Comorbidity Profile Of Patients Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Utilization in People with Diabetes: A Time-Segmented Longitudinal Study of Alberta's Tomorrow Project.

The objective is to characterize the impact of COVID-19 on major healthcare for diabetes, including hospitalization, emergency department (ED) visits and primary care visits in Alberta, Canada. Participants from Alberta's Tomorrow Project (ATP) with pre-existing diabetes prior to 1 April 2018 were included and followed up to 31 March 2021. A time-segmented regression model was used to characterize the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare utilization after adjusting for seasonality, socio-demographic factors, lifestyle behaviors and comorbidity profile of patients. Among 6099 participants (53.5% females, age at diagnosis 56.1 ± 9.9 y), the overall rate of hospitalization, ED visits and primary care visits was 151.5, 525.9 and 8826.9 per 1000 person-year during the COVID-19 pandemic (up to 31 March 2021), which means they reduced by 12% and 22% and increased by 6%, compared to pre-pandemic rates, respectively. Specifically, the first COVID-19 state of emergency (first wave of the outbreak) was associated with reduced rates of hospitalization, ED visits and primary care visits, by 79.4% (95% CI: 61.3-89.0%), 93.2% (95% CI: 74.6-98.2%) and 65.7% (95% CI: 47.3-77.7%), respectively. During the second state of emergency, healthcare utilization continued to decrease; however, a rebound (increase) of ED visits was observed during the period when the public health state of emergency was relaxed. The declared COVID-19 states of emergency had a negative impact on healthcare utilization for people with diabetes, especially for hospital and ED services, which suggests the importance of enhancing the capacity of these two healthcare sectors during future COVID-19-like public health emergencies.

Surgical management of spinal pathologies in the octogenarian: a narrative review.

Optimal management paradigms of spinal pathologies in the octogenarian population are controversial given the higher incidence of comorbidities with concern for poor prognosis and fear of increased complications associated with surgical management. In this narrative review, we aim to detail the complex clinical considerations when approaching odontoid screw fixation/instrumented fusion, spinal decompression, and spinal fusion in the octogenarian. Literature review was conducted via Google Scholar and PubMed databases, with literature selected based on statistical power and clinical relevance to the following pathologies/surgical techniques: odontoid fracture, surgical decompression, and surgical fusion in the octogenarian. The aforementioned pathologies were selected based on prevalence in the advanced-age population in which surgical screening techniques and management remain nonuniform. Preoperative evaluation of the octogenarian patient increasingly includes frailty, sarcopenia, and osteopenia/osteoporosis assessments. In cases of odontoid fracture, conservative management appears to provide beneficial clinical outcomes with lower rates of complication compared to surgery; however, rates of radiographic odontoid fusion are far lower in conservatively managed patients. Regarding surgical decompression and fusion, the presence of comorbidities may be more predictive of outcome rather than age status, with the advent of minimally invasive techniques providing safety and efficacy in the surgical management of this age cohort. Age status may be less pertinent than previously thought in the decision to pursue spinal surgery for odontoid fracture, spinal decompression, or spinal fusion; however, each of these procedures has respective risks and benefits that must be considered within the context of each patient's comorbidity profile.

How Variable are Patient Comorbidity Profiles Among Practicing Otolaryngologists?

To determine whether certain groups of otolaryngologists (ORLs) are treating cohorts of patients with more comorbidities. Cross-sectional population-based analysis. 2019 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Dataset. Each ORL's average Medicare hierarchical condition category (HCC) risk score, a comorbidity index calculated from a patient's comorbidities, was collected. These were stratified and compared by various physician characteristics, including practice region and rurality, years in practice, gender, subspecialty, and setting (academic vscommunity). Among 8959 ORLs, the mean HCC risk score for Medicare patients was 1.35 ± 0.35. On univariate analysis, ORLs practicing in urban (compared to rural), ORLs in academic settings (compared to community), and early career ORLs all had a patient population with a higher HCC risk score (P < .001 for all). On multivariate analysis controlling for gender, rurality, graduation year, and region, rural setting was associated with decreased odds of having a high-risk patient population (odds ratio: 0.58 [95% confidence interval,CI: 0.48-0.71]; P < .001), while those more recently graduated has an increased risk (2000-2009: 1.41 [1.01-1.96], P = .046; 2010-2015: 2.30 [1.63-3.25], P < .001). In a separate subgroup analysis, subspecialty differences were seen and community setting was associated with decreased odds of having a high-risk patient population (0.36 [0.23-0.55]; P < .001). There is variability in patient comorbidity profiles among ORLs, with those in urban settings, those more recently graduated, and those in academic settings treating a group with more comorbidities. As the comorbidity burden may increase the cost of practice and complications, these findings may have important implications for health inequity.

Risk Versus Reward: Hospitals Incentivized More Than Surgeons to Care for Riskier Arthroplasty Patients

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between risk and reimbursement for both surgeons and hospitals among Medicare patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). MethodsThe “2021 Medicare Physician and Other Provider” and “2021 Medicare Inpatient Hospitals” files were used. Patient comorbidity profiles were collected, including the mean patient hierarchal condition category (HCC) risk score. Surgeon data included all primary TJA procedures (inpatient and outpatient) billed to Medicare in 2021, while hospital data included all such inpatient episodes. Surgeon and hospital reimbursements were collected. All episodes were split into a “sicker cohort” with an HCC risk score of 1.5 or more and a “healthier cohort” with HCC risk scores less than 1.5. Variables were compared across cohorts. ResultsIn 2021, 386,355 primary total hip and knee arthroplasty procedures were billed to Medicare and were included. The mean surgeon reimbursement among the sicker cohort was $1,021.91, which was less than for the healthier cohort of $1,060.13 (P < .001). Meanwhile, for the hospital analysis, 112,012 Medicare TJA patients were admitted as inpatients and included. The mean reimbursement to hospitals was significantly greater for the sicker cohort at $13,950.66, compared to the healthier cohort of $8,430.46. For both analyses, the sicker patient cohorts had a significantly higher rate of all comorbidities assessed (P < .001). ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that mean surgeon reimbursement was lower for primary TJA among sicker patients in comparison to their healthier counterparts, while hospital reimbursement was higher for sicker patients. This represents a discrepancy in the incentivization of care for complex patients, as hospitals receive increased remuneration for taking on extra risk, while surgeons get paid less on average for performing TJA on sicker patients. Such data should inform future policy to assure continued access to arthroplasty care among complex patients.

Geographical Differences in Surgeon Reimbursement, Volume, and Patient Characteristics in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in regional and national variations in reimbursement to arthroplasty surgeons, procedural volumes, and patient populations for total hip arthroplasty (THA) from 2013 to 2021. MethodsThe Medicare Physician and Other Practitioners database was queried for all billing episodes of primary THA for each year between 2013 and 2021. Inflation-adjusted surgeon reimbursement, procedural volume, physician address, and patient characteristics were extracted for each year. Data were stratified geographically based on the United States Census regions and rural–urban commuting codes. Kruskal–Wallis and multivariable regressions were utilized. ResultsBetween 2013 and 2021, the overall THA volume and THAs per surgeon increased at the highest rate in the West (+48.2%, +20.2%). A decline in surgeon reimbursement was seen in all regions, most notably in the Midwest (−20.3%). Between 2013 and 2021, the average number of Medicare beneficiaries per surgeon declined by 12.6%, while the average number of services performed per beneficiary increased by 18.2%. In 2021, average surgeon reimbursement was the highest in the Northeast ($1,081.15) and the lowest in the Midwest ($988.03) (P < .001). Metropolitan and rural areas had greater reimbursement than micropolitan and small towns (P < .001). Patient age, race, sex, Medicaid eligibility, and comorbidity profiles differ between regions. Increased patient comorbidities, when controlling for patient characteristics, were associated with lower reimbursement in the Northeast and West (P < .01). ConclusionsTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) volume and reimbursement differ between US regions, with the Midwest exhibiting the lowest increase in volume and greatest decline in reimbursement throughout the study period. Alternatively, the West had the greatest increase in THAs per surgeon. Patient comorbidity profiles differ between regions, and increased patient comorbidity is associated with decreased reimbursement in the Northeast and the West. This information is important for surgeons and policymakers as payment models regarding reimbursement for arthroplasty continue to evolve.

The Impact of Medical Comorbidities on Cough Improvement Following Superior Laryngeal Block.

Chronic refractory cough is defined as cough lasting greater than 8 weeks and with an unclear etiology. Blockade of the internal branch superior laryngeal nerve (iSLN) has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of chronic cough. It remains unknown, however, if underlying comorbidities impact patient response to iSLN blockade. A total of 44 patients aged 18 years and older were seen at our institution's Laryngology clinics between 2019 and 2022 and treated with iSLN blockade. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and pre- and post-treatment cough severity index (CSI) scores were collected from electronic medical records. Two-tailed independent T tests were used to compare CSI scores between groups with and without 4 underlying comorbidities: GERD, pulmonary history, smoking history, and evidence of vocal fold paresis or asymmetry on stroboscopy. Patients with a history of GERD or smoking and those with evidence of glottic insufficiency had similar improvements in CSI compared to those who did not (22.5 ± 26.4 vs 45.0 ± 47.1, P = .36; 32.7 ± 27.8 vs 29.0 ± 38, P = .85; 41.3 ± 18.8 vs 27.2 ± 37.7, P = .195). Patients with underlying pulmonary conditions had a significantly reduced response to iSLN blockade than did patients without underlying disease (9.85 ± 15.0 vs 47.4 ± 38.1, P = .028). Underlying lung pathology may contribute to decreased iSLN blockade efficacy in the treatment of chronic refractory cough from laryngeal hypersensitivity and its treatment is likely necessary for optimal symptom reduction. Characterizing patient comorbidity profiles can help guide patient counseling on expected treatment efficacy.

Age is just a number: The role of advanced age in predicting complications following ventral hernia repair with component separation

BackgroundWhile advanced age is often considered a risk factor for complications following abdominal surgery, its impact on outcomes after complex open ventral hernia repair (VHR) with component separation technique (CST) remains unclear. MethodsA single-center retrospective review of patients who VHR with CST from November 2008 to January 2022 was performed and cohorts were stratified by presence of advanced age (≥60 years). ResultsOf 219 patients who underwent VHR with CST, 114 patients (52.1 ​%) were aged ≥60 years. Multivariate analysis demonstrated BMI to be an independent predictor for any complication (OR 1.1, p ​= ​0.002) and COPD was positively associated with seroma development (OR 20.1, p ​= ​0.012). Advanced age did not independently predict postoperative outcomes, including hernia recurrence (OR 0.8, p ​= ​0.766). ConclusionsVHR with CST is generally safe to perform in patients of advanced age. Every patient's comorbidity profile should be thoroughly assessed preoperatively for risk stratification regardless of age.

Predictors influencing dental clinic utilization in primary health care: A retrospective analysis of 233,069 patient records in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

AimThis study aims to identify and address the predictors that promote or prevent the utilization of dental services in primary health care (PHC) centers located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with an ultimate goal to increase the uptake of oral health care (OHC) services. MethodologyRegistration data from 99 PHC centers was used. For each patient visiting a PHC center, information on the number of dental visits was captured. Continuous data was summarized as means, medians, and ranges, and categorical data as frequencies (%). The strength of association was reported as an incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p-value. Further analysis was conducted to illustrate the association between dental care visits and factors found independently significant in the final multivariate model using Karl Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test. All tests were two-sided and a p-value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. ResultsThe comorbidity profile of patients shows that 11,751(5%) were diabetic, while hypertension amounted to 10,712(4.6%). A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between dental care visits and both age (r = −0.025, p < 0.001) and BMI (r = −0.013, p < 0.001). Mean dental care visits were significantly higher in patients without hypertension compared with those with hypertension (p < 0.001). Moreover, there was an approximate 4% increase in dental care visits among females compared to males, although this difference was not statistically significant. ConclusionThe study identified three predictors contributing to the low utilization of dental services in PHC centers in Riyadh. These include an inverse association between both age and body mass index (BMI) and the utilization of OHC. Additionally, the mean dental care visits were significantly higher for patients without hypertension in comparison to hypertensive patients.

Robotic-assisted TKA is Not Associated With Decreased Odds of Early Revision: An Analysis of the American Joint Replacement Registry.

Robotic-assisted TKA continues to see wider clinical use, despite limited knowledge of its impact on patient satisfaction and implant survival. Most studies to date have presented small cohorts and came from single-surgeon or single-center experiences. Therefore, a population-level comparison of revision rates between robotic-assisted and conventional TKA in the registry setting may help arthroplasty surgeons better define whether robotic assistance provides a meaningful advantage compared with the conventional technique. (1) After controlling for confounding variables, such as surgeon, location of surgery, and patient comorbidity profile, were robotic-assisted TKAs less likely than conventional TKAs to result in revision for any reason at 2 years? (2) After again controlling for confounding variables, were robotic-assisted TKAs less likely to result in any specific reasons for revision than the conventional technique at 2 years? The American Joint Replacement Registry was used to identify patients 65 years or older who underwent TKA between January 2017 and March 2020 with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Patients were limited to age 65 yeas or older to link TKAs to Medicare claims data. Two retrospective cohorts were created: robotic-assisted TKA and conventional TKA. Patient demographic variables included in the analysis were age, gender, BMI, and race. Additional characteristics included the Charlson comorbidity index, anesthesia type, year of the index procedure, and length of stay. A total of 10% (14,216 of 142,550) of TKAs performed during this study period used robotics. Patients with robotic-assisted TKA and those with conventional TKA were similar regarding age (73 ± 6 years versus 73 ± 6 years; p = 0.31) and gender (62% [8736 of 14,126] versus 62% [79,399 of 128,334] women; p = 0.34). A multivariable, mixed-effects logistic regression model was created to analyze the odds of all-cause revision as a factor of robot use, and a logistic regression model was created to investigate specific revision diagnoses. After controlling for potentially confounding variables, such as surgeon, location of surgery, and Charlson comorbidity index, we found no difference between the robotic-assisted and conventional TKAs in terms of the odds of revision at 2 years (OR of robotic-assisted versus conventional TKA 1.0 [95% CI 0.8 to 1.3]; p = 0.92). The reasons for revision of robotic-assisted TKA did not differ from those of conventional TKA, except for an increased odds of instability (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.0 to 2.4]; p = 0.04) and pain (OR 2.1 [95% CI 1.4 to 3.0]; p < 0.001) in the robotic-assisted cohort. In light of these findings, surgeons should not assume that robotic assistance in TKA will lead to improved early implant survival. Our findings do not support an improvement over conventional TKA with robotic assistance with regards to common causes of early revisions such malalignment, malposition, stiffness, pain, and instability, and in some cases, suggest there is a benefit to conventional TKA. Differences in the mid-term and long-term revision risk with conventional versus robotic-assisted TKA remain unknown. Appropriate informed consent around the use of robotic assistance should not imply decreased early revision risk. Level III, therapeutic study.

Interfacility Transfer Patients With Pelvic, Acetabular, and Lower Extremity Fractures Are at Higher Risk for Major Complications and Readmissions.

To compare the adverse event profile and patient comorbidity profile of lower extremity orthopaedic trauma patients admitted via interfacility transfer (IT) to direct admission (DA) patients from home. A total of 39,497 patients from 2012 to 2019 were identified in the American College of Surgeon National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. DA patients were compared with IT patients for differences in preoperative comorbidities, adverse events, length of stay, and readmissions in the 30-day postoperative period. Student t tests were used to assess continuous variables. Pearson χ 2 test and odds ratios (ORs) were used for categorical variables. The IT group comprised 7167 patients, and the DA group comprised 32,330 patients. IT patients were on average older (65.5 vs. 58.8 years, P < 0.01), more likely to be American Society of Anesthesiologists Status >2 ( P < 0.01), and had a worse comorbidity profile for numerous preoperative risk factors. IT patients had significantly higher rates of mortality [3.3% vs. 1.4%; odds ratio (OR) 2.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.96-2.77], major complications (10.2% vs. 6.1%; OR 1.74; 95% CI, 1.60-1.91), significantly higher readmission rates (5.8% vs. 4.8%, P < 0.01, OR 1.22 95% CI, 1.09-1.36), and more infectious complications (7% vs. 4.7%; OR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.38-1.71) than DA patients. Transfer remained a significant factor predicting major adverse events in regression analysis controlling for patient characteristics and fracture type ( P < 0.01; B 1.197; 95% CI, 1.09-1.32). This study revealed that IT patients undergoing operative management of pelvic, acetabular, and lower extremity fractures are at a significantly increased risk of major complications, readmission, and have a higher morbidity burden than DA patients. As healthcare transitions to value-based care and bundled payments, hospitals that accept a high volume of ITs will face exposure to added risk and financial penalties without adequate policy protections. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Temporal trends and patterns in atrial fibrillation incidence: a population-based study of 3.4 million individuals

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia worldwide; confers an increased risk of adverse outcomes and once diagnosed most patients will require lifelong-treatment. Population-based studies of AF incidence are needed to inform health-service planning. However, few reports refer to a standard population and estimates of incidence in high income countries vary by over 12-fold. Purpose We aimed to assess trends in the crude and standardised atrial fibrillation incidence by sex, age, socioeconomic status and region in a large general population cohort from England. We also investigated the comorbidity profile of patients over almost two decades. Methods We used linked primary and secondary electronic health records of 3.4 million individuals from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). The CPRD database contains anonymised patient data from approximately 7% of the UK population and is broadly representative in terms of age, sex, and ethnicity. Eligible patients aged 16 years and older contributed data between Jan 1 1998 and Dec 31 2017. We defined incident AF diagnosis as the first record of AF in primary care or hospital admission records from any diagnostic position. For incidence calculations, we excluded all individuals who had a diagnosis of AF before the study start date, or within the first 12 months of registration with their general practice. For patients with incident AF, we extracted baseline characteristics, comorbidities, socioeconomic status and geographic region. We calculated standardised rates by applying direct age and sex standardisation to the 2013 European Standard Population. We inferred crude rates by applying year-specific, age-specific and sex-specific incidence to UK census mid-year population estimates. Results From 1998 to 2017 AF incidence (standardised by age and sex) increased by 30% (from 247 to 322 per 100,000 person-years; adjusted incidence ratio [IRR] 1.30, 95% CI 1.27–1.33) (Figure 1). Absolute number of incident AF increased by 72% (from 117,880 in 1998 to 202,333 in 2017), due to an increasing number of older people. Comorbidity burden at diagnosis of AF increased (2.58 [SD 1.83] vs 3.74 [2.29] conditions; adjusted difference 1.26, 95% CI 1.14–1.39). Age-standardised incidence was higher in men than women (IRR 1.49; 95% CI 1.46–1.52), and men were younger at diagnosis (adjusted difference 5.53 years; 95% CI 5.36–5.69). Socioeconomically deprived individuals had more comorbidities and were more likely to develop AF than the most affluent individuals (IRR 1.20; 95% CI 1.15–1.24). Over time, the age of AF diagnosis declined disproportionately in the most deprived individuals (Figure 2). Conclusion In England AF incidence has increased, and the socioeconomic gradient in age at diagnosis and comorbidity burden widened. This changing burden of AF requires policy-based interventions to prevent associated morbidity and mortality. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): British Heart Foundation, National Institute of Health Research

The profile of comorbid conditions and the structure of mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the Stavropol Territory: preliminary results

Objective: to study the comorbid background and mortality structure of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the Stavropol region in a cohort of patients of the Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital (SRCH) within the period 2015–2021. Materials and methods: There was carried out systematic review of the literature. There was carried out the analysis of the protocols of autopsies in the pathoanatomical department of the SRCH within 2015-2021. There were studied the comorbidity component and lethal outcomes of patients with RA in the pathoanatomical diagnosis. Results: the structure of the comorbid pathology of RA patients in the SRCH cohort included coronary heart disease (CHD), autoimmune thyroiditis (AT), respiratory diseases (RD), hypertension (HT), “Blastomatosis”, diabetes mellitus (DM), COVID-19 infection. The comorbidity profile of patients with RA in decreasing order of the incidence of the pathological condition was as follows: CHD (35.29%) &gt; RD (29.41%) &gt; (“Blastomatosis”, СOVID-19 by 11.75%) &gt; (AT, HT, DM by 5.88%). The structure of the conditions that led to the death of patients with RA included: acute myocardial infarction (40.0%), hemorrhagic stroke (6.67%), breast cancer (13.33%), thyroid cancer (6.67%), viral pneumonia (20.0%), sepsis (13.33%). Conclusions: the data obtained provide information that can be used by rheumatologists to optimize the strategy for managing RA and the risk of comorbid conditions.

Medicare Utilization and Reimbursement Variation Between Rural and Urban Otolaryngologists.

To compare billing practices, reimbursement rates, and patient populations of otolaryngology (ORL) physicians practicing in rural and urban settings. Retrospective cross-sectional study. Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data: Physician and Other Supplier Data. Medicare-allowed payments, number of services, and number of patients were gathered along with patient population comorbidity statistics, including average hierarchical condition category risk scores. In 2019, 92% of the overall total 8959 ORL physicians practiced in an urban setting. These 8243 urban ORL physicians, on average, billed for 51 (interquartile range [IQR], 31-67) unique Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes, cared for 393 (IQR, 172-535) Medicare patients, performed 1761 (IQR, 502-2070) services, and collected $139,957 (IQR, $55,527-$178,479) per provider. In contrast, the 704 rural ORL physicians, on average, billed for a greater number of unique HCPCS codes (59; IQR, 37-77; P < .001), treated more Medicare patients (445; IQR, 242-614; P < .001), and performed more services (2330; IQR, 694-2748; P < .001) but collected about the same per provider ($141,035; IQR, $56,555-$172,864; P = .426). Older age was associated with rural practice (P = .027). Among both urban and rural ORL physicians, the variety and complexity of procedures and patient comorbidity profiles were comparable. Most ORL physicians practice in large urban settings, a finding potentially related to financial sustainability and career opportunity. With an already small workforce, the aging rural ORL physician population is an identifiable weak point in the otolaryngology specialty that must be addressed with geo-specific recruitment campaigns, rural work incentivization, and the development of career advancement opportunities in rural areas.

Comorbidity profiles of patients experiencing homelessness: A latent class analysis.

Individuals experiencing homelessness are known to have increased rates of healthcare utilization when compared to the average patient population, often attributed to their complex health care needs and under or untreated comorbid conditions. With increasing focus on hospital readmissions among acute care settings, a better understanding of these comorbidity patterns and their impacts on acute care utilization could help improve quality of care. This study aims to identify distinct comorbidity profiles of homeless patients, and to explore the correlates of the identified comorbidity profiles and their impact on hospital readmission. This is a retrospective analysis using electronic health records (EHR) of patients experiencing homelessness encountered in the hospitals of ChristianaCare from 2015 to 2019 (N = 3445). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify the comorbidity profiles of homeless patients. The mean age of the study population was 44-year, and the majority were male (63%). The most prevalent comorbid conditions were tobacco use (77%), followed by depression (58%), drug use disorder (56%), anxiety disorder (50%), hypertension (44%), and alcohol use disorder (43%). The LCA model identified 4 comorbidity classes—“relatively healthy” class with 31% of the patients, “medically-comorbid with SUD” class with 15% of the patients, “substance use disorder (SUD)” class with 39%, and “Medically comorbid” class with 15% of the patients. The Kaplan-Meir curves of probability of readmission against time from the index visits were significantly different for the four classes (p<0.001). The multivariable Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and insurance type showed that the hazard for readmission among patients in medically comorbid with SUD class is 3.16 (CI: 2.72, 3.67) times higher than the patients in the relatively healthy class.

IDF21-0404 Variations in comorbidity burden in patients with type 2 diabetes and impacts on healthcare resource usage and costs

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is increasing, and cause of death and complications in this patient group are now much broader than the established macro and micro vascular complications. However, the extent and breadth of morbidity and how this varies across sub-groups is unclear. Aim: We aimed to estimate comorbidity profiles in patients with T2DM, variations across sub-groups and over the course of the disease, and associated healthcare resource use (HCRU) and health system costs. Method: We identified approximately 224,000 patients with T2DM in the Discover-NOW dataset, a real-world primary care database from 2000-2020 covering 2.5 million people across North West London, England, linked to hospital records. We generated a mixed prevalence and incidence study population through repeated annual cross sections, and included a broad set of 35 comorbidities covering traditional T2DM complications, emerging conditions and other common comorbidities. HCRU and costs across primary and secondary care included inpatient admissions, outpatient appointments and Emergency Department attendances. We estimated annual age-standardised prevalence of comorbidities, HCRU and costs over the course of the disease in patients with T2DM and several sub-groups, including by age, gender, and those with specific comorbidities at baseline. Results: Multimorbidity (two or more chronic conditions) is common in patients with T2DM and increasing, but the comorbidity profiles of patients with T2DM vary substantially. Nearly 30% of T2DM patients had three or more comorbidities at diagnosis, increasing to 60% of patients ten years later. Two of the five commonest comorbidities at diagnosis were expected (hypertension (37%) and ischaemic heart disease (10%)) the other three were not (depression (25%), back pain (15%) and osteoarthritis (11%)). The prevalence of each increased during the course of the disease, with more than one in three patients having back pain and one in four having depression ten years post diagnosis. Patients with five or more comorbidities at diagnosis had higher prevalence of each of the 35 comorbidities. Hypertension (73%) was the commonest comorbidity at diagnosis in this group; followed by back pain (69%), depression (67%), asthma (45%) and osteoarthritis (36%). Patients with obesity at diagnosis had substantially different comorbidity profiles to those without, and the five commonest comorbidities were 50% more common in this group. Between 2015 and 2019, the number of HCRU appointments per T2DM patient increased from 14.6 to 16.7. Annual costs increased from £1,300 to £2,100 over the same period. Inpatient admissions comprised 63% of total costs, the number of outpatient appointments increased over the study period, and other HCRU types remained stable. HCRU and costs were approximately 15-20% higher in women compared to men and over twice as high in adults >75 years (£2,900) compared to adults <55 years (£1,100). The largest differences were between patients with five or more comorbidities at diagnosis (29 HCRU events per year, £4,400) compared to those with two comorbidities or fewer (12 HCRU events, £700.) Discussion: Preventative and clinical measures alongside care pathways for patients with T2DM should transition to reflect the diverse set of causes driving persistent morbidity. This would benefit both patients and reduce increasing healthcare costs alike.

The Relationship Between Frailty, Comorbidity and COVID-19 Mortality in Older COVID-19 Patients: Analysis of an Administrative Dataset Using Machine Learning Techniques

Introduction: Older adults have disproportionally poor outcomes following hospitalisation with COVID-19, but within this group there is substantial variation. Although frailty and comorbidity are key determinants of mortality, it is less clear which specific manifestations of frailty and comorbidity are associated with the poorest outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the key comorbidities and functional manifestations of frailty that were associated with in-hospital mortality in older patients with COVID-19.Methods: This was a retrospective study that used the Hospital Episode Statistics administrative dataset from 1st March 2020 to 28th February 2021 for hospital patients in England aged 65 years and over. Frailty was assessed using the Dr Foster Global Frailty Scale (GFS) and comorbidity using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Exploratory analysis techniques were used to determine mortality according to the demographic, frailty and comorbidity profile of patients. Features were selected, pre-processed and inputted into a random forest classification algorithm to predict in-hospital mortality.Results: In total 215,831 patients were included. The frailty and comorbidity measures significantly improved the model’s ability to predict mortality in patients. The most important frailty items in the GFS were dementia/delirium, falls/fractures and pressure ulcers/weight loss. The most-important comorbidity items in the CCI were diabetes (without complications), pulmonary disease, heart failure and renal failure. The best-performing model had a predictive accuracy of 70% as well as an area under the curve of 0.78.Discussion: Frailty and comorbidity are associated with poorer COVID-19 outcomes in older adults, even after adjusting for chronological age. The physical manifestation of frailty and comorbidity particularly a history of cognitive impairment and falls, may be useful in identification of patients who may need additional support during their hospital stay.Funding: None to declare.Declaration of Interest: None to declare.

Trends in rotator cuff repair rates and comorbidity burden among commercially insured patients younger than the age of 65 years, United States 2007-2016

Background:Prior US studies have shown increasing rotator cuff repair rates through 2009. We hypothesize that rotator cuff repair rates are continuing to increase and the comorbidity profiles of patients are becoming more complex over time.Methods:We identified rotator cuff repairs in a large US cohort of people 18–64 years of age with ≥1 year of commercial insurance coverage. Repair rate trends across time were standardized by age, sex, and geographic region. Procedures were categorized as inpatient vs. outpatient and as arthroscopic vs. open. Prevalent comorbidities were defined as 1 inpatient diagnosis claim or 2 outpatient diagnosis claims during the year before rotator cuff repair. General population comorbidity prevalence was determined based on a random 5% sample of the commercially insured population and compared with patients with rotator cuff repair using standardized morbidity ratios.Results:From 2007 to 2016, 314,239 rotator cuff repairs were identified (165 repairs per 100,000 person-years). Rotator cuff repairs were performed more frequently in men, older people, and in the Midwest. Across time, cuff repair rates increased by 1.6% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] = +1.4%−1.7%) adjusting for demographics. The highest increases in repair rates were observed among patients aged 50–64 years (+2.0%, 95% CI = +1.8%−2.2%). Rotator cuff repairs were more frequently performed using an arthroscopic approach and in an outpatient setting in later calendar years. In 2016, 83% of rotator cuff repairs were arthroscopic procedures and 99% were performed as outpatient procedures. Comorbidity prevalence in rotator cuff repair patients increased across calendar time by 4.5% per year for hypertension (95% CI = +4.2%−4.7%), 2.3% per year for diabetes (+1.9%−2.7%), 0.9% per year for hypercholesterolemia (+0.3%−1.5%), 2.9% for congestive heart failure (+0.8%−4.9%), 4.2% for peripheral vascular disease (+2.4%−6.0%), and 4.2% for chronic pulmonary disease (+3.6%−4.8%). Comorbidity prevalence in repair patients was higher than prevalence in the general population, and prevalence relative to the general population was most heightened during later calendar years. For example, hypertension prevalence was 1.58 times higher in repair patients than the general population in 2007 (95% CI = 1.53–1.62), and 2.06 times higher in 2016 (95% CI = 2.02–2.11).Conclusion:Rotator cuff repair is becoming more frequent in the US commercially insured population, particularly in those 50–64 years of age. More rotator cuff repairs are being performed using an arthroscopic approach and in an outpatient setting. Over time, the comorbidity profile of patients undergoing rotator cuff repair is becoming more complex with greater prevalence of numerous conditions, including hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic pulmonary disease.

Motor signs in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: Detection through natural language processing, co-morbid features and relationship to adverse outcomes.

Motor signs in patients with dementia are associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline, institutionalisation, death and increased health care costs, but prevalences differ between studies. The aims of this study were to employ a natural language processing pipeline to detect motor signs in a patient cohort in routine care; to explore which other difficulties occur co-morbid to motor signs; and whether these, as a group and individually, predict adverse outcomes. A cohort of 11,106 patients with dementia in Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia or a combination was assembled from a large dementia care health records database in Southeast London. A natural language processing algorithm was devised in order to establish the presence of motor signs (bradykinesia, Parkinsonian gait, rigidity, tremor) recorded around the time of dementia diagnosis. We examined the co-morbidity profile of patients with these symptoms and used Cox regression models to analyse associations with survival and hospitalisation, adjusting for twenty-four potential confounders. Less than 10% of patients were recorded to display any motor sign, and tremor was most frequently detected. Presence of motor signs was associated with younger age at diagnosis, neuropsychiatric symptoms, poor physical health and higher prescribing of psychotropics. Rigidity was independently associated with a 23% increased mortality risk after adjustment for confounders (p=0.014). A non-significant trend for a 15% higher risk of hospitalisation was detected in those with a recorded Parkinsonian gait (p=0.094). With the exception of tremor, motor signs appear to be under-recorded in routine care. They are part of a complex clinical picture and often accompanied by neuropsychiatric and functional difficulties, and thereby associated with adverse outcomes. This underlines the need to establish structured examinations in routine clinical practice via easy-to-use tools.

Profile and Trends in Comorbidity for Patients Undergoing Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Using the Rx-Risk Measure with Pharmaceutical Dispensing Records

IntroductionPatient comobidity at time of primary joint replacement (JR) impacts on outcomes including revision and mortality. Understanding changes in comorbidity profiles is important when assessing change in outcomes over time. Most arthroplasty registries have limited comorbidity information due to their minimum dataset. One approach to obtaining additional comorbidity data is linking registry data with national administrative data. Objectives and ApproachObjectives were to quantify pre-operative comorbidity profile of patients undergoing primary total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) for osteoarthritis. Also, to examine temporal trends in individual comorbidities for THR and TKR patients. National pharmaceutical dispensing data were linked with THR and TKR arthroplasty patients. Medication dispensing histories in 12-months preceding JR (2003-2017) for 237,333 THR and 394,965 TKR patients, were mapped to 47 comorbidity classes using the Rx-Risk-V measure - a pharmacy-based measure of comorbidity. Comorbidity scores were calculated by summing comorbidity categories for individual patients. Trends in comorbidity scores/categories were described, with comorbidity information presented by PBS beneficiary category (concessional/general), stratified by age (&lt;65/≥65 years). ResultsMedian (interquartile range) comorbidity scores were higher in concessional patients ≥65y, THR:5(3-6), TKR:5(3-7); &lt;65y,TKR:5(3-6) but not THR:4(2-6). Comparative scores for general patients (both ages) were THR:4(2-6) and TKR:3(2-5). Trends in median comorbidity scores were consistent across study period, THR:4- 5(concessional)/2-3(general) and TKR:4-5(concessional)/4(general). Commonly identified comorbidities in younger concessional THR patients were pain, measured by opioid use (62.4%), inflammation/pain, measured by use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (62.2%), GORD (36.2%) and hypertension (36.1%). Individual comorbidities remained generally stable over time. However, increased patient proportions were seen in THR concessionals &lt;65y for opioid pain (59.1%-71.1%), depression (24.5-42.5%), whilst inflammation/pain (82.1-56.1%) and antiplatelet use (≥65y:23.5-9.2%) declined. Conclusion / Implicationsn THR or TKR patients no appreciable change in comorbidity score or comorbidity profile occurred over time. This suggests that improving JR outcomes over time are unlikely due solely to variation in patient comorbidity profiles.

Comorbidity profile of patients with concurrent diagnoses of asthma and COPD in Germany

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of concurrent diagnoses of asthma/COPD and examine its full spectrum of comorbid disorders in Germany. We used nationwide outpatient claims data comprising diagnoses of all statutory health insurees (40+ years) in 2017 (N = 40,477,745). The ICD-10 codes J44 (COPD) and J45 (asthma) were used to identify patients. The odds of 1,060 comorbid disorders were examined in a case–control study design. Of all insurees, 4,632,295 (11%) were diagnosed with either asthma or COPD. Of them, 43% had asthma only, 44% COPD only and 13% both diseases. The prevalence of concurrent asthma/COPD was 1.5% with a slightly higher estimate among females than males (1.6% vs. 1.4%) and constant increase by age in both sexes. Comorbid disorders were very common among these patients. 31 disorders were associated with a strong effect size (odds ratio > 10), including other respiratory diseases, but also bacterial (e.g., mycobacteria, including tuberculosis) and fungal infections (e.g., sporotrichosis and aspergillosis). Patients with concurrent asthma/COPD suffer from comorbid disorders involving various body systems, which points to the need of a multidisciplinary care approach. Regular screening for common comorbid disorders may result in better clinical course and prognosis as well as improvement of patients’ quality of life.