Total Duration Of Hospitalization Research Articles

Healthcare resource utilization in a phase 3 study of CPX-351 in patients with newly diagnosed high-risk/secondary acute myeloid leukemia

Aims: Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) requires significant healthcare resource utilization (HRU), including lengthy hospitalizations. In a phase 3 study (NCT01696084), CPX-351 (Vyxeos) showed significant benefits to overall survival and complete remission versus conventional 7 + 3 cytarabine/daunorubicin. This analysis evaluated HRU in patients aged 60–75 years with newly diagnosed high-risk/secondary AML treated with CPX-351 versus 7 + 3 in the phase 3 study.Materials and methods: Patients were randomized to receive up to two induction cycles with CPX-351 or 7 + 3. Responders could receive up to two cycles of consolidation. To normalize HRU to length of treatment, patients were assessed on a per patient-year (PPY) basis. HRU analyses included hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, anti-infective use, transfusions, and white blood cell colony-stimulating factor (CSF).Results: The median (range) total duration of hospitalization was 39 (3–110) days with CPX-351 (n = 153) and 32 (2–83) days with 7 + 3 (n = 151); the estimated durations of hospitalization PPY were 198.4 and 240.5 days, respectively. The median (range) total duration of ICU stays was 0 (0–45) days with CPX-351 and 0 (0–17) days with 7 + 3; the estimated durations of ICU stays PPY were 6.7 and 10.5 days, respectively. When comparing supportive care use during CPX-351 and 7 + 3 treatment, the estimated number PPY of bags of platelets used (24.6 vs 26.9, respectively), bags of packed red blood cells used (13.0 vs 13.9), days of anti-infectives (162.0 vs 159.2), and days of CSF (4.0 vs 2.4) were not notably different.Limitations: This clinical study analysis may not represent real-world HRU patterns or be generalizable to a broader AML population.Conclusions: These PPY data, showing shorter durations of hospitalization and similar use of supportive care with CPX-351 versus 7 + 3, suggest CPX-351 is not associated with increased HRU in older patients with newly diagnosed high-risk/secondary AML.

Study of ultrasound-guided needle aspiration and catheter drainage in the management of liver abscesses.

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of intermittent needle aspiration and continuous catheter drainage in ultrasound-guided management of liver abscesses. This was a prospective, randomised study conducted on 100 patients (88 males and 12 females; age range 22-74years) with liver abscess(es) and having abscess size more than 5cm, divided into two groups: Percutaneous needle aspiration (PNA) (n = 50) and percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) (n = 50). Criteria of exclusion were: rupture of abscess before intervention; prior intervention; uncorrectable coagulopathy; concomitant biliary tract malignancy. In the PNA group, pus was aspirated by an 18-gauge needle using freehand technique and the number of aspirations was limited to two. Failure of abscess size to decline below 50% of the original diameter or of clinical improvement after second aspiration was considered as failure of aspiration. In the PCD group, drainage was done by 12-French catheters using Seldinger technique. Drainage was considered as failure if abscess cavity did not resolve and laparotomy was needed to evacuate the pus cavity. The success rate in the PNA group was 88% and 92% in the PCD group; however, this difference was statistically not significant, suggesting that both are equally efficacious. The total duration of hospital stay (mean 6.8days [PNA] vs 10.5days [PCD]; p value: 0.011) and the average duration between intervention and discharge (5.9days [PNA] vs 10.2days [PCD]; p value:0.026) were significantly less in the PNA group. One major complication was seen in our study: peritonitis due to peri-catheter leak in PCD group. Both procedures are equally efficacious in the management of liver abscesses; however in view of less duration of hospital stay, patient safety and comfort, procedure simplicity, and the reduced cost, needle aspiration should be used as the first-line procedure in the treatment of liver abscess (even in abscesses more than 5cm). Catheter drainage should be reserved for cases that do not respond to a second attempt of aspiration.

COMPARISON OF SURGICAL AND NON-SURGICAL APPROACHES TO SPLENIC TRAUMA

The spleen loss leads to increase the risk of sepsis, pyelonephritis, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism throughout the lifetime of patients with splenic trauma. Regarding the sensitivity of the spleen and the importance of appropriate therapies for spastic trauma, this study aimed to determine the consequences of spinal trauma based on different therapeutic methods. This retrospective cohort study was conducted on the splenic trauma patients who were referred to Rasool Akram Hospital in Tehran, Iran, during 2011-2017. All medical records of 133 splenic trauma patients were gathered from 2011-2017. The data were gathered related to ultrasound, and computed tomography scan or other diagnostic methods of the patients admitted in the surgical ward. Finally, splenic trauma patients with a surgical approach were compared to the subjects with a non-surgical approach. Surgical and non-surgical approaches were performed on 80% (n=104) and 20% (n=26) of the subjects, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the length of intensive care unit stay and total hospitalization duration. The comparison between the two groups showed that there was no significant difference in term of the related side effects (P>0.05). Overall, 80.8% (n=84) and 96.4% (n=27) of the patients were discharged in surgical and non-surgical groups, respectively. In addition, 19.2% (n=20) and 3.6% (n=1) of the cases died in surgical and non-surgical groups. The comparison of survived patients showed that there was a significant difference between the groups (P=0.045). This study showed that there was no difference regarding the consequences of surgical and non-surgical approaches in patients with splenic trauma. The length of hospital stay was shorter in the non-surgical group, compared to that of the surgical group. The most commoncause of trauma in both groups was car accidents. Retroperitoneal hematoma was the most common intraabdominal trauma. The mortality rate was higher in the surgical group in comparison to that of the non-surgical group.

Kidney function of Japanese children undergoing kidney transplant with preemptive therapy for cytomegalovirus infection.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the major factors that affect morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant (KTx) patients. The rate of CMV seropositivity in children before KTx is lower than that in adults; therefore, pediatric KTx patients have a higher risk of CMV infection. In Japanese pediatric KTx patients, preemptive therapy for CMV infection is a main conventional therapy. This study investigated whether this preemptive treatment would affect kidney function at 2years post-KTx. A total of 163 patients, that is approximately half of the Japanese pediatric KTx patients nationwide, were recruited to participate in our study. We compared the values of the sequential estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at two years post-KTx and other influencing factors in CMV viremia, CMV disease, and no-infection groups. Cytomegalovirus infection after KTx occurred in 75 patients (46.0%), 38.7% of whom developed CMV disease. The sequential eGFR values post-KTx did not differ significantly between the three groups. CMV infection was not significantly correlated with other factors, other infections (including Epstein-Barr [EB] virus infection), acute rejection (AR), or adverse events. Only prolonged duration of total hospitalization was significantly associated with CMV infection (P=.002). In the multivariate analysis, younger age, CMV infection, and adverse effects were independently significantly related to prolonged total hospitalization. Preemptive therapy for CMV infection evidenced by viremia and disease did not significantly influence kidney function in Japanese pediatric KTx patients at two years after the operation.

Multi-Center Prospective Study of Restrictive Post-Operative Antibiotic Treatment of Children with Complicated Appendicitis.

Background: No consensus has been reached regarding the most advantageous duration of antibiotic prophylaxis to decrease post-operative infection complications of appendectomy for acute complex appendicitis. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of short-term antibiotic treatment on post-operative complications in children with complex appendicitis. Methods: A multi-center, parallel group, randomized study was conducted in patients younger than 14 years of age with complicated appendicitis at three hospitals in China. The qualified patients were randomized prospectively to either the restrictive 72-hour short-term antibiotic strategy or the standard antibiotic usage. A comparison of the complications within 24 months, including infectious complications and long-term results, were conducted between the two groups. This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), number ChiCTR1900023941 and is complete. Results: A shorter duration of antibiotic treatment had no effect on intestinal function recovery, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and health-care-associated Clostridium difficile infection and infectious complication, including intra-abdominal abscess development (17.9% vs. 18.0%, p = 0.52). Furthermore, no substantial difference for re-admission requirement and re-operation were found between the two treatment strategies. A sizeable decrease in total duration of hospitalization (p < 0.001) and average total antibiotic duration (p < 0.001) were observed for the restrictive antibiotic strategy group. Conclusion: In complicated appendicitis, the restrictive antibiotic usage was equivalent to standard antibiotic usage in terms of short- and long-term outcomes, but with shorter hospital stays and fewer antibiotic agents.

Benefit prve faze programa kardiološke rehabilitacije nakon kardiohirurških operacija

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are leading factor in global mortality and morbidity. It is the cause of 1/3 of total annual mortality, while coronary heart disease (CHD), as one of the CVD entities, is responsible for 85% of deaths worldwide. The aim of the study is to show the importance of the first phase of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in patients who are going on cardiac surgery, as well as the impact on respiratory function, the occurrence of pulmonary complications and the length of hospitalization. Methods: A sample of 18 patients was included in the randomized observer study. First phase of CR was carried out according to a predefined protocol. We used arterial blood gases (ABG) to evaluate the respiratory function, "two-minute walk test" (2MWT) to assess the functional capacity Data taken from medical documentation are the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), the length of stay in the ICU, occurrence of the postoperative pulmonary complications and duration of total hospitalization. Results: The test sample consisted of 12 men (60.58 ± 8.33) and 6 women (66.00 ± 6.51). The mean value of CR was 6.15 ± 3.98 days and MV 19,67±11,23 hours. There were no pulmonary complications in 61,11% patients. Using ABG, a statistically significant difference was found in PO2 after extubating and at the last day in ICU (p = 0.01). 2MWT preoperatively significantly correlated with the examined on the last day of hospitalization (r = 0.648 p-value &lt;0.001) well as the length of postoperative hospitalization and duration of mechanical ventilation (r = 0.708 p-value &lt;0.001). Conclusion: The study showed that first phase of cardiac rehabilitation may positively affect the improvement of functional capacity.

EFFECT OF PREOPERATIVE RESPIRATORY REHABILITATION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING CARDIAC SURGERY.

SUMMARYThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative respiratory rehabilitation on functional capacity, length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU), duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and total hospitalization, as well as to estimate arterial blood gas (ABG) values in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Nineteen patients were included in the randomized observational study, divided into two groups: group A (intervention) and B (control). Preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation was performed in group A, and only postoperative rehabilitation in group B. Rehabilitation was carried out according to a predefined protocol. We used ABG to evaluate respiratory function, two-minute walk test (2MWT) and sit-to-stand test to assess functional capacity. The following data were obtained from medical documentation: duration of MV, length of stay at ICU, occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications, and length of total hospitalization in both groups. Significant between-group difference was found for the length of total hospitalization and duration of MV (p<0.05 both). Analysis of the mean values of 2MWT on the last day of hospitalization (p=0.005), sit-to-stand test before surgery (p=0.022) and on the last day of hospitalization (p=0.008) showed statistically significant differences. The length of hospital stay significantly correlated with preoperative rehabilitation in group A (r=0.885; p<0.0001). There was no difference in ABG parameters between the groups. The study showed that preoperative respiratory rehabilitation had an effect on reducing duration of MV and length of total hospitalization, and improved functional capacity.

Clinical rule-guided pharmacists' intervention in hospitalized patients with hypokalaemia: A time series analysis.

Physicians' response to moderate and severe hypokalaemia in hospitalized patients is frequently suboptimal, leading to increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. While actively alerting physicians on all critical care values using telephone or electronic pop-ups can improve response, it can also lead to alert fatigue and frustration due to non-specific and overdue alerts. Therefore, a new method was tested. A clinical rule built into a clinical decision support system (CDSS) generated alerts for patients with a serum potassium level (SPL) <2.9mmol/L without a prescription for potassium supplementation. If the alert was deemed clinically relevant, a pharmacist contacted the physician. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the clinical rule-guided pharmacists' intervention compared to showing passive alerts in the electronic health records on outcome in patients who developed hypokalaemia (<2.9mmol/L) during hospitalization. A before (2007-2009) and after (2010-2017) study with time series design was performed. Pre-intervention, physicians were shown passive alerts for hypokalaemia in the electronic health records. During the intervention period, in addition to these passive alerts, a pharmacist provided the physician with a specific advice on patients with untreated hypokalaemia, guided by the generated alerts. Unique patients >18years with SPL <2.9mmol/L measured at least 24hours after hospitalization in whom no potassium supplementation was initiated within 4hours after measurement and normalization of SPL was not achieved within these 4hours were included. Haemodialysis patients were excluded. The percentage of hypokalaemic patients with a subsequent prescription for potassium supplementation, time to subsequent potassium supplementation prescription, the percentage of patients who achieved normokalaemia (SPL≥3.0mmol/L), time to achieve normokalaemia and total duration of hospitalization were compared. A total of 693 patients were included, of whom 278 participated in the intervention phase. The percentage of patients prescribed supplementation as well as time to prescription improved from 76.0% in 31.1hours to 92.0% in 11.3hours (P<.01). Time to achieve SPL ≥3.0mmol/L improved, P<.009. No changes, however, were observed in the percentage of patients who achieved normokalaemia or time to reach normokalaemia, 87.5% in 65.2hours pre-intervention compared to 90.2% (P=.69) in 64.0hours (P=.71) in the intervention group. A non-significant decrease of 8.2days was observed in the duration of hospitalization: 25.4 compared to 17.2days (P=.29). Combining CDSS alerting with a pharmacist evaluation is an effective method to improve response rate, time to supplementation and time to initial improvement, defined as SPL ≥3.0mmol/L. However, it showed no significant effect on the percentage of patients achieving normokalaemia, time to normokalaemia or hospitalization. The discrepancy between rapid supplementation and improvement on the one hand and failure to improve time to normokalaemia on the other warrants further study.

Effectiveness and Safety of the Combined Use of Tranexamic Acid: A Comparative Observational Study of 1909 Cases.

Background:Tranexamic acid (TA) use in lower-limb arthroplasty has been valued in these surgeries high-risk hemorrhagic due to its antifibrinolytic action. The objective of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of the combined intravenous (IV) and intraarticular (IA) administration of TA in lower-limb arthroplasty.Methods:We conduct a prospective observational study between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017, including all programmed lower-limb arthroplasties. Patients were divided into four groups: no TA, 15 mg/kg IV TA, 3 g IA TA, and 15 mg/kg IV and 3 g IA. The effect on calculated total blood loss (milliliter of red blood cell [RBC]), hemoglobin, transfusion, and duration of hospitalization was studied after adjustment on age, American Society of Anesthesiologists, surgery, and postoperative curative anticoagulation. Complications related to TA administration were systematically reported.Results:A total of 1909 patients were included – “no TA,” n = 184; “IV,” n = 1137; “IA,” n = 214; and “IV + IA,” n = 374. In the IV + IA group, a decrease in blood loss was observed compared to the no TA group (+220 ml 95% confidence interval [CI] [184; 255] of RBC P < 0.001) and in the IA group (+65 ml 95% CI [30; 99] of RBC P < 0.001). The length of hospital stay of the IV + IA group was shorter compared to the no TA group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.35, 95% CI [0.29; 0.43], P < 0.001) to the IA group (HR 0.57, 95% CI [0.48; 0.69], P < 0.001) and the IV group (HR 0.45, 95% CI [0.39; 0.50], P < 0.001). One case of deep vein thrombosis occurred in the group without TA.Conclusion:Administration of combined TA appears effective and safe; further studies are needed in order to establish a consensual protocol.

Comparison of the effectiveness and outcome of microendoscopic and open discectomy in patients suffering from lumbar disc herniation.

Background:The purpose of our study is to compare the outcomes and effectiveness of MED vs OLD for lumbar disc herniation.Objectives:To identify the functional outcomes in terms of ODI score, VAS score complications in terms of intraoperative blood loss, use of general anesthesia, and morbidity in terms of total hospital stay between MED and OLD.Methods:In our randomized prospective study we analyzed 60 patients with clinical signs and symptoms with 2 weeks of failed conservative treatment plus MRI or CT scan findings of lumbar disc herniation who underwent MED and OLD. The study was undertaken from November 2017 to January 2019 at Guangzhou Medical University of Second Affiliated Hospital, department of orthopedic surgery in spinal Unit, Guangzhou, China. Patients were divided into 2 groups i.e. who underwent MED group and the OLD group then we compared the preoperative and postoperative ODI and VAS score, duration of total hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, and operation time.Results:We evaluated 60 patients. Among them, 30 underwent MED (15 female and 15 male) and 30 underwent OLD 14 male 16 female. Surgical and anesthesia time was significantly shorter, blood loss and hospital stay were significantly reduced in patients having MED than OLD (<0.005). The improvement in the ODI in both groups was clinically significant and statistically (P < .005) at postoperative 1st day (with greater improvement in the MED group), at 6 weeks (P > .005), month 6 (>0.005) statistically no significant. The clinical improvement was similar in both groups. VAS and ODI scores improved significantly postoperatively in both groups. However, the MED group was superior to the OLD group with less time in bed, shorter operation time, less blood loss which is clinically and statistically significant (P < .05).Conclusions:The standard surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation has been open discectomy but there has been a trend towards minimally invasive procedures. MED for lumbar spine disc herniation is a well-known but developing field, which is increasingly spreading in the last few years. The success rate of MED is about approximately 90%. Both methods are equally effective in relieving radicular pain. MED was superior in terms of total hospital stay, morbidity, and earlier return to work and anesthetic exposure, blood loss, intra-op time comparing to OLD. MED is a safe and effective alternative to conventional OLD for patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Successful Toxicity Reduction in Ma-Spore ALL 2010 in Standard/Intermediate Risk Childhood ALL: Replacing Cytarabine/Doxorubicin with More Vincristine and L-Asparaginase during Consolidation and Delayed Intensification

As ~90% children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) are now cured, the next challenge of contemporary ALL therapy is curing with less toxicity. To reduce toxicity, the Malaysia-Singapore ALL 2003 (MS2003) study lowered the intensity of induction in Standard(SR)/Intermediate Risk(IR) patients by removing Daunorubicin. However, toxicities causing prolonged delays during Consolidation and Delayed-Intensification(DI) remained major problems. To address these delays, the MS2010 study: (1) Replaced half of all cytarabine blocks with 2 doses of Vincristine(VCR) per block (2) Implemented Doxorubicin-free DI Protocol V (3) Added 1 dose of L-Asparaginase(L-Asp) to each DI block. Here, we report the significant improvements in MS2010 compared to MS2003 in terms of treatment-related toxicities. Methods MS2003 (Yeoh AEJ et al. J Clin Oncol 2012) started with a 3 drug induction for non-HR patients in a BFM ALL-IC 2002 backbone where SR consisted of 2x Protocol III and IR consisted of 3x Protocol III. In MS2010 (Yeoh AEJ et al. J Clin Oncol 2018), SR consisted of 2x Protocol V and IR consisted of 2x Protocol III + 1x Protocol V (Table 1). We performed a per-protocol analysis of 315 children with de novo SR/IR ALL, treated on MS2003 (n=183) and MS2010 (n=132) in 2 centers in Singapore, with a median follow up of 10.7 and 6.4years respectively. We analyzed clinical toxicity data, focusing on hospitalizations for fever (regardless of neutrophil count). Mean differences were adjusted for baseline characteristics including sex, race, age and Down syndrome. Results Overall decreased hospitalization stay and phase delays. In MS2010, the total duration of hospitalization for fever are fewer and shorter; this is most apparent for DI phases. For SR group, total length of stay during DI decreased from 13.7 to 6.1 days with adjusted(adj.) δ=7.0 days (95% CI 3.5-10.5, p&lt;0.001). For IR group, this was from 19.1 to 11.5days with adj.δ=5.2 days (95% CI 0.2-10.3, p=0.042). In MS2010, overall delays in treatment are significantly reduced -- SR: From 65.9 to 16.4days, adj.δ=48.8 days(95% CI 39.8-57.8, p&lt;0.001); IR: From 106.9 to 23.6days, adj.δ=80.9days (95% CI 68.4-93.5, p&lt;0.001). The reduction in delays are mainly seen during Consolidation and DI. Overall, patients also completed intensive chemotherapy in a much shorter duration of time in MS2010 (see Table.1). Total ICU admissions were decreased (SR: 9.0% to 4.7% p=0.346 ; IR: 13.5% to 5.9% p=0.57). Total episodes of bacteremia were also decreased (SR: 31.2% to 18.75% p=0.708 ; IR 31.4% to 26.5% p=0.23). MS2010 Protocol III had 5 doses of L-Asp compared to 4 doses of L-Asp in MS2003 Protocol III. Although L-Asp is generally considered less myelosuppressive, there was a significant increase in the number of hospitalizations during MS2010 Protocol III blocks. This translated to longer hospitalizations per patient in MS2010 during those specific phases (III#1: adj.δ=-1.6 days 95% CI -2.8 to -0.3 p=0.017; III#2: adj.δ=-1.9 days 95% CI -3.2 to -0.6 p=0.006). These increases in hospitalizations in MS2010 Protocol IIIa were most likely due to an additional single dose of L-Asp. Equivalent survival outcomes Based on a per-protocol analysis, 5 year Event-Free survival(EFS) outcomes between the cohorts were equivalent. In the SR cohort, 5yr EFS was 93.6% (MS2003) vs. 95.5% (MS2010) p=0.685. In the IR cohorts, 5yr EFS improved from 89.4% (MS2003) to 95.6% (MS2010) p=0.151, although statistical significance was not reached. Overall, significant improvements: reduction in hospitalisation stays and reduction in treatment delays were observed in MS2010. This was achieved through a combination of (1) Replacing half of all cytarabine blocks with 2 doses of VCR per block; and (2) New DI Protocol V with no Anthracyclines. Despite the AIEOP-BFM 2000 experience of increased toxicity with Protocol III, our modifications to consolidation Ib and Protocol III have led to less phase delays, tolerable toxicities with comparable outcomes. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Operative management of equine-related maxillofacial trauma presenting to a Melbourne level-one trauma centre over a six-year period.

The aim of this study was to examine the pattern of equine-related maxillofacial trauma that required operative treatment in patients who presented to a level-one trauma centre in Melbourne between 2011 and 2016. A total of 28 patients (16 female and 12 male, median (range) age 31 (16-76) years) were identified from a database of all operatively managed maxillofacial trauma cases, and data were collected on demographics, mechanisms and patterns of injury, and management. The most common mechanism was kicking (n=16), which was also the most likely to result in multiple injuries. Half the patients sustained an injury to the midface only, with naso-orbitoethmoidal (NOE) and orbital fractures being the most common fractures. Of the total fractures (those that did and did not require an operation), 44/54 were managed with internal fixation. Exactly half the patients were treated as inpatients and half as outpatients, and despite a longer total duration of hospital stay for inpatients, the postoperative period was the same in both. Many horse-related maxillofacial injuries were sustained by young women, and the midface was most commonly affected. More injuries overall were sustained while unmounted (particularly by kicks) than by falls.

Thoracic epidural analgesia vs. intravenous analgesia after lung transplant

Objective: Few reports have evaluated postoperative continuous thoracic epidural analgesia on patients who received a lung transplant. This analgesic modality may facilitate extubation, early ambulation, and achieve adequate pain control with minimization of opioid use. An opioid sparing technique could minimize the side effects of opioids such as ileus, constipation, and somnolence.Methods: A retrospective chart review following local IRB approval was performed. A total of 97 patients’ charts were collected, from April 2015 to March 2017. Forty-eight patients received T6-7 epidural, and forty-nine patients received standard intravenous (IV) analgesia. Outcome measures collected included length of intensive care unit stay, total duration of hospitalization, need for reintubation or noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), need for IV lidocaine gtt, and total narcotics consumption during hospitalization in milligrams of morphine equivalents (MME).Results: Both groups were comparable in age, BMI, and race/gender distribution. Additionally, patient pain requirements were comparable between groups. However, a significantly smaller proportion of thoracic epidural patients required NIPPV post-operatively, (20.4%, 53.2%: p = .0015). Further, the number of patients requiring reintubation was almost halved, (12.5%, 21.3%: NS). Patients receiving thoracic epidural also experienced shorter ICU times (p = .0335) and on average, an overall reduced length of stay by six days.Conclusions: For patients undergoing lung transplant, epidural analgesia is a viable alternative to IV pain control. Further, it significantly reduced respiratory depression and length of stay in the ICU. More refined comparisons can be made by conducting a precise prospective study with a more structured protocol in place.

The morbidity of C. difficile in necrotizing pancreatitis

IntroductionNecrotizing pancreatitis (NP) patients commonly require antibiotic treatment during the several month-long disease course. We hypothesized that Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is common in NP and significantly impacts outcomes. Materials and methodsRetrospective review of 704 NP patients treated at a single-institution (2005–2018). Results10% (67/704) of patients developed CDI a mean 78 days after NP onset. Patients developing CDI experienced increased total hospital days (CDI, 104; No CDI, 42; P < 0.001), readmission rates (CDI, 85%; No CDI, 64%; P = 0.006), and duration of NP (CDI, 248 days; No CDI, 183; P = 0.001). Risk factors for CDI included antibiotic use (OR, 96.2; 95% CI, 5.9–1556.2; P = 0.001) and any organ failure (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2–3.3, P = 0.008). Mortality was not affected by CDI (CDI, 10%; No CDI, 9%; P = 0.7). ConclusionClostridium difficile infection is common in necrotizing pancreatitis and negatively impacts morbidity and disease recovery.

Trends in the Management of Acute Heart Failure Requiring Intensive Care

The aim of the present study was to elucidate trends in managing acute heart failure (AHF) patients who require intensive care over a 19-year period. We evaluated a total of 1,475 AHF patients, comparing patient backgrounds, in-hospital management, and prognosis according to the year of admission (2000s group, n = 608 and 2010s group, n = 867). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (≥75 years; odds ratio [OR] 1.334, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.048 to 1.700), systolic blood pressure (<100 mm Hg; OR 1.934, 95% CI 1.170 to 3.198), left ventricular ejection fraction (>40%; OR 1.441, 95% CI 1.125 to 1.847), and prognostic nutritional index (severe; OR 1.865, 95% CI 1.224 to 2.841) were independently associated with admission in the 2010s group. The use of intra-aortic balloon pumping and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation increased significantly, whereas the need for endotracheal intubation and administration of furosemide and carperitide in the 2010s group decreased significantly compared with the 2000s group. Tolvaptan therapy was introduced from 2010. The duration of intensive care unit admission and total hospitalization in the 2010s group (4 [3 to 6] and 23 [15 to 40] days, respectively) were significantly shorter than in the 2000s group (5 [4 to 8] and 30 [20 to 54] days, respectively). A Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed the survival rate of the 2010s group was significantly poorer compared with the 2000s group (hazards ratio 1.435, 95% CI 1.113 to 1.851). After propensity score matching, the 365-day mortality rates of the 2 groups did not significantly differ. In conclusion, the condition of AHF patients became more critical year by year, leading to poorer long-term prognosis despite improved treatment strategy. These findings will be useful for managing AHF in the next pandemic era.

First Result of a Tailored Progressive Multistep Approach for the Treatment of Aorto-esophageal Fistulae

Aorto-esophageal fistulae (AEFs) are a rare but serious and life-threatening disease of the mediastinum. Especially, AEF in the presence of infected stent grafts, for example, after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is only curable by a multistage interdisciplinary surgical approach. This study presents the results of our four-stage approach consisting of bridging TEVAR, esophagectomy, complete stent removal followed by total bovine tube aortic replacement (TBTAR), and finally esophageal reconstruction. A case series of four patients from our department receiving a four-stage treatment of AEF is presented in this study. Retrospective database analysis focusing on overall survival, duration of intensive care unit and total hospital stay until discharge, complications, surgical time frame, and completion of chosen surgical treatment course was performed. Overall, four patients surgically treated for AEF since May 2015 were included. A 30-day mortality was 0%, and overall survival at 1 year was 75%. All patients survived more than 5 months and could be discharged after TEVAR and esophagectomy. TBTAR could be performed in two of four patients (50%). Esophageal reconstruction was completed in all patients. Average follow-up was 20.3 ± 1.7 months or until death. The acute management of AEF using this approach seems satisfactory, especially for reducing acute short-term mortality. Complete restoration of the circulatory system and digestive tract remains challenging and is associated with high morbidity. We support the application of bridging TEVAR with a staggered approach to further surgical treatment individually tailored to the patient.

The Economic Burden of Breast Cancer Survivors in Korea: A Descriptive Study Using a 26-Month Micro-Costing Cohort Approach.

Background:This study analyzed the burden of cancer treatment costs on patients by calculating the monthly amount of medical expenses paid by breast cancer patients for two years after mastectomy. Methods:Among those who were diagnosed with breast cancer and had received treatment at one of two academic medical centers in Seoul between 2003 and 2011, 1,087 patients who underwent mastectomy and received follow-up for at least two years were recruited. A micro-costing approach from the provider’s perspective, based on a retrospective review of patient medical claim records, was used to analyze cancer treatment cost of care. The cohort’s number of hospitalizations, total hospitalization duration, and number of outpatient visits were noted, and the total amount of medical expenses, out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures, uninsured costs, and OOP ratio were calculated. Results:The total amount of medical expenses tended to increase by year, whereas the OOP expenditure ratio decreased. The OOP expenditure ratio was highest in the first month post-operation. Around one quarter of the total OOP payments incurred over the course of three months: one month before the operation, the month of the operation, and one month post-operation. Conclusion:OOP payment burden on patients was concentrated in the initial phase of treatment, and items not covered by the National Health Insurance caused an additional increase in patients’ burden in the initial phase. The economic burden of cancer treatment varies considerably. In order to alleviate patients’ medical expenses burden, the timing of expenditures and the possible financial burden on cancer survivors, they should be understood more fully and possibly addressed in interventions aimed at reducing the cancer burden.

Outcome of Desarda repair in incarcerated inguinal hernia repair: experience in university hospital

Background: Synthetic mesh based hernia repair is usually avoided in contaminated and dirty inguinal hernia repair to minimize the risk of infection. Desarda’s technique is a tissue based inguinal hernia repair method which avoids the use of prosthetic mesh. So this study was conducted with the aim to observe the outcome of Desarda’s technique in incarcerated inguinal hernia repair as an alternative procedure to mesh repair.Methods: This study was conducted in Emergency surgery department KGMU Lucknow. Total 30 patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia were included. Patients with recurrent hernia were excluded. Desarda repair was done in all patients. Patients were followed for 1 year to assess the outcome.Results: The mean age was 52±3 years. Mean operative time was 55±5 mins. Total duration of hospital stay was 4-16 days. Mild to moderate pain observed more frequently on 3rd and 7th post-operative day. Complication rates were found to be SSI (6%), seroma (3%), and recurrence (3%). Time taken to return to daily basic and work activities was 3 (3-5) and 15 days respectively. Patients’ subjective assessment of foreign body sensation done at 6th and 12th month follow up was found in 16% and 13% cases and that of abdominal wall stiffness in 23% followed by a reduction of upto 16% cases by 12th month.Conclusions: Desarda’s method is a safe, effective technique and may potentiate the use of tissue based repair for treating incarcerated, contaminated inguinal hernia repair. It has very low rate of recurrence and low cost of treatment.

Endovascular Exclusion of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Simultaneous Resection of Colorectal Cancer

No consensus exists on the optimal strategy for treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of endovascular treatment of AAA with simultaneous resection of CRC. Twenty-two consecutive patients presenting with AAA associated with a CRC were treated by endovascular AAA exclusion and simultaneous CRC resection. Median diameter of the aneurysm was 6.5cm (range, 4.8-8cm). Two patients (9%) had grade I cancer, 5 patients (23%) grade II, 13 patients (59%) grade III, and 2 patients (9%) grade IV. The 2 surgical procedures were performed under the same general anesthesia. Aneurysm exclusion was achieved using an infrarenal aorto-bi-iliac endoprosthesis (13 patients) and using an aorto-bi-iliac endoprosthesis with suprarenal fixation (9 patients), with 1 patient receiving bilateral renal chimney stent implantation. In all cases, vascularization of the hypogastric arteries was preserved. After AAA exclusion, colic resection was carried out by laparotomy with right colectomy (7 patients) and anterior rectocolic resection (15 patients). In all patients, AAA exclusion was controlled by a computed tomographic angioscan (CTA) at 1 month and duplex ultrasound every 6 months, and at some later stage, it was through inclusion of CTA as part of oncology surveillance. The mean duration of follow-up was 42months (10-120months). The primary endpoint was composite and regrouped any death occurring during the first 30days after procedures, any type I endoleak, any aortic reintervention, and any AAA-related mortality. No patient died during the first 30 postoperative days, and no patient was lost to follow-up. No aortic endoprosthesis infection and no type I endoleak were observed. Five endoleaks arising from the lumbar arteries (n=4) or from the inferior mesenteric artery (n=1) were identified. As they were not associated with an increase of the AAA diameter >5mm, they were not treated. 1 colic anastomotic leak and 2 incisional abscesses were successfully cured by local care only. Nine patients (41%) died of cancer evolution during the follow-up period. In this series, treatment of AAA and CRC during the same operative session yields results comparable to those observed when surgery is performed in 2 distinct operative sessions. Synchronous treatment reduced waiting time of colic resection. It may also shorten total hospitalization duration, although this last hypothesis is not supported by comparison with a control group.

EFFECT OF TRAHEOSTOMY ON THE INPATIENT TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CONTACT MEDIASTINITES

The aimwas to assess the impact of emergency and planned tracheostomy on the main indicators of inpatient treatment in patients with contact mediastinitis.Materials and methods.This work was performed on the basis of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the Kursk Regional Clinical Hospital. In order to conduct a comparative assessment of the treatment results, the patients with contact mediastinitis (46 people, surveyed period 2008–2017) were divided into 2 subgroups: control (25 people, 7 women, 18 men), who were treated without a tracheostomy; and the main group (21 people: 9 women, 12 men), with tracheostomy performed. The etiological and microbiological characteristics of the disease, the total duration of inpatient treatment, the length of stay in the resuscitation and intensive care units (bed-days), the dependence of the disease outcome (death, recovery) on the form of surgical intervention (tracheostomy) were evaluated.Results.A statistically significant effect of tracheostomy on the total duration of hospitalization and mortality rate was established (p0.05). Consequently, at present this issue cannot be resolved unambiguously and requires further research and mathematical analysis.Conclusion.The implementation of tracheostomy significantly increases the duration of inpatient treatment of patients with contact odontogenic mediastinites (p0.05).Conflict of interest: the authors declare no conflict of interest.