Outcomes In Hospitalized Patients Research Articles

The relationship between dexmedetomidine administration and prognosis in patients with sepsis-induced coagulopathy: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: This study aimed to investigate whether dexmedetomidine provides survival benefit in critically ill patients with sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC). Methods: Patients with sepsis-induced coagulopathy admitted to the ICU were identified from the Medical Information Marketplace for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database. They were divided into two groups: patients who started dexmedetomidine within 48h of ICU admission and lasted for more than 4h and patients who did not receive dexmedetomidine as a control group. The primary outcome was 28-day hospital mortality, the secondary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the extended outcomes included duration of mechanical ventilation and vasopressor use, ICU stay, and hospital stay. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to match patients who received dexmedetomidine with those who did not, and multivariable Cox models and logistics models were used to account for baseline differences and unmeasured confounders. An external validation was performed with the Critical care database comprising patients with infection at Zigong Fourth People's Hospital. Results: After PSM, 592 patients who received dexmedetomidine were matched with 592 patients who did not receive dexmedetomidine. In the primary and secondary endpoints, dexmedetomidine was associated with a lower risk of 28-day hospital mortality (19.3% vs. 14.2%, hazard ratio (HR) 0.71; P = 0.020) and in-hospital mortality (22.3% vs. 16.4%, odds ratio (OR) 0.68; P = 0.017) in patients with SIC. Regarding the extended outcome, dexmedetomidine was also associated with a longer length of hospital stay (median 12.54days vs. 14.87days, P = 0.002) and longer ICU stay (median 5.10days vs. 6.22days, P = 0.009). In addition, the duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly increased in the dexmedetomidine group (median 41.62h vs. 48.00h, p = 0.022), while the duration of vasopressor use was not significantly different (median 36.67h vs. 39.25h, p = 0.194). Within 48h of ICU stay, receiving a dose of dexmedetomidine greater than 0.474μg/kg/h and continuous dexmedetomidine administration for 24-48h may be associated with 28-day hospitalization outcomes in patients with SIC. External cohort validation also found that the use of dexmedetomidine after admission to the ICU can reduce 28-day mortality in patients with SIC. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine administration is associated with reduced 28-day hospital mortality and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with SIC, and these findings deserve further verification in randomized controlled trials.

Early physical rehabilitation dosage in the intensive care unit associates with hospital outcomes after critical COVID-19

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between physical rehabilitation parameters including an approach to quantifying dosage with hospital outcomes for patients with critical COVID-19.DesignRetrospective practice analysis from March 5, 2020, to April 15, 2021.SettingIntensive care units (ICU) at four medical institutions.Patientsn = 3780 adults with ICU admission and diagnosis of COVID-19.InterventionsWe measured the physical rehabilitation treatment delivered in ICU and patient outcomes: (1) mortality; (2) discharge disposition; and (3) physical function at hospital discharge measured by the Activity Measure-Post Acute Care (AM-PAC) “6-Clicks” (6–24, 24 = greater functional independence). Physical rehabilitation dosage was defined as the average mobility level scores in the first three sessions (a surrogate measure of intensity) multiplied by the rehabilitation frequency (PT + OT frequency in hospital).Measurements and main resultsThe cohort was a mean 64 ± 16 years old, 41% female, mean BMI of 32 ± 9 kg/m2 and 46% (n = 1739) required mechanical ventilation. For 2191 patients who received rehabilitation, the dosage and AM-PAC at discharge were moderately, positively associated (Spearman’s rho [r] = 0.484, p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression (model adjusted R2 = 0.68, p < 0.001) demonstrates mechanical ventilation (β = − 0.86, p = 0.001), average mobility score in first three sessions (β = 2.6, p < 0.001) and physical rehabilitation dosage (β = 0.22, p = 0.001) were predictive of AM-PAC scores at discharge when controlling for age, sex, BMI, and ICU LOS.ConclusionsGreater physical rehabilitation exposure early in the ICU is associated with better physical function at hospital discharge.

Hospital personnel perspectives on factors influencing acute care patient outcomes: a qualitative approach to model refinement

BackgroundHealth systems have long been interested in the best practices for staffing in the acute care setting. Studies on staffing often focus on registered nurses and nurse-to-patient staffing ratios. There were fewer studies on the relationship between interprofessional team members or contextual factors such as hospital and community characteristics and patient outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to refine an explanatory model by soliciting hospital personnel feedback on staffing and patient outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to understand hospital personnel’s perspectives and experiences of factors that affect acute care inpatient outcomes. Interviews were conducted in 2022 with 38 hospital personnel representing 19 hospitals across Washington state in the United States of America.ResultsFindings support a model of characteristics impacting patient outcomes to include the complex and interconnected relationships between community, hospital, patient, and staffing characteristics. Within the model, patient characteristics were positioned into hospital characteristics, and in turn these were positioned within community characteristics to highlight the importance of setting and context when evaluating outcomes. Together, these factors influenced both staff characteristics and patient outcomes, but these two categories also share a direct relationship.ConclusionFindings can be applied to hospitals and health systems in a variety of contexts to examine how external factors such as community resource availability impact care delivery. Future research should expand on this work with specific attention to how staffing changes and interprofessional team composition can improve patient outcomes.

Association between hospital ownership and patient selection, management, and outcomes after carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting

BackgroundThis study analyses the association between hospital ownership and patient selection, treatment, and outcome of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS).MethodsThe analysis is based on the Bavarian subset of the nationwide German statutory quality assurance database. All patients receiving CEA or CAS for carotid artery stenosis between 2014 and 2018 were included. Hospitals were subdivided into four groups: university hospitals, public hospitals, hospitals owned by charitable organizations, and private hospitals. The primary outcome was any stroke or death until discharge from hospital. Research was funded by Germany’s Federal Joint Committee Innovation Fund (01VSF19016 ISAR-IQ).ResultsIn total, 22,446 patients were included. The majority of patients were treated in public hospitals (62%), followed by private hospitals (17%), university hospitals (16%), and hospitals under charitable ownership (6%). Two thirds of patients were male (68%), and the median age was 72 years. CAS was most often applied in university hospitals (25%) and most rarely used in private hospitals (9%). Compared to university hospitals, patients in private hospitals were more likely asymptomatic (65% vs. 49%). In asymptomatic patients, the risk of stroke or death was 1.3% in university hospitals, 1.5% in public hospitals, 1.0% in hospitals of charitable owners, and 1.2% in private hospitals. In symptomatic patients, these figures were 3.0%, 2.5%, 3.4%, and 1.2% respectively. Univariate analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between hospital groups. In the multivariable analysis, compared to university hospitals, the odds ratio of stroke or death in asymptomatic patients treated by CEA was significantly lower in charitable hospitals (OR 0.19 [95%-CI 0.07–0.56, p = 0.002]) and private hospitals (OR 0.47 [95%-CI 0.23–0.98, p = 0.043]). In symptomatic patients (elective treatment, CEA), patients treated in private or public hospitals showed a significantly lower odds ratio compared to university hospitals (0.36 [95%-CI 0.17–0.72, p = 0.004] and 0.65 [95%-CI 0.42-1.00, p = 0.048], respectively).ConclusionsHospital ownership was related to patient selection and treatment, but not generally to outcomes. The lower risk of stroke or death in the subgroup of electively treated patients in private hospitals might be due to the right timing, the choice of treatment modality or actually to better structural and process quality.

Early physical rehabilitation dosage in the IntensiveCare Unit predicts hospital outcomes after criticalCOVID-19.

to examine the relationship between physical rehabilitation parameters including a novel approach to quantifying dosage with hospital outcomes for patients with critical COVID-19. Retrospective practice analysis from March 5, 2020, to April 15, 2021. Intensive care units (ICU) at four medical institutions. n = 3,780 adults with ICU admission and diagnosis of COVID-19. We measured the physical rehabilitation treatment delivered in ICU and patient outcomes: 1) mortality; 2) discharge disposition; and 3) physical function at hospital discharge measured by the Activity Measure-Post Acute Care (AM-PAC) "6-Clicks" (6-24, 24=greater functional independence). Physical rehabilitation dosage was defined as the average mobility level scores in the first three sessions (a surrogate measure of intensity) multiplied by the rehabilitation frequency (PT + OT frequency in hospital). The cohort was a mean 64 ± 16 years old, 41% female, mean BMI of 32 ± 9 kg/m2 and 46% (n=1739) required mechanical ventilation. For 2191 patients with complete data, rehabilitation dosage and AM-PAC at discharge were moderately, positively associated (Spearman's rho [r] = 0.484, p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression (model adjusted R2= 0.68, p <0.001) demonstrates mechanical ventilation (β = -0.86, p = 0.001), average mobility score in first three sessions (β = 2.6, p <0.001) and physical rehabilitation dosage (β = 0.22, p = 0.001) were predictive of AM-PAC scores at discharge when controlling for age, sex, BMI, and ICU LOS. Greater physical rehabilitation exposure early in the ICU is associated with physical function at hospital discharge.

Impact of geographical cohorting, multidisciplinary rounding and incremental case management support on hospital length of stay and readmission rates: a propensity weighted analysis

Hospital length of stay (LOS) in the USA has been increasing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous negative outcomes, including decreased quality of care, worsened patient satisfaction...

Hospital Outcomes in Patients Who Developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome After Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

Purpose: To identify risk factors for and outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: This is a retrospective study using the Premier Healthcare Database between 2016 and 2020. Patients diagnosed with pneumonia, requiring mechanical ventilation (MV), antimicrobial therapy, and hospital admission ≥2 days were included. Multivariable regression models were used for outcomes including in-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, and days on MV. Results: 1924 (2.7%) of 72 107 patients with CAP developed ARDS. ARDS was associated with higher mortality (33.7% vs 18.9%; adjusted odds ratio 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.16-2.66), longer hospital LOS (13 vs 9 days; adjusted incidence risk ratio (aIRR) 1.24; 95% CI 1.20-1.27), ICU LOS (9 vs 5 days; aIRR 1.51; 95% CI 1.46-1.56), more MV days (8 vs 5; aIRR 1.54; 95% CI 1.48-1.59), and increased hospitalization cost ($46 459 vs $29 441; aIRR 1.50; 95% CI 1.45-1.55). Conclusion: In CAP, ARDS was associated with worse in-patient outcomes in terms of mortality, LOS, and hospitalization cost. Future studies are needed to explore outcomes in patients with CAP with ARDS and explore risk factors for development of ARDS after CAP.

Managing established bronchopulmonary dysplasia without using routine blood gas measurements.

Routine blood gas measurements are common in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD) and are a noxious stimulus. We developed a guideline-driven approach to evaluate the care of infants with sBPD without routine blood gas sampling in the chronic phase of NICU care (after diagnosis at 36 weeks PMA). We examined blood gas utilization and outcomes in our sBPD inpatient care unit using data collected between 2014 and 2020. 485 sBPD infants met inclusion criteria, and 303 (62%) never had a blood gas obtained after 36 weeks PMA. In infants who had blood gas measurements, the median number of total blood gases per patient was only 4 (IQR 1-10). We did not identify adverse effects on hospital outcomes in patients without routine blood gas measurements. We found that patients with established BPD could be managed without routine blood gas analyses after 36 weeks PMA.

NSTEMI mortality and hospital outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: A propensity score-matched analysis

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Data regarding the relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and AF is mixed. It is uncertain if AF directly increases the risk for future coronary events and if such patients are appropriately evaluated for CAD. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on hospitalized patients with NSTEMI and concurrent AF in 2019 using the National Inpatient Sample. In-hospital mortality, rates of diagnostic cardiac angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention, ventricular tachycardiac (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization charges were studied. ResultsA total of 433,965 patients met inclusion criteria (169,725 females [39.1 %], 307,985 Caucasian [71 %], 51,570 African American [11.8 %], 37,265 Hispanic [8.6 %]; mean [SD] age, 67.9 [6.2] years). 86,200 (19.8 %) patients with NSTEMI had AF, including 32,775 (38 %) female patients before propensity matching. Patients with NSTEMI and AF had increased odds of mortality (adjusted Odds ratio, 1.32; CI, 1.21–1.43; p < 0.001). AF patients were less likely to undergo diagnostic coronary angiography and PCI and had higher odds of VT, VF, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, increased LOS, and higher hospital charges than those without AF. ConclusionAF was independently associated with increased mortality and serious cardiac complications in patients admitted with NSTEMI.

Reducing severe maternal morbidity for birthing persons with severe hypertension through a statewide quality improvement initiative

BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading preventable cause of severe maternal morbidity and maternal mortality worldwide. ObjectiveTo assess the improvement in hospital care processes and patient outcomes associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy after introduction of a statewide Severe Maternal Hypertension quality improvement initiative. Study DesignA prospective cohort design comparing outcomes before and after introduction of the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative statewide hypertension quality improvement initiative among 108 hospitals across Illinois. Participating hospitals recorded data for all cases of new-onset severe hypertension (>160 systolic or >110 diastolic) during pregnancy through 6 weeks postpartum from May 2016 to December 2017. Introduction of the statewide quality improvement initiative included implementation of severe maternal hypertension protocols, standardized patient education and discharge planning, rapid access to medications and standardized treatment order sets, and provider and nurse education. The main outcome measure was the reduction of severe maternal morbidity for pregnant/postpartum patients with severe hypertension. Key process measures include time-to-treatment of severe hypertension, frequency of provider/nurse debriefs, appropriate patient education, and early postpartum follow up. ResultsData were reported for 8,073 cases of severe maternal hypertension. The frequency of patients with new-onset severe hypertension treated within 60 minutes increased from 41% baseline to 87% (p<0.001) at the end of the initiative. The initiative was associated with increased proportion of patients receiving preeclampsia education at discharge (41% to 89%, p<0.001), scheduling follow-up appointments within 10 days of discharge (68% to 83%, p<0.001), and having a care team debrief after severe hypertension was diagnosed (17% to 59%, p<0.001). Conversely, severe maternal morbidity was reduced from 11.5% baseline to 8.4% (p<0.002) at the end of the study period. Illinois hospitals were able to achieve time-to-treatment goal regardless of hospital characteristics including geography, birth volume, and patient mix. ConclusionsIntroduction of a statewide quality improvement effort was associated with improved time-to-treatment of severe hypertension, as well as increased frequency of provider/nurse debriefs, appropriate patient education, and early postpartum follow up scheduled at discharge, and reduced severe maternal morbidity.

The Impacts of Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir on Myocardial Injury and Long-Term Cardiovascular Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 amid the Omicron Wave of the Pandemic.

Even though nirmatrelvir-ritonavir can improve the short-term morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients, the effects of this treatment on long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), especially myocardial injury, remains undetermined. This prospective cohort study identified hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 between April 19, 2022, and June 9, 2022, amid the omicron wave of the pandemic. Matched nirmatrelvir-ritonavir-treated and non-treatedcohorts were formed using the propensity score matching method. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of MACEs (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, new-onset heart failure or heart failure hospitalization or ventricular arrhythmia) from 30 days to 16 months after the diagnosis of COVID-19. Two 949-patient cohorts with balanced baseline characteristics were formed by propensity score matching. Patients with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, compared to those untreated, had a lower level of troponin I peak as well as the incidence of troponin I elevation. During the follow-up period, 59 patients in the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir group and 86 patients in the control group developed MACEs (P = 0.020). Regarding specific constituents of MACEs, the differences are mainly reflected in new-onset heart failure or heart failure hospitalization. COVID-19 clinical severity and troponin I peak were the independent predictors, while nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was the independent protective factor for the occurrence of MACEs in this population. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was effective in reducing myocardial injury as well as long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 amid the omicron wave of the pandemic.

Investigating the Impact of Cannabis Consumption on Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Nationwide Analysis.

Introduction Existing data suggest an association between primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) and cannabis consumption, although evidence remains controversial. Methods This study used the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample Database to examine inpatients with PSP, categorizing them as cannabis users and non-users. Multivariate regression analyzed continuous variables, chi-square assessed categorical variables, and logistic regression models were built. Propensity score matching (PSM) mitigated the confounding bias. Results A total of 399,495 patients with PSP were admitted during the study period (13,415 cannabis users and 386,080 non-cannabis users). Cannabis users were more likely to be younger (p<0.001) and male (p<0.001) with a lower risk of baseline comorbidities than non-users. Cannabis users had a lower risk of sudden cardiac arrest, vasopressor use, the development of acute kidney injury, venous thromboembolism, the requirement for invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and the need for a tracheostomy. Cannabis use was associated with a 3.4 days shorter hospital stay (p<0.001), as confirmed by PSM analysis (2.3 days shorter, p<0.001). Additionally, cannabis users showed a lower risk of in-hospital mortality (p<0.001), a trend maintained in the PSM analysis (p<0.001). Conclusions Our study revealed correlations suggesting that cannabis users with PSP might experience lower in-hospital mortality and fewer complications than non-cannabis users.

Utilizing the International Normalized Ratio-Platelet Index for Predicting Hospital Outcomes After Spontaneous Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage

ObjectiveSpontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) poses a public health issue due to its elevated mortality rates. The International Normalized Ratio-platelet index (INR-Plt index) has recently been recognized as a predictive factor for liver disease progression. The potential of applying the INR-Plt index in forecasting ICH prognosis presents an intriguing subject. This study endeavors to examine the correlation between the INR-Plt index and hospital outcomes in patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH. MethodsA retrospective examination of 283 adult ICH patients was undertaken. The INR-Plt index was computed using the formula: [INR/platelet counts (1000/μL)]×100. The clinical outcomes evaluated consisted of mortality rates and the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. An unfavorable outcome was defined as an mRS score from 4 to 6. ResultsThe study found a significant correlation between the INR-Plt index and hospital mortality (odds ratio: 4.31, 95% CI: 1.07 - 17.31, p = 0.04). There was a 43% rise in mortality risk for every 0.1 unit increase in the INR-Plt index. Kaplan-Meier survival curves illustrated a considerably lower survival rate at discharge for patients with an INR-Plt index > 0.8 (log-rank test: p = 0.047). Regarding unfavorable outcomes, the INR-Plt index was not a significant factor according to logistic regression analyses. ConclusionsThe INR-Plt index is a predictor of hospital mortality in patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH. A higher INR-Plt index value is associated with an increased risk of mortality, underlining the potential usefulness of this composite index in guiding clinical decision-making and enabling risk stratification.

An explainable machine learning approach for hospital emergency department visits forecasting using continuous training and multi-model regression

Background and ObjectiveIn the last years, the Emergency Department (ED) has become an important source of admissions for hospitals. Since late 90s, the number of ED visits has been steadily increasing, and since Covid19 pandemic this trend has been much stronger. Accurate prediction of ED visits, even for moderate forecasting time-horizons, can definitively improve operational efficiency, quality of care, and patient outcomes in hospitals. MethodsIn this paper we propose two different interpretable approaches, based on Machine Learning algorithms, to accurately forecast hospital emergency visits. The proposed approaches involve a first step of data segmentation based on two different criteria, depending on the approach considered: first, a threshold-based strategy is adopted, where data is divided depending on the value of specific predictor variables. In a second approach, a cluster-based ensemble learning is proposed, in such a way that a clustering algorithm is applied to the training dataset, and ML models are then trained for each cluster. ResultsThe two proposed methodologies have been evaluated in real data from two hospital ED visits datasets in Spain. We have shown that the proposed approaches are able to obtain accurate ED visits forecasting, in short-term and also long-term prediction time-horizons up to one week, improving the efficiency of alternative prediction methods for this problem. ConclusionsThe proposed forecasting approaches have a strong emphasis on providing explainability to the problem. An analysis on which variables govern the problem and are pivotal for obtaining accurate predictions is finally carried out and included in the discussion of the paper.

The Impact of Chronic Comorbidities on Outcomes in Acute Exacerbations of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive lung disease of unknown cause with a high associated mortality. We aimed to compare the impact of chronic medical conditions on hospital outcomes of patients with acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF). This was a retrospective cohort study using the NIS database from 2016 to 2018. We included patients aged 60 and older hospitalized in academic medical centers with the diagnoses of IPF and acute respiratory failure. We examined factors associated with hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS) using survey-weighted multivariate logistic and negative binomial regression. Out of 4975 patients with AE-IPF, 665 (13.4%) did not survive hospitalization. There was no difference in the mean age between survivors and non-survivors. Patients were more likely to be male, predominantly white, and have Medicare coverage. Most non-survivors were from households with higher median income. Hospital LOS was longer among non-survivors than survivors (9.4 days vs. 9.8 days; p < 0.001). After multivariate-logistic regression, diabetes was found to be protective (aOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.50-0.77; p < 0.0001) while chronic kidney disease (CKD) conferred a significantly higher risk of death after AE-IPF (aOR 6.85, 95% CI 1.90-24.7; p = 0.00). Our multivariate adjusted negative binomial regression model for LOS identified obesity (IRR 0.85, 95% CI 0.76-0.94; p ≤ 0.00) and hypothyroidism (IRR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83-0.98; p = 0.02) to be associated with shorter hospital LOS. Our results suggest that CKD is a significant contributor to hospital mortality in AE-IPF, and diabetes mellitus may be protective. Obesity and hypothyroidism are linked with shorter hospital LOS among patients hospitalized with AE-IPF in US academic medical centers.

Outcomes Of Hospitalization In Patients With Diastolic Heart Failure Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT): A National Inpatient Sample Analysis (2002-2019)

Outcomes Of Hospitalization In Patients With Diastolic Heart Failure Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT): A National Inpatient Sample Analysis (2002-2019)

Emergency Medical Services Compliance With Prehospital Stroke Quality Metrics Is Associated With Faster Stroke Evaluation and Treatment.

Emergency medical services (EMS) is an important link in the stroke chain of recovery. Various prehospital quality metrics have been proposed for prehospital stroke care, but their individual impact is uncertain. We sought to measure associations between EMS quality metrics and downstream stroke care. This is a retrospective analysis of a cohort of EMS-transported stroke patients assembled through a linkage between Michigan's EMS and stroke registries. We used multivariable regression to quantify the independent associations between EMS quality metric compliance (dispatch within 90 seconds of 911 call, prehospital stroke screen documentation [Prehospital stroke scale], glucose check, last known well time, maintenance of scene times ≤15 minutes, hospital prenotification, and intravenous line placement) and shorter door-to-CT times (door-to-CT ≤25), accounting for EMS recognition, age, sex, race, stroke subtype, severity, and duration of symptoms. We then developed a simple EMS quality score based on metrics associated with early CT and examined its associations with hospital stroke evaluation times, treatment, and patient outcomes. Five thousand seven hundred seven EMS-transported stroke cases were linked to prehospital records from January 2018 through June 2019. In multivariable analysis, prehospital stroke scale documentation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4 [1.2-1.6]), glucose check (1.3 [1.1-1.6]), on-scene time ≤15 minutes (1.6 [1.4-1.9]), hospital prenotification ([2.0 [1.4-2.9]), and intravenous line placement (1.8 [1.5-2.1]) were independently associated with a door-to-CT ≤25 minutes. A 5-point quality score (1 point for each element) was therefore developed. In multivariable analysis, a 1-point higher EMS quality score was associated with a shorter time from EMS contact to CT (-9.2 [-10.6 to -7.8] minutes; P<0.001) and thrombolysis (-4.3 [-6.4 to -2.2] minutes; P<0.001), and higher odds of discharge to home (adjusted odds ratio, 1.1 [1.0-1.2]; P=0.002). Five EMS actions recommended by national guidelines were associated with rapid CT imaging. A simple quality score derived from these measures was also associated with faster stroke evaluation, greater odds of reperfusion treatment, and discharge to home.

Risk Prediction of Emergency Department Visits in Patients With Lung Cancer Using Machine Learning: Retrospective Observational Study.

Patients with lung cancer are among the most frequent visitors to emergency departments due to cancer-related problems, and the prognosis for those who seek emergency care is dismal. Given that patients with lung cancer frequently visit health care facilities for treatment or follow-up, the ability to predict emergency department visits based on clinical information gleaned from their routine visits would enhance hospital resource utilization and patient outcomes. This study proposed a machine learning-based prediction model to identify risk factors for emergency department visits by patients with lung cancer. This was a retrospective observational study of patients with lung cancer diagnosed at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, a tertiary general hospital in South Korea, between January 2010 and December 2017. The primary outcome was an emergency department visit within 30 days of an outpatient visit. This study developed a machine learning-based prediction model using a common data model. In addition, the importance of features that influenced the decision-making of the model output was analyzed to identify significant clinical factors. The model with the best performance demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.73 in its ability to predict the attendance of patients with lung cancer in emergency departments. The frequency of recent visits to the emergency department and several laboratory test results that are typically collected during cancer treatment follow-up visits were revealed as influencing factors for the model output. This study developed a machine learning-based risk prediction model using a common data model and identified influencing factors for emergency department visits by patients with lung cancer. The predictive model contributes to the efficiency of resource utilization and health care service quality by facilitating the identification and early intervention of high-risk patients. This study demonstrated the possibility of collaborative research among different institutions using the common data model for precision medicine in lung cancer.

Association of Continued Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors From the Ambulatory to Inpatient Setting With Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Limited data are available on the continuation of outpatient sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) during hospitalization. The objective was to evaluate associations of SGLT2i continuation in the inpatient setting with hospital outcomes. This nationwide cohort study used Veterans Affairs health care system data of acute care hospitalizations between 1 April 2013 and 31 August 2021. A total of 36,505 admissions of patients with diabetes with an outpatient prescription for an SGLT2i prior to hospitalization were included. The exposure was defined as SGLT2i continuation during hospitalization. Admissions where SGLT2i was continued were compared with admissions where it was discontinued. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were acute kidney injury (AKI) and length of stay (LOS). Negative binomial propensity score-weighted and zero-truncated analyses were used to compare outcomes and adjusted for multiple covariates, including demographics and comorbidities. Mean (SE) age was 67.2 (0.1) and 67.5 (0.1) years (P = 0.03), 97.0% and 96.6% were male (P = 0.1), 71.3% and 72.1% were White, and 20.8% and 20.5% were Black (P = 0.52) for the SGLT2i continued and discontinued groups, respectively. After adjustment for covariates (age, sex, race, BMI, Elixhauser comorbidity index, procedures/surgeries, and insulin use), the SGLT2i continued group had a 45% lower mortality rate (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.73, P < 0.01), no difference in AKI (IRR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90-1.02, P = 0.17), and decreased LOS (4.7 vs. 4.9 days) (IRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.98, P < 0.01) versus the SGLT2i discontinued group. Similar associations were observed across multiple sensitivity analyses. Continued SGLT2i during hospitalization among patients with diabetes was associated with lower mortality, no increased AKI, and shorter LOS.

Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension With Atrial Fibrillation in the United States

In this study, using a large database we examined the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) among hospitalized patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and in-hospital mortality and other adverse hospital outcomes. This study was a retrospective analysis of the US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2005 to 2014. All hospitalizations for patients diagnosed with primary PH and over the age of 65 were included and then grouped based on the presence AF. Outcomes were in-hospital mortality rate, hospital length of stay, and hospitalization costs. Weighted regression analyses were performed to find the association between AF and outcomes. Among the 5,428,332 hospitalizations with PH, 2,531,075 (46.6%) had concomitant AF. Cox proportional regression analysis showed that among PE patients, all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.35; CI: 1.15-1.55) was significantly higher among AF patients, compared to those without AF. Additionally, PH hospitalizations with AF had higher hospital length of stay (β coefficient, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.58-1.83) and hospitalization cost (β coefficient, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.12-1.42). In patients over 65 years old admitted for PH, the presence of AF was very frequent and worsened the prognosis. In conclusion, to improve patient outcomes and decrease hospital burden, it is important to consider AF during risk stratification for patients with PH to provide timely and prompt interventions. An interdisciplinary approach to treatment should be used to account for the burden of comorbidities in this population.