Shorter Hospital Admissions Research Articles

ThP6.7 - Early assessment by a specalist geriatric team reduces length of stay in unplanned surgical admissions

Abstract Intro A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) performed by the Perioperative medicine for Older People undergoing Surgery (POPS) team has been shown to reduce length of stay(LOS) for unplanned hospital admissions in the older population. This study investigates whether timing of POPS review reduces LOS for older adults admitted under the acute general surgical team. Methods We performed a single centre, prospective study of all older adult patients (aged 65 or above) admitted acutely to the general surgical team between August 2022 and September 2023. Timing of POPS review and LOS was calculated, and Mann Whitney-U test was performed. Results Three hundred and nine patients were identified. Of these, 207 patients were reviewed by POPS within 48 hours (early) and 151 of these patients were reviewed within 24 hours (very early) of admission. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in LOS between those who were assessed by POPS within 48 hours [Median 5 days (IQR 3,9)] versus those beyond 48 hours [Median 9 days (IQR 6,19)]. Very early POPS review (less than 24 hours) resulted in a statistically significant reduction in length of stay compared to POPS review between 24 and 48 hours [Median 5 days (IQR 2,8) versus 6 days (IQR3,9)] p<0.02. Conclusions POPS review within 48 hours reduces length of stay for older patients who have had an acute general surgical admission. Furthermore, this data suggests that very early POPS review (within 24 hours) is associated with a shorter hospital admission. Further research into this will help service planning.

Thoracoscopic-assisted, minimally invasive versus off-pump bypass grafting for single vessel coronary artery disease – A propensity matched analysis

ObjectiveThis study compared perioperative outcomes after off-pump revascularization through a thoracoscopic-assisted (non-robotic) minimally invasive approach (Endo-CAB) or sternotomy approach (OPCAB) for patients with single vessel left anterior descending (LAD) disease. MethodsIn this retrospective, propensity matched cohort study, 266 consecutive patients were included in the Endo-CAB group (n = 136) and OPCAB group (n = 130). After propensity score matching 116 Endo-CAB and 116 OPCAB patients were compared. ‘Textbook outcome’ was defined as the absence of 30-day mortality, re-exploration for bleeding, postoperative ischemia, cardiac tamponade, cerebrovascular events, wound infection, new-onset arrhythmias, pneumonia, placement of chest drains and prolonged hospital stay (> 7 days). Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for textbook outcome. ResultsTextbook outcome occurred significantly more frequent in the Endo-CAB group compared to the OPCAB group (81.9% vs. 59.5%, p < 0.001). Patients undergoing Endo-CAB surgery had shorter hospital admission (3.0 [3.0–4.0] vs. 5.0 [4.0–6.0] days, p < 0.001), less blood loss (225 [150–355] vs. 450 [350–600] mL, p < 0.001). Other perioperative outcomes were comparable for both groups. Regression analysis demonstrated that Endo-CAB approach was an independent positive predictor for textbook outcome (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.61–5.66, p < 0.001). ConclusionsOur study suggests that patients undergoing Endo-CAB surgery have improved perioperative outcome resulting in higher rates of textbook outcome for the treatment of single vessel CAD. This technique could be widely available since routine thoracoscopic instruments are used.

The use of a convex light appliance and mouldable rings for patients with an ostomy and effluent leakage in the early postoperative period

Background/aims: Patients with digestive ostomies frequently experience effluent leakage in the early postoperative period, leading to complications and reduced quality of life. The convex appliance and adaptable rings in ostomy (CONAN) study investigated a new combined treatment strategy for reducing leakage and improving patient satisfaction. Methods: This prospective, multicenter study involved 244 patients with digestive ostomies and early effluent leakage across 54 stoma units in Spain. Patients were treated with the CONAN strategy, using a light convex ostomy appliance (Easiflex Confort Convex Light) and a flexible ring (Brava moldable). Stoma care nurses collected data on leak episodes per day and patient satisfaction (0–10 scale) at baseline and 2–3 weeks post-discharge. Multivariate analysis identified patient characteristics associated with greater treatment benefit. Results: Patients experienced a significant reduction in mean leak episodes per day (3.4 ± 5.2 to 1.3 ± 2.3, p&lt;.0001). Mean patient satisfaction significantly increased post-treatment (5.1 ± 2 to 7.2 ± 1.7, p&lt;.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed the following factors were associated with high patient satisfaction (≥ 8 over 10): shorter hospital admission, programmed surgery (vs. emergency), closed ostomy appliance (vs. open) and multi-piece appliance systems. Conclusions: The CONAN strategy, combining a light convex ostomy appliance and flexible rings, effectively reduces leakage and improves satisfaction in patients with digestive ostomies and early effluent leakage. Patients with longer hospital stays, emergency ostomy surgery, open ostomy systems and single-piece appliances may benefit most from early intervention with this strategy.

Quality of Life Analysis of Patients Treated with Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion for Uveal Melanoma Liver Metastases

PurposePercutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan (M-PHP) is a minimally invasive therapy with proven efficacy in patients with uveal melanoma (UM) liver metastases. M-PHP is associated with a short hospital admission time and limited systemic side effects. In this study, we assessed quality of life (QoL) in UM patients treated with M-PHP.Materials and MethodsA prospective, single-center study including 24 patients treated with M-PHP for UM metastases to the liver. QoL questionnaires were collected at baseline, on day 2/3 after M-PHP, and on day 7 and day 21 after M-PHP, according to study protocol. The results were scored according to EORTC-QLQ C30 global health status (GHS), functional scales, and symptom scales. The difference in scores at baseline and subsequent time points was analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and multiple testing Bonferroni correction. Adverse events (AE) were registered up to 30 days after M-PHP according to CTCAE v5.0.ResultsTwenty-four patients (14 males; median age 63.0 years) completed 96 questionnaires. Most scores on all scales declined on day 2/3 after M-PHP. On day 21 after M-PHP, 12 out of 15 scores returned to baseline, including median GHS scores. Three variables were significantly worse on day 21 compared to baseline: fatigue (6–33; p = 0.002), physical functioning (100 vs 86.7; p = 0.003), and role functioning (100 vs 66.7; p = 0.001). Grade 3/4 AEs consisted mainly of hematological complications, such as leukopenia and thrombopenia.ConclusionM-PHP causes fatigue and a decline in physical and role functioning in the 1st weeks after treatment, but GHS returns to baseline levels within 21 days.Level of Evidence 3Cohort study.Graphical

Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery in Gynaecology: An Evolving Assistive Technology.

Laparoscopic surgery is extensively utilized to treat a range of gynaecological conditions and pathologies. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery include the minimalization of blood loss and scarring, improved recovery times, and shorter hospital admissions. However, robotic technologies have had an increasing presence within gynaecological laparoscopic surgery in recent decades. This literature review therefore aims to discuss laparoscopy from 3 perspectives. First, the evolution of laparoscopy is reviewed with a focus on its origins, its transition from a diagnostic to an operative tool, and its role in present-day gynaecology. Second, interventions for benign gynaecological conditions (including excision of benign ovarian tumours, total laparoscopic hysterectomy, and laparoscopic myomectomy) are reviewed. The laparoscopic management of malignant gynaecology (including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer) is also discussed. Finally, whilst robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is experiencing rapid technological advancement, it is pertinent to consider the extent of its benefits when compared to open or conventional laparoscopic approaches in gynaecological surgery.

Protecting the vulnerable during a crisis - TAVR during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been challenging for healthcare systems globally. Patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis awaiting transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are a vulnerable, elderly subset of patients often with multiple comorbidities. Untreated severe aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with a poor prognosis. It is uncertain if population-based strategies to mitigate COVID-19 spread such as delaying elective procedures and virtual consultations have resulted in increased morbidity or mortality in this subset of patients. Position statements guiding TAVR during the COVID-19 pandemic have suggested fewer and shorter hospital admissions. We evaluated the available literature and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on referral times, hospital stays and mortality in patients awaiting TAVR. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022379840) is reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy with computer- based search was performed using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. No time limit to start date was applied, and the search was conducted up to 28 November 2022. Only studies with available comparative data to pre-COVID 19 cohorts were included. Results Eleven studies satisfied our inclusion criteria, with a pooled analysis of 79785 TAVR patients. Patients undergoing TAVR in the COVID-19 era were associated with a modest risk of all-cause mortality (unadjusted RR: 1.41, 95% CI 0.97-2.06) however this was not statistically significant (Figure 1) and substantial heterogeneity was observed (p&amp;lt;0.01 and i2 = 84%). Patients undergoing TAVR in the COVID-19 cohort trended towards shorter average lengths of stay and time from referral to procedure than TAVR patients prior to the pandemic (mean difference -0.37, 95% CI -0.93 – 0.19 and mean difference -25.43, 95% CI -52.31 to 1.44 respectively), however this was not significant. Conclusion This systematic review suggested a trend towards increased all-cause mortality in TAVR patients in the COVID-19 era. Furthermore, the available data trended towards shorter times from referral to TAVR and a shorter average length of stay, consistent with published recommendations from European and Asian expert consensus papers. Our data did not reach statistical significance and showed significant heterogeneity, likely reflecting widespread institutional variations during the pandemic. As the COVID-19 dynamic changes, further data is required to help characterise and optimise patient care in this vulnerable patient group.

Abstract 18359: Association of Depressive Symptoms and Risk of 30- and 90-day Hospital Admissions in Patients With a New or Worsening Diagnosis of Peripheral Artery Disease

Introduction: Patients diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) often present with a complex profile of comorbidities, including a high mental health burden. Depressive symptoms are associated with worse long-term PAD outcomes, but it is unknown whether they translate into a higher short term hospital admission. Methods: Patients with a new or worsening PAD diagnosis (Rutherford 1-3) enrolled at US in the PORTRAIT registry from 2011-2015 were included. The 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire assessed depressive symptoms (scores 0 to 24, higher scores more depressive symptoms). The Youden Criterion based on time-dependent receiver operator curves was used to describe high vs. low-risk admission groups. Adjusted Cox regression models generated risk estimates associated with continuous PHQ-8 scores and all-cause, cumulative 30- and 90-day admissions based on patients’ medical records. Results: We included 669 patients in the analysis (mean age 68.6 ± 9.6 years, 57.6% male, 73.0% white). The mean PHQ-8 Score was 4.8 ± 5.2; 61.9% was classified as low- (PHQ-8 &lt;5) vs. 38.1% high-risk (PHQ-8 ≥ 5) for admissions based on the Youden Criterion. Patients in the low-risk vs. high-risk group had admission rates of 7.7% [95% CI 5.5-10.7] vs. 12.9% [95% CI 9.5-17.5] at 30 days (p-value: 0.023) and 16.2 [95% CI 13.1-20.0] vs. 25.6% [95% CI 21.0-31.0] at 90 days (p=0.002). In the adjusted model, depressive symptoms (per 1-unit increase) were independently and proportionally associated with 30-day (HR=1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11; p=0.026) and 90-day (HR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08; p=0.021) admissions following PAD diagnosis (e.g. those with scores &gt;20 had a &gt;20% or &gt;30% 30- and 90-day admission risk, respectively) (Figure 1). Conclusion: Thirty- and 90-day admission risk for patients with a new or worsening PAD diagnosis is high, especially for those with depressive symptoms. Value-based PAD care should include screening and integrated care pathways for depression to mitigate this risk.

Overnight removal of urinary indwelling catheter following vaginal prolapse surgery (OVERACT)

ObjectivePelvic organ prolapse is a common condition in women. Adequate timing of urinary catheter removal after vaginal prolapse surgery is essential to reduce post-operative morbidity. We compared midnight removal of the indwelling urinary catheter to removal next morning. MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study among 266 women undergoing vaginal prolapse surgery, of whom 132 women had urinary catheter removal at midnight and 134 women morning after surgery. We compared the occurrence of urinary retention, time till first micturition, need for clean intermittent catherization and duration of hospital admission. Also, we assessed risk factors for the occurrence of retention. ResultsRetention occurred less after midnight removal of the urinary catheter, compared to removal next morning (6.1 % versus 23.9 %, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the time till catheter removal and discharge from hospital were shorter and the need for clean intermittent catheterization during hospital admission was lower after midnight compared to next morning removal of the urinary catheter. We identified anterior colporrhaphy as a risk factor for retention. ConclusionOur results suggest that early removal of the indwelling urinary catheter after vaginal prolapse surgery seems save with respect to urinary retention and leads to earlier mobilization and shorter hospital admission.

Rapid refeeding in anorexia nervosa: A dialectic balance.

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of our new rapid refeeding protocol on patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) in our Eating Disorders Program. We hypothesize that the new protocol would lead to a more rapid weight gain and a shorter length of stay, with no effect on medical complications or program completion.MethodThis cohort design included consecutive inpatients and day hospital patients admitted to the program with a BMI <18 kg/m2 and a diagnosis of AN between 2007 and 2020; N = 326 patients. Main outcomes measured were rate of weight gain and length of stay. Safety indicators included electrolyte disturbances and supplementation required, complications including refeeding syndrome and completion of the program. A p value <.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsTotal length of stay was 21 days shorter for patients on the rapid refeeding protocol compared to the traditional refeeding protocol. Patients on the new protocol gained 0.21 more kg/week compared to patients on the old protocol. There was no difference in completion rates between programs. Electrolyte imbalances were mild to moderate and easily treated with oral electrolyte supplementation. There were no deaths or cases of refeeding syndrome with either protocol.DiscussionThis is the first Canadian study to assess the effectiveness and safety of rapid refeeding in an adult population. Rapid refeeding protocols can be safely administered and are cost effective. Shorter hospital admissions are desirable to minimize possible regression and dependency on inpatient services and positively impacts patients' quality of life.Public SignificanceThis study advances the idea that rapid refeeding in patients with anorexia nervosa can be administered safely and effectively with close medical monitoring. In addition, rapid refeeding leads to shorter hospital stays, with a cost‐savings to the health system. Shorter admissions are desirable to minimize possible regression and dependency on inpatient services and also positively impacts patients' quality of life.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for the treatment of achalasia: A multicenter Middle Eastern experience.

Background:Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was proposed in 2010 as a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of achalasia. In this article, we describe the Middle Eastern experience with the procedure in terms of efficacy, length of admission, and short- and long-term complications.Methods:A retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected data on patients who underwent a POEM procedure was conducted between March 2019 and May 2020. The primary outcome was clinical success rate, defined as a postprocedure Eckardt score ≤3 at ≥3 months. Secondary outcomes included the length of hospital stay, presence of reflux symptoms or need for proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) ≥3 months, and adverse events.Results:During the study period, 67 patients (35 females) underwent the procedure for achalasia. The participants' ages ranged from 11 to 80 years (mean 41 ± 18 years). Eckardt scores before the treatment ranged between 4 and 12 (mean 8.85 ± 1.75). Sixty-four patients (95.5%) achieved Eckardt scores of ≤3 at ≥3 months after the procedure (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91%–100%). The difference between pre- and post-procedural Eckardt scores averaged around -8 points (95% CI: −7.5 to -8.5 P < 0.0001). Adverse events were reported in 24 patients (35.8%) and included pneumoperitoneum (32.8%), reflux symptoms at 3 months (29.9%), and surgical emphysema (3%). Six patients had adverse events that led to prolongation of admission; 3% of whom had aspiration pneumonia, 3% had pneumoperitoneum, 1.5% had both, and 1.5% had an esophageal tear.Conclusions:POEM is a promising procedure for the treatment of achalasia with a high clinical success rate, short hospital admission, and a reassuring safety profile.

Traiettorie evolutive: una lezione dall’ADHD

A 12-year-old girl was urgently sent by her paediatrician to the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychi-atry ward for behavioural disorders and suicide threat. At the time of the visit the suicide risk was low. Nevertheless, considering a possible underlying psychopathology, a short Day Hospital admis-sion for appropriate diagnostic investigations was warranted. Developmental trajectory showed several symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, poor tolerance to frustrations, emotional lability, irritability, emotional dysregulation, rule breaking be-haviours and impaired socialization with her coevals from early childhood. The diagnostic delay may have led to demoralization and then to depressive feelings. This led to the diagnoses of Attention - Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional-Defiant Disorder. Pharmacological therapy with Methylphenidate was prescribed as well as cognitive-behavioural therapy and parent training intervention.

Arthroscopic Tibiotalar Arthrodesis versus Open Arthrodesis with Anterior Locking Plate: A Retrospective Case Series

Category:Ankle; Ankle Arthritis; ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:Tibiotalar arthrodesis is a common procedure for the treatment of ankle arthritis. Arthroscopic arthrodesis with screw fixation has become increasingly popular with reported shorter hospital stays, shorter time to fusion, and equivalent patient reported outcomes to open arthrodesis with screw fixation. However, there is limited research comparing arthroscopic arthrodesis to open arthrodesis with a modern anterior locking plate. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of a modern anterior locking plate in primary ankle arthrodesis would have a similar time to fusion versus arthroscopic arthrodesis with screw fixation.Methods:We performed a retrospective case review of primary ankle arthrodesis cases from 2009 to 2018 that utilized either an open approach with an anterior locking plate or an arthroscopic approach with screw fixation. All open cases were performed by a single surgeon using an anterior locking plate; all arthroscopic cases were performed by another surgeon using cannulated screw fixation. Post-operative protocol was similar for both patient groups, with at least 6 weeks of casting and protected weight- bearing followed by a transition to removable cast-boot and progressive weight-bearing. Exclusion criteria included combined tibiotalar/subtalar arthrodesis, hindfoot arthrodesis, cases where infection was suspected pre-operatively, and revision arthrodesis for any reason (IE, infection, failed total ankle arthroplasty, prior nonunion). Time to fusion was based on evaluation of post- operative radiographs performed at six and ten weeks.Results:28 open and 25 arthroscopic arthrodesis cases met inclusion criteria. The fusion rate at six weeks was 82.1% (open) versus 72% (arthroscopic). At ten weeks the fusion rate was 100% (open) versus 91% (arthroscopic). 4/28 open arthrodesis cases experienced continued pain versus 8/25 arthroscopic. For the open procedure, one patient required reoperation for skin grafting away from the incision due to a poor-fitting workboot. Two patients had removal of painful hardware; one of these patients required a second reoperation for symptomatic neuroma resection. For arthroscopic cases, two patients had removal of hardware and one patient had an elective below-knee amputation for intractable pain. Average patient age was 53.3 years (open) versus 48.4 (arthroscopic). Average length of hospital admission was 2.3 days (open) versus 0.9 (arthroscopic).Conclusion:Open tibiotalar arthrodesis with a modern anterior locking plate resulted in faster time to radiographic fusion and a lower incidence of continued pain compared to arthroscopic arthrodesis in this study. The faster time to fusion may be due to the superior biomechanical stability of a locking construct. Arthroscopic arthrodesis resulted in shorter hospital admissions, and neither group had any incision-related complications. In this case series, open and arthroscopic fusion had comparable outcomes.

O03 A case of hyperinflammatory COVID-19 that responded to tocilizumab therapy

O03 A case of hyperinflammatory COVID-19 that responded to tocilizumab therapy

Recovering the Capacity to Live outside of a Psychiatric Hospital: Impact of a Specialized Inpatient Program.

Deinstitutionalization in psychiatry led to a decrease in hospital beds, short hospital admissions focussed on symptoms reduction, and the development of ambulatory care. However, the needs of patients who despite symptoms reduction do not display the minimal competencies to live alone or in a sheltered accommodation, are not met in such a context. They usually go through long admissions and fail to improve. In 2016, we implemented a new inpatient program focused on fostering the development of the competencies needed to adapt to living outside the hospital; the aim of this study was to evaluate if it lead to the resolution of these situations or in contrary if it turned into a long stay unit. 116 patients admitted to the program between 2016 and 2018 were included in the study. They were psychiatric inpatients who had no home, did not find a place in a sheltered accommodation and couldn't be discharged. In the majority of cases, the situation was resolved within 180days and the majority of patients was referred to a sheltered accommodation. Functional and symptom levels improved significantly over time. A specific focus on restoring competencies to live outside of hospital allows complex patients to improve their functional level and to find a place to live in the community within a relatively short time. While deinstitutionalization has been beneficial to the vast majority of patients, denying the specific needs of a minority of patients leads to unnecessary long and inefficient hospital admissions.

Parents’ management of adolescent patients’ postoperative pain after discharge: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Background: Short hospital admission periods following pediatric inpatient surgery leave parents responsible for managing their child’s postoperative pain in the community following discharge. Little is known about the experiences of parents caring for their child’s postoperative pain after discharge home following inpatient surgery. Research examining parental postoperative pain management following their child’s day surgery has found that parents are challenged in their pain management knowledge and practices. Aims: This interpretative phenomenological analysis study sought to understand parents’ experiences caring for their child’s postoperative pain at home. Methods: Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with seven parents between 2 weeks and 6 months after their child’s discharge from hospital. Results: Identified themes were coming home without support, managing significant pain at home, and changes in the parent–child relationship. Conclusions: Parents could potentially benefit from nurses optimizing educational interventions, from receiving ongoing support of transitional pain teams, and from assistance with return to school planning.

Consultation on kidney stones, Copenhagen 2019: lithotripsy in percutaneous nephrolithotomy

PurposeTo evaluate the balance between existing evidence and expert opinions on the safety and efficacy of new technological improvements in lithotripsy techniques for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).MethodsA scoping review approach was applied to search literature in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science. Consensus by key opinion leaders was reached at a 2-day meeting entitled “Consultation on Kidney Stones: Aspects of Intracorporeal Lithotripsy” held in Copenhagen, Denmark, in September 2019.ResultsNew-generation dual-mode single-probe lithotripsy devices have shown favourable results compared with use of ballistic or ultrasonic lithotripters only. However, ballistic and ultrasonic lithotripters are also highly effective and safe and have been the backbone of PCNL for many years. Compared with standard PCNL, it seems that mini PCNL is associated with fewer bleeding complications and shorter hospital admissions, but also with longer operating room (OR) time and higher intrarenal pressure. Use of laser lithotripsy combined with suction in mini PCNL is a promising alternative that may improve such PCNL by shortening OR times. Furthermore, supine PCNL is a good alternative, especially in cases with complex renal stones and large proximal ureteric stones; in addition, it facilitates endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS).ConclusionRecent technological improvements in PCNL techniques are promising, but there is a lack of high-level evidence on safety and efficacy. Different techniques suit different types of stones and patients. The evolution of diverse methods has given urologists the possibility of a personalized stone approach, in other words, the right approach for the right patient.

P-304 Effectiveness and safety of thermal ablation of pulmonary metastases in patients with colorectal cancer

Pulmonary oligometastatic disease in colorectal cancer can be managed with either resection or ablation. Radiologically guided thermal ablation procedures have the benefit of disease control, preservation of adjacent normal tissue and improved quality of life, based on a short hospital admission and recovery time. We sought to report the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency and microwave ablation for pulmonary metastases in patients with colorectal cancer.

Respiratory treatment in a patient with nemaline myopathy.

Respiratory involvement of nemaline myopathy is evident on the diaphragm and intercostal muscles function. The present case study aimed to describe the characteristics of the respiratory physiotherapeutic treatment in a patient with nemaline myopathy. Here, we describe a case of a 43-yearold woman with nemaline myopathy undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation during short hospital admission for an acute exacerbation. At the time of hospitalisation, the patient was already under oxygen therapy (1 L/min) and noninvasive home ventilation using bi-level positive airway pressure with a nasal interface. Supplementary therapeutic exercises were implemented in addition to daily nasal noninvasive ventilation. At discharge, ultrasound examination revealed increased diaphragm trophism if compared with data obtained at hospital admission.

Clinical presentation, risk factors and management of ectopic pregnancy: a case-control study

Purpose of Investigation: To evaluate risk factors in patients with ectopic pregnancy (EP), while emphasizing the clinical presentation and management. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients with EP were included in a retrospective case-control study between 2016-2017. Patient’s socio-demographic features and pathological background were assessed in relation to 150 patients with live vaginal deliveries, in order to determine the main risk factors for EP. Results: Tubal (95%) was observed, with right side (60%) preponderance of EP, associated with vaginal bleeding (80%) and leukocytosis (61.25%). Main identified risk factors were previous EP (OR = 11.79), cesarean section (OR = 11.31), cigarette consumption (OR = 7.47), history of laparotomy (OR = 7.28), and tubal damage (OR = 7.09). Most patients underwent laparoscopy (87.5%) associated with a shorter hospital admission (p = 0.0011). Conclusion: Considering the risk factors, the physician could establish an accurate diagnosis in less time, avoiding complications by performing a suitable surgical intervention.

Risk factors for delay in surgery for patients undergoing elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is well-tolerated by most patients and commonly necessitates only a short hospital admission. Surgical delay after hospital admission, however, may result in longer hospital stays, consequently increasing hospital resource utilization. The current study evaluates risk factors for surgical delay in patients undergoing elective ACDF. A retrospective analysis of ACS-NSQIP data from 2006-2015 was performed. Patients undergoing elective ACDF were selected using current procedural terminology (CPT) codes (22251, 22252, 22554). A surgical delay was defined as surgery that occurred one day or later after initial hospital admission. Differences in outcomes between the non-delayed and delayed cohorts were evaluated with univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for surgical delay. There were a total of 771 (2.0%) surgical delays out of 39,371 patients undergoing elective ACDF from 2006-2015. Multivariate analysis found partially dependent functional status (OR 5.88; 95% CI: 4.48-7.71; P<0.001), totally dependent functional status (OR 18.22; 95% CI: 9.60-34.59; P<0.001), ASA class 4 (OR 2.73; 95% CI: 1.70-4.38; P<0.001), bleeding disorders (OR 1.75; 95% CI: 1.08-2.85; P=0.024), male sex (OR 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03-1.38; P=0.019), and chronic steroid use (OR 1.76; 95% CI: 1.30-2.37; P<0.001) as independent predictors of delay. Univariate analysis found surgical delay was associated with a higher rate of post-operative major adverse events (4.8% vs. 1.1%; P<0.001), mortality (1.0% vs. 0.2%; P<0.001) and greater than five-fold increase in total length of stay (9.52 vs. 1.65 days; P<0.001). Impaired pre-operative functional status, a higher comorbidity burden, and chronic steroid use are risk factors for surgical delay, increased complications, and length of stay in patients undergoing elective ACDF. This is helpful information to consider given a rising incidence of cervical fusions in the Medicare population, a wide variation in costs, and increasing popularity of bundled-payment models. 3.