Medical Complications In Patients Research Articles

Shoulder arthroplasty for inflammatory arthritis is associated with higher rates of medical and surgical complications: a nationwide matched cohort analysis from 2016-2020

Inflammatory arthritis (IA) represents a less common indication for anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) than osteoarthritis (OA). The safety and efficacy of anatomic and reverse TSA in this population has not been as well studied compared to OA. We analyzed the differences in outcomes between IA and OA patients undergoing TSA. Patients who underwent primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) from 2016-2020 were identified in the Premier Healthcare Database. Inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, diagnosis codes and compared to osteoarthritis controls. Patients were matched in a 1:8 fashion by age (±3 years), sex, race, and presence of pertinent comorbidities. Patient demographics, hospital factors, and patient comorbidities were compared. Multivariate regression was performed following matching to account for any residual confounding and 90-day complications were compared between the 2 cohorts. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were employed with significance set at P<.05. Prior to matching, 5685 IA cases and 93,539 OA controls were identified. Patients with IA were more likely to be female, have prolonged length of stay and increased total costs (P<.0001). After matching and multivariate analysis, 4082 IA cases and 32,656 controls remained. IA patients were at increased risk of deep wound infection (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.38-7.16, P=.006), implant loosening (OR 4.11, 95% CI 1.17-14.40, P=.027), and mechanical complications (OR 6.34, 95% CI 1.05-38.20, P=.044), as well as a decreased risk of postoperative stiffness (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.16-0.83, P=.002). Medically, IA patients were at increased risk of PE (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.52-5.77, P=.001) and acute blood loss anemia (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12-1.44, P<.0001). Inflammatory arthritis represents a distinctly morbid risk profile compared to osteoarthritis patients with multiple increased surgical and postoperative medical complications in patients undergoing aTSA and rTSA. Surgeons should consider these potential complications and employ a multidisciplinary approach in preoperative risk stratification of IA undergoing shoulder replacement.

Thoracic costotransversectomy characteristics and 90-day complications vary based on underlying diagnosis.

Thoracic costotransversectomies are among the most invasive spinal procedures performed and are associated with unanticipated medical and surgical complications. Few studies have specifically assessed medical and surgical complications after a thoracic corpectomy via a costotransversectomy approach (TCT) or compared complications between different diagnoses. The purpose of this study was to describe the differences in operative characteristics and rates of 90-day surgical and medical complications in patients undergoing TCTs based on underlying diagnosis. A retrospective chart review of 123 consecutive patients who underwent TCTs at a single academic referral center over a 10-year period was conducted. Surgical indication, corpectomy levels, intraoperative dural tears, pleural injuries, neurological injuries, 90-day mortality, 90-day reoperations, and hospital-based medical complications were evaluated. One hundred twenty-three patients underwent a TCT, including 35 for infection, 42 for malignancy, 23 for trauma, and 23 for deformity. Fifty-nine patients (48.0%) had at least one medical or 90-day operative complication, with 22 patients (17.9%) having two or more complications. Patients with a diagnosis of infection were more likely to undergo two-level corpectomies (80% vs 26.1%, p < 0.0005). Patients with a diagnosis of malignancy had significantly higher 90-day mortality (19.0% vs 4.9%, p = 0.022) and were more likely to undergo three-level corpectomies (9.5% vs 3.7%, p = 0.002) and upper thoracic (T1-4) corpectomies (37.9% vs 12.4%, p = 0.001), and sustain a pleural injury (14.3% vs 2.5%, p = 0.019). Ninety-day reoperation rates (p = 0.970), postoperative ventilator days (p = 0.224), intensive care unit stays (p = 0.350), hospital lengths of stay (p = 0.094), neurological injuries (p = 0.338), and dural tears (p = 0.794) did not significantly vary between the different groups. Nearly half of the patients undergoing a TCT will experience an unanticipated short-term complication related to the procedure. Short-term complications may vary with the underlying patient diagnosis.

Implant-related and medical complications in patients with sarcopenia undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty: A retrospective matched-cohort analysis.

In the continually aging United States population, the number of patients with sarcopenia who undergo shoulder arthroplasty may concomitantly increase. This retrospective cohort study aims to evaluate the rates of short-term implant-related and medical complications following shoulder arthroplasty in patients with and without a recent diagnosis of sarcopenia. An exact 1:3 matched analysis of 4177 patients was performed using the PearlDiver database. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare complications, Kaplan-Meier failure analysis was used to compare the cumulative hospital readmission rates. Two-sample T-testing was used to compare the 90-day cost of care. Sarcopenic patients were significantly more likely to experience postoperative shoulder instability (odds ratio (OR) = 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21-4.39) and periprosthetic infection (OR = 3.83, 95% CI, 1.74-8.67) within 1 year of their arthroplasty. Sarcopenic patients were at 25% and 41% greater risk of emergency department presentation and hospital readmission 1-year post-arthroplasty, respectively. Ninty-day total costs were greater among sarcopenics ($16 112.23 vs. 10 679.58, p < 0.001). These results are important for orthopaedic surgeons counselling patients with a low muscle mass on the potential for increased complications after undergoing a total shoulder arthroplasty procedure.

Urinary Dysfunction: Frequency, Risk factors, and Interventions in patients with Cancer during Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation.

Introduction: Urinary dysfunction has a strong impact clinically, socially, and economically. Although the development of acute urinary dysfunction in hospitalized patients with cancer is common in clinical practice, its occurrence and management strategies are scant in the literature. It has been reported as one of the more common medical complications in patients with cancer undergoing acute inpatient rehabilitation. This study assessed the frequency of and risk factors for acute urinary dysfunction among these patients and identified the interventions used for management. Methods: This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients admitted to a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center's acute inpatient rehabilitation service from 9/1/2020 through 3/15/2021. We excluded patients that were readmissions during the study time frame. We collected patients' demographic, clinical, and functional data. We defined acute urinary dysfunction as the development of any new urinary symptom(s) or diagnosis, which involved additional work-up and/or management after admission to the acute inpatient rehabilitation service. Results: Of the 176 total patients included in this study, 47 (27%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20-34) patients had acute urinary dysfunction. The most frequent diagnoses were urinary tract infection (32%) and neurogenic bladder (26%). The most common tests were urine cultures (32%) and urinalyses (30%). The most commonly prescribed medications were antibiotics (32%) and alpha-1 blockers (15%). Other most frequent interventions included timed voiding (34%) and intermittent catheterization with bladder scans (28%). Acute urinary dysfunction was associated with an increased length of stay on the inpatient rehabilitation service (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.20; P<.001), surgery during the index admission (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.21-5.16; P=.014), and fecal incontinence (OR, 6.41; 95% CI, 1.83-22.44; P=.004). Conclusion: Acute urinary dysfunction was noted to be a substantial problem in this cohort. This is an overlooked dimension of inpatient cancer rehabilitation that deserves more attention. Patients at risk for acute urinary dysfunction may benefit from close monitoring for medical management and rehabilitation interventions to maximize functional independence with bladder care. More research regarding acute urinary dysfunction types and management approaches in post-acute care settings for patients with cancer is justified.

Can MASCC and CISNE scores predict delays of lung cancer chemotherapy after febrile neutropenia?

Febrile neutropenia (FN) during cancer chemotherapy can lead to morbidity and mortality. The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) and clinical index of stable febrile neutropenia (CISNE) scores have been widely used to predict the risk of severe medical complications in patients with FN; however, there are few tools for predicting chemotherapy delays or discontinuation after FN. Patients admitted to two university hospitals between 2014 and 2018 with a FN diagnosis during the first cycle of chemotherapy for lung cancer were reviewed retrospectively. Among 539 patients who received 813 courses of chemotherapy for lung cancer, 49 (9%) developed FN during the first treatment cycle. Although all the patients recovered from their primary infection, 19 patients (38.8%) developed serious medical complications, 11 (22.4%) were unable to resume chemotherapy and one (2.0%) declined to resume chemotherapy, and nine (18.4%) died within 90 days. Patients who failed to resume chemotherapy had a lower MASCC score (median 8.5 vs. 17, p < 0.01) and a higher CISNE score (median 3 vs. 1, p < 0.01) at the onset of FN. The specificity to predict the patient who failed to resume chemotherapy was 90% or more with MASCC score ≤9 or CISNE score ≥3, with the sensitivity of 61%. MASCC score ≤ 16 can also be a sensitive indicator with the sensitivity and specificity of 89 and 52%, respectively. The MASCC and CISNE scores are useful in identifying lung cancer patients who are unable to resume chemotherapy as scheduled after the onset of FN.

Usefulness of complete blood count parameters to predict poor outcomes in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia presenting to the emergency department

Introduction Febrile neutropenia (FN) is one of the major complications with high mortality rates in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) risk-index score has limited applicability for routine use in the emergency department (ED). This study aimed to develop simplified new nomograms that can predict 28-day mortality and the development of serious medical complications in patients with FN by using a combination of complete blood count (CBC) parameters with quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA). Methods In this retrospective observational study, various models comprising qSOFA score and individual CBC parameters (red cell distribution width, delta neutrophil index, mean platelet volume (MPV)) were evaluated for association with outcomes by a multivariate logistic analysis. Subsequently, nomograms were developed for outcome prediction. The primary outcome was mortality at 28 days from ED presentation; the secondary outcome was the development of serious medical complications. Results A total of 378 patients were included. Among the CBC parameters, only MPV was significantly associated with 28-day mortality and serious medical complications in patients with FN. The nomogram developed to predict 28-day mortality and serious medical complications showed good discrimination with area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.729 and 0.862 (95% CI, 0.780–0.943), respectively, which were not different from those of the MASCC score (0.814, 95% CI, 0.705–0.922; p = .07 and 0.921, 95% CI, 0.863–0.979; p = .11, respectively) in the validation set. The calibration of both nomograms demonstrated good agreement in the validation set. Conclusion In this study, a novel prognostic nomogram using qSOFA score and MPV to identify cancer patients with FN with high risk of 28-day mortality and serious medical complications was verified and validated. Prompt management of fatal complications of FN can be possible through early prediction of poor outcomes with these new nomograms. KEY MESSAGES Among the evaluated CBC parameters, only mean platelet volume was associated with 28-day mortality and serious medical complications in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia. A novel and rapid prognostic nomogram was developed using quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and mean platelet volume to identify cancer patients with febrile neutropenia having high risk of 28-day mortality and serious medical complications. The nomogram developed to predict 28-day mortality and serious medical complications in patients with febrile neutropenia showed good discrimination and provides rapid patient evaluation that is especially applicable in the emergency department.

Availability and use of medications by prehospital providers trained to manage medical complications of patients in hazardous materials incidents.

Little is known about prehospital availability and use of medications to treat patients from hazardous materials (hazmat) medical emergencies. The aim of this study was to identify the availability and frequency of use of medications for patients in hazmat incidents by paramedics with advanced training to care for these patients. A prospectively validated survey was distributed to United States paramedics with advanced training in the medical management of patients from hazmat incidents who successfully completed a 16-hour Advanced Hazmat Life Support (AHLS) Provider Course from 1999 to 2017. The survey questioned hazmat medication availability, storage, and frequency of use. Hazmat medications were considered to have been used if administered anytime within the past 5 years. For analyses, medications were grouped into those with hazmat indications only and those with multiple indications. The survey email was opened by 911 course participants and 784 of these completed the survey (86.1 percent). Of these 784 respondents, 279 (35.6 percent) reported carrying dedicated hazmat medication kits, ie, tox-boxes, and 505 (64.4 percent) did not carry tox-boxes. For those medications specifically for hazmat use, hydroxocobalamin was most commonly available, either within or not within a dedicated tox-box. Of the 784 respondents, 313 (39.9 percent) reported carrying hydroxocobalamin and 69 (8.8 percent) reported administering it within the past 5 years. For medications with multiple indications, availability and use varied: for example, of the 784 respondents, albuterol was available to 699 (89.2 percent) and used by 572 (73.0 percent), while calcium gluconate was available to 247 (31.5 percent) and used by 80 (10.2 percent) within the last 5 years. Paramedics with advanced training in the medical management of patients in hazmat incidents reported limited availability and use of medications to treat patients in hazmat incidents.

Controlled hypotension during neuraxial anesthesia is not associated with increased odds of in-hospital common severe medical complications in patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty – A retrospective case control study

IntroductionThe use of controlled hypotension during neuraxial anesthesia for joint arthroplasty is controversial. We conducted a large institutional database analysis to assess common in-hospital complications and mortality of patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) under controlled hypotension and neuraxial anesthesia.MethodsWe conducted a large retrospective case control study of 11,292 patients who underwent primary THA using neuraxial anesthesia between March 2016 and May 2019 in a single institution devoted to musculoskeletal care. The degree and duration of various mean arterial pressure (MAP) thresholds were analyzed for adjusted odds ratios with composite common severe complications (in-hospital myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or acute kidney injury) as the primary outcome.ResultsSixty-eight patients developed common severe complications (0.60%). Patients with complications were older (median age 75.6 vs 64.0 years) and had a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (45.6% vs 17.6% ASA III). The duration of hypotension at various MAP thresholds (45 to 70 mm Hg) was not associated with increasing odds of common severe medical complications.ConclusionsControlled hypotension (ranging from 45 to 70 mmHg) for a moderate duration during neuraxial anesthesia was not associated with increased odds of common severe complications (myocardial infarction, stroke, and/or acute kidney injury) among patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia for elective THA.

Merits of Surgical Comanagement of Patients With Hip Fracture by Dedicated Orthopaedic Hospitalists.

Background:Rotating medical consultants, hospitalists or geriatricians, are involved in the care of patients with hip fracture, often after medical complications have already occurred. In August 2012, we implemented a unique surgical comanagement (SCM) model in which the same Internal Medicine hospitalists are dedicated year-round to the orthopaedic surgery service. We examine whether this SCM model was associated with a decrease in medical complications, length of stay, and inpatient mortality in patients with hip fracture admitted at our institution, compared with the previous model.Methods:We included 2,252 admissions to the orthopaedic surgery service with a hip fracture between 2009 and 2018 (757 pre-SCM and 1495 post-SCM). We adjusted for age, Charlson comorbidity score, and operating time in all regression analyses.Results:Mean Charlson comorbidity score (1.6 versus 1.2) and median case mix index (2.1 versus 1.9) were higher in the post-SCM group. A 32% decrease was observed in the odds of having ≥1 medical complication(s) (odds ratio, 0.68 [95% confidence interval, 0.50 to 0.91], P = 0.009) post-SCM. No change was observed in length of stay or inpatient mortality despite an increase in medical complexity post-SCM.Conclusion:Having dedicated orthopaedic hospitalists may contribute to fewer medical complications in patients with hip fracture.

Preoperative prognostic nutritional index as a predictive factor for medical complication after cervical posterior decompression surgery: A multicenter study.

Retrospective longitudinal cohort study. To investigate postoperative medical complications in patients with malnutrition after cervical posterior surgery. A total of 256 patients were participated and divided into PNI < 50 group (group L) or PNI ≥ 50 (group H). Patient data, preoperative laboratory data, surgical data, hospitalization data, JOA score, complication data were measured. Group L and group H were 127 and 129 patients, each PNI was L: 44.8 ± 4.3, H: 54.6 ± 4.0, P < 0.01. There was significant difference in mean age (L: 72.2 years vs H: 64.8 years, P < 0.01), BMI (23.1 vs 24.7, P < 0.01), serum albumin (L: 3.9 ± 0.4 g/dl vs H: 4.4 ± 0.3 g/dl, P < 0.01), total lymphocyte count (L: 1.3 ± 0.5 103/µL vs H: 2.1 ± 0.7 103/μL, P < 0.01), hospital stay (L: 25.0 days vs H: 18.8 days, P < 0.05), discharge to home (87.5% vs 57.5%, P < 0.01), delirium (L: 15.9% vs H: 3.9%, P < 0.01), medical complications (L: 25.2% vs H: 7.0%, P < 0.01), pre- and post- operative JOA score (L: 11.3 ± 2.8 vs H: 12.4 ± 2.6, P < 0.01; L: 13.3 ± 3.0 vs H: 14.1 ± 2.4, P = 0.02). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that significant risk factors for medical complications were PNI<50 (P = 0.024, odds ratio [OR] 2.746, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.143-6.600) and age (P = 0.005, odds ratio [OR] 1.064, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.020-1.111). Medical complications are significantly higher in patients with PNI < 50 and higher age. The results showed that PNI is a good indicator for perioperative medical complications in cervical posterior surgery. Improvement of preoperative nutritional status is important to avoid medical complications. 3.

Vitamin D status and complications, readmissions, and mortality after hip fracture.

We wanted to study the relation between vitamin D level and postoperative orthopedic and medical complications in patients with hip fracture. In addition, we investigated the effect of giving a single-dose cholecalciferol 100.000IU. Data were taken from the local hip fracture register. Logistic regression analyses including vitamin D level and potentially confounding variables were performed for complications and readmissions. A total of 407 (47%) of 872 included hip fractures had low vitamin D at baseline. A total of 155 (18%) developed delirium, and the risk was higher in vitamin D-deficient patients (odds ratio (OR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04 to 2.12; p = 0.03). A total of 261 (30%) were readmitted for non-hip-related conditions. Low vitamin D was associated with a higher risk of medical readmissions within 30days (OR 1.64 (1.03 to 2.61); p = 0.036) and 12weeks (OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.02 to 2.12); p = 0.039). There was a higher risk of a new hip fracture (OR 2.84 (95% CI 1.15 to 7.03) p = 0.024) in vitamin D-deficient patients. A total of 105 (12%) developed at least one orthopedic complication, with no correlation to baseline vitamin D. Among vitamin D-deficient patients, those receiving a single-dose of 100.000IU cholecalciferol had fewer orthopedic complications (OR 0.32 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.97) p = 0.044) the first 30days after surgery. Low vitamin D at admission for hip fracture increased the risk of delirium, a new hip fracture, and medical readmissions, but not orthopedic complications. The role of vitamin D supplementation to prevent orthopedic complications requires further study.

Medical management of eating disorders: an update.

Eating disorders are associated with numerous medical complications. The aim of this study was to review recent progress in improving the medical management of patients with eating disorders. With close medical monitoring and electrolyte supplementation, accelerated refeeding protocols improve weight restoration without increasing the risk of refeeding syndrome. Olanzapine improves weight restoration better than placebo, without leading to adverse metabolic effects seen in individuals not in starvation. Alterations of the gut microbiome in anorexia nervosa have been demonstrated, but their clinical relevance remains unclear. Medical complications of eating disorders may facilitate the first contact with health professionals and treatment initiation. Medical complications of anorexia nervosa generally occur due to starvation, malnutrition and their associated physiological effects, whereas medical complications of bulimia nervosa are generally due to purging behaviors. Most medical complications in patients with binge eating disorder are secondary to obesity. Most medical complications of eating disorders can be effectively treated with nutritional management, weight normalization and the termination of purging behaviors. In summary, eating disorders are associated with many medical complications that have to be carefully assessed and managed as early as possible to improve long-term outcomes.

149. Increased risk of medical complications in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus undergoing decompression for cervical myelopathy

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a rare condition more commonly seen in elderly populations that are prone to degenerative spine pathologies, specifically those that predispose them to cervical myelopathy (CM). While symptomatic presentation can mimic CM, there is limited information about this population in the perioperative setting. Prior studies have demonstrated that patients with NPH have increased complications following orthopedic procedures; however, to date no study has examined the impact of NPH in spine surgery. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine if a concomitant diagnosis of NPH increased risk of postoperative complications following elective cervical decompression for CM. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE This study included 5,399 Medicare beneficiaries undergoing elective cervical decompression. OUTCOME MEASURES Initial inpatient length of stay (LOS), 90-day medical complications, 90-day readmissions. METHODS Medicare patients under the age of 85 undergoing elective decompression for CM between the years of 2006-2013 were queried using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding. Exclusion criteria included any patients with a prior diagnosis of noncervical myelopathy, spinal infection, spinal trauma, or spinal malignancy 5 years prior to decompression. Patients who met study criteria were then separated into those with preexisting NPH prior to index surgery and those without (controls). NPH patients where then matched in a 1:20 ratio to controls using age, sex, and preexisting comorbidities. All postoperative outcomes of interest between the two populations were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Significance was defined as p RESULTS Following application of study criteria and matching, 5,399 patients were identified for the study, of these 266 had a diagnosis of NPH. Within 90 days of index surgery, NPH patients had significantly higher risk of cerebrovascular accident (OR 2.61 [1.19-5.08] p=0.008), pulmonary embolism (OR: 2.73 [1.03-6.03] p=0.024), and urinary tract infection (OR 2.1 [1.44-2.98] p CONCLUSIONS Myelopathic patients with preoperative NPH had an increased risk 90-day medical complications following decompression surgery. Likewise, this population had a protracted initial LOS and higher readmission rates following index surgery. Patients and physicians should be aware of these risks and care should be taken to optimize these patients prior to surgery to mitigate future postoperative complications. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Interval Between Staged Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasties Does Not Affect Early Medical or Surgical Complications

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to evaluate early postoperative surgical and medical complications in patients undergoing staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and determine if the interval to the second stage influences the risk of complications. MethodsA retrospective review was performed from 2016 through 2018 of all staged bilateral primary TKA procedures, yielding a cohort of 1005 patients (2010 TKAs). Four groups were created based on the timing of the second stage: 3 to 6 weeks, 7 to 12 weeks, 13 to 24 weeks, and >24 weeks. Clinical data compared between groups included demographics, knee range of motion, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, Knee Society pain score, Knee Society clinical score, and Knee Society functional score. Postoperative complications within 90 days were evaluated, with complications after the second knee being the primary outcome. ResultsThe mean follow-up after second stage was 10.7 months (range, 3 to 37 months). No significant differences were found between groups in the range of motion, Knee Society pain, Knee Society clinical score, Knee Society functional score, or University of California Los Angeles activity score in either the first or second knee. After the first knee surgery, medical complications were highest in the >24-week group. After the second knee, there were no significant difference in manipulation (P = .9), wound complications (P = .7), venous thromboembolism (P = .8), or other medical complications (P = 1) based on the interval duration. ConclusionThe interval between staged TKA did not affect early medical or surgical complications after the second stage. Early clinical and function results were not different based on timing of the second surgery.

Pre-engraftment infectious complications and patient outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a single-center experience from Lebanon.

Infectious complications are significant causes of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). They occur variably over different periods, with scant data reported from Lebanon and neighboring countries. In this study, we described the pre-engraftment neutropenic phase, febrile episodes, and peri-transplant medical complications in patients undergoing allo-HCT at a tertiary-care hospital. This is a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent allo-HCT between 2007 and 2016 at Makassed General Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon. Data were extracted from medical records, the HCT registry, and medical laboratory logbooks. One hundred and six patients were included, 75% having hematologic malignancies and 13% aplastic anemia. None received antibacterial prophylaxis with fluoroquinolones. Yet from conditioning chemotherapy till the say before HCT, 32% of the patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSA) due to fever or infection. At the day of cell infusion, 41.5% of the patients were on BSA. Neutrophil engraftment failure was recorded in 8% of the patients. The cumulative incidence of pre-engraftment bacteremia and Gram-negative bacteremia was 14.3 and 7.1%, respectively. Aplastic anemia was an independent risk factor for pre-engraftment bacteremia [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.29-11.5), P = 0.02]. The cumulative incidence of pre-engraftment pneumonia was 11.2%. Patient age significantly increased the risk of pre-engraftment pneumonia [HR = 12.35, 95% CI (1.27-120.50), P = 0.03]. Six-month post-transplant mortality reached 17% in our cohort. Myelodysplastic syndrome was the only significant parameter increasing the risk of death [HR = 3.40, 95% CI (1.05-10.98), P = 0.04]. The cumulative incidence of pre-engraftment bacteremia and pneumonia was 14.3% and 11.2% respectively in this cohort. Aplastic anemia predicted for the occurrence of bacteremia, increasing patient age contributed to the occurrence of pneumonia, and myelodysplastic syndrome increased the risk of death.

Update of a Study of Not Ceasing Anticoagulants for Patients Undergoing Injection Procedures for Spinal Pain

To determine prevalence rates of hemorrhagic complications in patients who either ceased or continued anticoagulants during interventional pain procedures. A total of 1,936 consecutive patients were prospectively monitored during a total of 12,723 injection procedures. The prevalence of hemorrhagic complications was tallied for a variety of procedures performed on patients who ceased or continued various anticoagulants. No hemorrhagic complications occurred in any patient who continued anticoagulants. Sufficiently large sample sizes were obtained to conclude that, in patients who continued warfarin or clopidrogel during lumbar transforaminal injections and for lumbar facet procedures, the zero prevalence of complications had 95% confidence intervals of 0% to 0.3%. This prevalence was significantly lower than the risk of medical complications in patients who ceased warfarin. Lumbar transforaminal injections and lumbar facet injections have a very low rate of hemorrhagic complications when patients continue to take anticoagulants.

ASOCIATION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION AND PNEUMONIA AMONG PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL.

Objective; To determine the association of urinary tract infections and pneumonia among patients with ischemic stroke at a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods; All the cases of ischemic stroke (181), fulfilling inclusion criteria were recruited in this cross – sectional study. Once registered these study cases was assessed for different complications (UTI, shoulder pain, arrhythmia, pneumonia and hyponatremia) after undergoing baseline investigations like urine test, blood tests and ECG. Data was entered and analyzed by computer program SPSS-18. Results; Of these 181 study cases, 101 (55.8%) were male patients while 80 (44.2%) were female patients. Mean age of our study cases was 50.68± 7.18 years. Of these 181 study cases, 80 (44.2%) were from rural area while 101 (55.8%) from urban areas, 43 (23.8%) were diabetic and 118 (65.2%) were hypertensive. Mean body mass index (BMI) of our study cases was 23.58 ± 3.29 kg/m 2 and obesity was present in 29 (16%). History of smoking was present in 43 (23.8%) of our study cases. Previous history of stroke was present in 21 (11.6%) while family history of stroke was noted in 37 (20.4%) of our study cases and 130 (71.8 %) were illiterate and 51 (28.2%) were literate. Mean serum sodium level was noted to 136.29 ± 2.01 mEq/L, urinary tract infection (UTI) was noted in 87 (48.1%), shoulder pain in 72 (39.8%), pneumonia in 43 (23.8%), arrhythmia in 58 (32 %) and hyponatremia in 51 (28.2%) of our study cases. Conclusion; Our study results indicate high proportion of medical complications in patients with ischemic stroke. Urinary tract infection was the most commonest complication followed by shoulder pain, arrhythmia, pneumonia and hyponatremia. All clinicians treating such patients should carefully monitor such patients to take preventive measure against these complications, this will decrease disease morbidity and hospitalizations in these patients. Keywords; Ischemic stroke, medical complications, Frequency. DOI : 10.7176/JMPB/58-02 Publication date : August 31 st 2019

Outcomes of Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation of Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices and Subsequent Stroke.

The aim of the study was to examine the functional outcomes and medical complications of patients with left ventricular assist device implantation and subsequent stroke during comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation. Retrospective cohort study of 21 patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility between 2009 and 2015. Main outcome measurements include admission and discharge Functional Independence Measure, length of stay, and Functional Independence Measure efficiency. The study included 17 male and 4 female patients aged 32-75 yrs. Eleven patients (52%) required transfer to an acute care hospital for evaluation. Fifteen patients completed inpatient rehabilitation with median [interquartile range] length of stay 26 [13.5-34] days (range = 7-59 days), median [interquartile range] Functional Independence Measure gain of 18 [12.5-32], and median [interquartile range] Functional Independence Measure efficiency of 1.0 [0.6-1.44]. Patients who required transfer to acute care during their course but ultimately completed inpatient rehabilitation (n = 5) demonstrated larger median [interquartile range] Functional Independence Measure gain (40 [23-42]) and longer median [interquartile range] length of stay (35 [35-42]) compared with patients who completed inpatient rehabilitation without transfer (Functional Independence Measure gain = 15 [9.25-26.5]; length of stay = 14.5 [11.5-26.25]). Patients with left ventricular assist device implantation and subsequent stroke demonstrate functional gains during acute inpatient rehabilitation programs. A large percent of patients required transfer to acute care.

The Timing of Tracheostomy and Outcomes After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Analysis.

The goal of this study was to investigate the association of tracheostomy timing with outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a national population. Poor-grade aneurysmal SAH patients were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011). Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze predictors of tracheostomy timing and multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of timing of intervention with mortality, complications, and discharge to institutional care. Covariates included patient demographics, comorbidities, severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage (measured using the NIS-SAH severity scale), hospital characteristics, and other complications and length of stay. The median time to tracheostomy among 1380 poor-grade SAH admissions was 11 (interquartile range: 7-15) days after intubation. The mean number of days from intubation to tracheostomy in SAH patients at the hospital (p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of tracheostomy timing for a patient, while comorbidities and SAH severity were not significant predictors. Mortality, neurologic complications, and discharge disposition did not differ significantly by tracheostomy time. However, later tracheostomy (when evaluated continuously) was associated with greater odds of pulmonary complications (p = 0.004), venous thromboembolism (p = 0.04), and pneumonia (p = 0.02), as well as a longer hospitalization (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis only found these associations between tracheostomy timing and medical complications in patients with moderately poor grade (NIS-SAH severity scale 7-9), while there were no significant differences by timing of intervention in very poor-grade patients (NIS-SAH severity scale > 9). In this analysis of a large, national data set, variation in hospital practices was the strongest predictor of tracheostomy timing for an individual. In patients with moderately poor grade, later tracheostomy was independently associated with pulmonary complications, venous thromboembolism, pneumonia, and a longer hospitalization, but not with mortality, neurological complications, or discharge disposition. However, tracheostomy timing was not significantly associated with outcomes in very poor-grade patients.

Acute kidney injury is linked to higher mortality in elderly hospitalized patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Renal insufficiency is associated with medical complications in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, data for elderly patients are scarce. Thus, the main objectives of the present study were to analyze the characteristics of elderly patients with NVAF and acute or chronic renal disease, describe their management in real-life conditions, and detect factors associated with complications. The NONAVASC registry includes patients > 75years with NVAF, hospitalized by any cause in 64 Spanish Internal Medicine departments. Patients were categorized into acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD) or preserved renal function (PRF). All variables associated with in-hospital mortality with P < 0.10 in univariate analysis were included to develop a multivariate logistic-regression model. The study included 804 patients (53.9% women), 352 (43.8%) of whom met diagnostic criteria for CKD. AKI was detected in 119 (14.8%) patients. AKI was associated with greater length of stay, higher mortality and an increased rate of patient transfer to nursing homes. After logistic-regression analysis, we found an association between mortality and AKI (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.03-5.53; P = 0.045). The increase in creatinine values (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.19-2.73; P = 0.005) and the decrease in albumin values (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.05-3.73; P = 0.033) were also linked to mortality. Our study shows the relationship between AKI and creatinine value increase and a higher mortality in elderly patients with NVAF. In light of our findings, the detection of renal function impairment in these patients should alert physicians and consider them as high-risk patients.