Odds Of Hospital Admission Research Articles

Outcomes of adult patients discharged at scene by emergency medical services

BackgroundThe outcomes of patients who call an ambulance but are discharged at scene reflect the safety and quality of emergency medical service (EMS) care. While previous studies have examined the...

Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation estimated using a test-negative case-control study design, and comparative odds of hospital admission and severe outcomes with COVID-19 sub-lineages BQ.1, CH.1.1. and XBB.1.5 in England.

Since the first emergence of Omicron BA.1 in England in November 2021, numerous sub-lineages have evolved. In September 2022, BA.5 dominated. The prevalence of BQ.1 increased from October, while the prevalence of CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5 increased from December 2022 and January 2023, respectively. Little is known about the effectiveness of the vaccines against hospitalisation with these sub-lineages, nor the relative severity, so we here used national-level electronic health records from England to estimate vaccine effectiveness and variant severity. The study period for tests contributing to all analyses was from 5th December 2022 to 2nd April 2023, when the variants of interest were co-circulating. A test-negative case-control study was used to estimate the incremental effectiveness of the bivalent BA.1 booster vaccines against hospitalisation, relative to those with waned immunity where the last dose was at least 6 months prior. The odds of hospital admission for those testing PCR positive on the day of an attendance to accident and emergency departments and the odds of intensive care unit admission or death amongst COVID-19 admissions were compared between variants. Additionally, a Cox proportional hazards survival regression was used to investigate length of stay amongst hospitalised cases by variant. Our vaccine effectiveness study included 191,229 eligible tests with 1647 BQ.1 cases, 877 CH.1.1 cases, 1357 XBB.1.5 cases and 187,348 test negative controls. There was no difference in incremental vaccine effectiveness against hospitalisation with BQ.1, CH.1.1 or XBB.1.5, nor was there a difference in the severity of these variants. Effectiveness against hospitalisation was 48.0% (95% C.I.; 38.5-56.0%), 29.7% (95% C.I.; 7.5-46.6%) and 52.7% (95% C.I.; 24.6-70.4%) against BQ.1, CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5, respectively, at 5-9 weeks post booster vaccination. Compared to BQ.1, the odds of hospital admission were 0.87 (95% C.I.; 0.77-0.99) and 0.88 (95% C.I.; 0.75-1.02) for CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5 cases attending accident and emergency departments, respectively. There was no significant difference in the odds of admission to intensive care units or death for those with CH.1.1 (OR 0.96, 95% C.I.; 0.71-1.30) or XBB.1.5 (OR 0.67, 95% C.I.; 0.44-1.02) compared to BQ.1. There was also no significant difference in the length of hospital stay by variant. Together, these results provide reassuring evidence that the bivalent BA.1 booster vaccines provide similar protection against hospitalisation with BQ.1, CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5, and that the emergent CH.1.1 and XBB.1.5 sub-lineages do not cause more severe disease than BQ.1. None.

Opioid-related polysubstance use and its effect on mortality and health resource utilization among trauma patients

BackgroundPre-injury opioid use is common, but the effects of opioid-related polysubstance use on mortality and health resources utilization (HRU) have not been investigated yet. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of opioid-related polysubstance use on mortality and HRU among patients in trauma centres in the US.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using the US National Trauma Databank from the year 2017 to 2019. Patients (≥ 18 years of age) who tested positive for opioids were included. Patients were analysed based on the number of substances used (i.e., opioids only, two substances (opioids + 1 substance), and three or more than three substances (opioids + ≥ 2 substances)), and polysubstance by type (i.e., opioids only, opioids and alcohol, opioids and stimulants, opioids and benzodiazepine, and other combinations). Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between polysubstance use, mortality and HRU (i.e., need for hospital admission, ICU, and mechanical ventilation).ResultsBoth polysubstance by number and type analyses showed that opioid-related polysubstance use was not significantly associated with mortality compared to opioids only. The odds of hospital admission were higher among the opioids and benzodiazepines group (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06–1.24, p < 0.01). The need for ICU was magnified using benzodiazepines and stimulants with opioids (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.27–1.63, p < 0.01) when compared to the opioids only group.ConclusionOpioid-related pre-injury polysubstance use was associated with higher HRU in trauma patients. The evidence can be used by policymakers and practitioners to improve patient outcomes in trauma centers.

Comparing the Clinical Courses of Children With Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus to Children With Other Respiratory Viruses in the Outpatient Setting.

While infections caused by rhinoviruses and enteroviruses are common among children, the entirety of their clinical impact remains elusive. We compared the clinical outcomes of children with rhinovirus/enterovirus infections to other common respiratory viruses in outpatient settings. We conducted a retrospective analysis of nasopharyngeal samples singly positive for human rhinovirus/enterovirus (HRV/ENT), influenza A/B (FLU) or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from patients ≤17 years submitted for clinical testing via multiplex polymerase chain reaction between 2016 and 2019. We evaluated the following outpatient outcomes: days of respiratory symptoms before testing; visits for respiratory symptoms; receipt of a breathing treatment; receipt of antibiotics and hospital admission. Statistical analyses were conducted controlling for age and comorbid conditions. There were 1355 positive samples included in this analysis (HRV/ENT: n = 743, FLU: n = 303 and RSV: n = 309). Compared to HRV/ENT, children with FLU had 28% fewer days of respiratory symptoms (β: -0.32; 95% confidence interval: -0.46 to -0.18; P < 0.001), fewer visits for respiratory symptoms, and significantly decreased odds of receiving a breathing treatment or antibiotics, and admission to the hospital. Children with RSV had a similar number of days of respiratory symptoms, outpatient visits and odds of hospital admission, but significantly increased odds of receiving a breathing treatment and antibiotics compared to those with HRV/ENT. Clinicians should have a high level of vigilance when managing children with positive respiratory viral testing for HRV/ENT given the potential for clinical outcomes similar to and, in some instances, worse than known highly pathogenic viruses.

Impact of Obesity on Outcomes of Emergency Department Visits for Cardiac Chest Pain: Insights From a Nationwide Emergency Department Study.

Background Obesity, a widespread national epidemic that impacts one in three U.S. adults, is closely linked with the development and exacerbation of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to assess and contrast the outcomes of adults, both obese and non-obese, who present with cardiac chest pain in the emergency department (ED). Methodology A retrospective analysis of the 2020 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample database was conducted. Multivariate regression models were utilized to examinethe association between obesity and mortality, discharge disposition, number of procedures, complications, and hospital costs. Results No significant difference in mortality odds was observed between obese and non-obese patients presenting with cardiac chest pain in the ED (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59-1.46; p = 0.736). However, obesity was found to be associated with a decreased likelihood of being discharged home from the ED (aOR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.52-0.63; p < 0.001), as well as an increased likelihood of hospital admission from the ED (aOR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.53-1.81; p < 0.001). Obesity also correlated with higher odds of non-home discharge (aOR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.54-1.97; p < 0.001), elevated mean total hospital costs (mean = $13,345 vs. $9,952; mean increase = $3,360; 95% CI = $2,816-$3,904; p < 0.001), and increased risks of cardiac arrests (aOR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.05-1.88; p < 0.001) and acute respiratory failures (aOR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.25-1.96; p < 0.001). Obese patients with cardiac pain underwent more procedures on average than non-obese patients (19 vs. 15; aOR = 3.57; 95% CI = 3.04-4.11; p < 0.001). Conclusions Obesity is associated with higher odds ofhospital admission from the ED, non-home discharges, higher total hospital costs, and a greater number of procedures.

Impact of depression among adolescents and young adults with cancer.

6549 Background: The incidence of adolescent and young adults (AYAs) with cancer continues to increase. The psychosocial burden of early cancer diagnosis within this unique AYA population remains poorly characterized. Without proper resources, these patients are likely to seek care in the acute care setting. For AYA patients, we evaluated the impact of malignancy on concurrent diagnosis with depression and on presenting to the emergency department (ED) with intentional self-injury. We further described the influence of concurrent depression diagnosis on hospital admission and extended length of stay (LOS) for AYA cancer patients. Methods: From the National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), we identified patients between 15-39 years who presented to an ED in 2019. Diagnosis of cancer and depression were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision coding. Separate multivariable logistic regressions evaluated the impact of cancer diagnosis on concurrent depression diagnosis and on presenting with intentional self-injury. For the subset of AYA cancer patients, multivariable logistic regressions evaluated the impact of depression on hospital admission and extended LOS ( &gt; 14 days). Results: We identified 10,570,148 AYA patients, and 35,035 had cancer (0.33%). Among AYA cancer patients, average age was 31 and the cohort skewed White (48.7%), female (58.1%), and with Medicaid insurance (48.4%). The prevalence of depression among AYA cancer patients was 9.6% vs. 4.4% for patients without cancer. On multivariable regression, AYA cancer patients had a 46% increased odds of depression diagnosis (odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46. [1.43-1.49] P &lt; 0.01) and 32% increased odds of intentional self-injury (OR, 95% CI: 1.32 [1.19-1.47] P &lt; 0.01) when compared to patients without cancer. Additional significant factors associated with depression diagnosis among AYA cancer patients were White race, female gender, and Medicaid insurance. Within AYA cancer patients, a concurrent diagnosis with depression was associated with ̃3-fold increased odds of hospital admission (OR, 95% CI: 3.02 [2.90-3.14] P &lt; 0.01) and a 31% increased odds of extended LOS (OR, 95% CI: 1.31 [1.23-1.39] P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: From this national sample, we found a significant association between cancer diagnosis and depression within AYA patients, with cancer diagnosis also increasing the risk of intentional self-injury. Furthermore, AYA cancer patients diagnosed with depression had increased risk of both hospital admission and extended LOS. Our results underscore the potential gap in psychological care for AYA cancer patients and highlight the need for stronger mental health resources for this at-risk population.

Viral co-infections are associated with increased rates of hospitalization in those with influenza.

BackgroundInfluenza causes significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. Among patients infected with influenza, the presence of bacterial co‐infection is associated with worse clinical outcomes; less is known regarding the clinical importance of viral co‐infections. The objective of this study was to determine rates of viral co‐infections in emergency department (ED) patients with confirmed influenza and association of co‐infection with disease severity.MethodsSecondary analysis of a biorepository and clinical database from a parent study where rapid influenza testing was implemented in four U.S. academic EDs, during the 2014–2015 influenza season. Patients were systematically tested for influenza virus using a validated clinical decision guideline. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records; nasopharyngeal specimens from influenza‐positive patients were tested for viral co‐infections (ePlex, Genmark Diagnostics). Patterns of viral co‐infections were evaluated using chi‐square analysis. The association of viral co‐infection with hospital admission was assessed using univariate and multivariate regression.ResultsThe overall influenza A/B positivity rate was 18.1% (1071/5919). Of the 999 samples with ePlex results, the prevalence of viral co‐infections was 7.9% (79/999). The most common viral co‐infection was rhinovirus/enterovirus (RhV/EV), at 3.9% (39/999). The odds of hospital admission (OR 2.33, 95% CI: 1.01–5.34) increased significantly for those with viral co‐infections (other than RhV/EV) versus those with influenza A infection only.ConclusionPresence of viral co‐infection (other than RhV/EV) in ED influenza A/B positive patients was independently associated with increased risk of hospital admission. Further research is needed to determine clinical utility of ED multiplex testing.

Pathways to Improve Pediatric Asthma Care: A Multisite, National Study of Emergency Department Asthma Pathway Implementation

In this quasi-experimental quality improvement study, researchers examined the effects of clinical pathway implementation on pediatric asthma care in a diverse, national sample of emergency departments (EDs).A total of 83 EDs (37 children’s hospitals and 46 community sites) were enrolled in this study, and 61 participated for the full 15-month study period. These EDs varied in size, location, geography, and ownership. A total of 22 963 children aged 2 to 17 years with a primary diagnosis of asthma were evaluated, with 12 870 treated before and 10 093 treated after pathway implementation. The 2 groups did not differ significantly by age, sex, inhaled steroid use, or insurance type.Each ED received a pathway implementation toolkit including sample evidence-based pathways and order sets. Educational materials included asthma severity tools, chest radiograph ordering criteria, and indications for administering corticosteroids. Participating EDs were also provided additional quality improvement training, educational seminars, a mobile application to view pathway content, and feedback sessions. Before pathway implementation, data on patient encounters were collected retrospectively from chart review. During the pathway implementation period, data were prospectively collected.Pathway implementation was associated with an increased odds of systemic corticosteroid administration within the first hour of ED arrival (odds ratio [OR]: 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 1.55) and increased odds of asthma severity assessment at triage (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.90). Data also revealed a weak but statistically significant decrease in odds of hospital admission (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.99). This represents an overall 1% decrease in hospital admissions and/or ED transfers. There was no change observed in the use of chest radiographs or ED length of stay.Overall, this study revealed that clinical pathway implementation can improve adherence to guideline-directed management by increasing the rate of asthma severity assessment and improve patient outcomes by decreasing time to corticosteroid administration across a diverse array of ED settings. Although this study revealed a statistically significant decrease (1%) in hospital admission and/or ED transfer on aggregate, the data reveal a highly variable impact on individual EDs.Previous single-site studies have revealed that pathway implementation and targeted education measures can improve quality of pediatric asthma care. This study, which included both academic and community EDs, is the first to reveal the generalizability of pathway implementation on asthma management. Further studies are needed to determine which specific pathway components are most impactful in improving pediatric asthma care in the ED setting.

The use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and risk of hospital admission and mortality in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Aim Several randomized trials have evaluated the effect of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies on the risk of hospital admission and risk of mortality in patients with COVID-19. We aimed to summarize the overall evidence in the form of a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods A systematic literature search with no language restriction was performed in electronic databases and preprint repositories to identify eligible studies published up to 29 June 2021. The outcomes of interest were hospital admission and all-cause mortality. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) for outcomes of interest with the use of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies relative to nonuse of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, at 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Our systematic literature search identified nine randomized controlled trials. Three trials had an overall low risk of bias, while four trials had some concerns in the overall risk of bias. The meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in the odds of mortality (pooled OR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.33–1.47), but a statistically significant reduction in the odds of hospital admission (pooled OR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.21–0.42), with the administration of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody among patients with COVID-19, relative to non-administration of a neutralizing monoclonal antibody, at the current sample size. Conclusion The reduced risk of hospital admission with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies use suggests that the timing of neutralizing antibodies administration is key in preventing hospital admission and, ultimately, death. Future randomized trials should aim to determine if the clinical outcomes with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies differ based on serostatus.

Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 Patients in Kütahya Province in Turkey

Aim: It is aimed to evaluate the epidemiological features of COVID-19 patients and risk factors affecting hospitalization. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 883 adult patients whose Polymerase Chain Reaction tests were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Kütahya province until July 2020. The patients were questioned in terms of their socio-demographic characteristics, drugs, comorbidities, and symptoms. They were divided into two groups according to their hospitalization status and outpatient treatment status. Results: There were 473 female and 410 male participants in the study. 532 of 883 adult patients were hospitalized. The most common symptoms were fatigue (47.9%), myalgia (44.7%), and loss of smell and taste (32.4%). Hospitalization was associated with advanced age, low income, presence of additional disease, several symptoms, smoking, comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney diseases, cardiovascular and respiratory system. In multivariant analyses, advance age, low income, fever, dyspnea and chronic lung diseases were associated with increased odds of hospital admission. Conclusion: In our study, it was found that independent risk factors for hospitalization were advanced age, low income, fever, shortness of breath, and chronic lung diseases. We think that determining risk factors for hospitalization may be a guide for clinicians in predicting patient prognosis. Keywords: COVID-19, epidemiology, hospitalization, symptoms, comorbidity

The clinical association between Periodontitis and COVID-19.

ObjectivesThe study aimed to clinically assess the association between periodontitis and COVID-19-related outcomes.Material and methodsData pertaining to patient demographics, medical history, blood parameters, periodontal clinical examination and aMMP-8 point-of-care diagnostics (both site-level and patient-level) was recorded for eighty-two COVID-19-positive patients. COVID-19-related outcomes such as COVID-19 pneumonia, death/survival, types of hospital admission and need of assisted ventilation were also assessed.ResultsMales were predominantly afflicted with COVID-19, with advanced age exhibiting a greater association with the presence of periodontitis. Higher severity of periodontitis led to 7.45 odds of requiring assisted ventilation, 36.52 odds of hospital admission, 14.58 odds of being deceased and 4.42 odds of COVID-19-related pneumonia. The aMMP-8 mouthrinse kit was slightly more sensitive but less specific than aMMP-8 site-specific tests.ConclusionsBased on the findings of the present study, periodontitis seems to be related to poorer COVID-19-related outcomes. However, within the constraints of this work, a direct causality may not be established. Periodontitis, by means of skewing the systemic condition for a number of comorbidities, may eventually influence COVID-19 outcomes in an indirect manner.Clinical relevanceThe study is the first to clinically, and by means of a validated point-of-care diagnostic methodology, assess the association between periodontal health and COVID-19-related outcomes. Assessment of the periodontal status of individuals can aid in the identification of risk groups during the pandemic along with reinforcing the need to maintain oral hygiene and seeking periodontal care.

Comparing hospital admissions, comorbidities, and biomarkers between severe asthma and Gold III-IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In spite of difficulties in differentiating asthma from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), physicians should strive for accurate diagnosis because outcomes may be different. Our aims were to compare the frequency of hospital admissions (HA) between severe asthmatic (SA) and Gold III-IV COPD subjects receiving disease-specific guideline recommended therapy and to depict the frequency of prevalent chronic disorders and the laboratorial profile suggesting allergic and eosinophilic phenotypes. This cross-sectional study comprises one group of SA subjects and another group of Gold III-IV COPD subjects. Subjects answered standard questionnaires, underwent spirometry, and provided a peripheral blood sample. We validated the HA that have occurred during the preceding year by review of the report emitted by the hospital. We detected comorbidities by review of current pharmacological therapies. We enrolled 160 SA and 41 Gold III-IV COPD subjects. As compared with Gold III-IV COPD subjects, SA subjects had lower odds of HA (odds ratio [OR] 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05-0.74) and higher odds of obesity (OR 9.17, 95%CI 2.68-31.37), hypertension (OR 2.54, 95%CI 1.16-5.57), and diabetes mellitus (OR 5.71, 95%CI 1.56-20.85). The frequency of atopic and eosinophilic phenotypes was similar between study groups. Our results demonstrated that Gold III-IV COPD subjects had worse outcomes as compared with SA subjects. We also observed that the frequency of atopy and high peripheral blood eosinophil count were similar between study groups. Finally, we exposed aspects of comorbidities related to asthma and COPD that indicate the need of close monitoring the cardiovascular risk in SA subjects above 40 years of age.

Health care costs among adolescent young adults with cancer at a community-based hospital.

e18857 Background: Adolescent Young Adults (AYAs) are likely to live for decades after a cancer diagnosis and thus have the potential to accumulate high healthcare costs. Prior research has shown high costs can be associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited understanding of how costs impact AYAs, especially in a community hospital. The purpose of this study is to 1) understand total community hospital healthcare costs for AYA patients with cancer, 2) identify risk factors for high costs, and 3) assess the impact of costs on survival. Methods: AYA patients (ages 15-29) treated at a community hospital were identified. Data collected included patient demographics, cancer characteristics, treatments (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, immunotherapy, hormone therapy), support services (financial counseling, social work, survivorship), hospital admissions, miles from the hospital (great-circle distance), and all healthcare charges from one year prior to cancer diagnosis until last follow-up between 2000-2020. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify patients with costs greater than the median ($125K). Cox Proportional Hazard (CPH) regression models were used to identify factors associated with the risk of all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 388 AYA patients were identified with a median follow-up of 9 years and 97% survival. Most patients were age 30-39 years (62%), female (61%), white (95%), married (63%), non-smoker (59%), had insurance (78%), had early-stage cancer (85%), and were treated with surgery (83%). The most common cancers were melanoma (17%), breast cancer (14%), and thyroid cancer (14%). Median distance from treatment site was 23 miles. Median number of admissions was one. About a third of patients received chemotherapy (37%), radiation (28%), or hormone therapy (30%). Two-hundred thirty-three patients (60%) had complete healthcare cost data with a median total costs per patient of $123K (range, $73K-$215K). In adjusted analysis, patients with higher than median healthcare cost ( &gt; $125K) had greater odds of hospital admission (odds ratio [OR] = 1.5, p &lt; .001) and chemotherapy treatment (OR = 3.4, p = .005) as well as lower odds of living further from the hospital per one mile (OR = 0.3, p = .049) and being uninsured/unknown insurance (OR = 0.1, p = .047). In adjusted analysis, increased risk of death was associated with receiving radiation therapy (HR = 7.8, p = .02) and higher healthcare costs per $125K (HR = 3.8, p = .001). Conclusions: High costs of healthcare among AYA patients with cancer are related to chemotherapy, hospital admissions, and hospital proximity. High healthcare costs and radiation therapy may be associated with increased risk of death in the AYA population. This data may guide physician decision making for AYA patients ensuring mindfulness of high costs of care and how it relates to poor survival outcomes in community hospitals.

Comparing Patterns of Care for Febrile Infants at Community and University-Affiliated Hospitals.

Most children in the United States receive treatment in community hospitals, but descriptions of clinical practice patterns in pediatric care in this setting are lacking. Our objectives were to compare clinical practice patterns primarily between community and university-affiliated hospitals and secondarily by number of pediatric beds before and during participation in a national practice standardization project. We performed a retrospective secondary analysis on data from 126 hospitals that participated in the American Academy of Pediatrics' Value in Inpatient Pediatrics Reducing Excessive Variability in the Infant Sepsis Evaluation project, a national quality improvement project conducted to improve care for well-appearing febrile infants aged 7 to 60 days. Four use measures were compared by hospital type and by number of non-ICU pediatric beds. There were no differences between community and university-affiliated hospitals in the odds of hospital admission, average length of stay, or odds of cerebrospinal fluid culture. The odds of chest radiograph at community hospitals were higher only during the baseline period. There were no differences by number of pediatric beds in odds of admission or average length of stay. For hospitals with ≤30 pediatric beds, the odds of chest radiograph were higher and the odds of cerebrospinal fluid culture were lower compared with hospitals >50 beds during both study periods. In many key aspects, care for febrile infants does not differ between community and university-affiliated hospitals. Clinical practice may differ more by number of pediatric beds.

Descriptive epidemiology and health resource utilization for status epilepticus in the emergency department in the United States of America

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology and health resource utilization for convulsive status epilepticus (SE) in the emergency department (ED). MethodsRetrospective descriptive study in the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). Primary SE and secondary SE (SE in a case who visited the ED for other primary reason) were compared with non-SE seizures. Secondary SE is expected to have worse outcomes and higher costs because of another primary cause for ED visit. ResultsIn the period 2010–2014, there were 149,750 ED visits with primary SE; 83,459 ED with secondary SE; and 5,359,103 ED visits with non-SE seizures. On multivariable analysis adjusting for potential confounders, the odds of hospital admission were 7 times higher for primary SE than for non-SE seizures, and 5 times higher for secondary SE than for non-SE seizures; the odds of transfer to another hospital were 9 times higher for primary SE than for non-SE seizures, and 3 times higher for secondary SE than for non-SE seizures; the odds of death were 2.5 times higher for primary SE than for non-SE seizures, and 12 times higher for secondary SE than for non-SE seizures; and the charges (in January 2020 USA dollars) were $9000 higher in primary SE than in non-SE seizures, and $35,000 higher in secondary SE than in non-SE seizures. ConclusionAmong all reasons for ED visits, SE, and in particular, secondary SE, are among the most resource-consuming conditions, being much more expensive than non-SE seizures in the ED.

Self-administration of medications for chronic diseases and drug-related hospital admissions in elderly patients at a Thai hospital.

Background Studies of self-administered medications associated with hospital admissions are limited. Objective This study aimed to identify drug-related hospital admissions among elderly patients with diabetes, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its association with self-administered medications. Method This was a prospective study of 335 patients admitted to a district hospital in Thailand from October 2018 to April 2019. The patients were divided into two groups: one with self-administered medication and the other with caregiver-administered medication. Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe V8.02-defined drug-related problems were identified. Those that conformed to the Hallas contribution and causality criteria were deemed drug-related hospital admissions and causes of the problems were examined. Main outcome measure An association between self-administration of medications and hospital admission was determined using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results The prevalence of drug-related hospital admissions was 20.6% (95% confidence interval, CI 16.4-25.3%) as an overall and was significantly higher in the self-administration group (25.4%) than in the caregiver administration group (12.7%). Among the drug-related hospital admissions in the self-administration and caregiver administration groups respectively, 71.7 and 62.5% were preventable, 63.2 and 37.7% were caused by patient themselves, and 26.3 and 37.5% were from adverse drug reactions. Medical conditions frequently caused by the patients included the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to using inhalers less than prescribed or administering drugs in the wrong manner in the self-administration group and hypoglycemia due to a long interval between insulin injection and meal consumption in the caregiver administration group. Compared to caregiver-administered medications, self-administration of medications increased the odds of hospital admission by approximately two-fold (adjusted odds ratio, OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.13-4.43). Other independent risk factors included the use of five or more medications a day (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.16-6.07), the presence of underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.05-4.23) and self-medication (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.12-5.99). Conclusion Self-administered medication was associated with hospital admissions in elderly patients with chronic diseases. To prevent problems, priority should be given to interventions to ensure the appropriate administration of inhaled medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and antihyperglycemic agents.

A population-based study of the association between food insecurity and potentially avoidable hospitalization among persons with diabetes using linked survey and administrative data.

BackgroundStudies have found food insecurity to be more prevalent among persons with diabetes mellitus. Other research using areal-based measures of socioeconomic status have pointed to a social gradient in diabetes hospitalizations, but without accounting for individuals’ health status. Linking person-level data from health surveys to population-based hospital records enables profiling of the role of food insecurity with hospital morbidity, focusing on the high-risk diabetic population.ObjectiveThis national study aims to assess the association between income-related household food insecurity and potentially avoidable hospital admissions among community-dwelling persons living with diagnosed diabetes.MethodsWe use three cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2007, 2008, and 2011) linked to multiple years of hospital records from the Discharge Database (2005/06 to 2012/13), covering 12 of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories. We apply multiple logistic regression for testing the association of household food insecurity with the risk of hospitalization for diabetes and common comorbid ambulatory care sensitive conditions among persons aged 12 and over living with diabetes.AnalysisData linkage allowed us to analyze inpatient hospital records among 10,260 survey respondents with diabetes; 590 respondents had been hospitalized at least once for diabetes or a common comorbid chronic physical or mental illness. The regression results indicated that the odds of experiencing a preventable hospital admission were significantly higher among persons with diabetes who were food insecure compared to their counterparts who were food secure (OR=1.66 [95%CI=1.24-2.23]), after controlling for age, sex and other characteristics.ConclusionWe found food insecurity to significantly increase the odds of hospital admission for ambulatory care sensitive conditions among Canadians living with diabetes. These results reinforce the need to consider food insecurity in public health and clinical strategies to reduce the hospital burden of diabetes and other nutrition-related chronic diseases, from primary prevention to post-discharge care.

Association between child psychiatric emergency room outcomes and dimensions of psychopathology

ObjectiveTo determine the degree to which dimensional psychopathology predicts length of stay in an emergency department (ED) and need for hospital admission among children with psychiatric complaints. MethodElectronic health records of children age 4–17 years who presented to the ED of a large academic medical center were analyzed using a natural language processing tool to estimate Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) symptom scores. These scores' association with length of stay and probability of admission versus discharge to home were evaluated. ResultsWe identified 3061 children and adolescents who presented to the ED and were evaluated by the psychiatry service between November 2008 and March 2015. Median length of stay was 7.8 h (interquartile range 5.2–14.3 h) and 1696 (55.4%) were admitted to the hospital. Higher estimated RDoC arousal, cognitive, positive, and social domain scores were associated with increased length of stay in multiple regression models, adjusted for age, sex, race, private insurance, voluntary admission, and diagnostic categories. In similarly adjusted models, odds of hospital admission were increased by higher RDoC arousal and cognitive domain scores and decreased by higher negative domain scores. ConclusionsA natural language processing tool to characterize dimensional psychopathology identified features associated with differential outcomes in children in the psychiatric ED, most notably symptoms reflecting arousal and cognitive function. Methodologically, this in silico approach to risk stratification should facilitate precision psychiatry in children within the emergency setting.

Continuity of Primary Care and Emergency Hospital Admissions Among Older Patients in England.

Secondary health care services have been under considerable pressure in England as attendance rates increase, resulting in longer waiting times and greater demands on staff. This study's aim was to examine the association between continuity of care and risk of emergency hospital admission among older adults. We analyzed records from 10,000 patients aged 65 years and older in 2012 within 297 English general practices obtained from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink and linked with Hospital Episode Statistics. We used the Bice and Boxerman (BB) index and the appointed general practitioner index (last general practitioner consulted before hospitalization) to quantify patient-physician continuity. The BB index was used in a prospective cohort approach to assess impact of continuity on risk of admission. Both indices were used in a separate retrospective nested case-control approach to test the effect of changing physician on the odds of hospital admission in the following 30 days. In the prospective cohort analysis, the BB index showed a graded, non-significant inverse relationship of continuity of care with risk of emergency hospital admission, although the hazard ratio for patients experiencing least continuity was 2.27 (95% CI, 1.37-3.76) compared with those having complete continuity. In the retrospective nested case-control analysis, we found a graded inverse relationship between continuity of care and emergency hospital admission for both BB and appointed general practitioner indices: for the latter, the odds ratio for those experiencing least continuity was 2.32 (95% CI, 1.48-3.63) relative to those experiencing most continuity. Marked discontinuity of care might contribute to increased unplanned hospital admissions among patients aged 65 years and older. Schemes to enhance continuity of care have the potential to reduce hospital admissions.

Abstract WP323: Association between Demographic Characteristics and Hospital Admission in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department for Transient Neurological Attack

Introduction: Significant demographic differences in the management of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack exist in the United States. Transient neurological attack (TNA) is a common neurological diagnosis that can result from cerebral ischemia, and is associated with recurrent stroke. Demographic factors may be associated with differences in admission rates for patients that present to the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of TNA. Methods: In a population-based, retrospective, administrative claims-based cohort study, we identified patients who presented to a non-federal ED in Florida from 2005 through 2013 with a complaint consistent with TNA, which was defined as a poorly-localized, non-specific neurological symptom. Our predictor variables were race (white vs. non-white) and sex. Our outcome variable was admission to the hospital. We used multiple logistic regressions to characterize the relationship between the predictor variables and our chosen outcome while adjusting for age, insurance status, income, and vascular risk factors. Results: We identified 1,231,046 patients presenting to the ED with TNA. Female patients in this cohort were less often white, and had fewer vascular comorbidities than men, including alcohol abuse. Non-white patients were younger, more often had Medicaid or no insurance, less often had atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease or alcohol abuse, and more commonly had diabetes. Among all patients, 22,300 (1.8%) were admitted. After adjustment for age, insurance status, income, and vascular comorbidities, we found lower odds of hospital admission in female patients (odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.67-0.70) and non-white patients (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.63-0.67). Conclusions: Among patients presenting to the ED with TNA, female sex and race are associated with decreased odds of admission, even after adjusting for age, income, insurance status, and vascular risk factors. Further studies are warranted to reproduce these findings in other states, and to determine the public health impact of our results.