Ninth Revision Diagnosis Codes Research Articles

Health care resource utilization and costs across stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the United States.

People living with ALS (plwALS) experience motor control loss, speech/swallowing difficulties, respiratory insufficiency, and early death. Advancing disease stage is typically associated with a greater burden on the health care system, and delays in diagnosis can result in substantial health care resource utilization (HCRU). To estimate HCRU and cost burden of plwALS across disease stages from a US payer perspective we assessed HCRU and costs in early-, mid-, and late-stage ALS. Using insurance claims data from the IBM MarketScan Databases between January 2013 and December 2019, we identified plwALS as having at least 2 claims at least 27 days apart with an ALS International Classification of Diseases, Ninth or Tenth Revision diagnosis code (335.20/G12.21) or at least 1 ALS diagnosis code and prescription filled for riluzole/edaravone. Eligible plwALS were aged at least 18 years and had at least 12 months of enrollment data before and at least 6 months after the index date (date diagnosis criteria met). plwALS were grouped into disease stages using an ALS severity-based staging algorithm developed using ALS symptom and staging survey data from 142 neurologists reporting on 880 plwALS. The starting date of each severity stage was defined as the first date of an ALS symptom within the early-, mid-, and late-stage categories, respectively. The ending date for a severity stage was defined as the day before the first date of an ALS symptom from a more severe category. plwALS could transition to more severe stages, with reverse transition of severity excluded. Mixed regression modeling was used to assess differences in HCRU and costs per person-year between severity stages, adjusted for age and sex. 2,273 plwALS were included in the total ALS study sample, with 1,215 early-stage, 1,511 midstage, and 1,186 late-stage plwALS. 90% of early-stage plwALS had ALS symptoms before diagnosis, and 27% of late-stage plwALS had a late-stage symptom before diagnosis. In the evaluation period, later-stage ALS groups had more overall hospital admissions (early = 0.15, middle = 0.23, and late = 0.74; P < 0.01), outpatient visits/service (early = 26.81, middle = 32.78, and late = 48.54; P < 0.01), emergency department visits (early = 0.46, middle = 0.69, and late = 1.03; P < 0.01), and total prescription count (early = 9.23, middle = 11.37, and late = 12.72; P < 0.01) over 12 months. Annualized costs increased as ALS progressed (early = $31,411, middle = $51,481, and late = $121,903; P < 0.01), which was primarily driven by higher frequency of and cost per hospital admission. HCRU and costs increased with ALS progression, with diagnosis frequently occurring even after experiencing late-stage symptoms. These findings highlight the potential value of delaying progression into a more resource-intensive stage by diagnosing and adequately treating plwALS earlier in the disease course.

Operative Management of Rotator Cuff Tears: Identifying Disparities in Access on a National Level.

The purpose of this study was to identify nationwide disparities in the rates of operative management of rotator cuff tears based on race, ethnicity, insurance type, and socioeconomic status. Patients diagnosed with a full or partial rotator cuff tear from 2006-2014 were identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample database using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis codes. Bivariate analysis using chi-square tests and adjusted, multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate differences in the rates of operative versus non-operative management for rotator cuff tears. This study included 46,167 patients. When compared with white patients, adjusted analysis showed that minority race and ethnicity were associated with lower rates of operative management for Black [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29-0.33; p < 0.001], Hispanic [AOR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.45-0.52; p < 0.001], Asian or Pacific Islander [AOR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.61-0.84; p < 0.001], and Native American patients [AOR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50-0.86; p = 0.002]. In comparison to privately insured patients, our analysis also found that self-payers [AOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.07-0.10; p < 0.001], Medicare beneficiaries [AOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.72-0.81; p < 0.001], and Medicaid beneficiaries [AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.30-0.36; p < 0.001] had lower odds of receiving surgical intervention. Additionally, relative to those in the bottom income quartile, patients in all other quartiles experienced nominally higher rates of operative repair; these differences were statistically significant for the second quartile [AOR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.16; p = 0.004]. There are significant nationwide disparities in the likelihood of receiving operative management for rotator cuff tear patients of differing race/ethnicity, payer status, and socioeconomic status. Further investigation is needed to fully understand and address causes of these discrepancies to optimize care pathways.

Comorbidity and polypharmacy impact neurobehavioral symptoms and symptom validity failure among post-9/11 veterans with mild traumatic brain injury.

The study aimed to examine the association between post-concussive comorbidity burdens [post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and/or headache] and central nervous system (CNS) polypharmacy (five or more concurrent medications) with reported neurobehavioral symptoms and symptom validity screening among post-9/11 veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Administrative medical record data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) were used in the study. Post-9/11 veterans with mTBI and at least 2 years of VA care between 2001 and 2019 who had completed the comprehensive traumatic brain injury evaluation (CTBIE) were included in the study. Retrospective cross-sectional design was used in the study. Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and Clinical Modification diagnosis codes were included in the study. Of the 92,495 veterans with a history of TBI, 90% had diagnoses of at least one identified comorbidity (PTSD, depression, and/or headache) and 28% had evidence of CNS polypharmacy. Neurobehavioral symptom reporting and symptom validity failure was associated with comorbidity burden and polypharmacy after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Veterans with concurrent diagnoses of PTSD, depression, and headache were more than six times more likely [Adjusted odds ratio = 6.55 (99% CI: 5.41, 7.92)]. to fail the embedded symptom validity measure (Validity-10) in the NSI. TBI-related multimorbidity and CNS polypharmacy had the strongest association with neurobehavioral symptom distress, even after accounting for injury and sociodemographic characteristics. Given the regular use of the NSI in clinical and research settings, these findings emphasize the need for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for individuals who screen positively for potential symptom overreporting, the importance of multidisciplinary rehabilitation to restore functioning following mTBI, and the conscientious utilization of symptom validity measures in research efforts.

Initiation and Treatment Discontinuation of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnant People Compared With Nonpregnant People.

To examine the association between pregnancy and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) initiation and discontinuation among reproductive-aged people receiving treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of people with gender recorded as female, aged 18-45 years, in the Merative TM MarketScan ® Commercial and Multi-State Medicaid Databases (2006-2016). Opioid use disorder and pregnancy status were identified based on inpatient or outpatient claims for established International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision diagnosis and procedure codes. The main outcomes were buprenorphine and methadone initiation and discontinuation, determined by using pharmacy and outpatient procedure claims. Analyses were conducted at the treatment episode level. Adjusting for insurance status, age, and co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, we used logistic regression to estimate MOUD initiation and used Cox regression to estimate MOUD discontinuation. Our sample included 101,772 reproductive-aged people with OUD, encompassing 155,771 treatment episodes (mean age 30.8 years, 64.4% Medicaid insurance, 84.1% White), of whom 2,687 (3.2%, encompassing 3,325 episodes) were pregnant. In the pregnant group, 51.2% of treatment episodes (1,703/3,325) involved psychosocial treatment without MOUD, in comparison with 61.1% (93,156/152,446) in the nonpregnant comparator group. In adjusted analyses assessing likelihood of initiation for individual MOUD, pregnancy status was associated with an increase in buprenorphine (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.57, 95% CI 1.44-1.70) and methadone initiation (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.82-2.27). Discontinuation rates of MOUD at 270 days were high for both buprenorphine (72.4% for nonpregnant episodes vs 59.9% for pregnant episodes) and methadone (65.7% for nonpregnant episodes vs 54.1% for pregnant episodes). Pregnancy was associated with a decreased likelihood of discontinuation at 270 days for both buprenorphine (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.71, 95% CI 0.67-0.76) and methadone (aHR 0.68, 95% CI 0.61-0.75), in comparison with nonpregnant status. Although a minority of reproductive-aged people with OUD in the United States are initiated on MOUD, pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in treatment initiation and a reduced risk of medication discontinuation.

Emergency department burden of hyperemesis gravidarum in the United States from 2006 to 2014

Hyperemesis gravidarum is the most severe form of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, potentially affecting both maternal and pregnancy health. Hyperemesis gravidarum often results in emergency department visits, although the exact frequency and costs associated with these visits have not been well studied. This study aimed to analyze the trends in hyperemesis gravidarum emergency department visits, inpatient admissions, and the associated costs between 2006 and 2014. Patients were identified from the 2006 and 2014 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample database files using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes. Patients with a primary diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, and all nondelivery pregnancy-related diagnoses (all antepartum visits) were identified. All groups were analyzed; trends in demographics, number of emergency department visits, and visit costs were compared. Costs were inflation-adjusted to 2021 US dollars. Emergency department visits for hyperemesis gravidarum increased by 28% from 2006 to 2014; however, the proportion of those who were subsequently admitted to the hospital decreased. The average cost of an emergency department visit for hyperemesis gravidarum increased by 65% ($2156 to $3549), as opposed to an increase of 60% for all antepartum visits ($2218 to $3543). The aggregate cost for all hyperemesis gravidarum visits increased by 110% ($383,681,346 to $806,696,513) from 2006 to 2014, which was similar to the increase observed for all antepartum emergency department visits. From 2006 to 2014, emergency department visits for hyperemesis gravidarum increased by 28%, with associated costs increasing by 110%, whereas the number of admissions from the emergency department for hyperemesis gravidarum decreased by 42%.

Severe Maternal Morbidity in Twins.

While twin gestations are at increased risk of severe maternal morbidity (SMM), there is limited information about timing and causes of SMM in twins. Furthermore, existing data rely on screening definitions of SMM because a gold standard approach requires chart review. We sought to determine the timing and cause of SMM in twins using a gold standard definition outlined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). We used a perinatal database to identify all twin deliveries from 1998 to 2013 at a single academic medical center (n = 2,367). Deliveries were classified as screen positive for SMM if they met any of the following criteria: (1) one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision diagnosis and procedure codes for SMM; (2) a prolonged postpartum length of stay (>3 standard deviations beyond mean length of stay by mode of delivery); or (3) maternal intensive care unit admission. We identified true cases of SMM through medical record review of all screen-positive deliveries using the definition of SMM outlined in the ACOG Obstetric Care Consensus. We also determined cause and timing of SMM. A total of 165 (7%) of twin deliveries screened positive for SMM. After chart review of all screen-positive cases, 2.4% (n = 56) were classified as a true case of SMM using the ACOG definition for a positive predictive value of 34%. The majority of SMM occurred postpartum (65%). Hemorrhage was the most common cause of SMM, followed by hypertensive and pulmonary etiologies. Commonly used approaches to screen for SMM perform poorly in twins. This has important implications for quality initiatives and epidemiologic studies that rely on screening definitions of maternal morbidity. Our study demonstrates that the immediate postpartum period is a critical time for maternal health among women with twin pregnancies. · Screening approaches for SMM have low positive predictive value in twins.. · Hemorrhage, hypertensive, and pulmonary complications were the most common morbidities.. · SMM was most common postpartum..

Risk Factors for Readmission Following Febrile Neutropenia in Pediatric Oncology Patients.

Febrile neutropenia is the most common reason for admission from the emergency department for pediatric oncology patients. We identified pediatric inpatients age 1 to 21 years with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis code of malignancy and either fever with neutropenia or fever alone over a 6-year period (2007-2012) using the PHIS+ database. We evaluated factors associated with readmission within 7 days after index hospitalization. There were 4029 index hospitalizations among 2349 patients in 6 hospitals, 294 encounters (7.3%) were followed by readmission within 7 days. Factors associated with increased odds of readmission included being in the lowest quartile for median household income (odds ratio [OR]=1.64, P =0.009), diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (OR=1.37, P =0.016), lack of anerobic coverage during index hospitalization (OR=1.48, P =0.026), and absolute neutrophil count <200cells/μL at discharge from index hospitalizations (OR=1.55, P =0.008). Patients who required readmission had a longer median length of stay and greater hospitalization costs during the index hospitalization. There was a trend towards increasing hospitalization rates for febrile neutropenia over time. While absolute neutrophil count is incorporated into many risk stratification strategies for fever management, further work should focus on addressing socioeconomic factors which may impact readmission rates.

Post-Combat-Injury Opioid Prescription and Alcohol Use Disorder in the Military

Previous studies have identified combat exposure and combat traumatic experience as problematic drinking risk factors. Increasing evidence suggests that opioid use increases the risk of alcohol use disorder. This study investigated the association between opioid prescription use after injury and (1) alcohol use disorder and (2) severity of alcohol use disorder among deployed military servicemembers. Deidentified health records data of 9,029 deployed servicemembers from a retrospective cohort study were analyzed. Data were randomly selected from the Department of Defense Trauma Registry and included servicemembers with combat injuries during deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan (2002-2016). Pharmacy records and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision diagnosis codes were used. Three groups were identified (no opioid prescription use, nonpersistent opioid prescription use, and persistent opioid prescription use) and were compared on the basis of alcohol use disorder risk using Cox proportional hazard models. Data analyses were performed in 2021. Of the 9,029 servicemembers with combat injury, 2,262 developed alcohol use disorder (1,322 developed severe alcohol use disorder). Compared with no opioid prescription use, increased alcohol use disorder risk was associated with persistent opioid prescription use, with a hazard ratio of 1.13 (95% CI=1.02, 1.26). After covariate adjustment, increased risk remained statistically significant (hazards ratio=1.24; 95% CI=1.10, 1.39). There was no significant difference in alcohol use disorder risk between no opioid prescription use and nonpersistent opioid prescription use. The risk of severe alcohol use disorder did not vary by opioid use among servicemembers with alcohol use disorder diagnosis. The findings of the study suggest that the incidence of alcohol use disorder was higher among injured servicemembers with persistent opioid prescription use than among those without opioid use. If replicated in prospective studies, the findings highlight the need for clinicians to consider the current and history of alcohol use of patients in initiating treatment involving opioids.

594 Dermal Matrix versus Autologous Grafting for Full-Thickness Burns of Head and Neck: Trends, Outcomes, Cost

IntroductionBurns of the head and neck are particularly devastating, commonly occurring due to accidental flame or scald injury. Autologous grafting has traditionally been used for reconstruction in this area. Recently the use of dermal matrices as a reconstructive alternative has increased. This study compares annual trends, outcomes, and hospital costs between head and neck burn patients who underwent reconstruction with dermal matrix or autologous grafting.MethodsThe U.S Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried from 2012 to 2016. Patients with head and neck burns treated with dermal matrix or autologous graft were identified using International Classification of Disease Ninth and Tenth Revision diagnosis and procedure codes. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and outcome measures were reported. χ 2 and Student’s t-tests were used for univariate survey-adjusted comparisons between groups. Multivariate survey-adjusted linear regressions were used to identify associations between surgical intervention, length of stay and cost of hospitalization. Analyses were conducted with RStudio (1.4.1717).ResultsA total of 6,730 patients met inclusion criteria; 2,855 underwent reconstruction dermal matrix and 3,875 with autologous graft. There was an increasing number of patients undergoing dermal matrix reconstruction each year, peak in 2016 (1,450, 50.8%). The dermal matrix group was younger (33.7 vs 39.9, p< 0.001) had fewer females (27.3% vs 38.2%, p=0.003) and fewer inhalation injury (4.0% vs 11.0%, p< 0.001). The dermal matrix group had a shorter length of stay (11.2 vs 27.8, p< 0.001) and more home discharges (80.4% vs 53.4%, p< 0.001); they had lower Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score for readmission (6.57 vs 11.92, p< 0.001) and in hospital mortality (4.76 vs 9.69, p< 0.001). Median cost of care was lower for the dermal matrix group ($17,858 vs $59,860, p< 0.001). Multivariable regression demonstrated that reconstruction with dermal matrix was independently associated with decreased length of stay (11.01 [7.95 - 14.07], p< 0.001) and decreased cost ($38,297 [23,813], p< 0.001).ConclusionsOperative management of head and neck burns with dermal matrix is associated with a shorter hospital stay, greater likelihood of home discharge, and decreased hospital costs. Patients with autologous grafting had higher rates of inhalation injury, which may account for longer hospital stays and increased discharges to nursing facilities. A limit of this study is the inability to differentiate patients undergoing staged procedures. Further study is needed to evaluate factors contributing to faster discharges home in the head and neck burn population.

Abstract 13360: Racial Differences in Hospitalization Rates of Patients Who Receive a Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Emergency Department

Introduction: Although there is literature on missed diagnoses of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the Emergency Department (ED), and on avoidable admissions to hospitals, no previous studies have examined racial disparities in hospitalization rates among patients who received a discharge code of ACS in the ED. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that Non-White patients are more likely to be discharged home with a diagnosis of ACS than White individuals, and that health insurance, as a mediator, drives racial disparities in these hospitalization rates. Methods: We examined 51,022,910 discharge records of ED visits in Florida, New York, and Utah in years 2008, 2011, 2014, 2016/7, using state-specific data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. We identified ED admissions for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or unstable angina using the International Classification of Disease ninth or tenth revision diagnosis codes, excluding those with chronic coronary heart disease to examine incident events only. We used generalized estimating equation models to compare risks of being sent home across race/ethnic groups including White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander patients. We used inverse probability weighting to estimate the mediating role of health insurance status on the associations. Results: Among 235,936 patients who visited the ED and received a discharge code of ACS in the study period, the proportion discharged home was 12 % among Black patients, 6 % among White patients, 9 % among Hispanic patients, and 9 % among Asian or Pacific islander patients. In age and sex-adjusted models the incidence risk ratio (IRR) for being discharged home was 1.3 (95% CI, 1.2 - 1.3) in Black patients 1.2 (95 % CI, 1.1 - 1.3) in Hispanic patients and 1.1 (95% CI, 0.9 -1.3) in Asian or Pacific Islander patients compared with White patients. Health insurance status did not play any role as a mediator. In patients below 55 years of age, differences were magnified for all racial groups compared to White patients. Conclusions: Racial disparities exist in hospitalization of AMI at the ED, which are especially marked among younger patients. Health insurance does not explain these racial differences; other possible causes need to be investigated.

Variation in Treatment of Children Hospitalized With New-Onset Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the US.

Increasing evidence supports the conclusion that early initiation of biologics may dramatically improve disease course and reduce glucocorticoid exposure for children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The present study was undertaken to characterize variation in the use of first-line biologic and glucocorticoid therapy and to identify drivers of variation in children hospitalized with new-onset systemic JIA. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children hospitalized with new-onset systemic JIA from 2008 to 2019 utilizing a comparative pediatric database from 52 tertiary care children's hospitals. Subjects and treatment receipt were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and ICD-10 discharge diagnosis codes, pharmacy billing data, and clinical transaction classification codes. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to identify patient- and hospital-level factors associated with receipt of glucocorticoids and biologics. In total, 534 children with new-onset systemic JIA hospitalized during the study period met inclusion criteria. Twenty-nine percent received biologics, and 58% received glucocorticoids. Biologic use increased over time (P < 0.001), methotrexate use decreased (P < 0.01), and glucocorticoid use remained unchanged. Biologics and glucocorticoid use varied significantly between hospitals. High annual hospital volume, intensive care unit stay, and later discharge year were significantly associated with biologic exposure. Medium-high and high annual hospital volume were significantly associated with less glucocorticoid exposure. Despite increasing evidence demonstrating improved outcomes with first-line treatment with biologics, we found significant treatment variation across hospitals with many children not receiving biologics and a persistent high rate of glucocorticoid exposure. These results underscore the need for comparative efficacy studies and improved treatment standardization.

Clinical Diagnosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Over Time in the United States (A Population-Based Claims Analysis)

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is a common genetic heart disease. However, the number of gene mutation carriers who develop HC and manifest clinical symptoms is not well established. Our objective was to estimate annual prevalence and incidence rates of clinically diagnosed HC in the United States. Data from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRD) were interrogated for years 2013-2019 to identify patients with ≥1 claim of HC International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification Ninth and Tenth Revision diagnosis codes. In 2013, among 16,243,109 patients, 8,526 were identified with HC, yielding an estimated prevalence of clinically diagnosed HC of 0.052% (0.035% for obstructive [oHC], 0.017% for nonobstructive [nHC]). This prevalence yielded an estimated 164,403 patients with clinical diagnosis of HC. For the same year, the incidence of new HC diagnoses was 0.030% (0.020% for oHC, 0.010% for nHC). Over the following 6 years, prevalence and incidence of HC increased by 0.005%/year (p <0.01) and 0.001%/year (p <0.01), respectively, with an estimated 262,591 patients with a clinical diagnosis of HC in 2019. Over this period, incidence of nHC increased (0.012% vs 0.026%, p <0.01), whereas incidence of oHC decreased (0.020% versus 0.015%, p <0.01). In conclusion, over 6 years, the number of patients with clinically diagnosed HC in the United States increased 1.5-fold to ∼262,591, primarily because of a rise in nHC diagnoses. These prevalence data support further investigation to better understand factors accounting for increasing clinical recognition of HC.

Severe maternal morbidity and mortality during delivery hospitalization of class I, II, III, and super obese women

Previous studies show that obesity predisposes patients to higher risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Data on the relationship between increasing degrees of obesity and risks of severe maternal morbidity, including mortality, are limited. We examined the association of increasing classes of obesity, especially super obesity, with the risk of severe maternal morbidity and mortality at the time of delivery hospitalization. Using New York City linked birth certificates and hospital discharge data, we conducted a retrospective cohort study. This study identified delivery hospitalizations for singleton, live births in 2008-2012. Women were classified as having obesity (class I, II, III, or super obesity), as opposed to normal weight or overweight, based on prepregnancy body mass index. Cases of severe maternal morbidity were identified based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis and procedure codes according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between obesity classes and severe maternal morbidity, adjusting for maternal sociodemographic characteristics. During 2008-2012, there were 570,997 live singleton births with available information on prepregnancy body mass index that met all inclusion criteria. After adjusting for maternal characteristics, women with class II (adjusted odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.23), class III (adjusted odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-1.49), and super obesity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.99; 95% confidence interval, 1.57-2.54) were all significantly more likely to have severe maternal morbidity than normal and overweight women. Super obesity was associated with specific severe maternal morbidity indicators, including renal failure, air and thrombotic embolism, blood transfusion, heart failure, and the need for mechanical ventilation. There is a significant dose-response relationship between increasing obesity class and the risk of severe maternal morbidity at delivery hospitalization. The risks of severe maternal morbidity are highest for women with super obesity. Given that this is a modifiable risk factor, women with prepregnancy obesity should be counseled on the specific risks associated with pregnancy before conception to optimize their pregnancy outcomes.

Identification of Acute Giant Cell Arteritis in Real-World Data Using Administrative Claims-Based Algorithms.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to validate claims‐based algorithms for identifying acute giant cell arteritis (GCA) that will help generate real‐world evidence on comparative effectiveness research and epidemiologic studies. Among patients identified by the GCA algorithm, we further investigated whether GCA flares could be detected by using claims data.MethodsWe developed five claims‐based algorithms based on a combination of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) diagnosis codes, specialist visits, and dispensed medications using Medicare Parts A, B, and D linked to electronic medical records (2006‐2014). Acute cases of GCA were determined by chart review using the treating physician’s diagnosis of GCA as the gold standard. Among the patients identified with acute GCA, we assessed if a GCA flare occurred during the year after initial diagnosis.ResultsThe number of patients identified by each algorithm ranged from 220 to 896. Positive predictive values (PPVs) of the algorithms ranged from 60.7% to 84.8%. Requirement for disease‐specific workups, multiple diagnosis codes, or specialist visits improved the PPVs. The highest PPV (84.8%) was noted in an algorithm that required two or more diagnosis codes of GCA from inpatient, emergency department, or outpatient rheumatology visits plus a prednisone‐equivalent dose greater than or equal to 40 mg/day occurring 14 days before or after the second ICD‐9 diagnosis date, with the cumulative days’ supply greater than or equal to 14 days. Among patients identified as having GCA, 18.2% of patients had definite evidence of a flare and 25% had a potential flare.ConclusionA claims‐based algorithm requiring two or more ICD‐9 diagnosis codes from inpatient, emergency department, or outpatient rheumatology visits and high‐dose glucocorticoid dispensing can be a useful tool to identify acute GCA cases in large administrative claims databases.

Care of Children with Supraventricular Tachycardia in the Emergency Department.

Prior studies have characterized children with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in inpatient settings, however there is a paucity of data regarding pediatric SVT in the Emergency Department (ED) setting. We sought to describe pediatric ED visits for SVT and assess whether variability exists in care. We performed a cross-sectional study of ED visits for SVT among children < 18years old from 2010 to 2017 at 33 pediatric hospitals. Visits were included if made for a primary International Disease Classification Ninth or Tenth Revision diagnosis code for SVT and intravenous (IV) adenosine was given on the initial or 2nd hospital day. We evaluated factors associated with hospital admission using multivariate logistic regression and described variability in frequency of rate of hospitalization, second-line IV antiarrhythmic medication usage, and diagnostic testing across sites. We included 2329 ED visits made by 1738 children and the median patient age was 6.3years (IQR 1.5-11.9). There were 2 deaths (0.1% of visits). Marked variability existed between centers in rates of admission to the hospital (range 17-85%) and ICU (range 4-60%). Factors associated with admission included: younger age, male sex and presence of comorbid conditions. A second IV antiarrhythmic agent was used in 17% of visits (range 4-41% across hospitals). There was variability in rates of diagnostic testing between centers [chest x-ray (range 10-47%), complete blood count (range 10-72%), electrolytes (range 22-86%), echocardiography (range 3-68%)]. Management of SVT is variable across pediatric hospitals, suggesting an opportunity for standardization in care.

Vaccine Safety Datalink infrastructure enhancements for evaluating the safety of maternal vaccination.

Background:Identifying pregnancy episodes and accurately estimating their beginning and end dates are imperative for observational maternal vaccine safety studies using electronic health record (EHR) data.Methods:We modified the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) Pregnancy Episode Algorithm (PEA) to include both the International Classification of Disease, ninth revision (ICD-9 system) and ICD-10 diagnosis codes, incorporated additional gestational age data, and validated this enhanced algorithm with manual medical record review. We also developed the new Dynamic Pregnancy Algorithm (DPA) to identify pregnancy episodes in real time.Results:Around 75% of the pregnancy episodes identified by the enhanced VSD PEA were live births, 12% were spontaneous abortions (SABs), 10% were induced abortions (IABs), and 0.4% were stillbirths (SBs). Gestational age was identified for 99% of live births, 89% of SBs, 69% of SABs, and 42% of IABs. Agreement between the PEA-assigned and abstractor-identified pregnancy outcome and outcome date was 100% for live births, but was lower for pregnancy losses. When gestational age was available in the medical record, the agreement was higher for live births (97%), but lower for pregnancy losses (75%). The DPA demonstrated strong concordance with the PEA and identified pregnancy episodes ⩾6 months prior to the outcome date for 89% of live births.Conclusion:The enhanced VSD PEA is a useful tool for identifying pregnancy episodes in EHR databases. The DPA improves the timeliness of pregnancy identification and can be used for near real-time maternal vaccine safety studies.Plain Language Summary Improving identification of pregnancies in the Vaccine Safety Datalink electronic medical record databases to allow for better and faster monitoring of vaccination safety during pregnancy Introduction: It is important to monitor of the safety of vaccines after they have been approved and licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, especially among women vaccinated during pregnancy. The Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) monitors vaccine safety through observational studies within large databases of electronic medical records. Since 2012, VSD researchers have used an algorithm called the Pregnancy Episode Algorithm (PEA) to identify the medical records of women who have been pregnant. Researchers then use these medical records to study whether receiving a particular vaccine is linked to any negative outcomes for the woman or her child.Methods: The goal of this study was to update and enhance the PEA to include the full set of medical record diagnostic codes [both from the older International Classification of Disease, ninth revision (ICD-9 system) and the newer ICD-10 system] and to incorporate additional sources of data about gestational age. To ensure the validity of the PEA following these enhancements, we manually reviewed medical records and compared the results with the algorithm. We also developed a new algorithm, the Dynamic Pregnancy Algorithm (DPA), to identify women earlier in pregnancy, allowing us to conduct more timely vaccine safety assessments.Results: The new version of the PEA identified 2,485,410 pregnancies in the VSD database. The enhanced algorithm more precisely estimated the beginning of pregnancies, especially those that did not result in live births, due to the new sources of gestational age data.Conclusion: Our new algorithm, the DPA, was successful at identifying pregnancies earlier in gestation than the PEA. The enhanced PEA and the new DPA will allow us to better evaluate the safety of current and future vaccinations administered during or around the time of pregnancy.

Effectiveness of Standard Daptomycin Dose in Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

Background: Daptomycin is considered an effective alternative to vancomycin in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (MRSA BSI). Objective: We investigated the real-world effectiveness of recommended daptomycin doses compared with vancomycin. Methods: This nationwide retrospective cohort study included patients from 124 Veterans’ Affairs hospitals who had a MRSA BSI and were initially treated with vancomycin during 2007–2014. Patients were categorized into 3 groups by daptomycin dose calculated using adjusted body weight: low (&gt;6 mg/kg/day), standard (6–8 mg/kg/day), and high (≥8 mg/kg/day). International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnosis codes were used to identify other prior or concurrent infections and comorbidities. Multivariate cox regression was used to compare 30-day all-cause mortality as the primary outcome comparing patients on either low-dose, standard-dose, or high-dose daptomycin with vancomycin. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: Of the 7,518 patients in the cohort, 683 (9.1%) were switched to daptomycin after initial treatment with vancomycin for their MRSA BSI episode. A low dose of daptyomycin was administered to 181 patients (26.5%), a standard dose was given to 377 patients (55.2%), and a high dose was administered to 125 patients (18.3%). Dose groups differed significantly in body mass index (BMI), presence of an osteomyelitis diagnosis, and diagnosis of diabetes. Thirty-day mortality was significantly lower in daptomycin patients than in those given vancomycin (11.3% vs 17.6%; P &lt; .0001). Treatment with daptomycin was associated with improved 30-day survival compared with vancomycin (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53–0.84), after adjusting for age, BMI, diagnosis of endovascular infection, skin and soft-tissue infection and osteomyelitis, hospitalization in the prior year, immunosuppression, diagnosis of diabetes, and vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Treatment with a standard dose of daptomycin was associated with lower mortality compared with vancomycin (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46–0.86). High and low daptomycin dose groups had a trend toward improved 30-day survival compared with vancomycin (Fig. 1). In 2 separate sensitivity analyses excluding vancomycin patients, there was no difference in 30-day mortality between a standard dose and a high dose (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.51–1.97). However, we detected a trend toward poor survival with a low dose compared with a standard dose (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.73–2.02). Conclusions: A standard dose of daptomycin was significantly associated with lower 30-day mortality compared with continued vancomycin treatment. Accurate dosage of daptomycin and avoidance of low-dose daptomycin should be a part of good antibiotic stewardship practice.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH

Research ObjectiveOpioid misuse, which frequently begins in adolescence, is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death among adolescents and young adults. While high rates of comorbid mood and anxiety disorders have been associated with opioid‐related problems (ORPs), studies have not examined treatments for these comorbid conditions, especially those that occur before the ORP diagnosis.Study DesignUsing a large national claims database, we identified individuals with an ORP in 2013 using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) diagnosis codes. To adequately assess pre‐existing mental health diagnoses and treatments, we limited our sample to those continuously enrolled in the database for at least 24 months prior to their index ORP diagnosis date with no diagnoses for an ORP (N = 9,055). Using ICD‐9 codes, we identified mental health conditions present in the pre‐diagnosis period (attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), anxiety, conduct disorder, depression, personality disorder, other substance use disorder, and other mental health conditions). Procedure codes and pharmacy claims were used to identify receipt of mental health treatment. In addition, we calculated medication possession ratios (MPRs), defined as the total days a medication was dispensed to patients divided by the study period, for antidepressants, antipsychotics, and ADD/ADHD medications. We considered an MPR value greater than or equal to 0.80 adherent.Population StudiedPatients 12‐25 years old enrolled in a private insurance plan and diagnosed with an opioid‐related problem in 2013.Principal FindingsOverall, 55.2% (4998) of the cohort had a pre‐existing mental health condition. Diagnoses of depression (25.6%), anxiety (21.1%), and other substance use disorders (20.3%) were common. More than half of those diagnosed with a mental health condition (63.8% or 3,186) received any outpatient behavioral therapy. Among those who did, the average number of therapy visits was 14.06 (±21.25) out of the overall 31.49 (±33.06) outpatient visits in the two‐year period. Over half (2,933 or 58.68%) received any pharmacotherapy for their mental health conditions, with compliant patients ranging from 13.8% to 32.9% in the year preceding the ORP diagnosis, to 7.0% to 19.2% in the two years preceding the ORP diagnosis for the medication classes.ConclusionsIn a cohort of privately insured adolescents and young adults with ORP, pre‐existing mental health conditions were quite common (55.2%), with a high proportion (82.3%) receiving any treatment for their mental health conditions (behavioral therapy or pharmacotherapy). However, the frequency and duration of these treatments were low—less than 50% were considered adherent for any of the studied medication classes and behavioral treatment visits averaged 1 visit every other month for the two years preceding the ORP diagnosis.Implications for Policy or PracticeThe results of this study may inform clinicians, public health professionals, and policymakers about possible treatment gaps and opportunities that would be helpful in addressing the opioid crisis.Primary Funding SourceNational Institutes of Health.

Complex relationship between low albumin level and poor outcome after lower extremity procedures for peripheral artery disease

ObjectiveA low albumin level has been associated with poor outcome, including death, in surgical patients. The mechanistic relationship, however, is more complex than simply nutritional. As studies are scant in the vascular population, we sought to examine the association of low albumin level with outcomes in patients undergoing open and endovascular lower extremity procedures for peripheral artery disease. MethodsPatients with peripheral artery disease undergoing lower extremity procedures (2008-2015) were selected from Cerner Health Facts database (Cerner Corporation, Kansas City, Mo) using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis and procedure codes. Age, sex, disease severity, and other comorbidities were captured. Outcomes were identified using codes and encounter data. A χ2analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed. ResultsThere were 6170 patients evaluated; 4562 (74%) underwent endovascular procedures and 1608 (26%) underwent open surgery. Low albumin level (<3.5 g/dL) was associated with age ≥80 years (23.1% vs 16.3% normal; P < .0001), black race (21% vs 11.6% normal; P < .0001), tissue loss (38% vs 16.4% normal; P < .0001), and higher Charlson index (mean, 3.1 vs 2.2 in the normal group; P < .0001). Low albumin level was also associated with longer length of stay (4.9 vs 2.2 days normal; P < .0001), higher in-hospital mortality (1.9% vs 0.3% normal; P < .0001), and higher 30-day readmission (15% vs 12.7% normal; P = .02). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that low albumin level was strongly associated with in-hospital death (odds ratio [OR], 5.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00-13.70), infection (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.96-3.22), renal failure (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.79-3.79), and cardiac complications (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.69-3.96). After multivariable adjustment, there was no association between albumin level and 30-day readmission. ConclusionsLow preoperative albumin levels are associated with in-hospital death, prolonged length of stay, and severe morbidity after open and endovascular lower extremity procedures. As the majority of lower extremity procedures are elective, serious consideration should be given to deferring elective procedures until albumin levels have been optimized. Because of the pleiotropic effects of albumin, including antiplatelet and inflammatory function, study of this complex relationship may offer insights into how best to integrate this novel biomarker into vascular surgery decision-making.

Angioleiomyoma of the Hand: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

Angioleiomyomas are rare tumors arising from vascular tissue that can occasionally present in the hand. Reports of angioleiomyomas in this location are highly limited. Here, we describe the presentation and outcomes of a series of cases of angioleiomyomas. A retrospective case review of five patients with angioleiomyomas arising in the hand was performed. Patients were identified via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision (ICD-9 and ICD-10) diagnosis codes and were reviewed through the electronic medical record for demographic information, tumor characteristics, management, and outcomes. A literature review was also conducted of angioleiomyomas. Five patients were diagnosed with angioleiomyoma at our institution between 1992 and 2015. Patients presented with a painful, slow-growing hand mass in all cases. The majority of patients were male and of middle-age. All of the patients were successfully treated with marginal excision and had full return to functional status without recurrence. Angioleiomyomas are rare tumors that can arise in the hand and should be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with a painful hand mass. They can be successfully treated with marginal excision.