AP. Secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and inflation-adjusted hospital costs. HTG-AP hospitalizations accounted for 5.9% of all AP hospitalizations; 17,440 and 48,235 hospitalizations included a Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patient, respectively. The yearly rate of HTG-AP hospitalizations per 100,000 adult population was statistically higher for Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites. The HTG-AP hospitalization rate increased for both Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites (both ptrend < 0.001); however, the trends were not statistically different. The number of observed in-hospital deaths for Hispanics was too low to report, precluding subsequent analysis. Hispanics were younger, more likely to be female, more commonly Medicaid recipients, and from zip codes with lower income quartiles. Despite clinically similar rates of plasmapheresis use and LOS, adjusted hospital costs were 18.9% higher for Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites (95% CI, 15.4 to 22.6% higher, p < 0.001). HTG-AP incidence is increasing in the USA in Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites. Despite clinically similar outcomes, HTG-AP hospitalizations in Hispanic patients were associated with $26,805,280 in excess costs compared to non-Hispanic white hospitalizations.

The Impact of Adding a 2-Way Video Monitoring System on Falls and Costs for High-Risk Inpatients.

We aimed to investigate the value of adding a video monitoring (VM) system with falls and costs for patients at high risk. We conducted a retrospective, historically controlled study of adults (≥18 y old) at high risk of fall admitted at the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics from January 1 to November 30, 2020 (pre-VM) and January 1 to November 30, 2021 (post-VM); in-person sitters were available in both periods. Fall risk assessment was conducted on admission and at every nursing shift; we defined patients as high risk if their Morse Fall Scale was ≥60. We conducted a multivariable logistic regression model to evaluate the association of period (pre- versus post-VM) with falls and performed a cost analysis. Our primary cohort consisted of 9,034 patients at high risk of falls, 4,207 (46.6%) in the pre-VM and 4,827 (53.4%) in the post-VM period. Fall rates were higher in the pre- than the post-VM periods (3.5% versus 2.7%, P = 0.043). After adjustment, being admitted during the post-VM period was associated with a lower odds of fall (odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.49 [0.37-0.64], P < 0.001). The median adjusted hospital cost (in 2020 dollars) was $1,969 more for patients who fell than for patients who did not (interquartile range, $880-$2,273). Considering start-up and ongoing costs, we estimate VM implementation to partly replace in-person monitoring has potential annual cost savings of >$800,000 for a hospital similar to ours. Video monitoring to augment in-person sitters is an effective fall prevention initiative for patients at high risk of falls, which is likely also cost-effective.

Clinical and financial outcomes of hospitalizations for cardiac device infection during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US.

Cardiac device infection (CDI) can occur in up to 2.2% of patients after device placement, with mortality rates exceeding 15%. Although device removal is standard management, the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with resource diversion and decreased patient presentation for cardiovascular disease. We ascertained the association of the COVID-19 pandemic with outcomes and resource utilization after admission for CDI. The 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample was used to retrospectively study all adult admissions for CDI. Patients admitted between March and December, 2020 were classified as the pandemic cohort, with the rest pre-pandemic. The primary outcome was major adverse events (MAE), with secondary outcomes of overall length of stay (LOS), post-device removal LOS, time to device replacement, and hospitalization costs. MAE was a combination of in-hospital mortality and select complications. Multivariable regression models were developed to determine the relationship between the pandemic and the aforementioned outcomes. Of an estimated 190,160 patients, 14.3% comprised the pandemic cohort; 2.4% of these patients were COVID-19 positive. The pandemic cohort was older, less commonly female, and had higher rates of congestive heart failure. After adjustment, the pandemic was not associated with altered odds of MAE, device removal, or subsequent device replacement. The pandemic was, however, associated with decreased adjusted overall LOS (β -0.38 days) and days to device replacement (β -0.83 days). The pandemic was likewise associated with $2,000 increased adjusted hospitalization costs. The pandemic did not have a significant impact on clinical outcomes in patients admitted for CDI, despite higher hospitalization costs and decreased length of stay.

Transcatheter Ductal Stents Versus Surgical Systemic-Pulmonary Artery Shunts in Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease With Ductal-Dependent Pulmonary Blood Flow: Trends and Associated Outcomes From the Pediatric Health Information System Database.

Background Surgical systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts have been the standard approach to establish stable pulmonary blood flow in neonates with congenital heart disease with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow. More recently, transcatheter ductal stents have been performed as an alternative, less invasive intervention. We aimed to characterize trends in the utilization of surgical shunts versus ductal stents and compare associated outcomes. Methods and Results Using data from the Pediatric Health Information System, we retrospectively analyzed neonates with congenital heart disease with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow who underwent surgical shunt or ductal stent placement between January 2016 and December 2021. Patients were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnosis and procedure codes. The primary outcome was length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were reintervention risk and adjusted hospital costs. Of 936 patients included, 65.2% underwent a surgical shunt over the 6-year period. The proportion who underwent ductal stenting increased from 19% to 53.4% from 2016 to 2021. The median adjusted difference in postintervention length of hospital stay was 11 days greater for the surgical shunt cohort (95% CI, 7.2-14.8; P<0.001). The adjusted reintervention risks within 3 (odds ratio [OR], 3.37 [95% CI, 1.91-5.95], P<0.001) and 6 months (OR, 2.43 [95% CI, 1.62-3.64], P<0.001) were significantly greater in the ductal stent group. Median adjusted index hospital costs were $198 300 ($11 6400-$340 000) versus $120 400 ($81 800-$192 400) for the surgical shunt and ductal stent cohorts, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusions Ductal stenting has become an increasingly utilized palliative approach to secure pulmonary blood flow in neonates with congenital heart disease with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow in the United States. Ductal stenting is associated with decreased length of hospital stay and reduced overall cost for the index hospitalization but with a greater reintervention risk than surgical shunting.

Association of Postoperative Delirium and Parkinson Disease After Common United States Surgical Procedures

IntroductionTo determine the association of Parkinson disease (PD) and postoperative delirium following common surgical procedures. MethodsWe performed a retrospective database analysis of the National Inpatient Sample. We used a matched sample of patients with and without PD who underwent any of ten common surgical procedures in the US, 2005-2014. Primary outcome measure was postoperative delirium for patients with and without PD. Secondary measures included disposition, length of stay, and hospital costs. ResultsThere were 3,235,866 patients receiving any of the ten most common operative procedures, 2005-2014. There were 35,743 patients with and without PD matched based on age, sex, elective admission status, Charlson Comorbidity index, and presence of dementia. Median age was 77 y (interquartile range 72-82), median Charlson Comorbidity index was 1 (standard deviation 0-2), 46.6% were female, and 46.8% were admitted electively. The three most common operative procedures were hip arthroplasty (28.5%), knee arthroplasty (16.1%), and percutaneous coronary angioplasty (14.9%). Postoperative delirium was present in 1519 patients with PD compared to 828 matched patients without PD (4.2% versus 2.3%; P < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio of postoperative delirium for PD compared to the matched cohort without PD was 1.88 (95% confidence interval 1.73-2.05). Those undergoing spinal fusion (adjusted odds ratio 2.99, 95% confidence interval 2.06-4.38) had the greatest odds of delirium. For patients with PD, adjusted length of stay, adjusted hospital costs, and adjusted odds of postacute care facility discharge were greater compared to the matched cohort without PD. ConclusionsPatients with PD are more likely to develop postoperative delirium and have a more complicated postoperative course with longer length of stay and greater hospitalization costs.

Effect of surgical timing on outcomes after cholecystectomy for mild gallstone pancreatitis

BackgroundRetrospective and single-center studies have demonstrated that early cholecystectomy is associated with shorter length of stay in patients with mild gallstone pancreatitis. However, these studies are not powered to detect differences in adverse events. Using a nationally representative cohort, we evaluated the association of timing for cholecystectomy with clinical outcomes and resource use in patients with gallstone pancreatitis. MethodsAll adult hospitalizations for gallstone pancreatitis were tabulated from the 2016–2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Using International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision codes, patient comorbidities and operative characteristics were determined. Patients with end-organ dysfunction or cholangitis were excluded to isolate those with only mild gallstone pancreatitis. Major adverse events were defined as a composite of 30-day mortality and perioperative (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic, infectious, and thromboembolic) complications. Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was divided into Early (within 2 days of admission) and Late (>2 days after admission) cohorts. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were then used to evaluate the association of cholecystectomy timing with major adverse events and secondary outcomes of interest, including postoperative hospital duration of stay, costs, non-home discharge, and readmission rate within 30 days of discharge. ResultsOf an estimated 129,451 admissions for acute gallstone pancreatitis, 25.6% comprised the Early cohort. Compared to patients in the Early cohort, Late cohort patients were older (56 [40–69] vs 53 [37–66] years, P < .001), more likely male (36.6 vs 32.8%, P < .001), and more frequently underwent preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (22.2 vs 10.9%, P < .001). In addition, the Late cohort had higher unadjusted rates of major adverse events and index hospitalization costs, compared to Early. After risk adjustment, late cholecystectomy was associated with higher odds of major adverse events (adjusted odds ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.29–1.51) and overall adjusted hospitalization costs by $2,700 (95% confidence interval 2,400–2,800). In addition, compared to the Early group, those in the Late cohort had increased odds of 30-day readmission (adjusted odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.23) and non-home discharge (adjusted odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.31–1.55). ConclusionCholecystectomy >2 days after admission for mild gallstone pancreatitis was independently associated with increased major adverse events, costs, 30-day readmissions, and non-home discharge. Given the significant clinical and financial consequences, reduced timing to surgery should be prioritized in the overall management of this patient population.

Using exogenous organizational and regional hospital attributes to explain differences in case-mix adjusted hospital costs.

Diagnosis-related group (DRG) hospital reimbursement systems differentiate cases into cost-homogenous groups based on patient characteristics. However, exogenous organizational and regional factors can influence hospital costs beyond case-mix differences. Therefore, most countries using DRG systems incorporate adjustments for such factors into their reimbursement structure. This study investigates structural hospital attributes that explain differences in average case-mix adjusted hospital costs in Switzerland. Using rich patient and hospital-level data containing 4 million cases from 120 hospitals across 3 years, we show that a regression model using only five variables (number of discharges, ratio of emergency/ambulance admissions, rate of DRGs to patients, expected loss potential based on DRG mix, and location in large agglomeration) can explain more than half of the variance in average case-mix adjusted hospital costs, capture all cost variations across commonly differentiated hospital types (e.g., academic teaching hospitals, children's hospitals, birth centers, etc.), and is robust in cross-validations across several years (despite differing hospital samples). Based on our findings, we propose a simple practical approach to differentiate legitimate from inefficiency-related or unexplainable cost differences across hospitals and discuss the potential of such an approach as a transparent way to incorporate structural hospital differences into cost benchmarking and payment schemes.

Using exogenous organizational and regional hospital attributes to explain differences in case-mix adjusted hospital costs

Using exogenous organizational and regional hospital attributes to explain differences in case-mix adjusted hospital costs

Using exogenous organizational and regional hospital attributes to explain differences in case-mix adjusted hospital costs

Using exogenous organizational and regional hospital attributes to explain differences in case-mix adjusted hospital costs

Abstract 9993: Effect of Major Depressive Disorder on Inpatient Outcomes of Hypertensive Emergency: Analysis From National Inpatient Sample

Objective: Our aim was to determine if co-diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) influenced inpatient outcomes of hypertensive emergency (HTNE) admissions. Methods: We analyzed the national inpatient sample (2012-2019) for HTNE admissions of ages &gt;18 years. The primary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS), costs (adjusted for inflation), adverse hospital events (need for mechanical circulatory support and intubation) and in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included predictors of mortality in HTNE patients with MDD. Demographic (age, sex, race) and clinical (history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, stroke, chronic kidney disease, myocardial infarction, obesity, smoking) factors were adjusted for. Data was analyzed in STATA 16.0, and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated using linear and logistic regression method. Results: Our study included 149,366 weighted discharges for HTNE. Prevalence of MDD was 9.6% (n=14,339). Average age of the patients were 48 years. 65% were Caucasians, 57% were females and average LOS was 5.5 days. Patients with MDD had longer LOS (6.4 vs 5.1 p&lt;0.001). The adjusted hospital cost was $25,923 higher in patients with MDD (p&lt;0.001), and they also had higher odds of inpatient mortality (AOR 1.76, [1.53 -1.83], P &lt; 0.001). The odds for requiring mechanical circulatory support were higher in patients with MDD (AOR 1.44, P &lt; 0.001). African American men had the highest inpatient costs and LOS. Several conditions increased mortality in HTNE patients with MDD including obesity, cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). (Figure 1) Conclusion: Major depressive disorder has an important and unexplored association with hypertension. Our study demonstrates that patients admitted with hypertensive emergency have increased hospital LOS, cost, adverse hospital events and mortality when they have concomitant depression.

Abstract 13438: Resource Utilization and Outcome Trends of Intravascular Physiologic Testing During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention - United States National Inpatient Database Analysis 2014 Through 2019

Introduction: Physiologic assessment of intermediate coronary stenosis has shown superiority in guiding decision making when compared to angiographic assessment alone. Many recent trials have shown improved outcomes using resting or hyperemic indices for severity assessment. In this study, we aimed to analyze the trends of intravascular physiologic testing during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), adjusted in-hospital mortality, adjusted in-hospital stay and adjusted hospital cost. Methods: Data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2014 through 2019 Database. The NIS was searched for PCI with and without intravascular physiologic testing in adult patients (age ≥18) using ICD 9 and 10 codes. Outcomes of interest were utilization rates of intravascular physiologic testing during PCI, trend of adjusted in-hospital mortality, adjusted mean LOS and adjusted mean hospital cost. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was used accordingly to adjust for confounders. STATA software was used for analysis. Results: Of 2,871,865 PCIs in 2014 through 2019, 118,795 (4.1%) were coupled with intravascular physiologic testing. The use of intravascular physiologic testing during PCI steadily increased from 2.8% in 2014 to 5.0% in 2019 (trend p &lt;0.001). The adjusted in-hospital mortality for PCI with physiologic testing did not show any significant statistical linear trend through the years (0.8% in 2014 vs. 0.9% in 2019, trend p=0.123). The mean adjusted LOS remained the same (3 days, trend p=0.530), whereas, mean adjusted hospital cost showed a linear trend of higher hospital cost (24033$ in 2014 vs. 25434$ in 2019, trend p=0.014). Conclusions: There is a rise in use of coronary intravascular physiologic testing during PCI. No statistically significant linear trend was observed in terms of in-hospital mortality or LOS for PCI with intravascular physiologic testing, however, over the years the mean hospital cost is on the rise.

Healthcare Resource Utilization and Cost Comparisons of High-Protein Enteral Nutrition Formulas Used in Critically Ill Patients

Background: High-protein enteral nutrition is advised for patients who are critically ill. Options include immunonutrition formulas of various compositions and standard high-protein formulas (StdHP). Additional research is needed on the health economic value of immunonutrition in a broad cohort of severely ill hospitalized patients. Objective: The study goal was to compare healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and cost between immunonutrition and StdHP using real-world evidence from a large US administrative database. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was designed using the PINC AI™ Healthcare Database from 2015 to 2019. IMPACT® Peptide 1.5 (IP) was compared with Pivot® 1.5 (PC), and StdHP formulas. Inclusion criteria comprised patients age 18+ with at least 1 day's stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and at least 3 out of 5 consecutive days of enteral nutrition. Pairwise comparisons of demographics, clinical characteristics, HCRU, and costs were conducted between groups. Multivariable regression was used to assess total hospital cost per day associated with enteral nutrition cohort. Results: A total of 5752 patients were identified across 27 hospitals. Overall, a median 7 days of enteral nutrition was received over a 16-day hospital and 10-day ICU stay. Median total and daily hospital costs were lower for IP vs PC ($71 196 vs $80 696, _P_&lt;.001) and ($4208 vs $4373, _P_=.019), with each higher than StdHP. However, after controlling for covariates such as mortality risk, surgery, and discharge disposition, average total hospital cost per day associated with IP use was 24% lower than PC, and 12% lower than StdHP (_P_&lt;.001). Readmissions within 30 days were less frequent for patients receiving IP compared with PC (_P_&lt;.02) and StdHP (_P_&lt;.001). Discussion: Choice of high-protein enteral nutrition for patients in the ICU has implications for HCRU and daily hospital costs. Considering these correlations is important when comparing formula ingredients and per unit costs. Among the enteral nutrition products studied, IP emerged as the most cost-saving option, with lower adjusted hospital cost per day than PC or StdHP. Conclusions: Using a select immunonutrition formula for critically ill patients may provide overall cost savings for the healthcare system.

Healthcare Resource Utilization and Cost Comparisons of High-Protein Enteral Nutrition Formulas Used in Critically Ill Patients.

Background: High-protein enteral nutrition is advised for patients who are critically ill. Options include immunonutrition formulas of various compositions and standard high-protein formulas (StdHP). Additional research is needed on the health economic value of immunonutrition in a broad cohort of severely ill hospitalized patients.Objective: The study goal was to compare healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and cost between immunonutrition and StdHP using real-world evidence from a large US administrative database.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was designed using the PINC AI™ Healthcare Database from 2015 to 2019. IMPACT® Peptide 1.5 (IP) was compared with Pivot® 1.5 (PC), and StdHP formulas. Inclusion criteria comprised patients age 18+ with at least 1 day’s stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and at least 3 out of 5 consecutive days of enteral nutrition. Pairwise comparisons of demographics, clinical characteristics, HCRU, and costs were conducted between groups. Multivariable regression was used to assess total hospital cost per day associated with enteral nutrition cohort.Results: A total of 5752 patients were identified across 27 hospitals. Overall, a median 7 days of enteral nutrition was received over a 16-day hospital and 10-day ICU stay. Median total and daily hospital costs were lower for IP vs PC ($71 196 vs $80 696, P<.001) and ($4208 vs $4373, P=.019), with each higher than StdHP. However, after controlling for covariates such as mortality risk, surgery, and discharge disposition, average total hospital cost per day associated with IP use was 24% lower than PC, and 12% lower than StdHP (P<.001). Readmissions within 30 days were less frequent for patients receiving IP compared with PC (P<.02) and StdHP (P<.001).Discussion: Choice of high-protein enteral nutrition for patients in the ICU has implications for HCRU and daily hospital costs. Considering these correlations is important when comparing formula ingredients and per unit costs. Among the enteral nutrition products studied, IP emerged as the most cost-saving option, with lower adjusted hospital cost per day than PC or StdHP.Conclusions: Using a select immunonutrition formula for critically ill patients may provide overall cost savings for the healthcare system.

Abstract TMP43: Concerning Rise In Young-onset Stroke Hospitalizations And Non-improving Outcomes In Patients From Low Household Income Quartile: A National Perspective A Decade Apart (2007 Vs. 2017)

Background: Health equity and the reduced socioeconomic gap between communities are the main objectives of healthcare delivery in the US with a shifting focus towards social determinants of health. We aimed to compare stroke hospitalizations and outcomes in young patients with low median household income (LMHI) across two national cohorts a decade apart (2007 vs. 2017). Methods: We used National Inpatient Sample (2007 &amp; 2017) to identify young-onset stroke hospitalizations (18-44 years, YOS) belonging to LMHI (0-25th quartile) using relevant codes. Demographics, comorbidities, adjusted risk of YOS and outcomes were compared between two cohorts. Results: Of 34249 LMHI YOS admissions, 13749 belonged to 2007 and 20500 to 2017 (median age 39 vs 38 years, p&lt;0.001). The risk of YOS was 30% higher in 2017 young LMHI admissions than in 2007 when adjusted for socio-demographics and comorbidities (aOR 1.30, 95%CI:1.27-1.34, p&lt;0.001) (Table 1). Gender distribution was comparable for YOS between 2007 and 2017. The 2017 YOS cohort often consisted of white (38.4 vs 33.3%), non-elective admissions (94.9 vs 91.1%) and often had cardiovascular comorbidities and concomitant smoking (42.4 vs 26.9%); whereas lower rates of alcohol (5.5% vs. 8.7%) and drug abuse (12.1 vs. 16%) than in 2007 (p&lt;0.001). Though adjusted all-cause mortality was comparable between the two cohorts (aOR 0.91, 95%CI:0.82-1.00, p=0.054) with shortened stay (5 vs. 4 days) and fewer transfers in 2017; adjusted hospital costs were higher in 2017 (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: There was an alarming 30% higher risk of YOS admissions in patients from the LMHI quartile across 2 national cohorts a decade apart in the US without any significant improvement in mortality odds when controlled for confounders. Our analysis indicates the need for the adoption and propagation of preventive measures and vigilance to lessen CVD and YOS risk, improve health outcomes and decrease healthcare costs among young patients from LMHI quartile.

Impact of frailty on clinical outcomes and resource use following emergency general surgery in the United States.

BackgroundFrailty has been recognized as an independent risk factor for inferior outcomes, but its effect on emergency general surgery (EGS) is understudied.ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to define the impact of frailty on risk-adjusted mortality, non-home discharge, and readmission following EGS operations.MethodsAdults undergoing appendectomy, cholecystectomy, small bowel resection, large bowel resection, repair of perforated ulcer, or laparotomy within two days of an urgent admission were identified in the 2016–2017 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Frailty was defined using diagnosis codes corresponding to the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty indicator. Multivariable regression was used to study in-hospital mortality and non-home discharge by operation, and Kaplan Meier analysis to study freedom from unplanned readmission at up to 90-days follow-up.ResultsAmong 655,817 patients, 11.9% were considered frail. Frail patients most commonly underwent large bowel resection (37.3%) and cholecystectomy (29.2%). After adjustment, frail patients had higher mortality rates for all operations compared to nonfrail, including those most commonly performed (11.9% [95% CI 11.4–12.5%] vs 6.0% [95% CI 5.8–6.3%] for large bowel resection; 2.3% [95% CI 2.0–2.6%] vs 0.2% [95% CI 0.2–0.2%] for cholecystectomy). Adjusted non-home discharge rates were higher for frail compared to nonfrail patients following all operations, including large bowel resection (68.1% [95% CI 67.1–69.0%] vs 25.9% [95% CI 25.2–26.5%]) and cholecystectomy (33.7% [95% CI 32.7–34.7%] vs 2.9% [95% CI 2.8–3.0%]). Adjusted hospitalization costs were nearly twice as high for frail patients. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, frail patients had greater unplanned readmissions (log rank P<0.001), with 1 in 4 rehospitalized within 90 days.ConclusionsFrail patients have inferior clinical outcomes and greater resource use following EGS, with the greatest absolute differences following complex operations. Simple frailty assessments may inform expectations, identify patients at risk of poor outcomes, and guide the need for more intensive postoperative care.

The influence of modifiable risk factors on short-term postoperative outcomes following cervical spine surgery: A retrospective propensity score matched analysis.

BackgroundModifiable risk factors (MRFs) represent patient variables associated with increased complication rates that may be prevented. There exists a paucity of studies that comprehensively analyze MRF subgroups and their independent association with postoperative complications in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare outcomes between patients receiving cervical spine surgery with reported MRFs.MethodsRetrospective analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from the years 2016 and 2017, a publicly available and purchasable data source, to include adult patients undergoing cervical fusion. MRF cohorts were separated into three categories: substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, opioid abuse); vascular disease (hypertension, dyslipidemia); and dietary factors (malnutrition, obesity). Three-way nearest-neighbor propensity score matching for demographics, hospital, and surgical characteristics was implemented.FindingsWe identified 9601 with dietary MRFs (D-MRF), 9654 with substance abuse MRFs (SA-MRF), and 9503 with vascular MRFs (V-MRF). Those with d-MRFs had significantly higher rates of medical complications (9.3%), surgical complications (8.1%), and higher adjusted hospital costs compared to patients with SA-MRFs and V-MRFs. Patients with d-MRFs (16.3%) and V-MRFs (14.0%) were independently non-routinely discharged at a significantly higher rate compared to patients with SA-MRFs (12.6%) (p<0.0001 and p = 0.0037). However, those with substance abuse had the highest readmission rate and were more commonly readmitted for delayed procedure-related infections.InterpretationA large proportion of patients who receive cervical spine surgery have potential MRFs that uniquely influence their postoperative outcomes. A thorough understanding of patient-specific MRF subgroups allows for improved preoperative risk stratification, tailored patient counseling, and postoperative management planning.FundingNone

Socioeconomic and Lifestyle Factors Related to Cost and Frequency of Hospitalization in European Older Adults.

Individuals’ lifestyles play an important role in healthcare costs. A large part of these costs is derived from hospitalizations. With the aim of determine the relationship between lifestyle and the likelihood of hospitalization and associate costs in older adults, this study used the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe. Generalized regression models for panel data were developed and adjusted hospitalization costs derived from the length of hospital stay were also estimated. The average adjusted cost of hospitalization was I$ 9901.50 and the analyses showed that performing weekly physical activity significantly reduces the probability of hospitalization (OR: 0.624) and its costs (I$ 2594.5 less per person per year than subjects who never performed physical activity). Muscle strength plays an important role in this relationship and eating habits are not of great significance. Furthermore, we found interesting differences in the frequency and costs of hospitalization between subjects by country.

Tracheostomy trends in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the United States: 2008-2017.

To determine the trends in tracheostomy placement and resource use in preterm infants less than or equal to 30 weeks gestational age (GA) with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in the United States from 2008 to 2017. This was a retrospective, serial cross-sectional study using data from the NIS. Inclusion criteria were: GA less than or equal to 30 weeks, hospitalization at less than or equal to 28 days of age, assignment of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD9-CM) or ICD10-CM codes for BPD and tracheostomy. Trends in tracheostomy and resource utilization were assessed using Jonckheere-Terpstra test. p-value < .05 was considered significant. Overall, 987 out of 68,953 (1.4%) hospitalizations with BPD had tracheostomy. Characteristics of the study population: 60.8% were male, 68.4% less than or equal to 26 weeks GA, 43.8% White, 60.5% with Medicaid or self-pay, 65.2% in the Midwest and South census regions of the United States, and 45.7% had gastrostomy tube placement. Tracheostomy placement (expressed as per 100,000 live births) decreased from 2.7 in 2008 to 1.9 in 2011. Thereafter, it increased from 1.9 in 2011 to 3.5 in 2017 (p < .001). GA less than or equal to 24 weeks was significantly associated with increased odds of tracheostomy placement. Median length of stay increased significantly from 170 to 231 days while median inflation adjusted hospital cost increased significantly from $323,091 in 2008-2009 to $687,141 between 2008-2009 and 2016-2017. Although tracheostomy placement among preterm hospitalizations with BPD was rare, the frequency of its placement and its associated resource utilization significantly increased during the study period. Future studies should probe the reasons and factors behind these trends.

Trends in Mortality and Costs of Pediatric Extracorporeal Life Support

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has been used for >30 years as a life-sustaining therapy in critically ill patients for a variety of indications. In the current study, we aimed to examine trends in use, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and costs for pediatric ECLS hospitalizations. We performed a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients (between the ages of 28 days and <21 years) on ECLS using the 2008-2015 National Inpatient Sample, the largest all-payer inpatient hospitalization database generated from hospital discharges. Nonparametric and Cochran-Armitage tests for trend were used to study in-hospital mortality, LOS, and hospitalization costs. Of the estimated 5847 patients identified and included for analysis, ECLS was required for respiratory failure (36.4%), postcardiotomy syndrome (25.9%), mixed cardiopulmonary failure (21.7%), cardiogenic shock (13.1%), and transplanted graft dysfunction (2.9%). The rate of ECLS hospitalizations increased 329%, from 11 to 46 cases per 100 000 pediatric hospitalizations, from 2008 to 2015 (P < .001). Overall mortality decreased from 50.3% to 34.6% (P < .001). Adjusted hospital costs increased significantly ($214 046 ± 11 822 to 324 841 ± 25 621; P = .002) during the study period despite a stable overall hospital LOS (46 ± 6 to 44 ± 4 days; P = .94). Use of ECLS in pediatric patients has increased with substantially improved ECLS survival rates. Hospital costs have increased significantly despite a stable LOS in this group. Dissemination of this costly yet life-saving technology warrants ongoing analysis of use trends to identify areas for quality improvement.

A Systematic Literature Review of the Burden of Ischemic Priapism in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic or low-flow priapism is a serious condition characterized by a persistent, painful erection that lasts at least 4 hours or is unrelated to sexual stimulation. Both stuttering (repeated short episodes) and fulminant (long-lasting) priapism are prevalent in men and boys with sickle cell disease (SCD). Approximately 40% of patients with SCD will experience priapism during their lifetime. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify published studies reporting the burden associated with priapism in patients with SCD. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL/CDSR and 14 congresses were searched from May 9-16, 2019. Results were screened against predefined criteria by two independent researchers. Studies assessing the clinical, humanistic, or economic burden of human patients with SCD and priapism (N≥15) were included. Outcomes of interest included priapism-related symptoms, treatment-related complications, quality of life (QoL), and economic burden. RESULTS: The literature search identified 1236 articles; 62 full-text studies were reviewed in detail and 34 studies were included in the analysis. Most studies were retrospective observational (21), others were prospective (7 observational, 6 interventional). Study size varied widely (range: 15-10,788 patients). Of 27 studies that reported mean or median patient age, the age statistic for patients with SCD and priapism ranged from 10 to 32. Overall, 19 studies reported at least one aspect of clinical burden. Thirteen reported the rate of erectile dysfunction or impotence, ranging from 0% to 56%. Eight reported treatment-related complications, including perceived penile scarring/deformity (19.4%) and small intrapenile hematoma (13.3%). Nineteen studies reported QoL outcomes. Eight reported physical outcomes, including a negative impact of SCD-related priapism on sleep quality and worse scores on periodic limb movement and apnea hypopnea indices. Seven reported measures of sexual function, including low rates of satisfactory sexual intercourse. One study reported a diminished Sexual Health Inventory for Men score in patients with active priapism, and another found a statistically significant relationship between stuttering priapism and premature ejaculation. Three studies reported measures of mental function, one of which outlined increased cognitive fatigue and impaired emotional functioning among children with priapism and another reported that 36% of patients had substantial to very extreme worry regarding episodes of priapism. Use of validated measures for QoL were limited: 3 studies assessed patients with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and 1 with the Priapism Impact Profile (PIP). No studies measuring the burden to caregivers of pediatric patients with priapism were identified. Eight studies reported the economic burden of priapism in patients with SCD, including rates of emergency department visits (4 studies: 56.5% sought hospital treatment - 26/46; 49.8% admission to the hospital out of emergency department visits - 5371/10,788; 50.4% admitted at the emergency department - 930/1844; 26% vs. 11% readmission vs no readmission - p &amp;lt;0.001) and hospital length of stay (4 studies: mean 3.38 days; mean 3.8 days; median 2 days; median 5 days in patients who received an exchange transfusion as a treatment for priapism.). Three studies reported direct treatment costs, ranging from a mean of $4496 (2015 USD) for patients who did not undergo penile operations to a mean of $19,670 (2013 USD) total adjusted hospital costs for patients receiving both transfusions and urologic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This SLR identified 34 studies reporting the burden of priapism in patients with SCD. No RCTs were identified. The use of comprehensive or validated measures of humanistic burden was limited. Manifestations of priapism are wide-ranging, including painful treatment-related complications, impaired sleep, and diminished physical, mental and sexual function. Patients with priapism and SCD are more likely to visit the emergency department and experience longer hospital stays compared to SCD patients without priapism. Together, the evidence identified in this SLR indicates that priapism not only can result in erectile dysfunction, but can impair multiple dimensions of a patient's physical and mental health. Disclosures Nellesen: Analysis Group, Inc.: Consultancy. Lucas:Analysis Group, Inc.: Consultancy. Liu:Analysis Group, Inc.: Consultancy. Bhor:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Paulose:Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Employment.