Utilization Project Database Research Articles

Use of individualized starting dose and niraparib hematologic adverse event management costs in ovarian cancer.

Aim: To understand the impact of the niraparib individualized starting dose (ISD), compared with fixed starting dose (FSD), on the cost of hematologic adverse event (AE) management from a US payer perspective. Methods: The frequencies of grade ≥3 hematologic AEs that occurred in >1% of patients treated with niraparib were obtained from the primary analysis results of the phase III PRIMA/ENGOT-OV26/GOG-3012 trial. US unit costs for each grade ≥3 AE in the base case were obtained from the 2017 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database; unit costs were adjusted to 2020 US dollars. AE management costs per patient were calculated by multiplying AE unit cost by the frequency of each AE by niraparib starting dose. Because AEs were assumed to occur independently of one another, costs were added to derive the total cost. Results: For niraparib, the estimated AE management cost per patient was lower for the ISD than the FSD for all hematologic AEs (FSD vs ISD: thrombocytopenia, $4701.87 vs $1921.89; anemia, $2784.00 vs $1760.59; platelet count decreased, $2103.47 vs $922.51; neutropenia, $2112.50 vs $1369.56; neutrophil count decreased, $1285.87 vs $770.38). The total mean calculated AE management cost per patient was $12,987.71 with the FSD and $6744.93 with the ISD. Conclusion: For niraparib, the cost of managing hematologic AEs in the US was reduced by almost half with the ISD compared with the FSD. The cost reduction and improvements in safety associated with the niraparib ISD support its use in clinical practice.

Mitigating Risk of Acute Kidney Injury Among Children With Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Osteomyelitis.

Children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are treated with vancomycin despite the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). This study evaluates the rate of AKI and resource utilization for children with or without AKI when vancomycin is used in this setting. Children with MRSA AHO treated with vancomycin were retrospectively studied. AKI was assessed by clinical diagnosis and Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Cohorts of children with or without AKI were compared for differences in treatment, resource utilization, and outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis assessed factors associated with risk for AKI. Cost analysis was performed using the Pediatric Health Information System and Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases. Among 85 children studied, 14 (16.5%) had chart-diagnosed AKI and 24 (28.2%) met KDIGO criteria. Children with AKI had more febrile days and higher thrombosis rates. They had longer vancomycin treatment (8 vs 5d), higher troughs (27.8 vs 17.5mg/L), and prolonged hospitalization (19.9 vs 11.1d). Multivariate analysis found a maximum vancomycin trough level (odds ratio: 1.05, P = 0.003) with a cutoff of 21.7mg/L predicted AKI.Only 2 of 20 (10%) children who had MRSA isolates with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2 achieved therapeutic vancomycin levels. Pediatric Health Information System data of 3133 children with AHO treated with vancomycin identified 75 (2.4%) with AKI who had significantly longer lengths of stay (13 vs 7d) and higher billed charges ($117K vs $51K) than children without AKI. Chart documentation of AKI (16.5%) grossly underestimated KDIGO-defined occurrence (28.2%). This study showed that vancomycin-associated AKI required substantially greater resource utilization and higher health care costs. Lowering the targeted trough range, shortening the duration of vancomycin therapy, and considering alternative antibiotics when minimum inhibitory concentration ≥2 will reduce the risk and cost of AKI among children with MRSA AHO. Level III-retrospective comparative therapeutic study.

A guide to large data sets for population-based cancer research: Strengths, limitations, and pitfalls.

With the proliferation of cancer research based on large databases, misalignment of research questions and data set capabilities is inevitable. Nationally maintained databases are appealing to cancer researchers because of the ease of access to large amounts of patient data available for analysis and risk estimation. Data sets that are commonly used in cancer research include the National Cancer Database, the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) program of the National Cancer Institute, the SEER-Medicare database, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, and the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases, among others. Each data set has pros and cons with respect to variable availability and the ability to analyze cancer-specific outcomes. It is critical for researchers to understand the strengths and limitations of each database. Changing variable definitions, the length of postoperative data collection, and the availability of patient-reported outcomes or social determinants of health data are examples of factors that researchers must consider when selecting a data set for research purposes. For the current review, the authors summarized the advantages and disadvantages of various national data sets for cohort studies in cancer populations.

Interhospital transfer dynamics for patients with intracranial hemorrhage in Massachusetts.

Intracranial hemorrhages present across a spectrum of clinical phenotypes, with many patients transferred across hospitals to access higher levels of neurocritical care. We sought to characterize patient dispositions following intracranial hemorrhage and examine disparities associated with interhospital transfers. Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database, we mapped and identified factors influencing the likelihood of patient transfers and receipt of specialist interventional procedures following intracranial hemorrhage. Of 11,660 patients with intracranial hemorrhage, 59.4% had non-traumatic and 87.5% single compartment bleeds. After presentation, about a quarter of patients were transferred to another facility either directly from the ED (23.0%) or after inpatient admission (1.8%). On unadjusted analysis, patients who were white, in the upper income quartiles, with private insurance, or resided in suburban areas were more frequently transferred. After adjusting for patient-and hospital-level variables, younger and non-white patients had higher odds of transfer. Hospital capabilities, residence location, insurance status, and prior therapeutic relationship remained as transfer predictors. Transferred patients had a similar hospital length of stay compared to admitted patients, with 43.1% having no recorded surgical or specialist interventional procedure after transfer. Our analysis reveals opportunities for improvement in risk stratification guiding transfers, as well as structural challenges likely impacting transfer decisions.

Delayed diagnosis of new onset pediatric diabetes leading to diabetic ketoacidosis: a retrospective cohort study.

Patients with a delayed diagnosis of diabetes are more likely to present in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of missed pediatric diabetes diagnoses in emergency departments (EDs) potentially leading to DKA. Cases of children under 19 years old with a first-time diagnosis of diabetes mellitus presenting to EDs in DKA were drawn from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database. A total of 11,716 cases were included. A delayed diagnosis of diabetes leading to DKA was defined by an ED discharge in the 14days prior to the DKA diagnosis. The delayed diagnosis cases were analyzed using multivariate analysis to identify risk factors associated with delay, with the primary exposure being child opportunity index (COI) and secondary exposure being race/ethnicity. Rates of complications were compared across groups. Delayed diagnosis of new onset diabetes leading to DKA occurred in 2.9 %. Delayed diagnosis was associated with COI, with 4.5 , 3.5, 1.9, and 1.5 % occurring by increasing COI quartile (p<0.001). Delays were also associated with younger age and non-Hispanic Black race. Patients with a delayed diagnosis were more likely to experience complications (4.4 vs. 2.2 %, p=0.01) including mechanical ventilation, as well as more frequent intensive care unit admissions and longer length of stays. Among children with new-onset DKA, 2.9 % had a delayed diagnosis. Delays were associated with complications. Children living in areas with lower child opportunity and non-Hispanic Black children were at higher risk of delays.

Endovascular Aneurysm Repair-First Strategy for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Might Not Be Applicable to all Cases

We evaluate the relationship between the hospital case volume (HCV) and mortality outcomes after open aortic repair (OAR) and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of intact (iEVAR) and ruptured (rEVAR) abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using a contemporary administrative database. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Database for New York (2016) and New Jersey/Maryland/Florida (2016-2017) were queried using International Classification of Disease-10th edition to identify patients who had undergone OAR and EVAR. The hospitals were categorized into quartiles (Q) per overall (EVAR+OAR) volume, OAR-alone volume and EVAR-alone volume. Cox regression adjusted for confounding factors was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality. A total of 8,825 patients (mean age, 73.5±9.5years; 6,861 male [77.7%]) had undergone 1,355 OARs and 7,470 EVARs. Overall HCV had no impact on in-hospital mortality across quartiles after (iEVAR) (range, 0.7%-1.4%, P=0.15), (rEVAR) (range, 20.5%-29.6%, P=0.63) and open repair of intact AAA (iOAR) (range, 4.9%-8.8%, P=0.63). However, the mortality rates after open repair of ruptured AAA (rOAR) in highest-volume (Q4) hospitals were significantly lower than those in the 3 lower quartile hospitals (23.1% vs. 44.7%, P<0.001). When analyzed per OAR-alone volume, the same findings were observed (22.0% for Q4 vs. 41.6% for Q1-3, P<0.001). Furthermore, in Q4 hospitals per the OAR-alone volume analysis, the mortality hazard was greater for rEVAR (39.0%) than for rOAR (22.0%) (HR=2.3, 95% confidence interval, 1.02-5.34, P<0.05). The mortality rates for iEVAR, rEVAR and iOAR were independent of HCV. However, after rOAR, mortality rates in high OAR volume hospitals were lower than those in the lower quartile hospitals, and, at least comparable to those of rEVAR. EVAR-first strategy for ruptured AAA might not be applicable to all cases. Patent-specific, individualized treatment should be the gold standard. For patients requiring rOAR, transfer to a regional center of excellence, when clinical safe, should be encouraged.

Outcomes and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Transarterial Chemoembolization between 2016 and 2018

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The 5-year survival rate for liver cancer in the US has improved from 3% four decades ago to 20% now. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the treatment of choice for stage B/intermediate-stage HCC. Complications of TACE include hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure, post-embolization syndrome, duodenal ulcers, liver abscesses, acute cholecystitis, and injury to the biliary tract. This study evaluates the 30-day readmission rate and predictors of readmission among patients with HCC undergoing TACE. Methods: The 2016–2018 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database, which includes the National Readmission Database (NRD), was used. All adult patients with HCC who underwent TACE were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). The rate of 30-day readmissions after TACE and the associated diagnoses were identified. Logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios for variables associated with 30-day readmission. Results: A total of 566 patients underwent TACE between 2016–2018. Sixty-five patients were excluded due to death and unavailability of 30-day readmission data. The procedure was performed in large (80.4%), metro-teaching hospitals (94.5%). Mean patient age was 65.1 ± 9.9 years, and 74% of patients were male. Among the 501 patients, 81 (16.2%) were readmitted within 30 days. The mean age for readmitted patients was 63.2 ± 11.0 and 69.1% were male. The mean length of stay at readmission was 5.5 ± 7.3 days. A total of 7.4% of patients had neurological disorders, 17.3% had weight loss, 30.9% had fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and 21.0% had hepatic encephalopathy. The most common primary diagnoses at 30-day readmission were liver cell carcinoma, sepsis, and liver failure. Univariate analysis for variables associated with 30-day readmission included hepatic encephalopathy (OR 3.45; 95% CI 1.8–6.62; p = 0.0002), underlying neurological disorders (OR 3.28; 95% CI 1.16–9.3; p = 0.03), weight loss (OR 2.82; 95% CI 1.42–5.61; p = 0.003), and Medicaid status (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.05–2.88; p = 0.03). Multivariable analysis showed hepatic encephalopathy (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.4, 6.04; p = 0.04) and weight loss (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.13–4.96; p = 0.02) were associated with hospital readmission. Conclusions: Weight loss and hepatic encephalopathy were predictors for 30-day readmission after a TACE procedure for HCC.

Impact of Care Fragmentation after Major Lower Extremity Amputation

Care fragmentation (CF) is a known risk factor for unplanned readmission, morbidity, and mortality after surgery. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of CF on outcomes of major lower extremity amputation for peripheral vascular disease. Health-care Cost and Utilization Project Database for NY (2016) and MD/FL (2016-2017) were queried using International Classification of Diseases 10thedition to identify patients who underwent above the knee-, through the knee-, and below the knee-amputation for peripheral vascular disease. Patients with CF were identified as those with admissions to ≥2 hospitals during the study period. We compared the postamputation outcomes of mortality, readmission rate, length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges. We identified a total of 13,749 encounters of 2,742 patients who underwent major lower extremity amputations. There were 1,624 (59.2%) patients with CF. Patients with CF were younger (68.4years old vs. 69.7years old, P=0.005), with higher Charlson Comorbidity Indices (4.4 vs. 4.1, P<0.001), and required more hospital resources on index admission ($113,699 vs. $91,854, P<0.001). These patients were prevalent for higher 30-, and 90-day readmission rates (34.7% vs. 24.5%, P<0.001 and 54.7% vs. 42.0%, P<0.001, respectively). On their first postamputation readmission, LOS (16.3days vs. 14.7days, P=0.004) and hospital charge ($48,964 vs. $44,388, P=0.002) were significantly higher. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the CF was an independent predictor for 30-day (hazard ratio (HR) 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-1.96, P<0.001) and 90-day (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.42-1.95, P<0.001) readmission after the major lower extremity amputation, but not for mortality (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.56-1.23, P=0.36). CF after major lower extremity amputation is associated with higher readmission rate, LOS, and hospital charge. Collaboration of care providers to maintain continuity of care for peripheral vascular disease patients may enhance quality of care and reduce health care cost.

Glofitamab Results in Cost Savings Versus Epcoritamab in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL): A Total Cost of Care Analysis

Background: Bispecific CD20xCD3 T-cell engaging antibodies, including glofitamab and epcoritamab, are a new class of treatment for DLBCL, with recent Food and Drug Administration approvals in the United States (US). Given the differences between glofitamab versus epcoritamab, respectively, with regards to 1) mode of administration (intravenous vs subcutaneous), 2) treatment course (12-cycle fixed-duration treatment vs treat to progression), 3) frequency of administration per cycle, and 4) drug acquisition costs, we compared the total costs of care for the two drugs across several time horizons. Methods: Per-patient total cost of care was examined for glofitamab versus epcoritamab across various cost categories. Drug costs were based on the Wholesale Acquisition Cost reported in AnalySource ® 2023 and treatment administration costs were based on the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services physician fee schedule from 2023. Costs arising from adverse reactions, including all-grade cytokine release syndrome, were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Database (2017) or from Badarocco et al. Transplant Cell Ther 2023. Routine care costs were acquired from Tkacz et al. Leuk Lymphoma 2020. The analysis was conducted from a US healthcare perspective. Subsequent treatment costs following the glofitamab or epcoritamab treatment regimens were not included. Glofitamab treatment costs were based on time-to-off-treatment Kaplan-Meier curves from the pivotal Phase II trial (NP30179; NCT03075696), which take into account discontinuation due to toxicity and progression, and epcoritamab treatment costs were based on progression free survival curves from Thieblemont et al. J Clin Oncol 2023 (EPCORE NHL-1; NCT03625037), extrapolated using parametric distribution methods. Glofitamab is administered intravenously every 21 days until disease progression or to a maximum of 12 cycles. Epcoritamab is administered subcutaneously every 28 days until disease progression. Per-patient total and incremental cumulative cost savings were estimated over 24 treatment cycles, and over 1, 5 and 10 years, as well as lifetime. We examined cost differences during Cycles 1-3 (when dose administrations for epcoritamab are the most frequent at 4 injections per cycle). As available overall survival data from both pivotal trials are still likely immature, the model used a common progression/survival probability for both treatments to minimize uncertainty in the estimation of total costs over time. Costs were adjusted to 2023 US dollars using the Consumer Price Index and included 3% discounting. Results: Total costs per patient were lower for glofitamab versus epcoritamab, resulting in cost savings at every cumulative cycle ( Figure A). The cost saving per patient with glofitamab versus epcoritamab across Cycles 1-3, when epcoritamab has the most injections per cycle, was $56,275 ($95,904 for glofitamab vs $152,179 for epcoritamab). Per-patient cost savings were also observed for glofitamab versus epcoritamab over all time horizons, including 1 year ($68,195), 5 years ($223,692), 10 years ($325,175), and over the lifetime ($503,075) ( Figure B). Per-patient costs arising from drug treatments were consistently lower for glofitamab compared with epcoritamab ( Figure B). Per-patient incremental adverse reaction costs ($364) and per-patient incremental treatment administration costs ($8,398) were higher for glofitamab versus epcoritamab, respectively, over 1 year. Conclusions: Glofitamab results in per-patient cost savings compared with epcoritamab at every cumulative administration cycle, particularly in the first few cycles when epcoritamab has more frequent dosing per cycle than glofitamab. Furthermore, glofitamab has lower total costs across all time horizons examined in this study (1-year, 5-year, 10-year, and lifetime). The lower total costs with glofitamab can be attributed to 1) lower annual drug acquisition costs, 2) fixed-duration treatment with a maximum of 12 cycles, and 3) less frequent dosing in earlier cycles. Costs related to adverse reactions and treatment administration were higher for glofitamab. With lower drug costs overall, glofitamab offers greater healthcare budget predictability compared with epcoritamab, which is expected to translate to cost savings at the broader healthcare system and population levels.

Endometriosis, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression: A retrospective study among 12 million women

BackgroundThere is a lack of information regarding the impact of the physical symptoms associated with endometriosis and chronic pain on the mental health and well-being of affected women. Thus, our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between endometriosis, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. ObjectiveOur study aimed to evaluate the relationship between endometriosis, chronic pain, and mental health disorders among women registered in a large database until 2014. Study designThis was a retrospective population-based study involving 12,904,324 hospitalized women from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database between 2007 and 2014. We calculated the prevalence of chronic pain, endometriosis, anxiety, and depression during the study period. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the relationship between these variables. ResultsAn upward pattern was noted in the prevalence of chronic pain, while an opposite trend was seen for endometriosis during the study period. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities, including depression, the highest odds ratio of experiencing anxiety appeared in the group with both chronic pain and endometriosis (OR = 2.719, 95 % CI 2.481–2.979). LimitationsHCUP is a cross-sectional administrative database that does not link patients' records over the years. Thus, we could not establish any temporal association between endometriosis, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. ConclusionPotential associations were identified between endometriosis, with and without chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. We recommended that clinicians provide proper medical management of endometriosis-related pain through symptom management and adequate counseling for those suffering from anxiety and depression.

Emergency department use after outpatient thyroidectomy across three states

BackgroundAlthough outpatient thyroidectomy has become common, few large-scale studies have examined post-thyroidectomy emergency department use, readmission, and encounters not resulting in readmission, known as “treat-and-release” encounters. We evaluated post-outpatient thyroidectomy emergency department use and readmission and characterized associated factors. MethodsUsing the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases, we identified adult outpatient (same-day or <24-hour discharge) thyroidectomies performed in Florida, Maryland, and New York from 2016 to 2017. We identified the procedures linked with emergency department treat-and-release encounters and readmissions within 30 days postoperatively and the factors associated with post-thyroidectomy emergency department use and readmission. ResultsOf the 17,046 patients who underwent outpatient thyroidectomy at 374 facilities, 7.5% had emergency department treat-and-release encounters and 2.3% readmissions. The most common reasons for emergency department treat-and-release encounters (9.9%) and readmissions (22.2%) were hypocalcemia–related diagnoses. Greater odds of treat-and-release were associated with identifying as non-Hispanic Black (adjusted odds ratio: 1.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–1.8) or Hispanic race/ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.6), having Medicaid insurance (adjusted odds ratio: 2.7, 95% CI: 2.3–3.2), and living in non-metropolitan areas (adjusted odds ratio: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.2). We observed no associations between these factors and the odds of readmission. ConclusionEmergency department use after outpatient thyroidectomy is common. Racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities are associated with treat-and-release encounters but not readmissions. Standardization of perioperative care pathways, focusing on identifying and addressing specific issues in vulnerable populations, could improve care, reduce disparities, and improve patient experience by avoiding unnecessary emergency department visits after outpatient thyroidectomy.

Abstract 127: Trends of Racial Disparities and the In-Hospital Outcomes of Patients With Pulmonary Artery Catheterization for Cardiogenic Shock

Introduction: The use of pulmonary artery catheterization (PAC) in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) has been associated with improved outcomes in non-randomized studies. However, the racial difference in PAC utilization and outcomes in CS have not been assessed. Methods: We identified all patients with CS who had PAC from the national inpatient sample of the Health Care Utilization Project database between 2016 - 2020. Patients were classified according to ethnic groups as white, black, Hispanic, and Asians Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality and use mechanical circulatory support (MCS) by ethnic group. Result: From 76,815 patients who underwent PAC during CS admission 64.18% of were Whites, 24.78% Blacks, 8.19% Hispanics, and 2.85% Asians. Black patients were younger, had higher prevalence of obesity, CHF, nicotine use and oxygen dependence. Compared to whites, blacks had lower mortality (aOR: 0.79; CI: 0.69 - 099, p=0.043), respiratory failure (aOR: 0.67; CI: 0.59 - 0.81, p&lt;0.001), mechanical support device utilization (aOR: 0.73, CI; 0.67 - 0.81, p&lt;0.001), and pacemaker utilization (aOR: 0.37; CI: 0.18 - 0.78, p=0.008). Hispanics had a longer length of stay (21 days vs 17.7 days). Blacks had higher rates of PAC use than other racial minorities between and mortality rates in blacks were noted to decline significantly in patients that had PAC during hospitalizations for CS (aOR: 0.49, CI; 0.46 - 0.52, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The utilization of PAC in patients with CS is associated with better outcomes, including mortality and this was noted as well in the individual racial subgroups. Despite these findings, racial disparities persist. These disparities could be alleviated by equitable distribution of healthcare resources.

Abstract 15832: Racial Differences in the Utilization and Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Introduction: The use of transcatheter aortic valvular replacement (TAVR) improves outcomes in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, there is limited data describing racial disparities in TAVR use. Our aim was to evaluate outcomes according to racial groups and TAVR use in the national inpatient sample (NIS). Methods: We identified all patients undergoing TAVR between 2016 - 2020 from the NIS of the Health Care Utilization Project database. Patients were classified according to ethnic groups as white, black, Hispanic, and Asians. Outcomes included TAVR utilization by ethnic group, mortality, respiratory failure rates, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and hospital length of stay (H-LOS). Multivariate analysis was performed adjusting for age, sex, cardiovascular comorbidities, and socioeconomic status. Results: From 296,740 patients who underwent TAVR, 89.5% were white, 4.24% were black, 4.9% were Hispanic, and 1.39% were Asian. Blacks had higher rates of CHF, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, obesity, and anemia but lower rates of myocardial infarction, CABG, pacemaker placement and PCI. Hispanic patients showed higher rates of AKI, while Asian patients had higher rates of DM. Blacks had lower adjusted mortality rates compared to whites (aOR: 0.56; CI 0.35 - 0.88 p=0.014). Respiratory failure rates (aOR: 0.82; CI 0.68 - 0.98, p=0.031) and H-LOS (5.2 days vs 3.7 days) were higher in black patients. Whites had a steeper increase in TAVR use compared to other groups during the study period. Patients with AS undergoing TAVR had significant lower adjusted mortality (aOR: 0.95; CI 0.92 - 0.98 p=0.005). Conclusion: White patients are most likely to receive TAVR compared to other ethnic groups. Such differences in TAVR utilization by ethnic group should be studied further to decrease healthcare disparities

Healthcare Disparities in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Comparison of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Incidence Proportions With US Census-Derived Demographics.

Disparities exist and affect outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between race, ethnicity, and insurance type on the incidence of ACL reconstruction in the United States. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database was used to determine demographics and insurance types for those undergoing elective ACL reconstruction from 2016 to 2017. The US Census Bureau was used to obtain demographic and insurance data for the general population. Non-White patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with commercial insurance were more likely to be younger, male, less burdened with comorbidities including diabetes, and less likely to smoke. When we compared Medicaid patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction with all Medicaid recipients, there was an under-representation of Black patients and a similar percentage of White patients undergoing ACL reconstruction (P < 0.001). This study suggests ongoing healthcare disparities with lower rates of ACL reconstruction for non-White patients and those with public insurance. Equal proportions of patients identifying as Black undergoing ACL reconstruction as compared with the underlying general population suggests a possible narrowing in disparities. More data are needed at numerous points of care between injury, surgery, and recovery to identify and address disparities.

Modified Bedside Index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) score validation in the national inpatient sample database

PurposeThe aim of this study was to build and validate modified score to be used in the healthcare cost and utilization project databases for further classification of acute pancreatitis (AP). Materials and methodsThe National Inpatient Sample database for the years 2016-2019 was queried for all primary adult discharge diagnoses of AP. An mBISAP score system was created utilizing the ICD-10CM codes for pleural effusion, encephalopathy, acute kidney injury, systemic inflammatory response, and age >60. Each was assigned a 1-point score. A multivariable regression analysis was built to test for mortality. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed for mortality. ResultsA total of 1,160,869 primary discharges for AP were identified between 2016 and 2019. The pooled mortality rate was: 0.1%, 0.5%, 2.9%, 12.7%, 30.9% and 17.8% (P ​< ​0.01), respectively for scores 0 to 5. Multivariable regression analysis showed increasing odds of mortality with each one-point increment: mBISAP score of 1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.69-9.48), score of 2 (aOR 37.87; 95% CI 26.05- 55.03), score of 3 (aOR 189.38; 95% CI 127.47-281.38), score of 4 (aOR 535.38; 95% CI 331.74-864.02), score of 5 (aOR 184.38; 95% CI 53.91-630.60). Using a cut-off of ≥3, sensitivity and specificity analyses reported 27.0% and 97.7%, respectively, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.811. ConclusionIn this 4-year retrospective study of a US representative database, an mBISAP score was constructed showing increasing odds of mortality with each 1-point increase and a specificity of 97.7% for a cut-off of ≥3.

COVID-19 and Clostridioides difficile Coinfection Outcomes among Hospitalized Patients in the United States: An Insight from National Inpatient Database.

The incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has been increasing compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. The COVID-19 infection and CDI relationship can be affected by gut dysbiosis and poor antibiotic stewardship. As the COVID-19 pandemic transitions into an endemic stage, it has become increasingly important to further characterize how concurrent infection with both conditions can impact patient outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort study utilizing the 2020 NIS Healthcare Cost Utilization Project (HCUP) database with a total of 1,659,040 patients, with 10,710 (0.6%) of those patients with concurrent CDI. We found that patients with concurrent COVID-19 and CDI had worse outcomes compared to patients without CDI including higher in-hospital mortality (23% vs. 13.4%, aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.12-1.5, p = 0.01), rates of in-hospital complications such as ileus (2.7% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.001), septic shock (21.0% vs. 7.2%, aOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 2.1-2.6, p < 0.001), length of stay (15.1 days vs. 8 days, p < 0.001) and overall cost of hospitalization (USD 196,012 vs. USD 91,162, p < 0.001). Patients with concurrent COVID-19 and CDI had increased morbidity and mortality, and added significant preventable burden on the healthcare system. Optimizing hand hygiene and antibiotic stewardship during in-hospital admissions can help to reduce worse outcomes in this population, and more efforts should be directly made to reduce CDI in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection.

Missed Opportunities in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis Meningitis.

Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) has high mortality and morbidity. Diagnostic delays can impact TBM outcomes. We aimed to estimate the number of potentially missed opportunities (MOs) to diagnose TBM and determine its impact on 90-day mortality. This is a retrospective cohort of adult patients with a central nervous system (CNS) TB International Classification of Diseases, Ninth/Tenth Revision (ICD-9/10) diagnosis code (013*, A17*) identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, State Inpatient and State Emergency Department (ED) Databases from 8 states. Missed opportunity was defined as composite of ICD-9/10 diagnosis/procedure codes that included CNS signs/symptoms, systemic illness, or non-CNS TB diagnosis during a hospital/ED visit 180 days before the index TBM admission. Demographics, comorbidities, admission characteristics, mortality, and admission costs were compared between those with and without a MO, and 90-day in-hospital mortality, using univariate and multivariable analyses. Of 893 patients with TBM, median age at diagnosis was 50 years (interquartile range, 37-64), 61.3% were male, and 35.2% had Medicaid as primary payer. Overall, 407 (45.6%) had a prior hospital or ED visit with an MO code. In-hospital 90-day mortality was not different between those with and without an MO, regardless of the MO coded during an ED visit (13.7% vs 15.2%, P = .73) or a hospitalization (28.2% vs 30.9%, P = .74). Independent risk of 90-day in-hospital mortality was associated with older age, hyponatremia (relative risk [RR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.4; P = .01), septicemia (RR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.03-2.45; P = .03), and mechanical ventilation (RR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.25-5.3; P < .001) during the index admission. Approximately half the patients coded for TBM had a hospital or ED visit in the previous 6 months meeting the MO definition. We found no association between having an MO for TBM and 90-day in-hospital mortality.

Time Series Analysis of Congestive Heart Failure Discharges in Florida (USA) Post Tropical Cyclones.

The aim of this study was to analyze congestive heart failure (CHF) discharges in Florida (USA) post tropical cyclones from 2007 through 2017. This was a retrospective longitudinal time series analysis of hospital CHF quarterly discharges across Florida using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used with correlated seasonal regressor variables such as cyclone frequency, maximum cyclone wind speed, average temperature, and reports of influenza-like illness (ILI). A total of 3,372,993 patients were identified, with average age in each quarter ranging 72.2 to 73.9 years and overall mortality ranging 4.3% to 6.4%. The CHF discharges within each year peaked from October through December and nadired from April through June with an increasing overall time trend. Significant correlation was found between CHF discharge and the average temperature (P <.001), with approximately 331.8 less CHF discharges (SE = 91.7) per degree of increase in temperature. However, no significant correlation was found between CHF discharges and frequency of cyclones, the maximum wind speed, and reported ILI. This study suggests that with the current methods and the HCUP dataset, there is no significant increase in overall CHF discharges in Florida as a result of recent previous cyclone occurrences.

Grade 3/4 Adverse Event Costs of Immuno-oncology Combination Therapies for Previously Untreated Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Despite 4 approved combination regimens in the first-line setting for advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC), adverse event (AE) costs data are lacking. A descriptive analysis on 2 AE cost comparisons was conducted using patient-level data for the nivolumab-based therapies and published data for the pembrolizumab-based therapies. First, grade 3/4 AE costs were compared between nivolumab + ipilimumab vs. nivolumab + cabozantinib vs. pembrolizumab + axitinib using data from the CheckMate 214 (median follow-up [mFU]: 13.1 months), CheckMate 9ER (mFU: 12.8 months), and KEYNOTE-426 (mFU: 12.8 months) trials, respectively. Second, grade 3/4 AE costs were compared between nivolumab + ipilimumab vs. nivolumab + cabozantinib vs. pembrolizumab + lenvatinib using data from the CheckMate 214 (mFU: 26.7 months), CheckMate 9ER (mFU: 23.5 months), and KEYNOTE-581 (mFU: 26.6 months) trials, respectively. Per-patient costs for all-cause and treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs with corresponding any-grade AE rates ≥ 20% were calculated based on the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database and inflated to 2020 US dollars. Per-patient all-cause grade 3/4 AE costs for nivolumab + ipilimumab vs. nivolumab + cabozantinib vs. pembrolizumab + axitinib were $2703 vs. $4508 vs. $5772, and treatment-related grade 3/4 AE costs were $741 vs. $2722 vs. $4440 over ~12.8 months of FU. For nivolumab + ipilimumab vs. nivolumab + cabozantinib vs. pembrolizumab + lenvatinib, per-patient all-cause grade 3/4 AE costs were $3120 vs. $5800 vs. $9285, while treatment-related grade 3/4 AE costs were $863 vs. $3162 vs. $5030 over ~26.6 months of FU. Patients with aRCC treated with first-line nivolumab-based therapies had lower grade 3/4 all-cause and treatment-related AE costs than pembrolizumab-based therapies, suggesting a more favorable cost-benefit profile.

The effect of maternal hypertension and maternal mental illness on adverse neonatal outcomes: A mediation and moderation analysis in a U.S. cohort of 9 million pregnancies

BackgroundWhile hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) coexist with maternal anxiety and depression, it is unclear how these conditions affect neonatal outcomes. We evaluated the prevalence as well as associations and potential mechanisms between HDP, maternal anxiety and depression, preterm birth (PTB), and small for gestational age (SGA). MethodsWe conducted a retrospective population-based study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database from 2004 to 2014. Preterm birth (<37 weeks), SGA (<10th percentile for gestational age and sex), HDP, and mental disorders (anxiety and depression) were extracted using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9). Mediation and moderation models were constructed separately to evaluate potential mechanisms between maternal anxiety and depression, HDP, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine their associations. ResultsOf 9,097,355 pregnant women, the prevalence of HDP was 6.9 %, anxiety 0.91 %, depression 0.36 %, preterm birth 7.2 %, and SGA 2.1 %. Anxiety increased the probability of having HDP (OR = 1.242, 95 % CI 1.235–1.250), and HDP mediated the association between anxiety and preterm birth (mediation effect = 0.048, p-value<0.001). Depression significantly moderated the effect of HDP on preterm birth (moderation effect = −0.126, p-value = 0.027). HDP also mediated the association between anxiety and SGA (mediation effect = 0.042, p-value<0.001), but depression did not moderate the association between HDP and SGA (p-value = 0.29). ConclusionOur study suggests that women with anxiety are more likely to have HDP, and HDP mediates the associations between anxiety and adverse neonatal outcomes. Depression moderates associations between HDP and preterm birth but not between HDP and SGA.