Risk Factors For Longer Hospital Research Articles

Traumatic spinal cord injury in South Korea for 13 years (2008–2020)

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) has significant physical, psychological, and socioeconomic impacts. However, the epidemiological characteristics and treatment patterns of TSCI in South Korea remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate TSCI incidence and treatment behaviors in South Korea from 2008 to 2020. We included data from 30,979 newly diagnosed TSCI patients obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). Treatment trends, location of surgery, surgical method, comorbidities, factors affecting hospital stay, and risk factors affecting readmission were analyzed. Patients were divided into the surgery group [n = 7719; (25%)] and the non-surgery group [n = 23,260; (75%)]. Surgical cases involved cervical (64%), thoracic (17%), and lumbar/sacral (19%) lesions. Anterior fusion (38%), posterior fusion (54%), and corpectomy (8%) were the surgical methods. Surgical treatments increased annually. Factors influencing hospital stay included male sex, older age, and higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Female sex and higher CCI scores were associated with readmission. In conclusion, a quarter of all TSCI patients underwent surgery, with an upward trend. Risk factors for longer hospital stays were thoracic spine injury, older age, higher CCI, and male sex. Risk factors for readmission included age range of 40–59 years, lumbar/sacral spine injuries, CCI score of 2, and female sex.

Predictive influence of artificial intelligence‐based body composition analysis in trauma patients with pelvic injuries

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐energy trauma patients represent the ultimate challenge to trauma care and are at risk of injury‐related mortality and morbidity—a common cause of loss of productivity. The aim of this study was to implement computed tomography (CT)‐derived, artificial intelligence (AI)‐based body composition analysis (BCA) to identify predictors of morbidity.MethodsRetrospectively, we enrolled 104 patients (38 females and 66 males) who underwent CT imaging for assessment of injuries caused by high‐energy trauma (motor vehicle accidents, falls from significant height, or blast injury). We sought to identify risk factors for prolonged length of stay in hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) and fractures requiring pelvic surgery. Cox and logistic regression analysis were performed using BCA parameters as covariates besides conventional risk factors. Additionally, the effects of pre‐existing conditions, obesity, and sarcopenia were analysed.ResultsIncreased subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), determined by BCA, at hospital admittance is a predictor of prolonged hospital stay (P = 0.02) independent of treatment regime and occurrence of related complications, whereas muscle mass does not influence the length of stay. Individuals with sarcopenia and a decreased psoas muscle index (PMI) sustaining high‐energy trauma are at risk of pelvic injuries requiring surgical treatment.ConclusionBCA parameters are easily available from routine CT and significantly predict outcomes in trauma patients with pelvic injuries. Patients with reduced muscle mass are at risk for injuries requiring pelvic surgery, and increased SAT is a risk factor for longer hospital stays. These findings underline the potential of BCA, which may be valuable in identifying trauma patients who require specific support to optimize their physiological reserves and clinical outcome.

The implications of airway anomalies on children with congenital heart disease and bronchiolitis.

Bronchiolitis is a common airway infection in young children. Hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (CHD) predicts a more complicated course. However, the role of airway anomalies remains unknown. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients under 2 years old, diagnosed with CHD, and admitted between January 2011 and December 2013, before the palivizumab era. Records of bronchiolitis admissions were also extracted. Patients were grouped according to CHD condition and airway anomalies. A total of 230 patients with CHD were enrolled. A total of 180 (78%) and 71 (31%) patients had hemodynamically significant CHD and airway anomalies, respectively. A total of 52 (22.6%) patients were admitted for bronchiolitis 78 times. Among them, 33 (63.5%) had hemodynamically significant CHD, and 28 (53.8%) had airway anomalies. In patients with bronchiolitis admissions, the mean ventilator use, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were 1.08, 4.08, and 15.19 days, respectively. When compared, the mean hospital stay for bronchiolitis patients with airway anomalies was significantly longer than that of those without airway anomalies (19.8 vs. 9.9 days, p = 0.008). When further divided the patients by the presence hemodynamic significance, patients with hemodynamically significant CHD and airway anomaly had longer hospital stay than those who had neither. (21.7 vs. 8.3 days, p = 0.004) Airway anomaly was a significant risk factor for longer hospital stay in linear regression model (p = 0.007). Airway anomalies are common in children with CHD and are associated with longer hospital stays on bronchiolitis admission. An active survey for airway anomalies and adequate prophylaxis for bronchiolitis infection might be important in the care of children with CHD associated with airway anomalies.

Risk factors for thirty-day morbidity and mortality after spinal trauma.

Traumatic Spinal Injuries (TSI) often follow high velocity injuries and frequently accompanied by polytrauma. While most studies have focussed on outcomes of spinal cord injuries, the incidence and risk factors that predict morbidity and mortality after TSI has not been well-defined. Data of consecutive patients of TSI (n = 2065) treated over a 5-year-period were evaluated for demographics, injury mechanisms, neurological status, associated injuries, timing of surgery and co-morbidities. The thirty-day incidence and risk factors for complications, length of stay and mortality were analysed. The incidence of spinal trauma was 6.2%. Associated injuries were seen in 49.7% (n = 1028), and 33.5% (n = 692) patients had comorbidities. The 30-day mortality was 0.73% (n = 15). Associated chest injuries (p = 0.0001), cervical spine injury (p = 0.0001), ASIA-A neurology (p < 0.01) and ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.01) correlated with higher mortality. Peri-operative morbidity was noted in 571 patients (27.7%) and were significantly associated with age > 60 (p = 0.043), ASIA-A neurology (p < 0.05), chest injuries (p = 0.042), cervical and thoracic spine injury (p < 0.0001). The mean length of stay in hospital was 8.87days. Cervical spine injury (p < 0.0001), delay in surgery > 48h (p = 0.011), Diabetes mellitus (p = 0.01), Ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.009), associated injuries of chest, head, pelvis and face (p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for longer hospital stay. Key predictors of mortality after spinal trauma were cervical spine injury, complete neurological deficit, chest injuries and ankylosing spondylitis, while additionally higher age and thoracic injuries contributed to higher morbidity and prolonged hospitalisation. Notably multi-level injuries, higher age, co-morbidities and timing of surgery did not influence the mortality.

QT and Tpeak-Tend interval variability: Predictive electrical markers of hospital stay length and mortality in acute decompensated heart failure. Preliminary data.

As previously reported, an increased repolarization temporal imbalance induces a higher risk of total/cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study was to assess if the electrocardiographic short period markers of repolarization temporal dispersion could be predictive of the hospital stay length and mortality in patients with acutely decompensated chronic heart failure (CHF). Mean, standard deviation (SD), and normalized variance (VN) of QT (QT) and Tpeak-Tend (Te) were obtained on 5-minECG recording in 139 patients hospitalized for acutely decompensated CHF, subgrouping the patients for hospital length of stay (LoS): less or equal 1 week (≤1 W) and those with more than 1week (>1 W). We observed an increase of short-period repolarization variables (TeSD and TeVN, p < .05), a decrease of blood pressure (p < .05), lower ejection fraction (p < .05), and higher plasma level of biomarkers (NT-proBNP, p < .001; Troponin, p < .05) in >1 W LoS subjects. 30-day deceased subjects reported significantly higher levels of QTSD (p < .05), Te mean (p < .001), TeSD (p < .05), QTVN (p < .05) in comparison to the survivors. Multivariable Cox regression analysis reported that TeVN was a risk factor for longer hospital stay (hazard ratio: 1.04, 95% confidence limit: 1.01-1.08, p < .05); whereas, a longer Te mean was associated with higher mortality risk (hazard ratio: 1.02, 95% confidence limit: 1.01-1.03, p < .05). A longer hospital stay is considered a clinical surrogate of CHF severity, we confirmed this finding. Therefore, these electrical and simple parameters could be used as noninvasive, transmissible, inexpensive markers of CHF severity and mortality.

Effect on 30-day mortality and duration of hospitalization of empirical antibiotic therapy in CRGNB-infected pneumonia

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate whether unreasonable empirical antibiotic treatment (UEAT) had an impact on 30-day mortality and duration of hospitalization in bacterial pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study involving CRGNB-infected pneumonia. All CRGNB-infected pneumonia patients received empirical and targeted antibiotic treatment (TAT), and they were divided into reasonable empirical antibiotic treatment (REAT) and UEAT according to whether the empirical antibiotic treatment (EAT) was reasonable. The data of the two groups were compared to analyze their influence on the 30-day mortality and hospitalization time in CRGNB-infected pneumonia patients. Moreover, we also considered other variables that might be relevant and conducted multivariable regression analysis of 30-day mortality and duration of hospitalization in CRGNB-infected pneumonia patients.ResultsThe study collected 310 CRGNB-infected pneumonia patients, the most common bacterium is Acinetobacter baumannii (211/310 [68%]), the rest were Klebsiella pneumoniae (46/310 [15%]), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and others (53/310 [17%]). Among them, 76/310 (24.5%) patients received REAT. In the analysis of risk factors, dementia, consciousness were risk factors of 30-day mortality, pulmonary disease, hemodynamic support at culture taken day and recent surgery were risk factors for longer hospital stay. The analysis of 30-day mortality showed that UEAT was not associated with 30-day mortality for the 30-day mortality of REAT and UEAT were 9 of 76 (11.84%) and 36 of 234 (15.38%) (P = 0.447), respectively. Meanwhile, there was difference between REAT and UEAT (P = 0.023) in the analysis of EAT on hospitalization time in CRGNB-infected pneumonia patients.ConclusionsUEAT was not associated with 30-day mortality while was related to duration of hospitalization in CRGNB-infected pneumonia patients, in which Acinetobacter baumanniii accouned for the majority.

The Effects of Pulmonary Risk Factors on Hospital Resource Use After Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Correction

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of preoperative pulmonary risk factors (PRFS) on surgical outcomes after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A retrospective cohort study was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database from 2016 to 2018. All pediatric patients with AIS undergoing PSF were identified. Patients were then categorized by whether they had recorded baseline PRF or no-PRF. Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative variables, complications, length of stay, discharge disposition, and readmission rate were assessed. A total of 4929 patients were identified, of whom 280 (5.7%) had baseline PRF. Compared with the no-PRF cohort, the PRF cohort had higher rates of complications (PRF, 4.3% vs. no-PRF, 2.2%; P= 0.03) and longer hospital stays (PRF, 4.6 ± 4.3 days vs. no-PRF, 3.8 ± 2.3 days; P < 0.001), yet, discharge disposition was similar between cohorts (P= 0.70). Rates of 30-day unplanned readmission were significantly higher in the PRF cohort (PRF, 6.3% vs. no-PRF, 2.7%; P= 0.009), yet, days to readmission (P= 0.76) and rates of 30-day reoperation (P= 0.16) were similar between cohorts. On multivariate analysis, PRF was found to be a significant independent risk factor for longer hospital stays (risk ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-1.04; P < 0.001) but not postoperative complication or 30-day unplanned readmission. Our study showed that PRF may be a risk factor for slightly longer hospital stays without higher rates of complication or unplanned readmission for patients with AIS undergoing PSF and thus should not preclude surgical management.

Association Between Delays in Radiography and Surgery With Hip Fracture Outcomes in Elderly Patients.

Appropriate waiting time for hip fracture surgery is disputed. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends surgery within 48 hours of presentation, although evidence suggests that earlier surgery (within 24 hours) reduces the risks of complications and death. The authors asked: (1) Do patients who receive earlier radiographic evaluation of hip fracture undergo surgery earlier? and (2) Is "surgery delay" (time from presentation to surgery) associated with postoperative opioid use, duration of hospital stay, and 30-day and 1-year mortality rates? The authors identified 511 adults 60 years or older who were admitted to their emergency department with hip fractures from 2015 through 2017. Patients were divided into 6 cohorts according to length of surgery delay and 3 cohorts according to length of radiography delay (time from presentation to first hip radiograph). The authors found that medium radiography delay (>2 to 4 hours) was associated with an additional 11 hours of surgery delay compared with short radiography delay (≤2 hours; P=.026). Longer surgery delay (>12 hours) was associated with use of 9.6 more morphine equivalents (95% confidence interval, 0.7 to 8.6) during the first 24 hours postoperatively compared with shorter surgery delay (≤12 hours). Surgery delay of greater than 36 hours was an independent risk factor for longer hospital stay (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.7 to 4.8). Thirty-day and 1-year mortality rates were significantly higher among patients who experienced a surgery delay of greater than 36 hours compared with those who experienced a surgery delay of 36 hours or less. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(6):e609-e615.].

Clinical features and short-term outcomes of COVID-19 in Tehran, Iran: An analysis of mortality and hospital stay.

BackgroundThe sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 disease originated in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. There have been few reports on the clinical course of the disease, but detailed information on the risk factors for increased hospital stay and mortality is not available. In this study we aimed to present the details of 53 confirmed COVID-19 cases to share the clinical course and the risk factors for longer hospital stay and death.MethodsIn this study, we enrolled fifty-three patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection from a referral academic hospital in Tehran, Iran admitted between March and April 2020. Patients’ demographics, laboratory tests, treatments, length of hospital stay (LOHS), and final outcome were recorded and analyzed.ResultsFifty-three patients were included in this study. The higher LOHS was associated with clinical symptoms, including hemoptysis (IRR= 0.73, P-value= 0.02), diarrhea (IRR= 0.78, P-value= 0.01), headache (IRR= 0.81, P-value= 0.05), and dry cough (IRR= 0.82, P-value= 0.05). Mortality was associated with older age (Odds ratio=1.148, 95%CI=1.032-1.276), lower calcium level (Odds ratio=0.087, 95%CI=0.010-0.788), lower serum albumin (Odds ratio=0.036, 95%CI=0.002-0.655), as well as increased level of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (Odds ratio=1.468, 95%CI=1.086-1.985), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (Odds ratio=1.004, 95%CI=1.000-1.007), and urea (Odds ratio=1.023, 95%CI=1.006-1.039).ConclusionOur study identified that decreased levels of O2 saturation, platelet count, calcium, albumin, and increased NLR, LDH, urea and old age were correlated with mortality. Also, LOHS was significantly associated with clinical findings, such as hemoptysis and diarrhea. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Laparoscopic Treatment of Gastric Subepithelial Tumor: Finding Ways to Manage with Shorter Hospitalization Days.

PurposeThe standard treatment for gastric subepithelial tumor (SET) is surgical resection, which is primarily performed via laparoscopy. The aims of this study were firstly to evaluate factors influencing morbidity and hospitalization after treatment of gastric SET, and secondly, to figure out the factors how to make shorter hospitalization with equal safety.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 229 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric wedge resection (LGWR) for gastric SET between August 2003 and December 2015. Patients were divided into two groups: the 3 days or less hospitalization group (N=82, group A) and the greater than 3 days hospitalization group (N=147, group B).ResultsMedian tumor size was 3.0 cm (range, 0.2~13.0 cm) and mean postoperative hospitalization was 4.27±2.15 days. There were 6 complications (2.6%), with no cases of mortality. In group A, tumors were smaller (3.0±1.1 cm vs. 3.6±1.9 cm, p<0.01) and more likely to be located on the greater curvature (28% vs. 15%, p<0.01) compared with group B. The tumor growth pattern (exophytic tumor: 72% in group A vs. 65% in group B, p=0.25) was not different between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size larger than 5 cm and posterior wall tumor location were risk factors for longer hospital stay.ConclusionWe could reduce the hospitalization of patients with gastric SET less than 5cm sized and located on other than the posterior wall within 3days. Those patients could be a candidate for day surgery.

Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: Short-Term Complications and Risk Factors.

There is a paucity of literature regarding the short-term readmission, reoperation, and complication rates of patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA). The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and risk factors of 30-day postoperative complications in patients undergoing PFA. A retrospective cohort study of subjects who underwent PFA from 2010 to 2015 was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Perioperative outcomes and 30-day postoperative complications were ascertained, and patient demographics and comorbidities were analyzed using linear and binomial logistic regression analyses to determine risk factors for postoperative complications. Among the 1,069 patients identified in the NSQIP database, there was a 30-day readmission rate of 4.3% and a 30-day reoperation rate of 1.5%. The leading complications identified were bleeding requiring transfusion (11.7%), urinary tract infection (0.8%), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (0.8%). Younger age was a risk factor for superficial wound infection (p = 0.012). Older age was a significant risk factor for longer hospital stays, readmission, bleeding requiring transfusion, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia (p < 0.05 for all). Male sex was a risk factor for longer operation time and DVT (p = 0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively), while female sex was associated with greater incidence of bleeding requiring transfusion (p = 0.049). Elevated body mass index (BMI) was a risk factor for longer hospital stays, greater total operation time, and bleeding requiring transfusion (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Nonwhite race was a significant risk factor for readmission (p = 0.008). This represents the largest study on early readmissions and the associated risk factors after PFA. PFA 30-day readmission and reoperation rates were <5%. Older age and elevated BMI were both identified as risk factors for adverse perioperative outcomes, including longer operation times, longer hospital stays, and bleeding requiring transfusion.

Risk Factors for Longer Hospital Stay Following the Fontan Operation.

Children with functional single ventricle undergoing the Fontan operation consume considerable resources. The purpose of this study is to evaluate pre- and intraoperative risk factors for longer hospital stay and to describe the perioperative course at a single institution over a 15-year period. Retrospective cohort study. A single pediatric cardiac ICU. All consecutive patients undergoing a first-time Fontan operation from 2000 to 2014. None. Prolonged length of stay was defined as hospital stay greater than 75 percentile at our institution after surgery. Of 218 patients who met inclusion criteria, median length of stay was 10 days (interquartile range, 8-14 d); prolonged length of stay was defined greater than or equal to 15 days. Independent pre- and intraoperative risk factors for prolonged length of stay included higher hemoglobin (odds ratio, 1.29; p = 0.003), higher mean pulmonary artery pressure (odds ratio, 1.14; p = 0.037), and lower aortic saturation (odds ratio, 0.92; p = 0.008) in the entire group. When patients with hepatic vein inclusion (following previous Kawashima) were excluded, higher hemoglobin (odds ratio, 1.24; p = 0.027), lower aortic saturation (odds ratio, 0.92; p = 0.017), and placement of a fenestration (odds ratio, 2.438; p = 0.021) were associated with prolonged length of stay. Fifty-eight patients (26.6%) had major complications defined by Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium. Placement of a fenestration (odds ratio, 2.297; p = 0.014) and longer aortic cross-clamp time (odds ratio, 1.015; p = 0.003) were independently associated with Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium major complications. In this series, 75% of patients had a postoperative length of stay less than or equal to 2 weeks. Preoperative factors suggesting worse hypoxemia/decreased pulmonary blood flow (higher hemoglobin and lower oxygen saturation) and increased pulmonary artery pressure were associated with prolonged length of stay. These findings may help risk stratify this complex patient population, provide more accurate family counseling, and provide preliminary data for changes in preoperative timing of the Fontan and/or changes to postoperative management strategies for those at high risk for increased ICU morbidity.

Risk factors for longer hospital stay in children with hepatitis A infections

Risk factors for longer hospital stay in children with hepatitis A infections

Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency in Hospitalized COPD Patients.

Introduction31–77% of patients with COPD have vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, with results being highly variable between studies. Vitamin D may also correlate with disease characteristics.AimTo find out the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in patients with COPD admitted for exacerbation and a risk factors for lower vitamin D levels among comorbidities and COPD characteristics.Methods152 patients were studied for vitamin D serum levels (25(OH)D). All of them were also assessed for diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Data were gathered also for smoking status and exacerbations in last year. All patients completed CAT and mMRC questionnaires and underwent spirometry.ResultsA total of 83,6% of patients have reduced levels of vitamin D. 42,8% (65/152) have vitamin D insufficiency (defined as 25–50 nmol/L) and 40,8% (62/152) have vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L). The mean level of 25(OH)D for all patients is 31,97 nmol/L (95%CI 29,12–34,68). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are more prevalent in females vs. males (97,7 vs 77,8%; p = 0.003). The prevalence and severity of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in this study is significantly higher when compared to an unselected Bulgarian population (prevalence 75,8%; mean level 38,75 nmol/L). Vitamin D levels correlate with quality of life (measured by the mMRC scale) and lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV6, FEF2575, FEV3, but not with FEV1/FVC ratio and PEF), it does not correlate with the presence of arterial hypertension, DM, MS and number of moderate, severe and total exacerbations. Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for longer hospital stay.ConclusionsThe patients with COPD admitted for exacerbation are a risk group for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, which is associated with worse disease characteristics.

Prevalence of Malnutrition in Hospitalized Elderly Korean Patients Based on Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitalized elderly Korean patients using Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) in Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional, multi-center study was performed. We enrolled 300 patients aged ≥65 years from 10 hospitals. We collected subjects’ general characteristics, including age, sex, height, weight, and diagnosis. Patients’ nutritional status was assessed using MNA-SF within 48 hours since hospital admission. Results: The subjects were 74.2±6.3 years old, and 155 patients were male (51.7%). Cancer was the most common diagnosis (26.3%), followed by musculoskeletal (11.3%), neuromuscular (10.3%), pulmonary (9.0%), and cardiovascular disease (8.7%). The length of hospital stay was 8.7±5.9 days. According to MNA-SF, 99 patients (33.0%) were at risk of malnutrition, and 51 patients (17.0%) were malnourished. MNA-SF score showed negative correlations with age (r=−0.259, P<0.001) and hospital stay (r=−0.168, P=0.006). Patients in the malnourished or at risk of malnutrition groups were more likely to be admitted to and stayed longer in the intensive care unit (ICU) than those of normal nutritional status (8.7% vs. 17.3%, P=0.026; 1.6±1.0 days vs. 3.7±3.2 days, P=0.033). The patients who were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition were hospitalized significantly longer than those of normal nutritional status (9.8±6.2 vs. 7.7.±5.4 days, P=0.004). After adjusting for age and ICU admission, nutritional status by MNA-SF was the only risk factor for prolonged hospitalization (β=1.384, P=0.005). Conclusion: About half of hospitalized elderly patients were at risk of malnutrition or malnutrition status at admission, and nutritional status was the only risk factor for longer hospital stay. Thus, more attention should be paid to the nutritional care of elderly patients to improve clinical outcomes.

Yenidoğan yoğun bakım ünitesine yatırılan yenidoğanlarda toplumda gelişen respiratuar sinsityal virüs pnömonisinin klinik seyri

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of pneumonia in infants worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the clinical course of community-acquired RSV pneumonia in newborns hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit. All the newborns diagnosed as pneumonia were prospectively evaluated for RSV infection between November 2010 and April 2011. Fifty-four specimens of nasopharyngeal secretions were tested in parallel with the RAT and the multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR). Downes' score was used to assess the disease severity in patients with pneumonia. RAT has a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 78.5%, as the PCR technique target assay. Four of the patients with RSV pneumonia had secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) and all of four needed mechanical ventilation support. The first day Downes' score was positively correlated with time of intravenous fluid requirement (p= 0.001, r= 0.48), total oxygen need (p= 0.000, r= 0.63), and re-enteral feeding (p= 0.001, r= 0.46). Blood pH (p= 0.031, r= 0.46) were negatively correlated with Downes' score. The second day Downes' score was higher in patients with ASD than those of without ASD (3.8 ± 2.6 vs. 2 ± 1.1, p= 0.01). The most possible risk factor for longer hospital stay was the higher second day Downes' score (p= 0.02 OR: 1.9, CI 95% (1.1-3.2). All infants were discharged from hospital in a good health. RAT is sensitive and specific in detecting RSV infections in newborns. Physicians may use Downes' score for evaluation of disease severity in infants with RSV pneumonia. In these patients, ASD has increased the disease severity.

Perioperative Factors Affecting Length of Hospital Stay Among Elderly Patients

Timely assessment and prevention of risk factors for the main perioperative complications in elderly patients provide an opportunity to avoid them, decrease mortality, and diminish costs associated with longer hospital stay. The aim of this study was to estimate perioperative factors that could potentially predict the length of stay and to estimate their predictive value using a comprehensive geriatric assessment among elderly patients. The study population comprised 99 surgical patients aged 65 and more. The patients were followed up until discharge. Study data analysis included questionnaires, anthropometric measurements before surgery, assessment and interviews after surgery, and case histories. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Malnutrition was detected in 53.5% of the patients. Postoperative cognitive disorder was documented in 18.2% of elderly patients. The mean length of hospital stay was 10.1 days (SD, 9.14). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the best predictors for longer hospital stay in elderly patients were malnutrition (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.5-11.8; P=0.007) together with postoperative cognitive impairment (OR, 9.2; 95% CI, 1.0-83.3; P=0.048). The total predictive value of the model was 70.5%. . Malnutrition and a postoperative cognitive disorder were independent risk factors for longer hospital stay, while depression, cognitive impairment, functional dependence, and poor physical status were not independently associated with longer hospital stay. A comprehensive geriatric assessment can help assess the risk factors for longer treatment and predict the length of hospital stay, thus enabling the planning of optimal healthcare management of elderly patients.

Neoplasia digestiva, baixo índice de massa corporal e perda de peso como indicadores do tempo de internação em pacientes portadores de neoplasias

The nutritional status (NS) of patients with neoplasms can affect length of hospital stay. To investigated nutritional changes and risk factors associated with length of hospital stay in patients with neoplasms. A cross-sectional study was done to investigate nutritional status by classic anthropometry, energy intake, gastrointestinal changes, indicators of nutritional risk and length of hospital stay in 93 patients with neoplasms. The risk factors associated with long hospital stays were then determined. Patients with digestive neoplasms presented significantly longer hospital stays. These patients were 26 times more likely to stay at the hospital seven or more days than patients with gynecological neoplasms. Additionally, patients with recent weight loss were 4.5 times more likely to stay seven or more days at the hospital than those without recent weight loss. Digestive neoplasms, low body mass index and recent weight loss are risk factors for longer hospital stays.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes between Geriatric and Non-geriatric Patients in Peptic Ulcer Bleeding

In geriatric patients with peptic ulcer, the use of NSAID and prevalence of chronic illness have been increased, but the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infected portion decreased. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of geriatric patients (aged 65 or older) with peptic ulcer bleeding and compare with non-geriatric patients (less than 65 years old). We conducted a retrospective study of 88 patients with peptic ulcer bleeding treated with therapeutic endoscopy from January 2006 to December 2006. We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of geriatric patients (n=34, 38.6%) with those of non-geriatric patients (n=54, 61.4%). Hypertension (52.9% vs. 24.1%), cardiovascular disease (35.3% vs. 13.0%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20.6% vs. 3.7%) were more prevalent in the geriatric group, compared with the non-geriatric group (p<0.05). The geriatric group had taken more ulcerogenic drugs than the non-geriatric group (64.7% vs. 33.3%, p<0.05); aspirin plus clopidogrel (23.6% vs. 13.0%) and aspirin (20.6% vs. 11.0%). Sixteen (21.1%) of the 76 cases had H. pylori-negative ulcer. Between the two groups, there was no difference in the prevalence of H. pylori-negative ulcer (25.9% vs. 18.4%, p>0.05). The amount of transfusion length of ICU stay, rebleeding rate, operation rate and mortality were not different between the two groups. The length of hospital stay in the geriatric patients was significantly longer than the non-geriatric group (12.3+/-10.6 vs. 7.2+/-5.9 days, p<0.05). In multiple regression analysis, old age was a significant risk factor for longer hospital stay (p<0.05). The geriatric patients with bleeding peptic ulcer had longer hospital stay than the non-geriatric patients in our study. The important emerging etiologies such as ulcerogenic drug and associated chronic illness should be checked and treated in these patients.

P1181 RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOME OF HOSPITAL ACQUIRED MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN

Introduction: Data from literature show that a large part of adult in-patients become nutritionally compromised in the course of their hospitalization and that hospital acquired malnutrition is associated with increased risk of adverse clinical events. However, little is known about the incidence and risk factors of hospital related undernutrition in children, its “timing” of occurrence and impact on hospital stay (HS). Our aim was to evaluate nutritional status in children admitted to a general medical pediatric ward and during their HS, possible risk factors leading to nutritional deterioration and its relationship with the duration of HS. Methods: 363 children (205 boys; age: 1–198 months; median: 23 months) were enrolled in the study. They were consecutively admitted to our general medical pediatric ward. Weight and height were measured as part of the routine admission procedure. Weight was measured daily in the same conditions and BMI was consequently calculated. Data recorded and analyzed in the study included: diagnosis at admission, symptoms at admission and during HS, food intake. Results: 351 pts were admitted for acute illness and 12 pts for relapse of a chronic disease. During HS, based on their actual nutritional status and according to multivariate statistical analysis (Classification Trees and Cox Regression - SPSS), pts were divided in 2 groups: A) 106 children (29,2%) presenting a BMI reduction (−3,1±1,9%) and B) 257 children (70,8%) with a stable or increased BMI (0,9±1,5%). According to Segmentation technique (Answer tree - SPSS), Risk Factors for hospital acquired malnutrition were: age > 10 months (p<0,05); 72 hours-diarrhoea (p<0,001); 72 hours-fever (p<0,05). Group A and Group B showed significant differences in the percentage of individuals presenting early (first 72 h) Nutritional Deterioration (eND) and in the impact of nutritional status on the duration of HS:Table 1Conclusion: hospital malnutrition was frequently observed in our in-patients and it was an early onset event in a large part of the population evaluated, as it became evident during the first three days of hospital stay. Our results suggest that BMI decrease is by its self a risk factor for longer hospital stay. An assessment of nutritional risk should be an important part of routine admission procedure especially in children older than 10 months and/or with an history of 3 days long fever or diarrhoea.