Admission Rates Research Articles

Out of focus but still relevant? Influenza-related resource utilization and vaccination coverage gaps in adults below 60 years of age with underlying conditions: an analysis of 2016–2024 real-world data in Germany

Background In 2003, the WHO aimed for a 75% or higher influenza vaccination rate among at-risk populations. However, this target was achieved in a few groups during selected seasons in some European countries, and never in Germany. Adults with underlying conditions (UCs) are a critical negleted group for influenza vaccination. This study aimed to identify data gaps in influenza burden and vaccination coverage among adults under 60 with UCs in Germany and bridge these gaps using real-world data. Material and methods We conducted systematic research and analyses using German administrative and claims databases from June 2016 to April 2024. We report on epidemiology, direct care costs, indirect costs from work incapacity, vaccination coverage rates, and describe data gaps. Results Influenza data for high-risk populations are limited. Comprehensive data on influenza epidemiology and vaccination coverage rates (VCR) is available, though with a delay in data availability. Before and after the pandemic, individuals aged 50-59 had the highest rates of influenza-related hospitalization and ICU admission compared to younger age groups. Across all age groups and seasons, individuals with UC experienced higher rates of medically attended influenza cases, hospitalizations, and healthcare costs, with those aged 35–59 being particularly vulnerable. Vaccine coverage was higher in adults aged 35–59 compared to those aged 18–24, and in females compared to males. Limitations Discrepancies of vaccination status, limited data availability, and variations among the extent of UCs. Conclusion In Germany, recent policy measures have mainly targeted those aged 60 and above. While this elderly population experiences the highest disease-related impact, influenza can also lead to substantial healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs in younger populations with chronic UCs; Facilitating vaccination access for this group, such as through pharmacies, is essential. Definition of quantifiable vaccination targets and measures to increase vaccination rates based on these targets are required.

The Burden of Non-Protocolized Patient Transport Outside of Response Area on a Rural EMS System

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES Transport destination decisions by prehospital personnel depend on a combination of protocols, judgement, patient acuity, and patient preference. Non-protocolized transport outside the service area may result in unnecessary time out of service and inappropriate resource utilization. Scant research exists regarding clinician rationale for destination decisions. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed one year of scene transports by a single rural, hospital-based EMS system. We collected dispatch, patient demographic, primary impression, and transport data from prehospital records and matched them to Emergency Department (ED) data. We characterized rationale for transport decisions and compared rates of hospital admission and specialist consultation in the ED as surrogates for decision appropriateness. RESULTS We reviewed 2,223 patient transports, 281 of which were transported out of the service area. The most common reasons for out-of-area transport were patient preference NOT related to prior medical care (40%) and clinician judgement (24%). Admit rates were highest for per protocol (85%) and patient preference related to prior medical care (67%) groups and lowest for no explanation (41%) and clinician judgement (47%) groups. Rates of in person specialist consultation in the ED were highest in per protocol (69%) and clinician judgement (47%) groups and lowest in no explanation (23%) and patient preference NOT related to prior medical care (30%) groups. Clinician judgement was less predictive of admission and specialist consultation for non-trauma and pediatric patients than for all patients. Median time out of service was more than twice as long for out-of-area transports (140 min) compared to patients transported to the nearest facility (62 min). For out-of-area transports discharged from the ED without specialty consultation (n = 104), ambulances travelled an additional 52 miles/patient compared to theoretical transport to nearest facility. CONCLUSIONS Unit out of service time more than doubled for non-protocolized transports outside of the service area and rationale for destination decisions variably predicted admission and specialist consultation rates. Patient preference NOT related to prior medical care and, in pediatric and non-trauma populations, clinician judgement, were less predictive of admission and specialist consultation. Transport guidelines should balance rationale for transport destination and patient characteristics with resource preservation, especially in low-resource systems.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric dog bite injuries

Background/objectiveShortly after the onset of the COVID Pandemic, when many schools and outside activities were suspended, dog adoption rates increased. It is unknown if increased dog adoption rates along with stay-at-home orders resulted in changes to pediatric dog bite injuries. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and characteristics of dog bites in children seen in a pediatric emergency department (PED) during the pandemic compared to before.MethodsA retrospective review of children evaluated in the PED of a level 1 pediatric trauma center and its satellite PED from March 2018 through February 2022 who had a discharge diagnosis of dog bite (ICD-10 W54.0XXA) was conducted. Pre-pandemic cases, March 2018 through February 2020, were compared to those that occurred during the pandemic, March 2020 through February 2022.ResultsThere were 2,222 patients included in the study. Compared to pre-pandemic cases, the incidence for the first 12 months of the pandemic was 1.5 times higher than the pre-pandemic 12-month periods but returned closer to the pre-pandemic rates during the second 12 months of the pandemic. More patients were admitted during the pandemic (6.1% vs. 3.7%, p < 0.05). Facial and multiple injuries occurred more frequently during the pandemic (face 35.9% vs. 33.5%: multiple 18.5% vs. 15.6% p < 0.05).ConclusionsThere was a higher incidence of PED visits, higher admission rates, and an increase in multiple body part and facial injuries in children with dog bite injuries during the COVID pandemic compared to pre-pandemic. Pediatric providers should emphasize safe dog interactions with anticipatory guidance.

Prophylactic dextrose gel use in newborns at risk for hypoglycemia.

To assess the impact of prophylactic dextrose gel on short-term outcomes in infants at risk for hypoglycemia. Retrospective, single-center, observational study of neonates at risk for hypoglycemia -infants of diabetic mothers, large and small for gestational age infants, born between January 2015 and May 2023. Infants were categorized into two groups for analysis. 1. Pre- dextrose gel (01/2015 to 04/2018, n = 788) and 2. Dextrose gel (01/2019 to 05/2023, n = 1495). Infant demographic data and outcome variables were compared between the two groups. 2283 infants were eligible. Prophylactic dextrose gel use was associated with decreased admission rates to NICU secondary to hypoglycemia (2.7% vs. 6.5%), reduced incidence of hypoglycemia (32% vs. 43.3%), and higher exclusive breastmilk use at discharge (47% vs. 37.3%). The use of prophylactic dextrose gel in certain high-risk newborns was associated with improved patient outcomes.

Ability of the SMART-COP score to predict the need for intensive care unit admission and mortality in older patients with non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia: A retrospective observational study.

To evaluate the ability of SMART-COP (systolic blood pressure, multilobar infiltrates, albumin, respiratory rate, tachycardia, confusion, oxygen and pH) score to predict the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality among patients with non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) and to compare ICU-hospitalized patients with those followed-up in the clinic, as well as the patients who survived with those who died in the ICU, in terms of clinical and laboratory parameters. A total of 203 patients (aged > 65 years) who were diagnosed with NV-HAP while staying in the geriatric clinic were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. Patient information was retrieved from hospital files. In a total of 203 patients with NV-HAP, the rate of ICU admission was 77.3% and the rate of mortality was 40.9%. The SMART-COP score was significantly higher in those admitted to the ICU and those died in the ICU (ICU nonsurvivors). The rate of ICU mortality was 52.9%. The SMART-COP score had significantly poor to moderate ability to predict the need for ICU admission (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.583) and both in-hospital mortality (AUC = 0.633) and ICU mortality (AUC = 0.617) with low sensitivity. The regression analysis revealed that a one-unit increase in SMART-COP score resulted in a 1.2-fold increase in both the hospital and ICU mortality (P < 0.05 for both) and 1.1-fold increase in ICU admission (P = 0.154). The SMART-COP score has poor to moderate ability to predict the need for ICU admission, in-hospital mortality and ICU mortality, and a one-unit increase in the SMART-COP score significantly increases the risk of both hospital and ICU mortality. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Enhanced Primary Care for Severe Mental Illness Reduces Inpatient Admission and Emergency Room Utilization Rates.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of premature mortality among patients with severe mental illness (SMI). Effective care delivery models are needed to address this mortality gap. This study examines the impact of an enhanced primary care (PC) program that specializes in the treatment of patients with SMI, called Medicine in Psychiatry Service-Primary Care (MIPS-PC). Using multipayer claims data in Western New York from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021, patients with SMI and CVD were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes. National Provider Identification numbers of MIPS-PC providers were then used to identify those patients who were treated by MIPS-PC during the period. These MIPS-PC-treated patients were compared against a cohort of one-to-one propensity score matched contemporaneous comparison group (ie, patients receiving PC from providers unaffiliated with MIPS-PC). A difference-in-difference approach was used to identify the treatment effects of MIPS-PC on all-cause emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalization rates. The MIPS-PC group was associated with a downtrend in the acute care utilization rates over a 3-year period following the index date (ie, date of first MIPS-PC or other PC provider encounter), specifically a lower hospitalization rate in the first year since the index date (25%; P < 0.001). ED visit rate reduction was significant in the third-year period (18%; P = 0.021). In summary, MIPS-PC treatment is associated with a decreasing trend in acute care utilization. Prospective studies are needed to validate this effect of enhanced PC in patients with SMI and CVD.

Reasons for admission and rehabilitation rates of various wildlife species in Finland.

Wildlife rehabilitation is a common part of animal-protection work. In Finland wildlife care is usually based on volunteer work and no licensing or training is required. Wildlife casualties are also treated professionally in some contexts such as zoos. The species of wildlife casualties may influence treatment decisions. Our anonymous online survey examined wildlife caregiving practices in Finland (n = 78), focusing on the care provided to various animal species and the outcomes of rehabilitation efforts. The survey was sent to both veterinarians and volunteers caring for wildlife, and it was part of a larger survey. Questions were mainly closed, and opinion-related questions were applied on a Likert scale (1-7; where 1 meant strongly disagree and 7 meant strongly agree). Most respondents primarily cared for mammals and birds. Reptiles, amphibians, and fish received less attention. Injuries and overwinter survival, especially in the case of hedgehogs, were the primary reasons for wildlife admissions. The training background of the rehabilitators varied and was related to the animal species being treated. Those caring mainly for hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) were the least likely to have animal-related training or long-term experience in wildlife care. We show a notably high rehabilitation rate of approximately 80% of commonly treated species, significantly surpassing figures from other countries, which raises concerns that animals are admitted or released on too light grounds, leading to animal welfare problems. It is also noteworthy that only one-fifth of respondents said they kept records of animal admissions. Less than 40% of respondents emphasized the need for further education on any specific issue, which may indicate overestimation of personal skills. In conclusion, our study raises concerns regarding the ethics and potential harm associated with wildlife rehabilitation.

Analysis of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections in lower respiratory tract samples at a university hospital: 5 year data

Objectives Patients with reported Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) growth in lower respiratory tract samples were investigated. The results of these patients were assessed by clinicians as either infection or colonization. The data of patients considered to have S. maltophilia infection were compared to those considered to have colonization to explore factors associated with infection. Methods Parameters including as age, length of hospital stay, duration of S. maltophilia growth after hospital admission, sex, unit, department, specimen type, mechanical ventilation treatment status, antimicrobial susceptibility results, comorbidities, survival, and antimicrobials used during the period from hospital admission to S. maltophilia growth were investigated. Additionally, some biochemical parameters that were examined include the day of hospital admission, the day of sample collection when the bacterium was isolated (±1 day), and the day of discharge/died. Results The infection group had a significantly higher rate of admissions to internal medical departments and more cases of discharge/died. The infection group showed a lower amount of aminoglycoside antibiotic usage and significantly higher levels of BUN, creatinine, neutrophils, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio on their day of discharge/died. Conclusion Being admitted to internal medical departments and receiving aminoglycoside treatment were identified to be factors associated with S. maltophilia infection. These patients should be monitored for infection markers such as CRP and neutrophil count, as well as renal function tests. It should be noted that being infected with S. maltophilia is an independent risk factor for mortality. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 04 October’24 Page : 1095-1103

Neonatal presentations in the pediatric emergency department: A decade-long retrospective analysis

BackgroundThe global increase in neonatal visits to Pediatric Emergency Departments (PEDs) underscores the need to better understand the factors driving these visits and their implications. The often vague and nonspecific symptoms of neonates pose significant challenges for clinicians and caregivers in determining the appropriate level of care, impacting the frequency of return visits and overall effectiveness of discharge education. ObjectiveThis study aims to compile the most common chief complaints of neonates in the PED and analyze their association with admission rates and final ED diagnoses to inform educational interventions for caregivers and medical personnel. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of data from medical records from neonatal (≤30 days of life) presentations to the PED at a quaternary care medical center in Portland, Oregon, USA from January 2012 to December 2022. Results3175 patient encounters were identified, of which one-third (38 %) were admitted to the hospital. The most frequent 25 chief complaints are shown in Table 1. Certain complaints had higher admission rates than the average: temperature instability (71 % for “fever” and 89 % for “hypothermia”), breast concerns (68 %), abnormal lab results (63 %), “seizures” (53 %), and cardiac concerns (54 %). Notably, neonates presented on DOL 0 and DOL 1 had elevated admission rates of 77 % and 66 %, respectively. ConclusionThis study identified specific complaints that were most likely to result in hospital admissions and return visits to the ED. This can guide targeted educational interventions for caregivers and ED providers and refinement of triage protocols to ensure that neonates receive the most appropriate and efficient care.

Weekly touch calls with high-risk cohort of patients with commercial Medicare Advantage to reduce avoidable hospital admissions.

282 Background: Patients who have been diagnosed with cancer have an increased risk of complications and potential hospitalization instances. Those in more advanced age groups have an additional risk, especially those of the age group of 65 and higher. Avoidable hospitalizations increase the total cost of care and decrease patient quality of life during treatment. Methods: To reduce potentially avoidable hospital admissions, patients enrolled in a commercial insurance contract were reviewed weekly for a high-risk potential. Criteria for high-risk inclusion included: Any patient &gt;75 years of age receiving treatment; Any patient receiving chemotherapy/radiation combination therapy; Any patient with the following diagnosis: Metastatic lung cancer, Metastatic pancreatic cancer, Multiple myeloma, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer with multiple HCC; Any patient receiving: Cisplatin, Adriamycin, Taxanes, Ifosfimide, Doxorubicin, or Carbo with AUC 4 or greater; Any patient that has had one visit to ER/hospital during the program During the recording period, the high-risk list of patients was reviewed weekly. Before the weekend, each patient identified was contacted by phone by a registered nurse for a weekly “touch call” to address side effects, treatment questions, complications, or concerns. Patients were reminded to contact the practice first when a non-life-threatening concern occurs. Results: The program began on April 1, 2020, with a baseline admission rate of 1.8%. At the conclusion of the program on March 31st, 2023, this cohort of patients had a 53.1% reduction in admission rates from their baseline. Additionally, the reimbursement PPPM was under target yearly, concluding at $65.64, $14.46 below the target amount of $80. The cohort consisted of a range of 36-75 patients per quarter, program total of 185 enrolled patients. Conclusions: Identifying potentially high-risk patients and conducting weekly, personalized calls before the weekend reduced the overall avoidable admission rate. Timely identification and support for high-risk patients reduces the total cost of care and potentially increases patient care quality during treatment. Period Practice Inpatient Admits per 1000 Benchmark Target Target Difference Targeted Reimbursement PPPM Actual Reimbursement PPPM Reimbursement Difference 2020 Q1 1.8% 754 378 $80 2020 Q4 -17.9% 680 233 $80 $75.56 -$4.44 2021 Q4 -31.5% 622 3 $80 $66.66 -$13.34 2022 Q4 -51.3% 602 -235 $80 $65.64 -$14.46

Controlled Substance Use in Plastic Surgery Related Emergency Department Visits: An NEISS Study of Burn, Hand, and Face Injuries

Purpose: Psychoactive substance use is often a complicating factor in injury that requires an emergency room visit. The present study examined data recorded in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database for patients who presented to an Emergency Department (ED) and had psychoactive substance involvement, requiring management by plastic surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the NEISS database, from 2019 to 2021. Data from patients aged 0 to 102 who suffered burns (46, 47, 48, 49, 51, and 73), face injuries (76), hand injuries (34, 82, and 92), and had psychoactive substance use were queried. Data regarding the specific substances involved were collected. Analysis was performed using SAS to compare the incidence of various substances and the differences in admission status with psychoactive substance use. Results: According to the NEISS estimates, in the United States, 597,916 patients visited the ED for burns, 3,671,677 for facial injuries, and 6,230,087 for hand injuries from January 2019 to December 2021. Across this population, psychoactive substance use was noted in 5605 patients with burn (0.9%), 31,198 with facial (0.8%), and 26,174 with hand (0.4%) injuries. Across all 3 injury types, the total rate of admission was 20% in the substance-use population, and 5% in the nonsubstance-use population. Conclusions: For injuries presenting to the ED that require plastic surgery management, patients with documented psychoactive substance use have higher rates of admission. Given these higher rates of admission, it is important for providers to be aware of differences in the incidences of various substances and the potential for withdrawal.

Extrapolating Sentinel Surveillance Information to Estimate National COVID Hospital Admission Rates: A Bayesian Modeling Approach.

The COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET) was established in March 2020 to monitor trends in hospitalizations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-NET is a geographically diverse population-based surveillance system for laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated hospitalizations with a combined catchment area covering approximately 10% of the US population. Data collected in COVID-NET includes monthly counts of hospitalizations for persons with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who reside within the defined catchment area. A Bayesian modeling approach is proposed to estimate US national COVID-associated hospital admission rates based on information reported in the COVID-NET system. A key component of the approach is the ability to estimate uncertainty resulting from extrapolation of hospitalization rates observed within COVID-NET to the US population. In addition, the proposed model enables estimation of other contributors to uncertainty including temporal dependence among reported COVID-NET admission counts, the impact of unmeasured site-specific factors, and the frequency and accuracy of testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on the proposed model, an estimated 6.3 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 5.4-7.3 million) COVID-19-associated hospital admissions occurred in the United States from September 2020 through December 2023. Between April 2020 and December 2023, model-based monthly admission rate estimates ranged from a minimum of 1 per 10,000 population (95% UI 0.7-1.2) in June of 2023 to a highest monthly level of 16 per 10,000 (95% UI 13-19) in January 2022.

Is There an Association Between Emergency Department Overcrowding and Emergency Medical Services Redirection?

BackgroundEmergency Medical Systems (EMS) has developed policies to manage patient flow. In New York City, these practices include both Diversion and Redirection. Currently, gaps in the literature exist regarding the correlation between emergency department (ED) operational metrics and EMS redirection triggers. ObjectivesThis study analyzes the relationship between ED operational metrics and EMS redirection practices. MethodsThis single-center retrospective cohort analysis analyzed EMS patient transports from April 2021 to May 2022. Data on EMS redirection was obtained from FDNY notifications, and ED operational metrics were collected from the hospital's data repository. Metrics included ED length of stay, admission rates, and times from door-to-triage and door-to-room. ResultsDuring the study, 93,783 patient visits were recorded, with 22,734 (24%) transported by EMS. Redirection was activated on 250 days, predominantly on Mondays. A slight association was found between overall ED volume and redirection occurrences (OR 1.02), but no significant correlations were identified with other specific ED operational metrics. ConclusionsOur findings indicate no substantial correlation between these practices and ED operational metrics. These results suggest a need for a paradigm shift toward more objective, data-driven measures to inform EMS redirection, ensuring decisions are grounded in the ED's actual operational capacity.

Neonatal outcomes after intervention for suspected renal colic in pregnancy

ObjectiveTo compare neonatal outcomes following URS, stent, or PCN in pregnant women presenting with suspected renal colic. MethodsWomen undergoing a procedure for suspected renal colic during pregnancy at a large multi-center institution between 2008–2022 were retrospectively reviewed and categorized by initial intervention. Neonatal outcomes were recorded and linked to maternal and obstetric data. Groups were compared by a Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, or Fisher’s Exact test, followed by pairwise post-hoc testing as appropriate (α = 0.05). Multivariate analyses were also conducted. Results95 patients were analyzed, of whom 32 were managed with PCN, 47 with stent, and 16 with URS. Maternal baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except for lower gravidity and parity in the stent group. Rates of premature delivery did not differ, but gestational age at delivery was lower in the PCN group versus the stent and URS groups (p = 0.006 and p = 0.025, respectively). Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission rates were higher in the PCN group versus the stent and URS groups (p = 0.006 and 0.036, respectively). Respiratory distress syndrome significantly differed between groups (p = 0.041). Neonatal birth weight, Apgar scores, and other complications did not significantly differ. ConclusionThis study demonstrated higher rates of NICU admissions and lower gestational age at delivery for neonates born to mothers managed with PCN compared to stent and URS. Larger multi-institutional studies are warranted to further explore these associations.

Management of neonates exposed prenatally to opioids: Impact of a developmental care program implementation

BackgroundTraditional approaches to management of neonates prenatally exposed to opioids are based on the use of pharmacotherapy (PT), adjusted to evolution of infant symptoms. Newer approaches focused on non-pharmacological care (NPC) are emerging, but there is little evidence on the active policies to implement to ensure their widespread practice. The primary objective of the study was to assess whether the implementation of a developmental care program in our neonatal medicine department had an impact on the management of these infants during hospitalization, notably exposure to NPC. MethodObservational study in a tertiary perinatal center. Data collected during hospitalization for infants with in utero opioid exposure included admission in the parents-infant unit (PIU) of the maternity ward, exposure to NPC and PT, occurrence of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS), length of hospital stay (LOS) and feeding type at discharge. The impact of the intervention was measured by comparing three 6-year periods, the first preceding the implementation of a formalized developmental care program (2003–2008); the second following implementation of the program (2009–2014); the third after consolidation of the program (2015–2020). Results258 infants prenatally exposed to opioid were recorded. From the first to the third period, admission rate in the PIU was comparable (68 % to 73 %, p = 0. 95). Exposure to NPC (37 % to 84 %, p < 0.001) increased, whereas exposure to PT (40 % to 15 %, p = 0.002) and LOS (13 [9–18] days to 8 [6–11] days, p = 0.003) decreased. NOWS occurred in 141 (55 %) infants (63 % to 47 %, p = 0.10). In these infants, decrease in PT was also observed (64 % to 34 %, p = 0.02). After adjustment for perinatal confounders, hospitalization in the PIU (OR 3.23 [1.36; 7.66]; p = 0.008), and the 2015–2020 period (OR 5.11 [2.06; 12.64]; p = 0.004) were associated with absence of PT. ConclusionsAn active policy, supporting the training and warranting the practice of NPC, is essential to reduce medication usage and length of hospitalization in infants exposed in utero to opioids.

Ketorolac Dose Ceiling Effect for Pediatric Headache in the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVE This study sought to demonstrate a non-inferiority analgesic ceiling effect previously ­demonstrated within adults for pediatric patients receiving a maximum ketorolac dose of 15 mg. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pediatric ED patients weighing at least 60 kg treated with 30 mg (pre-intervention) or 15 mg (post-intervention) intravenous (IV) ketorolac for headache. The primary outcome included patient-reported pain scores. Additional outcomes included demographic variables, adjunct medication use and adverse effects. Categorical data were evaluated using a χ2 test, and numerical data were evaluated using an ANOVA F test and Welch 2-sample t test. RESULTS The pre- and post-intervention groups included 216 and 62 patients, respectively. Overall demographics were similar between the groups (72.3% female, 49.3% White/Caucasian, mean age 15.5 years, mean weight 79.2 kg, and mean baseline 10-point pain score 7.5). Twelve (5.6%) in the pre-intervention group required rescue analgesic compared with 2 patients (3.2%) in the post-intervention group (p = 0.416). In the pre-intervention group, 198 patients (91.7%) received nausea medication compared with 52 patients (83.9%) in the post-intervention group (p = 0.087). Mean 10-point pain scores following ketorolac administration decreased by 3.9 in the pre-intervention group compared with 5.1 in the post-intervention group (p = &amp;lt; 0.001). Common (0.9%) or rare (0.9%) side effects were infrequent and only seen in the pre-intervention group patients. CONCLUSIONS Truncating the maximum intravenous ketorolac dose in pediatric patients at least 60 kg in weight to 15 mg compared with 30 mg results in effective analgesia in pediatric patients with headache. Future research could explore differences in admission rates, treatment of other indications, or treatment with multiple-dose regimens.

The outcome of coronavirus disease 2019 in hospitalized patients with diabetes mellitus at Assiut University Hospital

Rationale The chronic nature of diabetes renders it a risk factor for lower respiratory tract infections, adversely impacting patient prognosis. Objective This study aimed to investigate the influence of diabetes on the outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Patients and methods This prospective cohort study enrolled 160 patients admitted and diagnosed with COVID-19. Patients were categorized according to glycated hemoglobin level into two groups: diabetic and nondiabetics (80 patients each). The COVID-19 severity index was calculated for all patients. Follow-up of their in-hospital stay and incidence of complications was documented. Results It was found that diabetic patients had a significantly higher percentage of severe COVID-19 cases (83.8 vs. 61.3%) [odds ratio (OR)=1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02–3.48]. The diabetic group had higher rates of ICU admission (OR=2.21, 95% CI=1.06–4.57), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR=3.75, 95% CI=1.321–10.803), and mortality (HR=1.69, 95% CI=1.132-2.514) compared with nondiabetic patients (33.8 vs. 18.8%, 20 vs. 6%, and 41.5 vs. 21.2%, respectively). From the nondiabetic group, 68.4% of prediabetic patients had hyperglycemia requiring insulin treatment during their hospital stay versus 31.6% of normoglycemic patients. Conclusion Diabetes mellitus is associated with more severe manifestations of the disease, increased complications, ICU admissions, ventilatory requirements, and mortality rates compared to nondiabetic individuals. COVID-19 is associated with poor glycemic control.

Prognostic role of persistent angina after percutaneous revascularization in chronic coronary syndrome with altered angiography and stress CMR

Introduction and objectivesIn patients with established chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), the significance of persistent angina is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of persistent angina in symptomatic CCS patients with abnormal stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and altered angiographic findings undergoing percutaneous revascularization. MethodsWe analyzed 334 CCS patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class ≥2, perfusion deficits on stress CMR and severe lesions in angiography who underwent medical therapy optimization plus CMR-guided percutaneous revascularization. We investigated the association of persistent angina at 6 months postintervention with subsequent cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and hospital admission. ResultsAll patients had angina class ≥2 (mean: 2.8±0.7), abnormal stress CMR (mean ischemic burden: 5.8±2.7 segments), and severe angiographic lesions. The angina resolution rates were 81% at 6 months, and 81%, 81%, and 77% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. During a median follow-up of 8.9 years, persistent angina was independently associated with higher rates of subsequent cardiac death (13% vs 4%; HR, 3.7; 95%CI, 1.5-9.2; P=.005), myocardial infarction (24% vs 6%; HR, 4.9; 95%CI, 2.4–9.9; P<.001), and hospital admission for heart failure (27% vs 13%; HR, 2.7; 95%CI, 1.5–5.2; P=.001). ConclusionsIn CCS patients with robust diagnostic evidence from symptoms, stress CMR, and angiography, persistent angina after percutaneous revascularization is a strong predictor of subsequent cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and hospital admission for heart failure.

Associations Between Physical Activity, Systemic Inflammation, and Hospital Admissions in Adults With Heart Failure

Purpose: Among individuals with diagnosed heart failure (HF), the impact of physical activity on systemic inflammation and risk of hospital admissions remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the associations between physical activity and (1) systemic inflammation measured through C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and (2) frequency of hospital admissions in those with HF. Methods: We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Survey in this observational cross-sectional study to include 377 community-dwelling adults with HF. Demographic, clinical, and functional variables were extracted from the data and included in the regression models as covariates during analysis. Associations between activity and hospital admissions were examined using Poisson regression. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used for association between CRP and physical activity. Results: We found a direct linear relationship between CRP levels and hospital admissions, with higher levels of CRP significantly associated with greater number of hospital admissions in HF (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.18, P &lt; .001). Similarly, participating in vigorous activity was significantly associated with decreased expected rate of hospital admissions (IRR = 0.38, P = .013 (C.I. = 0.18–0.80) and with a significant decrease in the CRP levels (B = −0.44, P = .018 (C.I. = −0.80 to −0.83). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using population-level data to examine the association between physical activity level, systemic inflammation, and hospitalizations in individuals with HF. The findings of this study demonstrate that irrespective of sex, engagement in physical activity at higher intensity levels is strongly associated with favorable health outcomes in older adults with HF.

Effect of continuity of team midwifery care on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a quasi-experimental study in Iran

Midwife-led continuity of care models have been linked to better clinical outcomes in certain developed countries. However, there is a paucity of research on these models in developing nations. This quasi-experimental study was conducted on primiparous women who referred to one private midwifery center and two public hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran to evaluate the effect of team midwifery care on maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women in Iran. Two hundred women were allocated either into the experimental (n = 100) or control (n = 100) groups. Women in the experimental group, received team midwifery care, while women in the control group, received routine care. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Mackey questionnaire, and a checklist. Women in the team midwifery care group experienced significantly higher rates of normal vaginal birth and exclusive breastfeeding compared to women in the control group. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the rate of induction of labor and postpartum hemorrhage. The duration of labor was longer in the team midwifery care compared to the control group. Women in the team midwifery care group had a significantly higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum compared to the control group (80 vs. 61%, p = 0.001). After excluding women with ruptured membranes and prolonged pregnancies, neonates in the intervention group had significantly higher first- and fifth-minute Apgar scores (p < 0.0001), and a lower rate of admission to intensive care unit in the intervention group compared to the control group (1 vs. 9%, p = 0.04). Also, women in the team midwifery group had skin-to-skin contact significantly earlier than those in the control group (33.87 ± 66.26 min vs. 111.98 ± 247.31 min, p = 0.578). Given the positive impact of continuous team midwifery care on maternal and neonatal outcomes, its implementation in maternity care systems, particularly in countries like Iran with high cesarean section rates, is strongly recommended.