Association of dexmedetomidine use with haemodynamics, postoperative recovery, and cost in paediatric anaesthesia: a hospital registry study.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine utilisation in paediatric patients is increasing. We hypothesised that intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine in children is associated with longer postanaesthesia care unit length of stay, higher healthcare costs, and side-effects. METHODS: We analysed data from paediatric patients (aged 0-12 yr) between 2016 and 2021 in the Bronx, NY, USA. We matched our cohort with the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Kids' Inpatient Database (HCUP-KID). RESULTS: Among 18 104 paediatric patients, intraoperative dexmedetomidine utilisation increased from 51.7% to 85.7% between 2016 and 2021 (P<0.001). Dexmedetomidine was dose-dependently associated with a longer postanaesthesia care unit length of stay (adjusted absolute difference [ADadj] 19.7 min; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.0-21.4 min; P<0.001, median length of stay of 122 vs 98 min). The association was magnified in children aged ≤2 yr undergoing short (≤60 min) ambulatory procedures (ADadj 33.3 min; 95% CI: 26.3-40.7 min; P<0.001; P-for-interaction <0.001). Dexmedetomidine was associated with higher total hospital costs of USD 1311 (95% CI: USD 835-1800), higher odds of intraoperative mean arterial blood pressure below 55 mm Hg (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 1.27; 95% CI: 1.16-1.39; P<0.001), and higher odds of heart rate below 100 beats min-1 (ORadj 1.32; 95% CI: 1.21-1.45; P<0.001), with no preventive effects on emergence delirium requiring postanaesthesia i.v. sedatives (ORadj 1.67; 95% CI: 1.04-2.68; P=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine is associated with unwarranted haemodynamic effects, longer postanaesthesia care unit length of stay, and higher costs, without preventive effects on emergence delirium.

Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity and Loss of Post-Surgery Independent Living: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Bronx Hospital Network.

BACKGROUND: Black race is associated with postoperative adverse discharge to a nursing facility, but the effects of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity are unclear. We explored the Hispanic paradox, described as improved health outcomes among Hispanic/Latino patients on postoperative adverse discharge to nursing facility. METHODS: A total of 93,356 adults who underwent surgery and were admitted from home to Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, between January 2016 and June 2021 were included. The association between self-identified Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and the primary outcome, postoperative adverse discharge to a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, was investigated. Interaction analysis was used to examine the impact of socioeconomic status, determined by estimated median household income and insurance status, on the primary association. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the proportion of variance attributed to the patient's residential area defined by zip code and self-identified ethnicity. RESULTS: Approximately 45.9% (42,832) of patients identified as Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and 9.7% (9074) patients experienced postoperative adverse discharge. Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with lower risk of adverse discharge (relative risk [RRadj] 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 00.82-0.94; P < .001), indicating a Hispanic Paradox. This effect was modified by the patient's socioeconomic status (P-for-interaction <.001). Among patients with a high socioeconomic status, the Hispanic paradox was abolished (RRadj 1.10; 95% CI, 11.00-1.20; P = .035). Furthermore, within patients of low socioeconomic status, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with a higher likelihood of postoperative discharge home with health services compared to non-Hispanic/Latino patients (RRadj 1.06; 95% CI, 11.01-1.12; P = .017). CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is a protective factor for postoperative adverse discharge, but this association is modified by socioeconomic status. Future studies should focus on postoperative discharge disposition and socioeconomic barriers in patients with Hispanic/Latino ethnicity.

Association of ketamine use during procedural sedation with oxygen desaturation and healthcare utilisation: a multicentre retrospective hospital registry study.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of ketamine on desaturation and the risk of nursing home discharge in patients undergoing procedural sedation by anaesthetists. METHODS: We included adult patients who underwent procedures under monitored anaesthetic care between 2005 and 2021 at two academic healthcare networks in the USA. The primary outcome was intraprocedural oxygen desaturation, defined as oxygen saturation <90% for ≥2 consecutive minutes. The co-primary outcome was a nursing home discharge. RESULTS: Among 234,170 included patients undergoing procedural sedation, intraprocedural desaturation occurred in 5.6% of patients who received ketamine vs 5.2% of patients who did not receive ketamine (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.29, P<0.001; adjusted absolute risk difference [ARDadj] 1%, 95% CI 0.7-1.3%, P<0.001). The effect was magnified by age >65 yr, smoking, or preprocedural ICU admission (P-for-interaction <0.001, ORadj 1.35, 95% CI 1.25-1.45, P<0.001; ARDadj 2%, 95% CI 1.56-2.49%, P<0.001), procedural risk factors (upper endoscopy of longer than 2 h; P-for-interaction <0.001, ORadj 2.91, 95% CI 1.85-4.58, P<0.001; ARDadj 16.2%, 95% CI 9.8-22.5%, P<0.001), and high ketamine dose (P-for-trend <0.001, ORadj 1.61, 95% CI, 1.43-1.81 for ketamine >0.5 mg kg-1). Concomitant opioid administration mitigated the risk (P-for-interaction <0.001). Ketamine was associated with higher odds of nursing home discharge (ORadj 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21, P=0.012; ARDadj 0.25%, 95% CI 0.05-0.46%, P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine use for procedural sedation was associated with an increased risk of oxygen desaturation and discharge to a nursing home. The effect was dose-dependent and magnified in subgroups of vulnerable patients.

Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Postoperative Delirium in Procedures of Moderate-to-High Complexity: A Hospital-Registry Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experience chronic sleep disturbances and desaturation, factors that have been associated with postoperative delirium and that can be aggravated after anesthesia for complex procedures. We investigated whether OSA is associated with delirium after anesthesia, and whether this association is modified by procedural complexity. METHODS: Hospitalized patients ≥60 years who underwent general anesthesia or procedural sedation for procedures of moderate-to-high complexity between 2009 and 2020 at a tertiary health care network in Massachusetts were included. The primary exposure was OSA, defined based on International Classification of Diseases ( Ninth/Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification ) ( ICD-9 / 10-CM ) diagnostic codes, structured nursing interviews, anesthesia alert notes, and a validated risk score (BOSTN [body mass index, observed apnea, snoring, tiredness, and neck circumference]). The primary end point was delirium within 7 days after the procedure. Multivariable logistic regression and effect modification analyses adjusted for patient demographics, comorbidities, and procedural factors were applied. RESULTS: A total of 46,352 patients were included, of which 1694 patients (3.7%) developed delirium, 537 (3.2%) with OSA, and 1,157 (4.0%) without OSA. In adjusted analyses, OSA was not associated with postprocedural delirium in the overall cohort (adjusted odds ratio [OR adj ], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-1.20; P = .35). However, a high procedural complexity modified the primary association ( P value for interaction = .002). OSA patients had a higher risk of delirium after high-complexity procedures (≥40 work relative value units) such as cardiac (OR adj , 1.33; 95% CI, 1.08-1.64; P = .007, P value for interaction = .005) or thoracic surgery (OR adj , 1.89; 95% CI, 1.19-3.00; P = .007, P value for interaction = .009), but no increased risk after moderate complexity procedures, including general surgery (OR adj , 0.86; 95% CI, 0.55-1.35; P = .52). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to non-OSA patients, a history of OSA is associated with a higher risk after high-complexity procedures such as cardiac or thoracic surgery but not after procedures of moderate complexity.

Development and validation of an instrument to predict prolonged length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit following ambulatory surgery.

PURPOSE: We sought to develop and validate an Anticipated Surveillance Requirement Prediction Instrument (ASRI) for prediction of prolonged postanesthesia care unit length of stay (PACU-LOS, more than four hours) after ambulatory surgery. METHODS: We analyzed hospital registry data from patients who received anesthesia care in ambulatory surgery centres (ASCs) of university-affiliated hospital networks in New York, USA (development and internal validation cohort [n = 183,711]) and Massachusetts, USA (validation cohort [n = 148,105]). We used stepwise backwards elimination to create ASRI. RESULTS: The model showed discriminatory ability in the development, internal, and external validation cohorts with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.82 to 0.83), 0.82 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.83), and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.80), respectively. In cases started in the afternoon, ASRI scores ≥ 43 had a total predicted risk for PACU stay past 8 p.m. of 32% (95% CI, 31.1 to 33.3) vs 8% (95% CI, 7.9 to 8.5) compared with low score values (P-for-interaction < 0.001), which translated to a higher direct PACU cost of care of USD 207 (95% CI, 194 to 2,019; model estimate, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.64 to 1.73; P < 0.001) The effects of using the ASRI score on PACU use efficiency were greater in a free-standing ASC with no limitations on PACU bed availability. CONCLUSION: We developed and validated a preoperative prediction tool for prolonged PACU-LOS after ambulatory surgery that can be used to guide scheduling in ambulatory surgery to optimize PACU use during normal work hours, particularly in settings without limitation of PACU bed availability.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Nous avons cherché à mettre au point et à valider un Instrument de prédiction anticipée des besoins de surveillance pour anticiper toute prolongation de la durée de séjour en salle de réveil (plus de quatre heures) après chirurgie ambulatoire. MéTHODE: Nous avons analysé les données enregistrées dans le registre de l'hôpital des patient·es qui ont reçu des soins d'anesthésie dans des centres de chirurgie ambulatoire (CCA) des réseaux hospitaliers affiliés à une université à New York, aux États-Unis (cohorte de développement et de validation interne [n = 183 711]) et au Massachusetts, États-Unis (cohorte de validation [n = 148 105]). Nous avons utilisé un procédé d'élimination progressive régressive pour créer notre instrument de prédiction. RéSULTATS: Le modèle a montré une capacité discriminatoire dans les cohortes de développement, de validation interne et de validation externe, avec des surfaces sous la courbe de fonction d'efficacité de l'opérateur (ROC) de 0,82 (intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %, 0,82 à 0,83), 0,82 (IC 95 %, 0,81 à 0,83), et 0,80 (IC 95 %, 0,79 à 0,80), respectivement. Dans les cas commencés en après-midi, les scores sur notre instrument de prédiction ≥ 43 montraient un risque total prédit de séjour en salle de réveil après 20 h de 32 % (IC 95 %, 31,1 à 33,3) vs 8 % (IC 95 %, 7,9 à 8,5) comparativement aux valeurs de score faibles (P-pour-interaction < 0,001), ce qui s'est traduit par une augmentation de 207 USD du coût direct des soins en salle de réveil (IC 95 %, 194 à 2019; estimation du modèle, 1,68; IC 95 %, 1,64 à 1,73; P < 0,001). Les effets de l'utilisation du score de notre instrument de prédiction sur l'efficacité d'utilisation de la salle de réveil étaient plus importants dans un CCA autonome sans limitation dans la disponibilité des lits en salle de réveil. CONCLUSION: Nous avons mis au point et validé un outil de prédiction préopératoire de la prolongation de la durée de séjour en salle de réveil après une chirurgie ambulatoire qui peut être utilisé pour guider la planification en chirurgie ambulatoire afin d'optimiser l'utilisation de la salle de réveil pendant les heures normales de travail, en particulier dans les milieux sans limitation de disponibilité des lits en salle de réveil.

Association of reintubation and hospital costs and its modification by postoperative surveillance: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: We estimated hospital costs associated with postoperative reintubation and tested the hypothesis that prolonged surveillance in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) modifies the hospital costs of reintubation. DESIGN: Retrospective observational research study. SETTING: Two tertiary care academic healthcare networks in the Bronx, New York and Boston, Massachusetts, USA. PATIENTS: 68,125 adult non-cardiac surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia between 2016 and 2021. INTERVENTIONS: The exposure variable was unplanned reintubation within 7 days of surgery. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was direct hospital costs associated with patient care related activities. We used a multivariable generalized linear model based on log-transformed costs data, adjusting for pre- and intraoperative confounders. We matched our data with data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-National Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS). In the key secondary analysis, we examined if prolonged postoperative surveillance, defined as PACU utilization (≥4 h) modifies the association between reintubation and costs of care. MAIN RESULTS: 1759 (2.6%) of patients were re-intubated within 7 days after surgery. Reintubation was associated with higher direct hospital costs (adjusted model estimate 2.05; 95% CI: 2.00-2.10) relative to no reintubation. In the HCUP-NIS matched cohort, the adjusted absolute difference (ADadj) in costs amounted to US$ 18,837 (95% CI: 17,921-19,777). The association was modified by the duration of PACU surveillance (p-for-interaction <0.001). In patients with a shorter PACU length of stay, reintubation occurred later (median of 2 days; IQR 1, 5) versus 1 days (IQR 0, 2; p < .001), and was associated with magnified effects on hospital costs compared to patients who stayed in the PACU longer (ADadj of US$ 23,444, 95% CI: 21,217-25,799 versus ADadj of US$ 17,615, 95% CI: 16,350-18,926; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Postoperative reintubation is associated with 2-fold higher hospital costs. Prolonged surveillance in the recovery room mitigated this effect. The cost-saving effect of longer PACU length of stay was likely driven by earlier reintubation in patients who needed this intervention.

The impact of residency training level on early postoperative desaturation: A retrospective multicenter cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the primary hypothesis that the training level of anesthesiology residents (first clinical anesthesia year, CA1 vs CA2/3 residents) is associated with early postoperative desaturation (oxygen saturation < 90%). We also analyzed the change in the rate (trajectory) of desaturation during the resident's development from CA1 to CA2/3 resident, and its effects on postoperative respiratory complications. DESIGN: Retrospective hospital registry study. SETTING: Two university-affiliated hospitals networks (MA and NY, USA). PATIENTS: 140,818 adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery under general anesthesia and extubation in the operating room by residents (n = 378) between 2005 and 2021. MEASUREMENTS: Multivariate logistic and quantile regression were used in the analyses. The secondary outcome was major respiratory complication within 7 days after surgery. MAIN RESULTS: In 6.5% and 1.6% of cases, early postoperative desaturation to < 90% and 80% occurred. Compared to CA2/3 residents, CA1 residents had higher odds of experiencing early postoperative desaturation to < 90% and 80% (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj], 1.07; 95%CI 1.03-1.12; p = 0.002, and ORadj 1.10; 95%CI 1.01-1.20; p = 0.037, respectively). The change in postoperative desaturation rate during the transition from CA1 to CA2/3 status varied substantially from ORadj 0.80 (decreased risk) to 1.33 (increased risk). Major respiratory complication did not differ between experience levels (p = 0.52). However, a strong decline in improvement regarding the rate of postoperative desaturation during the transition from CA1 to CA2/3, was paralleled by an increased odds of major respiratory complication for CA2/3 residents (ORadj 1.20; 95%CI 1.02-1.42; p = 0.026, p-for-interaction = 0.056). CONCLUSION: Patients treated by CA1 residents have an increased risk of postoperative desaturation. Some residents show an improvement and others a decline in postoperative desaturation rate. Our secondary analysis suggests that there should be more focus on those residents who had a declining performance in postoperative desaturation despite becoming more experienced.

Consensus guidelines for the perioperative management of patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Deep sedation without tracheal intubation (monitored anaesthesia care) and general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation are commonly used anaesthesia techniques for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There are distinct pathophysiological differences between monitored anaesthesia care and general anaesthesia that need to be considered depending on the nature and severity of the patient's underlying disease, comorbidities, and procedural risks. An international group of expert anaesthesiologists and gastroenterologists created clinically relevant questions regarding the merits and risks of monitored anaesthesia care vs general anaesthesia in specific clinical scenarios for planning optimal anaesthetic approaches for ERCP. Using a modified Delphi approach, the group created practical recommendations for anaesthesiologists, with the aim of reducing the incidence of perioperative adverse outcomes while maximising healthcare resource utilisation. In the majority of clinical scenarios analysed, our expert recommendations favour monitored anaesthesia care over general anaesthesia. Patients with increased risk of pulmonary aspiration and those undergoing prolonged procedures of high complexity were thought to benefit from general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation. Patient age and ASA physical status were not considered to be factors for choosing between monitored anaesthesia care and general anaesthesia. Monitored anaesthesia care is the favoured anaesthesia plan for ERCP. An individual risk-benefit analysis that takes into account provider and institutional experience, patient comorbidities, and procedural risks is also needed.

Development and validation of a machine learning ASA-score to identify candidates for comprehensive preoperative screening and risk stratification.

OBJECTIVE: The ASA physical status (ASA-PS) is determined by an anesthesia provider or surgeon to communicate co-morbidities relevant to perioperative risk. Assigning an ASA-PS is a clinical decision and there is substantial provider-dependent variability. We developed and externally validated a machine learning-derived algorithm to determine ASA-PS (ML-PS) based on data available in the medical record. DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter hospital registry study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital networks. PATIENTS: Patients who received anesthesia at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA, training [n = 361,602] and internal validation cohorts [n = 90,400]) and Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, NY, external validation cohort [n = 254,412]). MEASUREMENTS: The ML-PS was created using a supervised random forest model with 35 preoperatively available variables. Its predictive ability for 30-day mortality, postoperative ICU admission, and adverse discharge were determined by logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS: The anesthesiologist ASA-PS and ML-PS were in agreement in 57.2% of the cases (moderate inter-rater agreement). Compared with anesthesiologist rating, ML-PS assigned more patients into extreme ASA-PS (I and IV), (p < 0.01), and less patients in ASA II and III (p < 0.01). ML-PS and anesthesiologist ASA-PS had excellent predictive values for 30-day mortality, and good predictive values for postoperative ICU admission and adverse discharge. Among the 3594 patients who died within 30 days after surgery, net reclassification improvement analysis revealed that using the ML-PS, 1281 (35.6%) patients were reclassified into the higher clinical risk category compared with anesthesiologist rating. However, in a subgroup of multiple co-morbidity patients, anesthesiologist ASA-PS had a better predictive accuracy than ML-PS. CONCLUSIONS: We created and validated a machine learning physical status based on preoperatively available data. The ability to identify patients at high risk early in the preoperative process independent of the provider's decision is a part of the process we use to standardize the stratified preoperative evaluation of patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery.

Loss of Independent Living in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The recommendation for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients 65 to 80 years of age is equivocal, leaving patients with a difficult decision. We evaluated whether TAVR compared to SAVR is associated with reduced odds for loss of independent living in patients ≤65, 66 to 79, and ≥80 years of age. Further, we explored mechanisms of the association of TAVR and adverse discharge. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing TAVR or SAVR within a large academic medical system who lived independently before the procedure were included. A multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for a priori defined confounders including patient demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and a risk score for adverse discharge after cardiac surgery, was used to assess the primary association. We tested the interaction of patient age with the association between aortic valve replacement (AVR) procedure and loss of independent living. We further assessed whether the primary association was mediated (ie, percentage of the association that can be attributed to the mediator) by the procedural duration as prespecified mediator. RESULTS: A total of 1751 patients (age median [quartiles; min-max], 76 [67, 84; 23-100]; sex, 56% female) were included. A total of 27% (222/812) of these patients undergoing SAVR and 20% (188/939) undergoing TAVR lost the ability to live independently. In our cohort, TAVR was associated with reduced odds for loss of independent living compared to SAVR (adjusted odds ratio [OR adj ] 0.19 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.14-0.26]; P < .001). This association was attenuated in patients ≤65 years of age (OR adj 0.63 [0.26-1.56]; P = .32) and between 66 and 79 years of age (OR adj 0.23 [0.15-0.35]; P < .001), and magnified in patients ≥80 years of age (OR adj 0.16 [0.10-0.25]; P < .001; P -for-interaction = .004). Among those >65 years of age, a shorter procedural duration mediated 50% (95% CI, 28-76; P < .001) of the beneficial association of TAVR and independent living. CONCLUSIONS: Patients >65 years of age undergoing TAVR compared to SAVR had reduced odds for loss of independent living. This association was partly mediated by shorter procedural duration. No association between AVR approach and the primary end point was found in patients ≤65 years of age.

Subjective Assessment of Motor Function by the Bedside Nurses in Mechanically Ventilated Surgical Intensive Care Unit Patients Predicts Tracheostomy.

OBJECTIVE: In many institutions, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses assess their patients' muscle function as part of their routine bedside examination. We tested the research hypothesis that this subjective examination of muscle function prior to extubation predicts tracheostomy requirement. METHODS: Adult, mechanically ventilated patients admitted to 7 ICUs at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) between 2008 and 2019 were included in this observational study. Assessment of motor function was performed every four hours by ICU nurses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis controlled for acute disease severity, delirium risk assessment through the confusion assessment method for the ICU (CAM-ICU), and pre-defined predictors of extubation failure was applied to examine the association of motor function and tracheostomy within 30 days after extubation. RESULTS: Within 30 days after extubation, 891 of 9609 (9.3%) included patients required a tracheostomy. The inability to spontaneously move and hold extremities against gravity within 24 h prior to extubation was associated with significantly higher odds of 30-day tracheostomy (adjusted OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.27-1.91, p < 0.001, adjusted absolute risk difference (aARD) 2.8% (p < 0.001)). The effect was magnified among patients who were mechanically ventilated for >7 days (aARD 21.8%, 95% CI 12.4-31.2%, p-for-interaction = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: ICU nurses' subjective assessment of motor function is associated with 30-day tracheostomy risk, independent of known risk factors. Muscle function measurements by nursing staff in the ICU should be discussed during interprofessional rounds.

Association Between Intraoperative Dexamethasone and Postoperative Mortality in Patients Undergoing Oncologic Surgery: A Multicentric Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of dexamethasone on postoperative mortality, recurrence-free survival, and side effects in patients undergoing oncologic operations. BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone prevents nausea and vomiting after anesthesia and may affect cancer proliferation. METHODS: A total of 30,561 adult patients undergoing solid cancer resection between 2005 and 2020 were included. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on 1-year mortality and recurrence-free survival. Effect modification by the cancer's potential for immunogenicity, defined as a recommendation for checkpoint inhibitor therapy based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, was investigated through interaction term analysis. Key safety endpoints were dexamethasone-associated risk of hyperglycemia >180 mg/dL within 24 hours and surgical site infections within 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: Dexamethasone was administered to 38.2% (11,666/30,561) of patients (6.5±2.3 mg). Overall, 3.2% (n=980/30,561) died and 15.4% (n=4718/30,561) experienced cancer recurrence within 1 year of the operation. Dexamethasone was associated with a -0.6% (95% confidence interval: -1.1, -0.2, P =0.007) 1-year mortality risk reduction [adjusted odds ratio (OR adj ): 0.79 (0.67, 0.94), P =0.009; hazard ratio=0.82 (0.69, 0.96), P =0.016] and higher odds of recurrence-free survival [OR adj : 1.28 (1.18, 1.39), P <0.001]. This effect was only present in patients with solid cancers who were defined as not to respond to checkpoint inhibitor therapy [OR adj : 0.70 (0.57, 0.87), P =0.001 vs OR adj : 1.13 (0.85, 1.50), P =0.40]. A high (>0.09 mg/kg) dose of dexamethasone increased the risk of postoperative hyperglycemia [OR adj : 1.55 (1.32, 1.82), P <0.001], but not for surgical site infections [OR adj : 0.84 (0.42, 1.71), P =0.63]. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone is associated with decreased 1-year mortality and cancer recurrence in patients undergoing surgical resection of cancers that are not candidates for immune modulators. Dexamethasone increased the risk of postoperative hyperglycemia, however, no increase in surgical site infections was identified.

Association of sugammadex reversal of neuromuscular block and postoperative length of stay in the ambulatory care facility: a multicentre hospital registry study.

BACKGROUND: Encapsulation of rocuronium or vecuronium with sugammadex can reverse neuromuscular block faster than neostigmine reversal. This pharmacodynamic profile might facilitate patient discharge after ambulatory surgery. METHODS: We included patients who underwent ambulatory surgery with general anaesthesia and neuromuscular block between 2016 and 2021 from hospital registries at two large academic healthcare networks in the USA. The primary outcome was postoperative length of stay in the ambulatory care facility (PLOS-ACF). We examined post hoc whether the type of reversal affects postoperative nausea and vomiting and direct hospital costs. RESULTS: Among the 29 316 patients included, 8945 (30.5%) received sugammadex and 20 371 (69.5%) received neostigmine for reversal. PLOS-ACF and costs were lower in patients who received sugammadex vs neostigmine (adjusted difference in PLOS-ACF: -9.5 min; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -10.5 to -8.5 min; adjusted difference in direct hospital costs: -US$77; 95% CI, -$88 to -$66; respectively; P<0.001). The association was magnified in patients over age 65 yr, with ASA physical status >2 undergoing short procedures (<2 h) (adjusted difference in PLOS-ACF: -18.2 min; 95% CI, -23.8 to -12.4 min; adjusted difference in direct hospital costs: -$176; 95% CI, -$220 to -$128; P<0.001). Sugammadex use was associated with reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (17.2% vs 19.6%, P<0.001), which mediated its effects on length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Reversal with sugammadex compared with neostigmine was associated with a small decrease in postoperative length of stay in the ambulatory care unit. The effect was magnified in older and high-risk patients, and can be explained by reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting. Sugammadex reversal in ambulatory surgery may also help reduce cost of care.

Comparison of the effects of sugammadex versus neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular block on hospital costs of care.

BACKGROUND: Sugammadex reversal of neuromuscular block facilitates recovery of neuromuscular function after surgery, but the drug is expensive. We evaluated the effects of sugammadex on hospital costs of care. METHODS: We analysed 79 474 adult surgical patients who received neuromuscular blocking agents and reversal from two academic healthcare networks between 2016 and 2021 to calculate differences in direct costs. We matched our data with data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-National Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) to calculate differences in total costs in US dollars. Perioperative risk profiles were defined based on ASA physical status and admission status (ambulatory surgery vs hospitalisation). RESULTS: Based on our registry data analysis, administration of sugammadex vs neostigmine was associated with lower direct costs (-1.3% lower costs; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.5 to -2.2%; P=0.002). In the HCUP-NIS matched cohort, sugammadex use was associated with US$232 lower total costs (95% CI, -US$376 to -US$88; P=0.002). Subgroup analysis revealed that sugammadex was associated with US$1042 lower total costs (95% CI, -US$1198 to -US$884; P<0.001) in patients with lower risk. In contrast, sugammadex was associated with US$620 higher total costs (95% CI, US$377 to US$865; P<0.001) in patients with a higher risk (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ≥3 and preoperative hospitalisation). CONCLUSIONS: The effects of using sugammadex on costs of care depend on patient risk, defined based on comorbidities and admission status. We observed lower costs of care in patients with lower risk and higher costs of care in hospitalised surgical patients with severe comorbidities.

Incidence and predictors of case cancellation within 24 h in patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Avoidable case cancellations within 24 h reduce operating room (OR) efficiency, add unnecessary costs, and may have physical and emotional consequences for patients and their families. We developed and validated a prediction tool that can be used to guide same day case cancellation reduction initiatives. DESIGN: Retrospective hospital registry study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospitals network (NY, USA). PATIENTS: 246,612 (1/2016-6/2021) and 58,662 (7/2021-6/2022) scheduled elective procedures were included in the development and validation cohort. MEASUREMENTS: Case cancellation within 24 h was defined as cancelling a surgical procedure within 24 h of the scheduled date and time. Our candidate predictors were defined a priori and included patient-, procedural-, and appointment-related factors. We created a prediction tool using backward stepwise logistic regression to predict case cancellation within 24 h. The model was subsequently recalibrated and validated in a cohort of patients who were recently scheduled for surgery. MAIN RESULTS: 8.6% and 8.7% scheduled procedures were cancelled within 24 h of the intended procedure in the development and validation cohort, respectively. The final weighted score contains 29 predictors. A cutoff value of 15 score points predicted a 10.3% case cancellation rate with a negative predictive value of 0.96, and a positive predictive value of 0.21. The prediction model showed good discrimination in the development and validation cohort with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.79 (95% confidence interval 0.79-0. 80) and an AUC of 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.72-0.73), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We present a validated preoperative prediction tool for case cancellation within 24 h of surgery. We utilize the instrument in our institution to identify patients with high risk of case cancellation. We describe a process for recalibration such that other institutions can also use the score to guide same day case cancellation reduction initiatives.

Preoperative Treatment of Severe Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension Mitigates Healthcare Disparities and Prevents Adverse Postoperative Discharge to a Nursing Home.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether patients of Black race are at higher risk of adverse postoperative discharge to a nursing home, and if a higher prevalence of severe diabetes mellitus and hypertension are contributing. BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether a patient's race predicts adverse discharge to a nursing home after surgery, and if preexisting diseases are contributing. METHODS: A total of 368,360 adults undergoing surgery between 2007 and 2020 across 2 academic healthcare networks in New England were included. Patients of self-identified Black or White race were compared. The primary outcome was postoperative discharge to a nursing facility. Mediation analysis was used to examine the impact of preexisting severe diabetes mellitus and hypertension on the primary association. RESULTS: In all, 10.3% (38,010/368,360) of patients were Black and 26,434 (7.2%) patients were discharged to a nursing home. Black patients were at increased risk of postoperative discharge to a nursing facility (adjusted absolute risk difference: 1.9%; 95% confidence interval: 1.6%-2.2%; P <0.001). A higher prevalence of preexisting severe diabetes mellitus and hypertension in Black patients mediated 30.2% and 15.6% of this association. Preoperative medication-based treatment adherent to guidelines in patients with severe diabetes mellitus or hypertension mitigated the primary association ( P -for-interaction <0.001). The same pattern of effect mitigation by pharmacotherapy was observed for the endpoint 30-day readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Black race was associated with postoperative discharge to a nursing facility compared to White race. Optimized preoperative assessment and treatment of diabetes mellitus and hypertension improves surgical outcomes and provides an opportunity to the surgeon to help eliminate healthcare disparities.

Differential Effects of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acidergic Sedatives on Risk of Post-Extubation Delirium in the ICU: A Retrospective Cohort Study From a New England Health Care Network.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether different gamma-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) sedatives such as propofol and benzodiazepines carry differential risks of post-extubation delirium in the ICU. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Seven ICUs in an academic hospital network, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA). PATIENTS: Ten thousand five hundred and one adult patients mechanically ventilated for over 24 hours. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We tested the hypothesis that benzodiazepine versus propofol-based sedation is associated with fewer delirium-free days within 14 days after extubation. Further, we hypothesized that the measured sedation level evoked by GABAergic drugs is a better predictor of delirium than the drug dose administered. The proportion of GABAergic drug-induced deep sedation was defined as the ratio of days with a mean Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale of less than or equal to -3 during mechanical ventilation. Multivariable regression and effect modification analyses were used. Delirium-free days were lower in patients who received a high proportion of deep sedation using benzodiazepine compared with propofol-based sedation (adjusted absolute difference, -1.17 d; 95% CI, -0.64 to -1.69; p < 0.001). This differential effect was magnified in elderly patients (age > 65) and in patients with liver or kidney failure (p-for-interaction < 0.001) but not observed in patients who received a low proportion of deep sedation (p = 0.95). GABAergic-induced deep sedation days during mechanical ventilation was a better predictor of post-extubation delirium than the GABAergic daily average effective dose (area under the curve 0.76 vs 0.69; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Deep sedation during mechanical ventilation with benzodiazepines compared with propofol is associated with increased risk of post-extubation delirium. Our data do not support the view that benzodiazepine-based compared with propofol-based sedation in the ICU is an independent risk factor of delirium, as long as deep sedation can be avoided in these patients.