Japanese Inpatient Database Research Articles

The association between introduction of the micro-axial flow pump Impella in hospitals and in-hospital mortality in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: interrupted time-series analyses.

The micro-axial flow pump Impella, a new mechanical circulatory device for cardiogenic shock, is still only available in a limited number of hospitals, due to the facility certification requirements and insufficient evidence of the benefit of introducing Impella in hospitals. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of introducing Impella in hospitals on in-hospital mortality of patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Using a nationwide Japanese inpatient database, we identified patients who received ECMO during hospitalization between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2021. A hospital-level propensity score-matched cohort was created matching hospitals that introduced Impella (exposure group) to those that did not introduce Impella (control group). The inclusion period in each hospital was divided into two time periods according to the time of Impella introduction in the exposure group and the corresponding hospital in the control group (before and after exposure). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Uncontrolled and controlled interrupted time-series analyses involved before-after exposure comparison and exposure-control comparison. Out of 34,379 eligible patients, we created a matched cohort of 8351 patients from 86 hospitals with Impella introduction (exposure group) and 7230 patients from 86 hospitals without Impella introduction (control group). In-hospital mortality before and after exposure was 62.5% and 59.3, respectively, in the exposure group; and 66.8% and 63.7%, respectively, in the control group. Uncontrolled interrupted time-series analysis showed no significant level change or trend change in the before-after exposure comparison in both the exposure and the control groups. Controlled interrupted time-series analysis also showed no significant level change (-0.01%; 95% confidence intervals -5.36% to + 5.33%) or trend change (+ 0.10%, -0.30% to + 0.40%) after exposure in the exposure-control comparison. This nationwide inpatient database study showed no association between Impella introduction in hospitals and in-hospital mortality of patients who underwent ECMO. Because this study confined itself to analze of the impact of the introduction of Impella solely at the hospital level, further detailed studies are warranted to assess its efficacy at the patient level.

Normal saline versus Ringer’s solution and critical-illness mortality in acute pancreatitis: a nationwide inpatient database study

BackgroundFluid resuscitation is fundamental in acute pancreatitis (AP) treatment. However, the optimal choice between normal saline (NS) and Ringer's solution (RS), and its impact on mortality in critically ill patients, remains controversial. This retrospective cohort study, utilizing a national Japanese inpatient database, investigates this question.MethodsUsing the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database between July 2010 and March 2021, we identified adult patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU) or high-dependency care units (HDU) for AP who survived at least three days and received sufficient fluid resuscitation (≥ [10 ml/kg/hr*1 h + 1 ml/kg/hr*71 h] ml) within three days of admission including emergency room infusions. Patients were classified into groups based on the predominant fluid type received: the NS group (> 80% normal saline) and the RS group (> 80% Ringer's solution). Propensity score matching was employed to reduce potential confounding factors and facilitate a balanced comparison of in-hospital mortality between the two groups.ResultsOur analysis included 8710 patients with AP. Of these, 657 (7.5%) received predominantly NS, and 8053 (92.5%) received predominantly RS. Propensity score matching yielded 578 well-balanced pairs for comparison.The NS group demonstrated significantly higher in-hospital mortality than the RS group (12.8% [474/578] vs. 8.5% [49/578]; risk difference, 4.3%; 95% confidence interval, 0.3% to 8.3%).ConclusionsIn patients admitted to ICU or HDU with AP receiving adequate fluid resuscitation, RS can be a preferred infusion treatment compared to NS.

Treatment and Outcomes of 844 Cases of Pneumothorax in Heritable Connective Tissue Disorders

BackgroundCharacteristics, practice patterns, and clinical outcomes of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) with heritable connective tissue disorders (Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos, and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndromes) are unclear. MethodsA nationwide Japanese inpatient database that included data of 524 patients with SSP (884 hospitalizations) and 137,821 with primary spontaneous pneumothorax between July 2010 and March 2020 was used in this study. Hospitalization for SSP (n = 884) was categorized into surgical (n = 459) and nonsurgical (n = 425) groups, and the patient characteristics, treatment, and outcomes were compared between the groups. Multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for pneumothorax recurrence. We also compared the characteristics of patients with different underlying heritable connective tissue disorders. ResultsCompared with the nonsurgical group, the surgical group had less frequent readmission for pneumothorax (26% vs 44%; hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.38-0.58). Young patients (2.46; 1.83-3.32) or those with Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (2.53; 1.77-3.63) had a high risk of recurrence. Pneumothorax occurred frequently in teenagers with Marfan syndrome, in those aged 20 to 39 years with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and in those aged ≥40 years with Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome. ConclusionsDetailed information on the characteristics and clinical course of SSP in heritable connective tissue disorders will aid in the clinical decision-making process.

Antimicrobial Prophylaxis With Ampicillin-sulbactam Compared With Cefazolin for Esophagectomy: Nationwide Inpatient Database Study in Japan.

To assess the effect of antimicrobial prophylaxis with ampicillin-sulbactam (ABPC/SBT) compared with cefazolin (CEZ) on the short-term outcomes after esophagectomy. CEZ is widely used for antimicrobial prophylaxis in esophagectomy without procedure-specific evidence, whereas ABPC/SBT is preferred in some hospitals to target both aerobic and anaerobic oral bacteria. Data of patients who underwent esophagectomy for cancer between July 2010 and March 2019 were extracted from a nationwide Japanese inpatient database. Overlap propensity score weighting was conducted to compare the short-term outcomes [including surgical site infection (SSI), anastomotic leakage, and respiratory failure] between antimicrobial prophylaxis with CEZ and ABPC/SBT after adjusting for potential confounders. Sensitivity analyses were also performed using propensity score matching and instrumental variable analyses. Among 17,772 eligible patients, 16,077 (90.5%) and 1695 (9.5%) patients were administered CEZ and ABPC/SBT, respectively. SSI, anastomotic leakage, and respiratory failure occurred in 2971 (16.7%), 2604 (14.7%), and 2754 patients (15.5%), respectively. After overlap weighting, ABPC/SBT was significantly associated with a reduction in SSI [odds ratio 0.51 (95% CI: 0.43-0.60)], anastomotic leakage [0.51 (0.43-0.61)], and respiratory failure [0.66 (0.57-0.77)]. ABPC/SBT was also associated with reduced respiratory complications, postoperative length of stay, and total hospitalization costs. The proportion of Clostridioides difficile colitis and noninfectious complications did not differ between the groups. Propensity score matching and instrumental variable analyses demonstrated equivalent results. The administration of ABPC/SBT as antimicrobial prophylaxis for esophagectomy was associated with better short-term postoperative outcomes compared with CEZ.

Association of Antipsychotic Drugs with the Risk of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism: A Retrospective Study of Data from a Japanese Inpatient Database.

Approximately a decade has passed since the addition of venous thromboembolism to the list of significant adverse reactions of antipsychotic drugs. However, only a few studies have investigated the relationship between antipsychotic use and venous thromboembolism in the Japanese population. We aimed to evaluate the risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism in users of antipsychotic drugs and update the evidence on venous thromboembolism in the Japanese population. A cross-sectional retrospective analysis of data from a large Japanese claims database, managed by Medical Data Vision Co. Ltd., was conducted. Adult patients who experienced venous thromboembolism between October 2014 and September 2018 in acute care hospitals were identified. The risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism was evaluated with logistic regression using demographic variables. The data of patients using antipsychotic drugs within specific therapeutic classes were also evaluated. We included 8960 patients (mean age, 69years; 59.2% female). Recurrent venous thromboembolism was observed in 686 patients (7.7%). The risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism was significantly higher in younger patients [<65years: reference; 65-74years: odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66-0.99, p = 0.04; ≥75years: OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.94, p = 0.01], those with history of surgery (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.18-1.65, p = 0.01), and anticoagulant users (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.46-3.48, p = 0.01) and was significantly lower in the presence of comorbidities (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.58-0.81, p< 0.01) and fractures (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.94, p = 0.03). Long-term antipsychotic drug prescriptions (>14days) were associated with a higher risk of venous thromboembolism than short-term prescriptions (≤14days) (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.04-2.34, p = 0.03). In patients with a history of venous thromboembolism, particular attention should be paid to recurrence in younger patients. If antipsychotic drugs are prescribed for >14days to patients with a history of venous thromboembolism, they should be administered carefully, guided by reported findings. Further evaluations using different databases or populations are required to generalize the findings of this study.

Association between body mass index and outcomes after autologous breast reconstruction: a nationwide inpatient database study in Japan.

Although autologous reconstruction following breast cancer surgery is common, little is known about the association between preoperative body mass index (BMI) and short-term surgical outcomes. This study investigated the association between BMI and short-term surgical outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction using a nationwide Japanese inpatient database. We retrospectively identified female patients with breast cancer who underwent breast reconstruction using a pedicled flap or free flap from July 2010 to March 2020. Multivariable regression analyses and restricted cubic spline analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between BMI and short-term outcomes with adjustment for demographic and clinical backgrounds. Of the 13,734 eligible patients, 7.1% and 22.2% had a BMI of < 18.5kg/m2 and > 25kg/m2, respectively. Compared with BMI of 18.5-21.9kg/m2, overweight (25.0-29.9kg/m2) and obese (≥ 30.0kg/m2) were significantly associated with higher occurrences of takebacks (odds ratio, 1.74 [95% confidence interval, 1.28-2.38] and 2.89 [1.88-4.43], respectively) and overall complications (1.37 [1.20-1.57] and 1.77 [1.42-2.20], respectively). In the restricted cubic spline analyses, BMI showed J-shaped associations with takebacks, overall complications, local complications, and wound dehiscence. BMI also demonstrated linear associations with postoperative surgical site infection, duration of anesthesia, duration of drainage, length of stay, and hospitalization costs. In autologous breast reconstruction following breast cancer surgery, a higher BMI was associated with takebacks, morbidity, a longer hospital stay, and higher total costs, whereas a lower BMI was associated with fewer surgical site infections, a shorter hospital stay, and lower total costs.

Patient characteristics and procedural and safety outcomes of percutaneous transesophageal gastro-tubing: A nationwide database study in Japan

BackgroundPercutaneous transesophageal gastro-tubing (PTEG) is an alternative interventional procedure in cases where gastrostomy is not feasible. However, the safety and complication rates of PTEG have not yet been evaluated. We aimed to describe the characteristics of patients who underwent PTEG and investigate complications using a nationwide Japanese inpatient database. MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we used the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database in Japan to identify patients who underwent PTEG from April 2012 to March 2020. The outcomes were the occurrence of complications, invasive treatment within 7 days after PTEG, and tube replacement within 14 days after PTEG. We statistically compared patient background, complication rates, and outcomes using PTEG indications. ResultsA total of 3,684 patients underwent PTEG, which was performed in 1,455 patients for decompression and 2,193 patients for feeding. The patients’ mean age was 73.1 years, and 62.1% were men. More patients in the decompression group had cancer than those in the feeding group. The overall number of complications was 47 cases (1.3%). The most common treatment administered after PTEG was red blood cell transfusion (3.9%), followed by early tube replacement (3.3%). As invasive treatments for PTEG complications, percutaneous drainage and transcatheter arterial embolization were required in 4 and 1 cases, respectively, and no cases required surgery. ConclusionWe performed a descriptive study on PTEG using a nationwide database in Japan. This study also showed a low complication rate after PTEG in the real world. Our findings provide practical information on the safety of PTEG in Japan.

Identification of Risk Factors for Mortality and Prolonged Hospitalization in Patients Treated With Surgical Drainage for Otogenic Intracranial Complications: A Nationwide Study Using a Japanese Inpatient Database.

Data on risk factors for otogenic intracranial complications including cerebral abscess have been limited. Using a nationwide database, the aim was to identify the factors related to mortality and delayed discharge. Retrospective. Nationwide database using the Diagnostic Procedure Combination database. Data of 145 patients were extracted from a Japanese inpatient database between 2012 and 2020. The main outcome was survival at discharge. In a subgroup analysis of the 137 surviving patients, the second outcome was delayed discharge. The mortality rate was 5.5% (8 of 145). Logistic regression analyses identified intracerebral complications (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 3.09) and more than 2-day delay of the first surgery after admission (adjusted OR, 4.68) as risk factors for mortality. Specifically, consciousness level evaluated by the Japan Coma Scale (JCS) was significantly related to prolonged hospitalization or mortality: JCS I (adjusted OR, 3.40) and JCS ≥II (adjusted OR, 25.1). Although otogenic intracranial complications are rare, and their mortality is decreasing because of the progress in imaging and clinical strategies, they remain the most severe complications of suppurative otitis media and/or cholesteatoma. Consciousness level at admission, comorbid diabetes mellitus, and a greater than 2-day delay of surgical intervention were related to prolonged hospitalization or mortality.

Additive effectiveness of acrylonitrile-co-methallyl sulfonate surface-treated membranes in the treatment of pneumonia: A propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study.

The acrylonitrile-co-methallyl sulfonate surface-treated (AN69ST) membrane has cytokine adsorption capacity and is used for treating sepsis. This study aimed to compare the effects of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) using the AN69ST membrane with those of CRRT using other membranes for patients with pneumonia-associated sepsis. This retrospective, propensity score-matched, cohort study was based on a nationwide Japanese inpatient database. We included data from adults hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of pneumonia, who received CRRT using either the AN69ST membrane or another membrane within 2 days of admission, and who were discharged from the hospitals between September 2014, and March 2017. Propensity score matching was used to compare in-hospital mortality between the two groups. Eligible patients (N=2393) were categorized into an AN69ST group (N=631) and a non-AN69ST group (N=1762). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 38.9%. Among the 545 propensity-matched patient pairs, the in-hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in the AN69ST group than in the non-AN69ST group (35.8 vs. 41.8%, p=0.046). Among patients with pneumonia-associated sepsis treated with CRRT, CRRT with the AN69ST membrane was associated with a significantly lower in-hospital mortality than CRRT with standard membranes.

Comparison of total intravenous with inhalational anesthesia in terms of postoperative delirium and complications in older patients: a nationwide population-based study.

Postoperative delirium incidences are increasing in older adults. A Cochrane Review found no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative delirium between total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and inhalational anesthesia (IA). This study evaluated the differences in postoperative delirium and morbidity between patients who underwent either TIVA or IA. A nationwide Japanese inpatient database was used to retrospectively compare differences in postoperative delirium and composite morbidity between patients older than 65years, who underwent general anesthesia (TIVA or IA). The primary outcome was postoperative delirium. The secondary outcomes were: morbidity incidence, length of hospital stay, and mortality. A 1:3 propensity score analysis of patients who underwent all surgical procedures was conducted according to covariates, to calculate odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analyses were conducted using an instrumental variable analysis of the proportion of TIVA by hospital scale, stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting analyses, limiting the definitions of postoperative delirium, and subgroup analysis. Of 738,600 patients, 149,540 received TIVA and 589,060 received IA. After 1:3 propensity score matching, the adjusted odds ratios for postoperative delirium and composite morbidity were 0.93 (95% CI 0.91-0.95) and 0.94 (95% CI 0.90-0.97), respectively, for TIVA concerning IA. There were no differences in the length of the intensive care unit and hospital stay, or hospital mortality. The findings were consistent with the sensitivity analyses. This study demonstrated that TIVA was related to a slightly decreased postoperative delirium and incidence of morbidity compared to IA.

Comparison of short-term outcomes between pedicled- and free-flap autologous breast reconstruction: a nationwide inpatient database study in Japan.

Despite the increasing popularity of autologous breast reconstruction, limited evidence is available. The aim of the present study was to compare the short-term outcomes of pedicled- and free-flap breast reconstructions. Using a nationwide Japanese inpatient database, we identified 13,838 patients who underwent breast reconstruction for breast cancer (July 2010-March 2020) using a pedicled or free-flap (pedicled- and free-flap groups, n = 8279 and 5559, respectively). One-to-one propensity score matching was performed to compare the occurrence of postoperative complications, duration of anesthesia, length of stay, and total costs between the two groups. We also performed subgroup analyses stratified by hospital volume. The propensity score-matched analysis involving 3524 pairs showed that the pedicled-flap group had significantly lower proportions of takeback (2.1% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001), thrombosis (0.6% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001), and postoperative bleeding (2.1% vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001) than the free-flap group. No significant differences were found in wound dehiscence or tissue necrosis. Compared to the free-flap group, the pedicled-flap group had a short duration of anesthesia (412 vs. 647min, p < 0.001) and low total hospitalization costs (12 662 vs. 17 247 US dollars, p < 0.001) but a prolonged postoperative length of stay (13 vs. 12days, p < 0.001). The subgroup analyses showed results compatible with those of the main analysis. In this large nationwide cohort of patients who underwent breast reconstruction, pedicled-flap reconstruction was associated with fewer postoperative complications (excluding necrosis and wound dehiscence) and lower hospitalization costs but a longer postoperative length of stay than free-flap reconstruction.

Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump for Left Ventricular Unloading in Veno‐Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The Last Remaining Indication in Cardiogenic Shock

Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump for Left Ventricular Unloading in Veno‐Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The Last Remaining Indication in Cardiogenic Shock

Ambient temperature and hospital admissions for acute cholecystitis: a nationwide inpatient database study in Japan.

The incidence of acute cholecystitis has a seasonal peak in summer. However, the reason for such seasonality remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study was performed to examine the association between ambient temperature and acute cholecystitis. We identified admissions for acute cholecystitis from January 2011 to December 2017 from a nationwide inpatient database in Japan. We performed a Poisson regression analysis to investigate the association between ambient temperature and admission for acute cholecystitis with adjustment for relative humidity, national holidays, day of the week, and year. We accounted for clustering of the outcome within prefectures using a generalized estimating equation. We analyzed 601665 admissions for acute cholecystitis. With an ambient temperature of 5.0°C-9.9°C as a reference, Poisson regression showed that the number of admissions increased significantly with increasing temperature (highest above 30°C; relative risk, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-1.37). An ambient temperature of <5.0°C was also associated with higher admission for acute cholecystitis than an ambient temperature of 5.0°C-9.9°C (relative risk, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-1.25). The present nationwide Japanese inpatient database study showed that high temperature (≥10.0°C) and low temperature (<5.0°C) were associated with increased admission for acute cholecystitis.

Effectiveness of polymyxin B hemoperfusion for sepsis depends on the baseline SOFA score: a nationwide observational study

BackgroundPolymyxin B hemoperfusion (PMX) aims to treat septic shock by removing endotoxin from the patient’s blood. However, the relationship between the severity of the patient's organ damage and the survival benefit of PMX treatment is not clear.MethodsWe analyzed the efficacy of PMX on adult sepsis patients using the propensity score matching method and the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) national inpatient database from April 2018 to March 2020. We stratified the patients into five categories based on their baseline Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and compared the mortality between PMX-treated and non-treated groups in each category. We also compared continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF)-, ventilator- and noradrenaline-free days between the groups.ResultsOf 44,177 patients included in the study, 2191 received PMX. After 1:1 propensity score matching, we created matched cohorts of 2033 pairs. PMX significantly improved the survival of the patients in the SOFA score categories of 7–9 and 10–12. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the survival rate in SOFA score categories of 0–6, 13–15, and 16–24. In analyzing organ support-free days, PMX was also beneficial in the 7–9 and 10–12 SOFA categories compared to other categories.ConclusionAnalysis of a large-scale Japanese inpatient database found a significant association between PMX efficacy and baseline SOFA score. This result indicates higher efficacy in patients with medium SOFA scores in the range of 7–12. The result provides a promising hypothesis for selecting appropriate patients for PMX and should be validated in future RCTs.

New machine learning scoring system for predicting postoperative mortality in gastroduodenal ulcer perforation: A study using a Japanese nationwide inpatient database

BackgroundConventional prediction models for estimating risk of postoperative mortality in gastroduodenal ulcer perforation have suboptimal prediction ability. We aimed to develop and validate new machine learning models and an integer-based score for predicting the postoperative mortality. MethodsWe retrospectively identified patients with gastroduodenal ulcer perforation who underwent surgical repair, using a nationwide Japanese inpatient database. In a derivation cohort from July 2010 to March 2016, we developed 2 machine learning-based models, Lasso and XGBoost, using 45 candidate predictors, and also developed an integer-based score for clinical use by including important variables in Lasso. In a validation cohort from April 2016 to March 2017, we measured the prediction performances of the models by computing area under the curve and comparing it to the conventional American Society of Anesthesiology risk score. ResultsOf 25,886 patients, 1,176 (4.5%) died after surgical repair. For the validation cohort, Lasso and XGBoost had significantly higher prediction abilities than the American Society of Anesthesiology score (Lasso area under the curve = 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.81–0.86; American Society of Anesthesiology score area under the curve = 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.65–0.74, P < .001). The integer-based risk score, which had 13 factors, had a prediction ability similar to those of Lasso and XGBoost (area under the curve = 0.83; 95% confidence interval 0.81–0.86). According to the integer-based score, the mortalities were 0.1%, 2.3%, 9.3%, and 29.0% for the low (score, 0), moderate (1–2), high (3–4), and very high (≥5) score groups, respectively. ConclusionMachine learning models and the integer-based risk score performed well in predicting risk of postoperative mortality in gastroduodenal ulcer perforation. These models will help in decision making.

Difference of preventing effects of G-CSF according to age in patients with malignant lymphoma: A nation-wide analysis in Japan

IntroductionThere has been no comprehensive analysis of the age-specific efficacy of G-CSF to prevent febrile neutropenia (FN). We evaluated factors associated with FN occurrence according to patient age in rituximab-cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisolone (R–CHOP) treatment. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients aged ≥50 years, who underwent the first R–CHOP cycle between July 2010 and March 2017, using a Japanese inpatient database. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with FN. ResultsA total of 16,399 patients with untreated DLBCL were identified. Primary prophylaxis with pegfilgrastim was significantly associated with the lower occurrence of FN (odds ratio: 0.71 [95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.99]). Subgroup analysis according to age was then performed. Although there was no significance, primary prophylaxis with pegfilgrastim tended to have a lower odds ratio for the occurrence of FN in patients aged 50–60 years (0.86 [0.39–1.89]) and 61–70 years (0.64 [0.36–1.13]). In patients aged 71–80 years, primary prophylaxis with pegfilgrastim was significantly associated with reduced FN occurrence (0.46 [0.26–0.80]). Notably, in patients aged >80 years, the use of pegfilgrastim tended to be associated with a rather higher occurrence of FN (1.55 [0.84–2.87]). ConclusionsPreventing effect of G-CSF may be limited in patients aged >80 years.

Identification of risk factors for mortality and delayed oral dietary intake in patients with open drainage due to deep neck infections: Nationwide study using a Japanese inpatient database.

Data on risk factors for deep neck infection including descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) have been limited. Using a nationwide database, the aim was identifying the factors related to patient death and delay in recovering oral intake. Data of 4949 patients were extracted from a Japanese inpatient database between 2012 and 2017. The main outcome was survival at discharge. In a subgroup analysis of the 4949 patients with survival, the second outcome was delay in the interval between admission and full recovery of oral intake. Only a few factors (advanced-age, ventilation) were associated with both mortality and delayed oral dietary intake by logistic regression analyses. Conversely, several factors including DNM (adjusted-odds ratio [OR] 1.41) and repeated surgery (adjusted-OR 1.70) were significantly related only to delayed oral dietary intake. Although DNM was not necessarily related to mortality, patients with DNM should receive careful attention to avoid delayed oral dietary intake.

Safety and effectiveness of intracardiac echocardiography in ventricular tachycardia ablation: a nationwide observational study.

Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) utilized in conjunction with three-dimensional (3-D) mapping systems could enhance ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedures. ICE has been increasingly used in VT ablation; however, the safety and effectiveness of VT ablation under the combined use of ICE remains unclear. The present study aimed to analyze the safety and short-term effects of VT ablation with or without ICE. We retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent initial VT ablation with a combination of ICE and a 3-D mapping system within 3days of hospitalization and discharged from April 2011 to March 2017 using a nationwide Japanese inpatient database. Following enrollment, we conducted a propensity score-matching analysis to compare safety (in-hospital complications) and effectiveness (readmission within 30days after discharge due to cardiovascular disease and readmissions within 30days for repeat VT ablations) between patients who underwent VT ablation with (ICE group) and without ICE (non-ICE group). 3-D mapping systems were applied to both groups. We identified 5,804 eligible patients (1,272 and 4,532 patients in the ICE and non-ICE groups, respectively). One-to-one propensity score matching created a total of 1,147 pairs between the ICE and non-ICE groups. The ICE group showed a significantly lower prevalence of cardiac tamponade than the non-ICE group. There were no significant differences observed between the two groups regarding other outcomes concerning safety and effectiveness. Ventricular tachycardia ablation with ICE used in combination with a 3-D mapping system may reduce cardiac tamponade; however, no additional clinical advantages were noted in terms of safety and effectiveness.

Antithrombin use and mortality in patients with stage IV solid tumor-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation: a nationwide observational study in Japan

BackgroundTerminal-stage solid tumors are one of the main causes of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); effective therapeutic strategies are therefore warranted. This study aimed to investigate the association between mortality and antithrombin therapy in patients with stage IV solid tumor-associated DIC using a large nationwide inpatient database.MethodsFrom July 2010 to March 2018, patients with stage IV solid tumor-associated DIC in the general wards, intensive care unit, or high care unit were identified using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination Inpatient Database. Patients who received antithrombin within 3 days of admission were allocated to the antithrombin group, while the remaining patients were allocated to the control group. One-to-four propensity score matching analyses were applied to compare outcomes. The primary outcome was the 28-day in-hospital mortality.ResultsOf the 25,299 eligible patients, 919 patients had received antithrombin within 3 days of admission and were matched with 3676 patients in the control group. There were no significant differences in the 28-day mortality between the two groups (control vs. antithrombin: 28.9% vs. 30.3%; hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.95–1.23). There were no significant differences in the organ failure score and the proportion of critical bleeding between the two groups. Subgroup analyses showed that the effects of antithrombin were not significantly different among different tumor types.ConclusionUsing a nationwide Japanese inpatient database, this study showed that there is no association between antithrombin administration and 28-day mortality in patients with stage IV solid tumor-associated DIC. Therefore, establishing other therapeutic strategies for solid tumor-associated DIC is required.

Association between comprehensive geriatric assessment and short-term outcomes among older adult patients with stroke: A nationwide retrospective cohort study using propensity score and instrumental variable methods.

BackgroundComprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a multidimensional and multidisciplinary method to identify geriatric conditions among older patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between CGA and short-term outcomes among older adult inpatients with stroke.MethodsThe study was a nationwide, retrospective cohort study. We used the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, a national Japanese inpatient database, to identify older adult stroke patients from 2014 to 2017. The associations between CGA and in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, readmission rate, rehabilitation intervention, and introduction of home health care were evaluated using propensity score matching and instrumental variable analysis.FindingsWe identified 338,720 patients, 21·3% of whom received CGA. A propensity score-matched analysis of 53,861 pairs showed that in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the CGA group than in the non-CGA group (3·6% vs. 4·1%, p < 0·001). The rate of long-term hospitalization (> 60 days) was significantly lower in the CGA group than in the non-CGA group (8·7% vs. 10·1%, p < 0·001), and the rates of rehabilitation intervention (30·3% vs. 24·9%, p < 0·001) and home health care (8·3% vs. 7·6%, p = 0·001) were both higher in the CGA group than in the non-CGA group. Instrumental variable analysis showed similar results.InterpretationCGA was significantly associated with the examined short-term outcomes. These findings from Japan, one of the most aged countries worldwide, highlight the possible benefits of CGA for short-term outcomes and can be of use for health policy in other international contexts.FundingThis work was supported by grants from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan (19AA2007 and H30-Policy-Designated-004) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (17H04141).