Repeat Hospitalization Research Articles

A Retrospective Case Study Comparing Single Versus Double Dosage of Levosimendan in Post-Cardiac Surgery Patients With Advanced Heart Failure

The study aimed to compare single versus double dosage of levosimendan infusion on left ventricular function, weaning of inotropes and ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and repeat hospitalisation in patients post cardiac surgery.

Association of Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Comorbidities in Repeat Hospital Admissions in Pediatric Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with recurrent episodes of intense nausea and vomiting and thus may require frequent hospitalizations. There is paucity of data exploring the association of psychiatric and gastrointestinal comorbidities in repeat hospitalizations among pediatric patients with CVS. We analyzed the Pediatric Health Information System database and included all patients up to 18 years of age with a diagnosis of CVS between 2016 and 2020. We excluded patients with chronic conditions, which mimic CVS. The primary outcome variable was 90-day admission rate, which was defined as a visit to emergency department or admission to observation/inpatient unit with a primary diagnosis of CVS within 90 days after an index CVS hospitalization. We evaluated a total of 2,604 hospitalizations represented by 1,370 unique individuals. The overall 90-day admission rate was 28.5%, which steadily decreased from 35.7% in 2016 to 23% in 2019 ( P < 0.001). Patients in the repeat hospitalization cohort were slightly older and more often men. Patients with repeat admissions had an increased proportion of anxiety and other gastrointestinal disorders. Multivariable logistic regression showed that anxiety, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, and abdominal migraine were associated with increased odds of repeat admissions. Ninety-day admission rates in pediatric CVS are decreasing overall, although still contributing to significant healthcare expenditure. Anxiety and gastrointestinal comorbidities were associated with increased risk of repeat admissions. Further prospective studies are needed to better understand the complex interactions of these comorbidities and their management affecting the natural course of CVS.

Introduction: Providing Care When Patients Are "Difficult".

This symposium includes twelve personal narratives from healthcare professionals who have worked with patients whose behavior, attitudes, or life situations make providing care challenging. At the lower end of the estimates, at least 15% of adult patient encounters are with patients described as "difficult" by the treating team, and these encounters often evoke feelings of dread, frustration, and anger in healthcare professionals. Verbal abuse of staff, repeat hospital admissions due to self-injurious behaviors, and negative beliefs about health may make providing care to this group of patients a daily struggle. Despite these challenges, healthcare providers-especially those who work in an in-patient setting-are obligated to treat all comers, sometimes at the expense of their own mental health. This symposium aims to learn from health professionals' stories the kinds of struggles they face, the lessons they draw from those struggles, and the constructive responses they employ to work successfully with challenging patients.

Evaluation, Description and Magnitude of Readmission Phenomenon in Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP) for Chronic-Degenerative Diseases in the Period 2018–2021

Readmissions are hospitalizations following a previous hospitalization (called index hospitalization) of the same patient that occurred in the same facility or nursing home. They may be a consequence of the progression of the natural history of a disease, but they may also reveal a previous suboptimal stay, or ineffective management of the underlying clinical condition. Preventing avoidable readmissions has the potential to improve both a patient's quality of life, by avoiding exposure to the risks of re-hospitalization, and the financial well-being of health care systems. We investigated the magnitude of 30 day repeat hospitalizations for the same Major Diagnostic Category (MDC) in the Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana (AOUP) over the period from 2018 to 2021. Records were divided into only admissions, index admissions and repeated admission. The length of the stay of all groups was compared using analysis of variance and subsequent multi-comparison tests. Results showed a reduction in readmissions over the period examined (from 5.36% in 2018 to 4.46% in 2021), likely due to reduced access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also observed that readmissions predominantly affect the male sex, older age groups, and patients with medical Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs). The length of stay of readmissions was longer than that of index hospitalization (difference of 1.57 days, 95% CI 1.36-1.78 days, p < 0.001). The length of stay of index hospitalization is longer than that of single hospitalization (difference of 0.62 days, 95% CI 0.52-0.72 days, p < 0.001). A patient who goes for readmission thus has an overall hospitalization duration of almost two and a half times the length of the stay of a patient with single hospitalization, considering both index hospitalization and readmission. This represents a heavy use of hospital resources, about 10,200 more inpatient days than single hospitalizations, corresponding to a 30-bed ward working with an occupancy rate of 95%. Knowledge of readmissions is an important piece of information in health planning and a useful tool for monitoring the quality of models of patient care.

Biliary colic in the emergency department: A state-wide analysis of one-year costs and clinical outcomes

ImportanceApproximately 335,000 cases of biliary colic present to US emergency departments (EDs) annually, and most patients without complications are discharged from the ED. It is unknown what are the subsequent surgery rates, subsequent complications of biliary disease, ED revisits, repeat hospitalizations and cost; and, how does the ED disposition decision (admission versus discharge) affect long-term outcomes. ObjectiveTo determine whether there is a difference in one-year surgery rates, complications of biliary disease, ED revisits, repeat hospitalizations, and cost in ED patients with uncomplicated biliary colic who are admitted to the hospital versus those that are discharged from the ED. Design, setting, and participantsA retrospective observational study was conducted using records collected from the Maryland Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) in the Ambulatory Surgery, the Inpatient, and the ED setting between 2016 and 2018. After applying inclusion criteria, 7036 ED patients with uncomplicated biliary colic were followed for one year after their index ED visit for repeat healthcare utilization across multiple settings. A multivariable logistic regression study was performed to asses for risk factors for surgery allocation and hospital admission. Medicare Relative Value Units (RVUs) and HCUP Cost-Charge Ratio files were used to estimate direct costs. ExposuresEpisodes of biliary colic were ascertained using ICD-10 codes at the index ED visit. Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was the one-year surgery rate, defined as a cholecystectomy. Secondary outcomes included the rate of new acute cholecystitis or other related complications, ED revisits, hospital admission and costs. Associations with hospital admission and surgeries were measured using adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % CIs. ResultsOf the 7036 patients analyzed, 793 (11.3 %) were admitted and 6243 (88.7 %) were discharged on their initial ED visit. When comparing the groups who were initially admitted versus discharged, we observed similar one-year cholecystectomy rates (42 % versus 43 %, mean difference 0.5 %, 95 % CI −3.1 %–4.2 %; P < 0.001), lower rates of new cholecystitis occurrences (18 % versus 41 %, mean difference 23 %, 95 % CI, 20 %–26 %; P < 0.001), lower rates of ED revisits (96 vs 198 per 1000 patients, mean difference 102, 95 % CI, 74–130; P < 0.001) and higher costs ($9880 versus $1832, mean difference 8048, 95 % CI, 7478–8618; P < 0.001). Initial ED hospital admission was associated with increased age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.44; 95 % CI, 1.35–1.53; P < 0.001), obesity (aOR, 1.38; 95 % CI, 1.32–1.44; P < 0.001), ischemic heart disease (aOR, 1.39; 95 % CI, 1.30–1.48; P < 0.001), mood disorders (aOR, 1.18; 95 % CI, 1.13–1.24; P < 0.001), alcohol-related disorders (aOR, 1.20; 95 % CI, 1.12–1.27; P < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (aOR, 1.16; 95 % CI, 1.09–1.23; P < 0.001), hypertension (aOR, 1.15; 95 % CI, 1.08–1.21; P < 0.001), and nicotine dependence (aOR, 1.09; 95 % CI, 1.03–1.15; P = 0.003) but not associated with race (P > 0.9), ethnicity (P > 0.9), or income-stratified zip code (aOR, 1.04; 95 % CI, 0.98–1.09; P = 0.17). Conclusions and relevanceIn our analysis of ED patients with uncomplicated biliary colic from a single state, the majority of patients do not receive a cholecystectomy within one year and hospital admission at the initial visit was not associated with an overall change in rates of cholecystectomy but was associated with increased costs. These findings inform our understanding of the long-term outcomes and are important considerations when communicating care options with ED patients with biliary colic.

Unplanned 30-day readmissions, comorbidity and impact on one-year mortality following incident heart failure hospitalisation in Western Australia, 2001–2015

BackgroundReadmissions within 30 days after heart failure (HF) hospitalisation is considered an important healthcare quality metric, but their impact on medium-term mortality is unclear within an Australian setting. We determined the frequency, risk predictors and relative mortality risk of 30-day unplanned readmission in patients following an incident HF hospitalisation.MethodsFrom the Western Australian Hospitalisation Morbidity Data Collection we identified patients aged 25–94 years with an incident (first-ever) HF hospitalisation as a principal diagnosis between 2001 and 2015, and who survived to 30-days post discharge. Unplanned 30-day readmissions were categorised by principal diagnosis. Logistic and Cox regression analysis determined the independent predictors of unplanned readmissions in 30-day survivors and the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of readmission on mortality within the subsequent year.ResultsThe cohort comprised 18,241 patients, mean age 74.3 ± 13.6 (SD) years, 53.5% males, and one-third had a modified Charlson Comorbidity Index score of ≥ 3. Among 30-day survivors, 15.5% experienced one or more unplanned 30-day readmission, of which 53.9% were due to cardiovascular causes; predominantly HF (31.4%). The unadjusted 1-year mortality was 15.9%, and the adjusted mortality HR in patients with 1 and ≥ 2 cardiovascular or non-cardiovascular readmissions (versus none) was 1.96 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.80–2.14) and 3.04 (95% CI, 2.51–3.68) respectively. Coexistent comorbidities, including ischaemic heart disease/myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, pneumonia, chronic kidney disease, and anaemia, were independent predictors of both 30-day unplanned readmission and 1-year mortality.ConclusionUnplanned 30-day readmissions and medium-term mortality remain high among patients who survived to 30 days after incident HF hospitalisation. Any cardiovascular or non-cardiovascular readmission was associated with a two to three-fold higher adjusted HR for death over the following year, and various coexistent comorbidities were important associates of readmission and mortality risk. Our findings support the need to optimize multidisciplinary HF and multimorbidity management to potentially reduce repeat hospitalisation and improve survival.

Suicidal Crisis among Children and Young People: Associations with Adverse Childhood Experiences and Socio-Demographic Factors.

Suicide is a major public health issue and a leading cause of death among children and young people (CYP) worldwide. There is strong evidence linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to an increased risk of suicidal behaviours in adults, but there is limited understanding regarding ACEs and suicidal crises in CYP. This study aims to examine the ACEs associated with CYP presenting at Emergency Departments for suicidal crises, and specifically the factors associated with repeat attendances. This is a case series study of CYP (aged 8-16) experiencing suicidal crisis who presented in a paediatric Emergency Department in England between March 2019 and March 2021 (n = 240). The dataset was subjected to conditional independence graphical analysis. Results revealed a significant association between suicidal crisis and several ACEs. Specifically, evidence of clusters of ACE variables suggests two distinct groups of CYP associated with experiencing a suicidal crisis: those experiencing "household risk" and those experiencing "parental risk". Female sex, history of self-harm, mental health difficulties, and previous input from mental health services were also associated with repeat hospital attendances. Findings have implications for early identification of and intervention with children who may be at a heightened risk for ACEs and associated suicidal crises.

Effects of bronchoalveolar lavage on Mycoplasma Pneumoniae pneumonia: A propensity score matched-cohort study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BAL in treating MPP. From January 2013 to January 2019, 1,689 pediatric patients with MPP were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were subdivided into BAL group and non-BAL group according to whether they received BAL treatment within seven days after admission. The propensity score matching method matched patients' baseline characteristics (1:1). The primary outcomes were hospital stays and the cure rate. Secondary outcomes included mortality, co-infection, repeat hospitalization within 30 days, and total cost of treatment. After matching, 524 patients (BAL: 262; control: 262) were recorded. The BAL group had significantly shorter hospital stays (OR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4-0.7). Meanwhile, BAL did not significantly modify the cost, co-infection rate, and mortality. In subgroup analyses, the group with BAL intervention within three days had a significantly shorter hospital stay (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3-0.5) compared with the group with BAL intervention three days after admission. Early BAL intervention is a better treatment than conventional drug therapy alone, and no significant complications were seen in this study. BAL intervention has an excellent clinical benefit. The earlier the intervention, the better the effect.

1998. Association of Infection Recurrence with Oral Step-Down vs Continued Intravenous Antimicrobial Therapy in Patients with Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection

Abstract Background Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) require a combined strategy of source control and antimicrobial therapy. Guidelines recommend initial intravenous (IV) therapy with oral step-down therapy following source control. Due to limited data supporting this strategy, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral step-down antimicrobial therapy in cIAIs after initial IV antimicrobial therapy. Methods This retrospective cohort study included hospitalized patients ≥ 18 years of age diagnosed with a cIAI who received &amp;gt; 7 days of IV therapy during index hospitalization at quaternary hospital from March 2017 to October 2021. Patients were excluded for primary or peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis, necrotizing pancreatitis, fistulizing inflammatory bowel disease, or upper gastrointestinal tract infection; repeat hospitalization during study period; or transfer from another facility after &amp;gt; 24 hours of care. Patients were assigned into two treatment groups: IV-only or oral step-down therapy. The primary outcome was infection recurrence defined as re-initiation of antimicrobials after a treatment-free period of ≥ 3 days. Secondary outcomes included treatment escalation, repeat source control procedure, treatment-related complications, and all-cause mortality. Results The cohort consisted of 248 patients (199 IV-only and 49 oral step-down). Baseline, infection, and treatment characteristics were similar between groups, except for gender, length of stay, and overall treatment duration (Table 1). Patients receiving IV-only therapy had a shorter median antimicrobial duration than the oral step-down group (13 vs. 23 days; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Infection recurrence occurred in 26 (13.1%) and six (12.2%) patients in the IV-only and oral step-down groups, respectively (P = 0.88). Treatment escalation, repeat source control, and 28-day mortality were similar between groups (Table 1). Oral step-down therapy resulted in more adverse drug events (10.2% vs. 3.0%; P = 0.04). Table 1: Baseline and infection-related characteristics for IV only and oral step-down therapy groups aDefined as: solid organ transplant, hematopoietic stem cell transplant within the last 1 year, long-term high-dose steroids (prednisone &amp;gt;10 mg, or equivalent, for ≥2 weeks), concomitant immunosuppressive medication, or HIV (CD4 count &amp;lt;200 cells/µL) bOther antimicrobials included cephalexin, cefpodoxime, doxycycline, fluconazole, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim cAdverse drug events included dermatologic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury Conclusion Transition to oral step-down after initial IV antimicrobial therapy may be an alternative strategy for the management of cIAIs; however, larger non-inferiority studies are warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of this approach. Disclosures James Sanders, PhD, PharmD, Merck &amp; Co., Inc.: Grant/Research Support|Shionogi Inc.: Grant/Research Support Sara Hennessy, M.D., Boston Scientific: Advisor/Consultant Sara Hennessy, M.D., Boston Scientific: Advisor/Consultant.

Incremental prognostic value of global longitudinal strain to the coronary microvascular resistances in Takotsubo patients.

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) allows an accurate assessment of left ventricular function with prognostic value. We aimed to evaluate whether the assessment of GLS in the acute phase of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) provides incremental prognostic value to the degree of impaired microvascular resistance (MR) in TTS patients at 1-year follow-up. We recruited patients admitted for TTS who underwent cardiac angiography and echocardiography from January 2017 to June 2020. Left anterior descending coronary artery non-hyperaemic angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (LAD NH-IMRangio) was calculated. NT-proBNP, high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and GLS were measured at admission. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, repeat hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) and acute myocardial infarctions. 67 patients had both GLS and NH-IMRangio available and were included in the study. Median age was 75.2 years and 88% were women. Rate of MACE at 1-year was 13.4%. Kaplan-Meier curves showed higher rates of MACE at 1-year in patients with both higher LAD NH-IMRangio and GLS values compared with those with higher LAD NH-IMRangio and lower GLS values (33.3% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.049). NT-proBNP levels at admission and the recovery of LVEF were correlated with GLS values while MR and hs-cTnT were not. GLS provides incremental prognostic value to the degree of impaired MR in TTS patients. The combination of a poorer GLS with a higher degree of impaired MR was associated with a higher rate of MACE in these patients.

Prognostic Value of Hepatic Native T1 and Extracellular Volume Fraction in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Background Right heart failure may lead to impaired liver perfusion and venous congestion, resulting in different extents of liver fibrosis. However, whether hepatic tissue deterioration determined by native T1 mapping and extracellular volume fraction using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is associated with poor outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension remains unclear. Methods and Results A total of 131 participants with pulmonary arterial hypertension (mean age, 36±13 years) and 64 healthy controls (mean age, 44±18) between October 2013 and December 2019 were prospectively enrolled. Hepatic native T1 and extracellular volume fraction values were measured using modified Look-Locker inversion recovery T1 mapping sequences. The primary end point was all-cause mortality; the secondary end point was all-cause mortality and repeat hospitalization attributable to heart failure. Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to identify the association between variables and clinical outcome. During a median follow-up of 34.5 months (interquartile range: 25.3-50.8), hepatic native T1 (hazard ratio per 30-ms increase, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.07-1.39]; P=0.003) and extracellular volume fraction (hazard ratio per 3% increase, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.04-1.34]; P=0.010) values were associated with a higher risk of death. In the multivariate Cox model, hepatic native T1 value (hazard ratio per 30-ms increase, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.04-1.27]; P=0.009) remained as an independent prognostic factor for the secondary end point. Conclusions Hepatic T1 mapping values were predictors of adverse cardiovascular events in participants with pulmonary arterial hypertension and could be novel imaging biomarkers for poor prognosis recognition.

Abstract 9373: Single Evaluation of Body Mass-Corrected Estimated Plasma Volume at Discharge Predicts Prognosis of Heart Failure Patients

Background: Estimated plasma volume(ePV) is a parameter of body fluid volume trends in the same patient and also an indicator for residual congestion. Patients with heart failure often have difficulty achieving adequate body fluid volume. We investigated the post-discharge prognosis of heart failure patients with a one-time evaluation of ePV at discharge corrected for body mass index (BMI). Methods: This is a single-center, prospective observational study. A total of consecutive 1268 heart failure hospitalizations, excluding acute coronary syndromes, from January 2018 to December 2021 were included. We evaluated 767 patients, excluding repeat hospitalizations of the same patient (366 cases), in-hospital deaths (54 cases), transfers for cardiac surgery and forced discharges (39 cases), and missing data (42 cases). A prognosis investigation was conducted for patients who haven’t visited our hospital for more than one year. BMI and ePV (ml, Hakim's formula) were calculated from height, weight, and hematocrit at discharge. Survival analysis was performed with ePV divided by BMI (ePV/BMI). Primary endpoint was composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure re-hospitalization. Results: median of 372 days of post-discharge observation, 205 deaths, and 336 composite endpoints were observed. ePV/BMI was categorized into three quartiles [low group (65.34-96.8), middle group (96.9-111.9) and high group (112.0-175.8)]. Survival analysis by ePV/BMI three tertiles showed a combined endpoint of death + rehospitalization (48.8 vs 69.2 vs 74.9%, log-rank P&lt;0.001) and death (11.7 vs 20.9 vs 24.7%, log-rank P&lt;0.001) at three years, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model with covariant univariable predictive factors (age, severe kidney dysfunction, beta-blocker, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, psychotropic or cognitive medicines, in-hospital blood transfusion, low nutritional status) shows higher ePV/BMI tertile (HR1.44, 95%CI:1.26-1.64, p&lt;0.001), as well as the continuous variable of ePV/BMI (HR1.02, 95%CI:1.01-1.03, p&lt;0.001), is a predictive factor of the composite endpoint. Conclusion: Even after therapeutic intervention, ePV/BMI at discharge is a useful predictor of heart failure outcome.

A Prospective Study of Brief Resolved Unexplained Events: Risk Factors for Persistent Symptoms.

The risk of persistent symptoms after a brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) is not known. Our objective was to determine the frequency and risk factors for persistent symptoms after BRUE hospitalizations. We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study of infants hospitalized with an admitting diagnosis of BRUE. Caregiver-reported symptoms, anxiety levels, and management changes were obtained by questionnaires during the 2-month follow-up period. Clinical data including repeat hospitalizations were obtained from a medical record review. Multivariable analyses with generalized estimating equations were conducted to determine the risk of persistent symptoms. Of 124 subjects enrolled at 51.6 ± 5.9 days of age, 86% reported symptoms on at least 1 questionnaire after discharge; 65% of patients had choking episodes, 12% had BRUE spells, and 15% required a repeat hospital visit. High anxiety levels were reported by 31% of caregivers. Management changes were common during the follow-up period and included 30% receiving acid suppression and 27% receiving thickened feedings. Only 19% of patients had a videofluoroscopic swallow study while admitted, yet 67% of these studies revealed aspiration/penetration. Many infants admitted with BRUE have persistent symptoms and continue to access medical care, suggesting current management strategies insufficiently address persistent symptoms. Future randomized trials will be needed to evaluate the potential efficacy of therapies commonly recommended after BRUE.

Impact of first-line cryoablation for atrial fibrillation on healthcare utilization, arrhythmia disease burden and efficacy outcomes: real-world evidence from the Cryo Global Registry.

Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is an effective first-line treatment for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), as recently demonstrated by three randomized trials. This sub-analysis of the Cryo Global Registry aims to examine current clinical practices of first-line CBA. AF patients treated with first-line CBA were compared to CBA in antiarrhythmic drug (AAD)-refractory patients at 12months. Efficacy was examined using time-to-first atrial arrhythmia recurrence following a 90-day blanking period. Healthcare utilization was evaluated by repeat ablations and hospitalizations. Disease burden was examined by assessing quality of life (QOL) and patients' reporting of symptoms. Of 1394 patients, 433 (31.1%) were treated with first-line CBA, which was more frequent in high-volume centers. Serious procedure-related adverse event rates were similar. Efficacy at 12months was higher in the first-line group (87.8 vs. 81.6%, HRunadj 0.64 (95% CI 0.47-0.88); p < 0.01) regardless of the centers' CBA experience; when controlling for baseline characteristics, the difference was not significant (HRadj 0.87 (95% CI 0.56-1.37); p = 0.55). No difference was observed in repeat ablations and hospitalizations between cohorts. First-line patients experienced a larger mean reduction in symptoms and were prescribed AADs at a lower rate at 12-month follow-up (9.7 vs. 29.9%). QOL improved in both cohorts from baseline to 12months with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.29). In this global real-world experience, first-line CBA in patients with symptomatic AF is effective, with a larger symptom reduction compared with CBA after AAD failure and without a difference in healthcare utilization at mid-term follow-up. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02752737.

Long-term clinical outcome in patients with isolated chronic total occlusion treated percutaneously or pharmacologically

Abstract Purpose Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion (CTO) is defined as the total obstruction of coronary blood flow for at least 3 months duration. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term clinical outcome in patients with stable angina (CCS I-III) and isolated CTO treated with successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or conservative management (a priori pharmacologically or after failed PCI) and to detect potential risk factors of unsuccessful PCI. Methods The inclusion criteria were: isolated CTO of one CA, previously confirmed viability of myocardium in the area of occluded CA, stable coronary disease, absence of significant valve disease resulting in predicted survival below 1 year. Choice of management was based on individualized risk/benefit analysis encompassing ischemia assessment and angiographic considerations. Clinical follow-up of 24 months duration was conducted with regard to occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including death, acute myocardial infarction (MI), need for repeat revascularization (surgical or PCI), major bleeding and hospitalization for angina. Results The study group consisted of 119 pts with isolated CTO (88 males, mean age 60.7±9.6 years)– 75 (63%) in the right CA, 28 (23,5%) in the left anterior descending CA, 16 (13,5%) in the circumflex CA. The history of MI was revealed in 37 pts in medically treated group, 10 pts in PCI group and 7 pts after failed PCI. Successful PCI was performed in 39 (33%) pts while 80 (67%) pts were treated pharmacologically (16 after failed PCI). Over a mean 24-months follow-up there were 58 MACE in all groups, including: 2 cardiac deaths (1 in medically treated group and 1 in PCI group), hospitalization due to angina in 17 pts (10 in medically treated group, 6 in PCI group, 1 after failed PCI), 4 repeated revascularizations (1 in PCI group, 3 after failed PCI), 33 pts developed unstable angina (25 medically treated, 6 in PCI group, 2 after failed PCI), major bleeding occurred in 2 pts in medically treated group. The risk of MACE was lower in pts after successful PCI comparing both with patients treated medically as well as those with failed PCI (p=0.05 for both). Univariate analysis showed that left ventricular endsystolic (p=0.001) and enddiastolic diameter (p=0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.03), higher NYHA class (p=0.002) and duration of angina (p=0.05) were significant predictors of MACE. Multivariate analysis identified two independent predictors of MACE: absence of effective PCI (as an intention-to-treat and per protocol) (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6–8.3) and larger left ventricular systolic diameter (OR=1.16, 95% CI 1.04–1.29). The independent negative predictors of procedural success were severity of calcification (p=0.001) and length of occlusion (p=0.02). Conclusions Successful PCI of CTO leads to a significant reduction in MACE in 24 months follow-up. Failed PCI is predicted by the occlusion length and extent of calcification. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Patients with complicated gallstone disease in the emergency department: clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of emergency department disposition decision.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the 1‐year outcomes of emergency department (ED) patients with complicated gallstone disease, including surgery rates, initial admission rates, ED revisits, repeat hospitalizations, and cost.MethodsUsing 3 linked statewide databases from the Maryland Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, we identified patients with a primary diagnosis of complicated gallstone disease treated in an ED between 2016 and 2018. We measured the healthcare use and direct costs in the ambulatory surgery, inpatient, and ED settings for 1 year after the initial ED visit. Finally, we performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis comparing initially admitted versus discharged patients.ResultsOf the 8751 patients analyzed, 86.8% were admitted to the hospital and 13.2% were discharged on their initial ED visit. Of the admitted patients, 78.7% received a cholecystectomy during the initial hospitalization plus 6.1% at a later date; of the discharged patients, 41.5% received a cholecystectomy. Admitted patients demonstrated lower recurrent gallbladder complications compared with those discharged (7.5% vs 44.5%), fewer ED revisits (4% vs 20.3%), and fewer repeat hospitalizations (4.5% vs 16.7%). Despite this, the 1‐year cost in the admitted patients was higher ($9448 vs $2933). Obesity, age, and mood disorders but not race, ethnicity, or zip code were associated with admission at initial ED visit.ConclusionsIn our single‐state analysis of ED patients with complications of gallstone disease, most patients are admitted on the initial visit and receive a cholecystectomy during that hospitalization. The discharged group had higher rates of 1‐year complications, ED revisits, and repeat hospitalizations but lower cost.

8 Comparison of One-year Outcomes by Management Type in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis

There are approximately 300,000 cases of acute appendicitis in the US annually. Laparoscopic appendectomy is currently the most widely preferred method for acute appendicitis. However, non-operative management for appendicitis has been cited as a viable alternative to appendectomy. Our objective was to compare ED patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis who received appendectomy versus no surgery for one-year outcomes including surgery rates, ED revisits, repeat hospitalizations, and cost.

Models of integrated care for young people experiencing medical emergencies related to mental illness: a realist systematic review

Mental illness heightens risk of medical emergencies, emergency hospitalisation, and readmissions. Innovations for integrated medical–psychiatric care within paediatric emergency settings may help adolescents with acute mental disorders to get well quicker and stay well enough to remain out of hospital. We assessed models of integrated acute care for adolescents experiencing medical emergencies related to mental illness (MHR). We conducted a systematic review by searching MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase, and Web of Science for quantitative studies within paediatric emergency medicine, internationally. We included populations aged 8–25 years. Our outcomes were length of hospital stay (LOS), emergency hospital admissions, and rehospitalisation. Limits were imposed on dates: 1990 to June 2021. We present a narrative synthesis. This study is registered on PROSPERO: 254,359. 1667 studies were screened, 22 met eligibility, comprising 39,346 patients. Emergency triage innovations reduced admissions between 4 and 16%, including multidisciplinary staffing and training for psychiatric assessment (F(3,42) = 4.6, P < 0.05, N = 682), and telepsychiatry consultations (aOR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.28–0.58; P < 0.001, N = 597). Psychological therapies delivered in emergency departments reduced admissions 8–40%, including psychoeducation (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.17–0.71, P < 0.01, N = 212), risk-reduction counselling for suicide prevention (OR = 2.78, 95% CI 0.55–14.10, N = 348), and telephone follow-up (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.33–0.60, P < 0.001, N = 980). Innovations on acute wards reduced readmissions, including guided meal supervision for eating disorders (P = 0.27), therapeutic skills for anxiety disorders, and a dedicated psychiatric crisis unit (22.2 vs 8.5% (P = 0.008). Integrated pathway innovations reduced readmissions between 8 and 37% including family-based therapy (FBT) for eating disorders (X2(1,326) = 8.40, P = 0.004, N = 326), and risk-targeted telephone follow-up or outpatients for all mental disorders (29.5 vs. 5%, P = 0.03, N = 1316). Studies occurred in the USA, Canada, or Australia. Integrated care pathways to psychiatric consultations, psychological therapies, and multidisciplinary follow-up within emergency paediatric services prevented lengthy and repeat hospitalisation for MHR emergencies. Only six of 22 studies adjusted for illness severity and clinical history between before- and after-intervention cohorts and only one reported socio-demographic intervention effects.

Factors Affecting Readmission in Hospitalized Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: a Single Center Study

Introduction: Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) in itself and the associated comorbidities together put the patients at increased risk of hospitalization. We aimed to study the factors associated with hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge in hospitalized patients with CKD. Methods: This was a single center descriptive observational study conducted in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH), Kathmandu. Hospitalized CKD patients were evaluated for sociodemographic parameters, clinical profile and laboratory parameters; they were asked over the phone after 30 days of discharge if they had repeat hospitalization. Readmission rates were calculated and factors at admission associated with repeat hospitalization were analyzed. Results: Out of 337 CKD patients 307 could be contacted. Fifty patients (16.28%) needed readmission. Readmission rate was higher in patients older than 75 years and between ages 25 to 50. Patients who were undergoing dialysis at TUTH (OR 3.324 CI 1.239-8.917, p=0.017), who belonged to Newari community (OR 2.85 CI 1.17-6.9, p=0.020) and those from Kathmandu valley (1.94,CI 0.94-3.99) had higher odds of readmission. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis as a comorbidity had increased odds of readmission of (1.51,CI 0.60-3.77), (1.48, CI 0.79-2.76), (1.569,CI 0.441-4.468) respectively. Hemoglobin less than 9 gm/dl and serum albumin less than 35 gm/l had higher odds of readmission of (1.109 95% CI 0.605-2.033) and (1.877,95%CI 0.869-4.054) respectively. Conclusion: Overall 30 day readmission rate of Hospitalized CKD patients was 16.28%. Elderlies, those with medical comorbiditites, anemic and hypoalbuminemic patients tended to have increased odds of readmission.

A multicentric, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised, open-label trial to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of structured physical activity training and cognitive behavioural therapy versus usual care in heart failure patients: a protocol for the PACT-HF trial

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a multi-morbid chronic condition, which adversely affects the quality of life of the affected individual. Engaging the patient and their caregivers in self-care is known to reduce mortality, rehospitalisation and improve quality of life among HF patients. The PACT-HF trial will answer whether clinical benefits in terms of mortality and hospitalisation outcomes can be demonstrated by using a pragmatic design to explore the specific effects of physical activity, and cognitive behavioural therapy in HF patients in India. Methods: We will conduct a 2 × 2 factorial, randomized, open-label trial, which aims to see if rehabilitation strategies of structured physical activity training and cognitive behavioural therapy for depression and self-management reduce the risk of repeat hospitalisation and deaths in HF patients in India. Patients will be randomised to (1) physical activity + usual care (2) cognitive behaviour therapy + usual care, (3) physical activity + cognitive behaviour therapy + usual care, and (4) usual care at 1:1:1:1 ratio. Time to mortality will be the primary outcome. A composite of mortality and hospitalisation for HF will be the main secondary outcome. Additional secondary outcomes will include ‘days alive and out of hospital’, cumulative hospitalisation, quality of life, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire score, depression score, six minutes walking distance, handgrip strength, and adherence to medicines and lifestyle. The effects of intervention on the primary outcome will be estimated from Cox proportional hazard models. For the continuous secondary outcome variables, differences between randomised groups will be estimated from linear mixed models or generalised estimating equations (GEE) as appropriate. Discussion: PACT-HF is designed to provide reliable evidence about the balance of benefits and risks conferred by physical activity and cognitive behavioural therapy-based cardiac rehabilitation for those with HF, irrespective of their initial disease severity.