Patient Discharge Disposition Research Articles

Evaluating the performance of the SORG machine learning algorithm for predicting discharge disposition in lumbar surgery patients

PurposeProtracted admissions following lumbar surgeries are rising, often stemming from inefficient identification of patients requiring nonhome discharge for rehabilitation. The SORG Orthopaedic Research Group at Harvard Medical School have developed a machine learning algorithm for predicting discharge following lumbar surgery. This study assessed its predictive performance on an independent tertiary centre patient cohort. MethodsMedical records were retrospectively reviewed for all elective adult lumbar disc degeneration or herniation surgeries performed between July 2017–2021 at a tertiary neurosurgical centre in the United Kingdom. Preoperative variables were collated and discharge destinations noted. Algorithm predictions were analysed using the concordance (c) statistic, Brier score and calibration plot. Positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated, and a decision curve analysis (DCA) plotted. Results251 subjects were included (48.2 % female, mean age 55.3 years). 2.8 % underwent nonhome discharge. Most had surgery at 1/2 spinal levels (98.4 %) and were functionally independent (84.5 %). Algorithm predictions yielded a 0.88 c-statistic and 0.029 Brier score. The algorithm was miscalibrated to the data (calibration plot slope 1.31 and intercept -1.12). At a 0.25 threshold for nonroutine discharge risk, the PPV was 0.19 and NPV 0.98. DCA revealed limited clinical utility. ConclusionsAlgorithm predictive performance was mixed for this cohort, displaying strong discrimination but poor calibration and overestimation of nonroutine discharges. Differences in patient management practices and the low nonhome discharge rate may explain this. Larger validation studies across different healthcare systems, alongside geographically specific algorithm development, will improve predictive accuracy prior to clinical application.

The impact of limited English proficiency on oncological outcomes in the United States: A systematic review.

The increasing number of immigrants in the United States (U.S.) has resulted in more patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). LEP contributes to patient-provider language discordance, which may impact oncologic health outcomes. To assess the effects of LEP compared to English proficiency (EP) for oncological outcomes in adult cancer patients in the United States. We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), PsycINFO, CINAHLand Scopus from data inception to 26 January2023. We also searched the reference lists and cited lists of included studies. Studies were limited to the UnitedStatesand the English language. We included retrospective and cross-sectional studies that analyzed one or more clinical outcomes (survival, readmission, length of stay, complicationsand discharge disposition) in LEP and EP cancer patients. Studies were eligible if they assessed cancer patients in the United Stateswho were 18 years and older. Using a piloted, standardized data collection form, two non-blinded, independent reviewers extracted data in duplicate from studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Reviewers resolved discrepancies through discussion. We then performed a qualitative assessment of the findings. We retrieved 2425 records from the database searches. We screened 1496 records by title and abstract and reviewed the full text of eight records. We retrieved 347 records from additional search methods and reviewed the full text of six records. We included 14 papers in total for analysis. The studies included 55,141 total patients and assessed outcomes in brain, oesophageal, head and neck, pancreaticand skin cancer. Our qualitative assessment demonstrated limited information on whether LEP impacted survival, complicationsand discharge disposition. We found no significant association between LEP and readmission or length of stay. Studies assessing the impact of LEP and EP on the health outcomes of cancer patients are sparse and inconsistent in the measurements of outcomes and data reporting. The inconclusiveness of our study indicates that further standardized research is needed to assess the impact of LEP on the outcomes of cancer patients in the United States.

Disparities in outpatient rural cholecystectomy outcomes

BackgroundPrevious studies showed comparable outcomes for common in-patient general surgery operations, but it is unknown if this extends to outpatient operations. Our aim was to compare outpatient cholecystectomy outcomes between rural and urban hospitals. MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis was done using the Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample for patients 20-years-and-older undergoing cholecystectomy between 2016 and 2018 ​at rural and urban hospitals. Survey-weighted multivariable regression analysis was performed with primary outcomes including use-of-laparoscopy, complications, and patient discharge disposition. ResultsThe most common indication for operation was cholecystitis in both hospital settings. On multivariable analysis, rural hospitals were associated with higher transfers to short-term hospitals (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.40, 95%CI 1.61-3.58, p ​< ​0.01) and complications (aOR 1.39, 95%CI 1.11-1.75, p ​< ​0.01). No difference was detected with laparoscopy (aOR 1.93, 95%CI 0.73-5.13, p ​= ​0.19), routine discharge (aOR 1.50, 95%C I0.91-2.45, p ​= ​0.11), or mortality (aOR 3.23, 95%CI 0.10–100.0, p ​= ​0.51). ConclusionsPatients cared for at rural hospitals were more likely to be transferred to short-term hospitals and have higher complications. No differences were detected in laparoscopy, routine discharge or mortality.

Nurse-Sensitive Indicators as Predictors of Trauma Patient Discharge Disposition.

About 3.5 million trauma patients are hospitalized every year, but 35%-40% require further care after discharge. Nurses' ability to affect discharge disposition by minimizing the occurrence of nurse-sensitive indicators (catheter-associated urinary tract infection [CAUTI], central line-associated bloodstream infection [CLABSI], and hospital-acquired pressure injury [HAPI]) is unknown. These indicators may serve as surrogate measures of quality nursing care. The purpose of this study was to determine whether nursing care, as represented by three nurse-sensitive indicators (CAUTI, CLABSI, and HAPI), predicts discharge disposition in trauma patients. This study was a secondary analysis of the 2021 National Trauma Data Bank. We performed logistic regression analyses to determine the predictive effects of CAUTI, CLABSI, and HAPI on discharge disposition, controlling for participant characteristics. A total of n =29,642 patients were included, of which n =21,469 (72%) were male, n =16,404 (64%) were White, with a mean (SD) age of 44 (14.5) and mean (SD) Injury Severity Score of 23.2 (12.5). We created four models to test nurse-sensitive indicators, both individually and compositely, as predictors. While CAUTI and HAPI increased the odds of discharge to further care by 1.4-1.5 and 2.1 times, respectively, CLABSI was not a statistically significant predictor. Both CAUTI and HAPI are statistically significant predictors of discharge to further care for patients after traumatic injury. High-quality nursing care to prevent iatrogenic complications can improve trauma patients' long-term outcomes.

In-hospital outcomes following surgery versus conservative therapy in elderly patients with C2 fractures: a propensity score-matched analysis.

Second cervical vertebrae (C2) fractures are a common traumatic spinal injury in the elderly population. Surgical fusion and nonoperative bracing are two primary treatments for cervical instability, but the former is often withheld in the elderly due to concerns for poor postoperative outcomes arising from patient frailty. This study sought to evaluate the in-hospital differences in mortality, outcomes, and discharge disposition in elderly patients with C2 fractures undergoing surgical intervention compared with conservative therapy. The National Trauma Data Bank was queried from 2017 to 2019 for all patients aged ≥ 65 years with C2 fractures undergoing either surgical stabilization or conservative therapy. Propensity score matching was performed using k-nearest neighbors with replacement based on patient demographics, comorbidities, insurance type, injury severity, and fracture type. Group differences were compared using Student t-tests and Pearson's chi-square tests with Benjamini-Hochberg multiple comparisons correction. Subgroup analyses were performed in the 65-74, 75-79, and 80+ year age subgroups. Six thousand forty-nine patients were identified, of whom 2156 underwent surgery and 3893 received conservative treatment. Following matching, the surgery group had significantly lower mortality rates (5.52% vs 9.6%, p < 0.001), a longer mean hospital length of stay (LOS; 12.64 vs 7.49 days p < 0.001), and slightly higher rates of several complications (< 3% difference), as well as lower rates of discharge home (14.56% vs 23.52%, p < 0.001) and to hospice (1.07% vs 2.09%, p = 0.02) and a higher rate of discharge to intermediate care (68.83% vs 48.28%, p < 0.001). Similar trends in mortality and LOS were noted in all 3 subgroups. In elderly patients with C2 fractures, surgical stabilization confers a small survival advantage with a slightly higher in-hospital complication rate compared to conservative therapy. The increased rate of discharge to rehabilitation may represent better long-term prognosis following surgery. The increased risk of short-term complications is present but relatively small, thus surgery should not be withheld in patients with good long-term prognosis.

Nurse Sensitive Indicators as Predictors of Trauma Patient Discharge Disposition.

Nurse Sensitive Indicators as Predictors of Trauma Patient Discharge Disposition.

Low phase angle: A predictor of functional status and discharge disposition in acute stroke older patients

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low phase angle (PhA) on functional status and discharge disposition during the acute phase in older patients with acute stroke. We included consecutive patients who experienced acute stroke between October 2021 and December 2022. The exclusion criteria included: age<65 years, admission from other than home, death during hospitalization, inability to measure bioelectrical impedance analysis owing to implantation, and missing data. We defined low PhA (<5.28° for male and <4.62° for female) and categorized them into the low PhA group and normal group. The clinical outcomes were functional independence by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (0-2, independence; 3-5, nonindependence) and discharge disposition (home or others). We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine the effect of low PhA on the mRS score at discharge and discharge disposition. Ultimately, a total of 205 patients were included in this analysis. More patients in the low PhA group were unable to be independent (27.7% vs. 66.7%, P<0.001) and were unable to be discharged home (53.4% vs. 82.5%, P<0.001) than in the normal group. Logistic regression analysis of the mRS scores showed that baseline low PhA decreased the likelihood of functional independence (odds ratio [OR]=0.275, P=0.003) and home discharge (OR=0.378, P=0.044). Low PhA is a risk factor for low functional status at hospital discharge; it decreases the likelihood of home discharge in older patients with acute stroke.

Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Functional Outcomes and Disposition After Liver Transplant

ObjectiveTo describe the outcomes (change in functional independence and discharge disposition) of patients who after liver transplantation received acute inpatient rehabilitation in a freestanding rehabilitation hospital. DesignA retrospective chart review was conducted of patients admitted to an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital within 6 months of undergoing liver transplantation between January 2014 and December 2018. Change in function from rehabilitation admission to discharge was measured using FIM Change and FIM Efficiency. SettingA freestanding rehabilitation hospital. Participants107 patients who underwent acute inpatient rehabilitation at a freestanding rehabilitation hospital within 6 months after liver transplantation who met inclusion criteria (N=107). Most were men (71.96%), and the mean age of the patient population was 62.15 years. InterventionsAcute inpatient rehabilitation consisting of at least 3 hours of therapy 5 days a week split between physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology services. Main Outcome MeasureFIM Change, FIM Efficiency, Discharge Disposition. ResultsParticipants were found to have statistically significant positive FIM Change (P<.00001) and FIM Efficiency (P<.00001). The mean FIM Change and Efficiency were 35.7±11.8 and 2.4±1.0, respectively. 83.2% (n = 89) were ultimately discharged to the community. ConclusionAcute inpatient rehabilitation provides patients who have received a liver transplant with the opportunity to measurably improve their function and independence, with most patients being able to return home.

Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity and Loss of Post-Surgery Independent Living: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Bronx Hospital Network.

Black race is associated with postoperative adverse discharge to a nursing facility, but the effects of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity are unclear. We explored the Hispanic paradox , described as improved health outcomes among Hispanic/Latino patients on postoperative adverse discharge to nursing facility. A total of 93,356 adults who underwent surgery and were admitted from home to Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, between January 2016 and June 2021 were included. The association between self-identified Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and the primary outcome, postoperative adverse discharge to a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, was investigated. Interaction analysis was used to examine the impact of socioeconomic status, determined by estimated median household income and insurance status, on the primary association. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the proportion of variance attributed to the patient's residential area defined by zip code and self-identified ethnicity. Approximately 45.9% (42,832) of patients identified as Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and 9.7% (9074) patients experienced postoperative adverse discharge. Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with lower risk of adverse discharge (relative risk [RR adj ] 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 00.82-0.94; P < .001), indicating a Hispanic Paradox . This effect was modified by the patient's socioeconomic status ( P -for-interaction <.001). Among patients with a high socioeconomic status, the Hispanic paradox was abolished (RR adj 1.10; 95% CI, 11.00-1.20; P = .035). Furthermore, within patients of low socioeconomic status, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with a higher likelihood of postoperative discharge home with health services compared to non-Hispanic/Latino patients (RR adj 1.06; 95% CI, 11.01-1.12; P = .017). Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is a protective factor for postoperative adverse discharge, but this association is modified by socioeconomic status. Future studies should focus on postoperative discharge disposition and socioeconomic barriers in patients with Hispanic/Latino ethnicity.

Rising Cardiac Troponin: A Prognostic Biomarker for Mortality After Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) is detected in 10% to 30% of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and correlates with poor functional outcomes. Serial cTn measurements differentiate a dynamic cTn pattern (rise/fall >20%), specific for acute myocardial injury, from elevated but stable cTn levels (nondynamic), typically attributed to chronic cardiac/noncardiac conditions. We investigated if the direction of the cTn change (rising versus falling) affects mortality and outcome. We retrospectively screened consecutive patients with AIS admitted to 5 stroke centers for elevated cTn at admission and at least 1 additional cTn measurement within 48 hours. The pattern of cTn was defined as rising if >20% increase from baseline, falling if >20% decrease, or nondynamic if ≤20% change in either direction. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of cTn patterns and 7-day mortality and unfavorable discharge disposition. Of 3789 patients with AIS screened, 300 were included. Seventy-two had a rising pattern, 66 falling, and 162 nondynamic. In patients with AIS with rising cTn, acute ischemic myocardial infarction was present in 54%, compared with 33% in those with falling cTn (P<0.01). Twenty-two percent of patients with a rising pattern had an isolated dynamic cTn in the absence of any ECG or echocardiogram changes, compared with 53% with falling cTn. A rising pattern was associated with higher risk of 7-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=32 [95% CI, 2.5-415.0] rising versus aOR=1.3 [95% CI, 0.1-38.0] falling versus nondynamic as reference) and unfavorable discharge disposition (aOR=2.5 [95% CI, 1.2-5.2] rising versus aOR=0.6 [95% CI, 0.2-1.5] versus falling). Rising cTn is independently associated with increased mortality and unfavorable discharge disposition in patients with AIS.

Impact of nursing interventions on discharge disposition in patients with postoperative delirium.

Impact of nursing interventions on discharge disposition in patients with postoperative delirium.

Machine learning prediction of hospital discharge disposition for inpatients with acute ischemic stroke following mechanical thrombectomy in the United States

Background and purposePredicting patient recovery and discharge disposition following mechanical thrombectomy remains a challenge in patients with ischemic stroke. Machine learning offers a promising prognostication approach assisting in personalized post-thrombectomy care plans and resource allocation. As a large national database, National Inpatient Sample (NIS), contain valuable insights amenable to data-mining. The study aimed to develop and evaluate ML models predicting hospital discharge disposition with a focus on demographic, socioeconomic and hospital characteristics. Materials and methodsThe NIS dataset (2006–2019) was used, including 4956 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke who underwent thrombectomy. Demographics, hospital characteristics, and Elixhauser comorbidity indices were recorded. Feature extraction, processing, and selection were performed using Python, with Maximum Relevance - Minimum Redundancy (MRMR) applied for dimensionality reduction. ML models were developed and benchmarked prior to interpretation of the best model using Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). ResultsThe multilayer perceptron model outperformed others and achieved an AUROC of 0.81, accuracy of 77 %, F1-score of 0.48, precision of 0.64, and recall of 0.54. SHAP analysis identified the most important features for predicting discharge disposition as dysphagia and dysarthria, NIHSS, age, primary payer (Medicare), cerebral edema, fluid and electrolyte disorders, complicated hypertension, primary payer (private insurance), intracranial hemorrhage, and thrombectomy alone. ConclusionMachine learning modeling of NIS database shows potential in predicting hospital discharge disposition for inpatients with acute ischemic stroke following mechanical thrombectomy in the NIS database. Insights gained from SHAP interpretation can inform targeted interventions and care plans, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and resource allocation.

Epidemiology of distal radius fractures: Elucidating mechanisms, comorbidities, and fracture classification using the national trauma data bank

BackgroundAn update on the epidemiology of distal radius fractures in the United States is necessary, particularly as the elderly population grows. Additionally, age and frailty have been associated with complications following surgical fixation of DRFs. Herein, we utilize the National Trauma Data Bank, a robust nationwide resource, to investigate the relationship between demographics, comorbidities, injury and fracture characteristics, and admission details. MethodsPatients with isolated distal radius fractures were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (2016–2019) according to ICD-10 codes. Univariate and multivariate regressions were conducted to determine independent risk factors for bilateral fractures, displaced fractures, open fractures, as well as length of hospital stay and adverse discharge disposition for patients undergoing inpatient surgical fixation. ResultsThe incidence of DRFs was 3.6/1,000 trauma-related emergency department visits and 10.8/1,000 upper extremity traumas. Trauma mechanism was significantly associated with displaced and open fractures. Age (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.01), BMI (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.02), smoking (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15–1.57), and alcohol level (trace: OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.41–3.29; intoxicated: OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.63–2.95) were significantly associated with open fractures. Machinery (β=2.04, 95% CI 1.00–3.08) and MVT (β=0.39, 95% CI 0.08–0.69) mechanisms were independent risk factors for longer length of stay. mFI-5 was an independent risk factor, in a stepwise fashion, for both length of stay and adverse discharge disposition. ConclusionsHigh-energy mechanisms and risk factors for poor skin quality were significantly associated with open fractures. mFI-5 was an independent risk factor for longer length of stay and non-routine discharges in patients of all ages, despite controlling for other comorbidities, unrelated complications, and mechanism of injury. Trauma mechanism was an independent risk factor for prolonged length of stay only, particularly in patients younger than 65 years of age.

Outcomes of elevated blood alcohol concentrations in elderly patients following a ground level fall: A matched analysis from the national trauma quality program

BackgroundThe rising elderly population and the concomitant increase in alcohol consumption can result in a ground level fall (GLF). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the in-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay, and discharge disposition of elderly patients who sustained a ground level fall (GLF) and tested positive for an elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC). MethodsThe data of patients who were 65 years and older, had an injury after a GLF, and tested for BAC were accessed from the American College of Surgeon – Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ACS-TQIP) from the calendar years of 2011–2016. Patients’ demography, injury, comorbidities, and outcomes were compared between the groups who tested positive (>0.08 g/dL) and negative (0 mg/dL) for BAC. Univariate, followed by matched analyses were performed. All p values are two-sided, and a p value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. ResultsOut of 20,163 patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria, 2398 patients (∼12%) tested positive for an elevated BAC. There were significant differences found between the two groups, BAC-positive vs. BAC-negative, in univariate analysis for age and sex with p values < 0.001. Propensity score matching balanced demographic characteristics; however, differences remained in certain comorbidities. Exact matching balanced patient demography, injury, and comorbidities. The paired-matched analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups for in-hospital mortality (2.1% vs. 2.1%, p = 1) and median hospital length of stay (5[4–5] vs. 5[5–5], p = 0.307). A higher proportion of patients in the BAC group suffered from alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) complications (9.5% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.001 and 1.5% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.018) compared to BAC-negative patients. A slightly higher percentage of patients in the BAC-positive group were discharged home without any additional services (39.6% vs. 36.9%, p = 0.009). ConclusionOf the elderly patients who sustained a GLF and tested for BAC, approximately 12% tested positive for BAC. The overall in-hospital mortality was 2.1%. The BAC-positive group suffered from higher complications of AWS and DVT, and more than 60% of patients required additional services at the time of discharge.

Preoperative Education Prior to Hip or Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With Home Discharge but Not Reduced Length of Stay.

Increasing numbers of patients are undergoing total joint arthroplasty as a treatment for osteoarthritis, which can be an anxiety-provoking experience. Setting expectations through a preoperative physical therapy (pre-op PT) session can alleviate some of these stressors, potentially decrease hospital length of stay (LOS), and promote home discharge. We sought to determine whether attending a pre-op PT session is associated with decreased hospital LOS and home discharge in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. A retrospective cohort study was performed of 20,822 patients who underwent THA or TKA between January 2020 and December 2023. Pre-op PT attendance and covariates, including patient demographics and clinical data, were collected and analyzed for association with LOS and discharge disposition. Unadjusted univariate analysis revealed that THA and TKA patients who received pre-op PT had a significantly lower average LOS and were more likely to be discharged home. Our multivariate regression model showed that pre-op PT was not significantly associated with LOS in both groups but was significantly associated with home discharge among THA patients. Our retrospective study of the effect of pre-op PT education on LOS and discharge disposition for elective THA and TKA patients found different results in univariate and multivariate analysis. Further study is needed to confirm the association found on multivariate analysis between pre-op PT and home discharge in THA patients.

Impact of nursing interventions on discharge disposition in patients with postoperative delirium

Abstract Purpose: To identify patient characteristics and perioperative factors associated with non-home patient discharges and the impact of current delirium nursing interventions on discharge disposition, especially non-home dispositions. Methods: A retrospective pilot chart review was conducted using electronic health records from five networked hospitals in the Mountain West region of the US. The sample comprised 75 randomly selected patients aged 65 or older who screened positive for delirium during hospitalization. Relationships between patient characteristics, nursing interventions, and discharge dispositions were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results: Most participants (69.3%) were discharged to non-home facilities. Delayed urinary catheter removal was a significant nursing intervention factor. Patients with delayed urinary catheter removal were at increased risk of being discharged to a non-home setting compared with those with early urinary catheter removal (aOR: 14.11, P = .010). Preoperative hypoalbuminemia and surgery durations exceeding 60 minutes were associated with non-home dispositions. Conclusion: Delayed urinary catheter removal, surgery duration greater than 1 hour, and preoperative hypoalbuminemia increased the likelihood of non-home discharge placement for older adults who experience postoperative delirium.

A National Survey on Coma Epidemiology, Evaluation, and Therapy in India: Revisiting the Curing Coma Campaign Come Together Survey.

The limited representation from developing countries in the original COME TOGETHER survey gave us an impetus to conduct this survey in the Indian subcontinent. This cross-sectional online survey was conducted from August through September 2022. Participants were health care physicians caring for patients with coma and disorders of consciousness. Fischer's exact test or the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare respondents who agreed or disagreed with the preestablished coma definition. Fleiss κ values were calculated to assess agreement among respondents. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The survey was completed by 130 physicians. We found substantial interrater agreement on absence of wakefulness (71.54%; κ = 0.71), Glasgow Coma Score ≤ 8 (78.46%; κ = 0.78), and failure to respond purposefully to visual, verbal, or tactile stimuli (66.15%; κ = 0.66). Reported common etiologies of coma included traumatic brain injury (50.76%), ischemic stroke (30%), and intracerebral hemorrhage (29.23%). The most common clinical assessment tools used for coma included the Glasgow Coma Score (92.3%) and neurological examination (60.8%). Neurological examination was the most commondiagnostic tool used(100%), followed by magnetic resonance imaging (89.2%), basic laboratory studies (88.5%), and head computed tomography/angiography (86.9%). Pharmacological interventions used to stimulate arousal in patients with coma were sedation vacation (91.5%), electrolyte/endocrine correction (65.4%), osmotic therapy with mannitol (60%), hypertonic saline (54.6%), modafinil (46.9%), and antidote for drugs (45.4%). Among the nonpharmacological interventions, sensory stimulation (57.7%) was the most commonly used modality. The most common discharge disposition for comatose patients who survived hospitalization were home with or without services (70.0%). Differences from the global survey were noted regarding the following: traumatic brain injury being the most common etiology of coma in India, more frequent practice of sedation interruption, less frequent use of electroencephalography in India, rare use of pharmacological neurostimulants, and home being the most common discharge disposition in India.

Severity-of-Illness Scores and Discharge Disposition in Patients Admitted to Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals.

After an intensive care unit (ICU) admission, nearly 20% of survivors of chronic critical illness require admission to a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) for continued subspecialty care. The effect of the burden of medical comorbidities on discharge disposition after LTACH admission remains unclear. A retrospective cohort study was performed involving patients with chronic critical illness who were discharged from the medical ICU and admitted to an LTACH between 2016 and 2018. The patients' Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Nutrition Risk in the Critically Ill (NUTRIC), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores at the time of LTACH admission were calculated from electronic medical records. The mean scores on each instrument were compared by discharge disposition. A total of 156 patients were admitted to the LTACH from the medical ICU between 2016 and 2018. They had a mean (SD) age of 61.5 (13.3) years, a mean (SD) body mass index of 28.1 (8.3), a median (IQR) ICU stay of 16.3 (1-108) days, and a median (IQR) LTACH stay of 38.2 (1-227) days. Patients who were discharged home had lower mean (SD) APACHE II (14.6 [5.0] vs 18.2 [5.4], P = .01), SOFA (3.3 [2.1] vs 4.6 [2.1], P = .03), NUTRIC (3.3 [1.4] vs 4.6 [1.4], P = .001), and CCI (4.3 [2.5] vs 6.1 [2.8], P = .02) scores on admission to the LTACH than those who were not discharged home. Severity-of-illness scores on admission to an LTACH can be used to predict patients' likelihood of being discharged home.

Comparison of helicopter and ground transportation in pediatric trauma patients.

Decision making regarding transportation mode after a traumatic injury may have a significant impact on outcomes, due to differences in time to definitive care. The objective of this study was to determine if transport mode had an impact on in-hospital mortality and discharge disposition in pediatric trauma patients. Data were abstracted from the National Trauma Data Bank from 2007 to 2016 comparing helicopter and ground transportation modes effects on mortality and discharge outcomes. The primary outcome was in-hospital death, while the secondary outcome was discharge home without services (DCHWOS). Analyses included logistic regression modeling and propensity score matching. Significant variables from univariate analysis were included in the multivariate, propensity-matched regression model. Pediatric trauma patients transported by helicopter had lower odds of mortality (OR 0.69 [0.64,0.75]) and higher odds of DCHWOS (1.29 [1.20,1.39]). There were no differences in overall mechanism, but individual injury patterns showed higher odds of mortality. Critical decisions regarding triage of patients by different modes of transport occur every day. This study supports the current literature on the topic and shows a potential additional benefit of a meaningful discharge outcome for those transported by helicopter. This study may impact prehospital triage decision making process for pediatric trauma patients on mortality. Prehospital transport mode may contribute to pediatric trauma discharge outcomes. Highlights the need for future research regarding non-clinical data that is unable to be abstracted from national databases (e.g., family dynamics, insurance status, weather, access to post-discharge resources).

Greater Number of Plasma Exchanges Does Not Improve Outcome in Myasthenic Crisis.

To determine the relationship between the number of plasma exchanges and clinical outcome in patients experiencing myasthenic crisis. We retrospectively reviewed all episodes of myasthenia gravis exacerbation/crisis who received plasmapheresis in patients admitted to a single-center tertiary care referral center from July 2008 to July 2017. We performed statistical analyses to determine whether the increased number of plasma exchanges improves the primary outcome (hospital length of stay) and the secondary outcome (disposition to home, skilled nursing facility, long-term acute care hospital, or death). There is neither clinically observable nor statistically significant improvement in length of stay or disposition on discharge in patients who received 6 or greater sessions of plasmapheresis. This study provides class IV evidence that extending the number of plasma exchanges beyond 5 does not correlate with decreased hospital length of stay or improved discharge disposition in patients experiencing myasthenic crisis.