Risk factors for postoperative delirium in orthopaedic hip surgery patients: a database review.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium is a common problem affecting admitted patients that decreases patient satisfaction and increases the cost and complexity of care. The purpose of this study was to use the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database to compare rates and risk factors of postoperative delirium for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty patients indicated for osteoarthritis or proximal femur fracture. METHODS: The 2021 NSQIP database was queried for patients using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for THA and hemiarthroplasty and ICD-10 codes for osteoarthritis or proximal femur fracture. Demographic, past medical history, preoperative labs, and functional status data were recorded. Procedural data were also collected. Finally, postoperative outcomes and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: Overall, 16% of patients had postoperative delirium. Delirium patients were older on average (82.4 years vs. 80.7 years, p < 0.001), had a lower BMI (19.5 vs. 24.8, p < 0.001), were more likely to have a history of dementia (54.6% vs. 13.6%, p < 0.001), were less likely to have an independent functional status (p < 0.001) or live alone (p < 0.001), and were more likely to have sustained a recent fall (p < 0.001). Delirium patients were more likely to be hyponatremic or hypernatremic (p = 0.002), anemic (p < 0.001), and severely dehydrated (p < 0.001), among other lab abnormalities. Delirium patients were also more likely to experience additional postoperative complications, including pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, stroke, cardiac arrest, sepsis, and unplanned reoperation and readmission after discharge (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, factors associated with postoperative delirium in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty and THA were identified, including older age, lower BMI, certain medical conditions, decreased functional status, certain lab abnormalities, and postoperative complications. These findings can be used by clinicians to better inform care and to determine when orthopaedic joint replacement patients may be at an increased risk for postoperative delirium.

Preoperative Dehydration Is an Underrecognized Modifiable Risk Factor in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Dehydration is an overlooked modifiable risk factor that should be optimized prior to elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) to reduce postoperative complications and inpatient costs. All primary THA from 2005 - 2019 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, and patients were compared based on dehydration status: blood urea nitrogen (BUN): creatinine ratio (Cr) (BUN/Cr) < 20 (nondehydrated), 20 ≤ BUN/Cr ≤ 25 (moderately dehydrated), 25 < BUN/Cr (severely dehydrated). A subgroup analysis involving only elderly patients > 65 years and normalized gender-adjusted Cr values was also performed. The analysis included 212,452 patients who underwent THA. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the severely dehydrated cohort had a greater risk of overall complications, postoperative anemia requiring transfusion, nonhome discharge, and increased length of stay (all p < 0.01). Among the elderly, dehydrated patients had a greater risk of postoperative transfusion, cardiac complications, and nonhome discharge (all p < 0.01). BUN/Cr > 20 is an important preoperative diagnostic tool to identify at-risk dehydrated patients. Providers should optimize dehydration to prevent complications, decrease costs, and improve discharge planning. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 33(1):017-025, 2024).

Early Assessment of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Risk Among Recipients of Hepatitis C Virus-infected Donors in the Current Era.

BACKGROUND: Transplantation of hearts from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive donors has increased substantially in recent years following development of highly effective direct-acting antiviral therapies for treatment and cure of HCV. Although historical data from the pre-direct-acting antiviral era demonstrated an association between HCV-positive donors and accelerated cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in recipients, the relationship between the use of HCV nucleic acid test-positive (NAT+) donors and the development of CAV in the direct-acting antiviral era remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a retrospective, single-center observational study comparing coronary angiographic CAV outcomes during the first year after transplant in 84 heart transplant recipients of HCV NAT+ donors and 231 recipients of HCV NAT- donors. Additionally, in a subsample of 149 patients (including 55 in the NAT+ cohort and 94 in the NAT- cohort) who had serial adjunctive intravascular ultrasound examination performed, we compared development of rapidly progressive CAV, defined as an increase in maximal intimal thickening of ≥0.5 mm in matched vessel segments during the first year post-transplant. In an unadjusted analysis, recipients of HCV NAT+ hearts had reduced survival free of CAV ≥1 over the first year after heart transplant compared with recipients of HCV NAT- hearts. After adjustment for known CAV risk factors, however, there was no significant difference between cohorts in the likelihood of the primary outcome, nor was there a difference in development of rapidly progressive CAV. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support larger, longer-term follow-up studies to better elucidate CAV outcomes in recipients of HCV NAT+ hearts and to inform post-transplant management strategies.

The impact of dehydration on short-term postoperative complications in total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: As healthcare economics shifts towards outcomes-based bundled payment models, providers must understand the evolving dynamics of medical optimization and fluid resuscitation prior to elective surgery. Dehydration is an overlooked modifiable risk factor that should be optimized prior to elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to reduce postoperative complications and inpatient costs. METHODS: All primary TKA from 2005 to 2019 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, and patients were compared based on dehydration status: Blood Urea Nitrogen Creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) < 20 (non-dehydrated), 20 ≤ BUN/Cr ≤ 25 (moderately-dehydrated), 25 < BUN/Cr (severely-dehydrated). A sub-group analysis involving only elderly patients > 65 years and normalized gender-adjusted Cr values was also performed. RESULTS: The analysis included 344,744 patients who underwent TKA. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the severely dehydrated cohort had a greater risk of non-home discharge, postoperative transfusion, postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and increased length of stay (LOS) (all p < 0.01). Among the elderly, dehydrated patients had a greater risk of non-home discharge, progressive renal insufficiency, urinary tract infection (UTI), postoperative transfusion, and extended LOS (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: BUN/Cr > 20 is an important preoperative diagnostic tool to identify at-risk dehydrated patients. Providers should optimize dehydration to prevent complications, decrease costs, and improve discharge planning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Retrospective Case-Control Design; Prognosis Study.

Early United States experience with liver donation after circulatory determination of death using thoraco-abdominal normothermic regional perfusion: A multi-institutional observational study.

Mortality on the liver waitlist remains unacceptably high. Donation after circulatory determination of death (DCD) donors are considered marginal but are a potentially underutilized resource. Thoraco-abdominal normothermic perfusion (TA-NRP) in DCD donors might result in higher quality livers and offset waitlist mortality. We retrospectively reviewed outcomes of the first 13 livers transplanted from TA-NRP donors in the US. Nine centers transplanted livers from eight organ procurement organizations. Median donor age was 25 years; median agonal phase was 13 minutes. Median recipient age was 60 years; median lab MELD score was 21. Three patients (23%) met early allograft dysfunction (EAD) criteria. Three received simultaneous liver-kidney transplants; neither had EAD nor delayed renal allograft function. One recipient died 186 days post-transplant from sepsis but had normal presepsis liver function. One patient developed a biliary anastomotic stricture, managed endoscopically; no recipient developed clinical evidence of ischemic cholangiopathy (IC). Twelve of 13 (92%) patients are alive with good liver function at 439 days median follow-up; one patient has extrahepatic recurrent HCC. TA-NRP DCD livers in these recipients all functioned well, particularly with respect to IC, and provide a valuable option to decrease deaths on the waiting list.

Prioritizing heart transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has significantly impacted the healthcare landscape in the United States in a variety of ways including a nation-wide reduction in operative volume. The impact of COVID-19 on the availability of donor organs and the impact on solid organ transplant remains unclear. We examine the impact of COVID-19 on a single, large-volume heart transplant program. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed examining all adult heart transplants performed at a single institution between March 2020 and June 2020. This was compared to the same time frame in 2019. We examined incidence of primary graft dysfunction, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and 30-day survival. RESULTS: From March to June 2020, 43 orthotopic heart transplants were performed compared to 31 performed during 2019. Donor and recipient demographics demonstrated no differences. There was no difference in 30-day survival. There was a statistically significant difference in incidence of postoperative CRRT (9/31 vs. 3/43; p = .01). There was a statistically significant difference in race (23 W/8B/1AA vs. 30 W/13B; p = .029). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that a single, large-volume transplant program was able to grow volume with little difference in donor variables and clinical outcomes following transplant. While multiple reasons are possible, most likely the reduction of volume at other programs allowed us to utilize organs to which we would not have previously had access. More significantly, our growth in volume was coupled with no instances of COVID-19 infection or transmission amongst patients or staff due to an aggressive testing and surveillance program.

Impact of increased donor distances following adult heart allocation system changes: A single center review of 1-year outcomes.

BACKGROUND: On October 18, 2018, several changes to the donor heart allocation system were enacted. We hypothesize that patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) under the new allocation system will see an increase in ischemic times, rates of primary graft dysfunction, and 1-year mortality due to these changes. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, we reviewed the charts of all OHT patients from October 2017 through October 2019. Pre- and postallocation recipient demographics were compared. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients underwent OHT. Recipient demographics were similar between cohorts. The average distance from donor increased by more than 150 km (p = .006). Patients in the postallocation change cohort demonstrated a significant increase in the rate of severe left ventricle primary graft dysfunction from 5.4% to 18.7% (p = .005). There were no statistically significant differences in 30-day mortality or 1-year survival. Time on the waitlist was reduced from 203.8 to 103.7 days (p = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in heart allocation resulted in shorter waitlist times at the expense of longer donor distances and ischemic times, with an associated negative impact on early post-transplantation outcomes. No significant differences in 30-day or 1-year mortality were observed.

Sirt3 Impairment and SOD2 Hyperacetylation in Vascular Oxidative Stress and Hypertension.

RATIONALE: Clinical studies have shown that Sirt3 (Sirtuin 3) expression declines by 40% by 65 years of age paralleling the increased incidence of hypertension and metabolic conditions further inactivate Sirt3 because of increased NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced form) and acetyl-CoA levels. Sirt3 impairment reduces the activity of a key mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) because of hyperacetylation. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined whether the loss of Sirt3 activity increases vascular oxidative stress because of SOD2 hyperacetylation and promotes endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hypertension was markedly increased in Sirt3-knockout (Sirt3-/-) and SOD2-depleted (SOD2+/-) mice in response to low dose of angiotensin II (0.3 mg/kg per day) compared with wild-type C57Bl/6J mice. Sirt3 depletion increased SOD2 acetylation, elevated mitochondrial O2· -, and diminished endothelial nitric oxide. Angiotensin II-induced hypertension was associated with Sirt3 S-glutathionylation, acetylation of vascular SOD2, and reduced SOD2 activity. Scavenging of mitochondrial H2O2 in mCAT mice expressing mitochondria-targeted catalase prevented Sirt3 and SOD2 impairment and attenuated hypertension. Treatment of mice after onset of hypertension with a mitochondria-targeted H2O2 scavenger, mitochondria-targeted hydrogen peroxide scavenger ebselen, reduced Sirt3 S-glutathionylation, diminished SOD2 acetylation, and reduced blood pressure in wild-type but not in Sirt3-/- mice, whereas an SOD2 mimetic, (2-[2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl-4-ylamino]-2-oxoethyl) triphenylphosphonium (mitoTEMPO), reduced blood pressure and improved vasorelaxation both in Sirt3-/- and wild-type mice. SOD2 acetylation had an inverse correlation with SOD2 activity and a direct correlation with the severity of hypertension. Analysis of human subjects with essential hypertension showed 2.6-fold increase in SOD2 acetylation and 1.4-fold decrease in Sirt3 levels, whereas SOD2 expression was not affected. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that diminished Sirt3 expression and redox inactivation of Sirt3 lead to SOD2 inactivation and contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension.

BMP Antagonist Gremlin 2 Limits Inflammation After Myocardial Infarction.

RATIONALE: We have recently shown that the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist Gremlin 2 (Grem2) is required for early cardiac development and cardiomyocyte differentiation. Our initial studies discovered that Grem2 is strongly induced in the adult heart after experimental myocardial infarction (MI). However, the function of Grem2 and BMP-signaling inhibitors after cardiac injury is currently unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of Grem2 during cardiac repair and assess its potential to improve ventricular function after injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our data show that Grem2 is transiently induced after MI in peri-infarct area cardiomyocytes during the inflammatory phase of cardiac tissue repair. By engineering loss- (Grem2(-/-)) and gain- (TG(Grem2)) of-Grem2-function mice, we discovered that Grem2 controls the magnitude of the inflammatory response and limits infiltration of inflammatory cells in peri-infarct ventricular tissue, improving cardiac function. Excessive inflammation in Grem2(-/-) mice after MI was because of overactivation of canonical BMP signaling, as proven by the rescue of the inflammatory phenotype through administration of the canonical BMP inhibitor, DMH1. Furthermore, intraperitoneal administration of Grem2 protein in wild-type mice was sufficient to reduce inflammation after MI. Cellular analyses showed that BMP2 acts with TNFα to induce expression of proinflammatory proteins in endothelial cells and promote adhesion of leukocytes, whereas Grem2 specifically inhibits the BMP2 effect. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that Grem2 provides a molecular barrier that controls the magnitude and extent of inflammatory cell infiltration by suppressing canonical BMP signaling, thereby providing a novel mechanism for limiting the adverse effects of excessive inflammation after MI.

Inflammation, immunity, and hypertensive end-organ damage.

For >50 years, it has been recognized that immunity contributes to hypertension. Recent data have defined an important role of T cells and various T cell-derived cytokines in several models of experimental hypertension. These studies have shown that stimuli like angiotensin II, deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt, and excessive catecholamines lead to formation of effector like T cells that infiltrate the kidney and perivascular regions of both large arteries and arterioles. There is also accumulation of monocyte/macrophages in these regions. Cytokines released from these cells, including interleukin-17, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factorα, and interleukin-6 promote both renal and vascular dysfunction and damage, leading to enhanced sodium retention and increased systemic vascular resistance. The renal effects of these cytokines remain to be fully defined, but include enhanced formation of angiotensinogen, increased sodium reabsorption, and increased renal fibrosis. Recent experiments have defined a link between oxidative stress and immune activation in hypertension. These have shown that hypertension is associated with formation of reactive oxygen species in dendritic cells that lead to formation of gamma ketoaldehydes, or isoketals. These rapidly adduct to protein lysines and are presented by dendritic cells as neoantigens that activate T cells and promote hypertension. Thus, cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system contribute to end-organ damage and dysfunction in hypertension. Therapeutic interventions to reduce activation of these cells may prove beneficial in reducing end-organ damage and preventing consequences of hypertension, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, renal failure, and stroke.

Preoperative Predictors of 30-Day Mortality and Prolonged Length of Stay after Above-Knee Amputation.

BACKGROUND: The above-knee amputation (AKA) is an operation of last resort with high postoperative morbidity and mortality. This study identifies preoperative risk factors predictive of both 30-day mortality and extended length of stay (LOS) in AKA patients. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-five AKA patients from 2004 to 2013 from a single institution were retrospectively reviewed using a deidentified electronic medical record. Rationally selected factors potentially influencing 30-day mortality and LOS were chosen, including demographics, etiologies, vascular surgical history, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and laboratory values. Variables trending with one of the end points on bivariate analysis (P ≤ 0.10) were entered into multivariate forward stepwise regression models to determine independence as a risk factor (P ≤ 0.05). Subgroup analysis of AKA patients without a traumatic, burn, or malignant etiology was similarly conducted. RESULTS: Within the 295 patient cohort, 60% of the patients were male, 18% were African American, mean age was 58 years and mean body mass index was 28 kg/m(2). The 30-day mortality rate was 9%, and mean postoperative LOS of discharged patients was 9.3 days. Upon logistic regression, thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 250 × 10(6)/mL, P < 0.001, odds ratio 6.1) and preoperative septic shock (P = 0.02, odds ratio 5.1) were identified as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality. Upon linear regression, burn etiology (P < 0.001, B = 15.8 days), leukocytosis (white blood cell count > 12 × 10(6)/mL, P < 0.001, B = 6.2 days), and guillotine amputation (P < 0.001, B = 7.6 days) were independently associated with prolonged LOS. Excluding patients with AKAs due to trauma, burn, or malignancy, only thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 250 × 10(6)/mL, P < 0.001, odds ratio 10.2) and leukocytosis (white blood cell count > 12 × 10(6)/mL, P = 0.01, B = 5.2 days) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality and prolonged LOS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative septic shock and thrombocytopenia are independent risk factors for 30-day mortality after AKA, while burn etiology, leukocytosis, and guillotine amputation contribute to prolonged LOS. Awareness of these risk factors may help enhance both preoperative decision making and expectations of the hospital admission.

Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: Evaluating the Utility of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a Risk Stratification Tool.

Background: This study investigates the association between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), a measure of malnutrition risk, and 30-day postoperative complications following revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients ≥65 who underwent aseptic rTHA between 2015 and 2021. The final study population (n = 7119) was divided into 3 groups based on preoperative GNRI: normal/reference (GNRI >98) (n = 4342), moderate malnutrition (92 ≤ GNRI ≤98) (n = 1367), and severe malnutrition (GNRI <92) (n = 1410). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between preoperative GNRI and 30-day postoperative complications. Results: After controlling for significant covariates, the risk of experiencing any postoperative complications was significantly higher with both moderate (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, P < .001) and severe malnutrition (OR 8.79, P < .001). Specifically, moderate malnutrition was independently and significantly associated with deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.01, P = .044), blood transfusions (OR 1.78, P < .001), nonhome discharge (OR 1.83, P < .001), readmission (OR 1.27, P = .035), length of stay >2 days (OR 1.98, P < .001), and periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.54, P = .020). Severe malnutrition was independently and significantly associated with sepsis (OR 3.67, P < .001), septic shock (OR 3.75, P = .002), pneumonia (OR 2.73, P < .001), urinary tract infection (OR 2.04, P = .002), deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.01, P = .001), pulmonary embolism (OR 2.47, P = .019), acute renal failure (OR 8.44, P = .011), blood transfusions (OR 2.78, P < .001), surgical site infection (OR 2.59, P < .001), nonhome discharge (OR 3.36, P < .001), readmission (OR 1.69, P < .001), unplanned reoperation (OR 1.97, P < .001), length of stay >2 days (OR 5.41, P < .001), periprosthetic fractures (OR 1.61, P = .015), and mortality (OR 2.63, P < .001). Conclusions: Malnutrition has strong predictive value for short-term postoperative complications and has potential as an adjunctive risk stratification tool for geriatric patients undergoing rTHA.

Adverse local tissue response lesion of the knee associated with Morse taper corrosion.

Modularity in arthroplasty components has increased options for solving complex issues in primary and revision procedures. However, this technology introduces the risk of accelerated metal ion release as a result of fretting or passive crevice corrosion within the Morse taper junction. Cobalt toxicity locally and systemically has been described with hip metal bearing surfaces and may be accentuated with ion release from Morse tapers. This is a case report of a knee adverse local tissue response lesion associated with corrosion within the Morse taper of a revision knee arthroplasty in the absence of systemic metal allergy.

Repeat High-Dose Dexamethasone May Improve Recovery 48 Hours after Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Objectives: Perioperative dexamethasone is an effective anti-emetic and systemic analgesic in total hip arthroplasty (THA) that may reduce opioid consumption and enhance rapid recovery. However, there is no consensus on the optimal perioperative dosing that is safe and effective for faster rehabilitation and improved pain control while maintaining safe blood glucose levels. Methods: A retrospective review of 101 primary THA patients at a single institution who received perioperative dexamethasone was conducted. Patients were stratified by dexamethasone induction dosage (10 mg as high, <6mg as low) and whether a repeat dose was given 16-24 hours postoperatively. Age, gender, BMI, diabetes status, and ASA were controlled between groups. The pain was evaluated with inpatient morphine milligram equivalents (MME) requirements and visual analog scale (VAS) at 8, 16, and 24 hours postoperatively. Mobility was assessed by inpatient ambulation distance, Boston AM-PAC mobility score, and percentage of gait assistance as determined by a physical therapist. Secondary outcomes included postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) limiting therapy sessions, PONV requiring breakthrough anti-emetics, glucose levels, surgical site infection, wound healing complications, and discharge destination. Results: Compared to patients receiving one dose of high or low dexamethasone, patients receiving two dosages of high-dose dexamethasone had significantly further ambulation distance and lower percentage of gait assistance on postoperative day 2. A generalized linear model also predicted that any repeat dexamethasone, regardless of dosage, significantly improved ambulation distance and gait assistance compared to the one-dose cohort. There was no statistically significant difference between VAS scores, MME requirements, PONV, postoperative glucose levels >200, discharge destination, or risk of infection between groups. Conclusion: A repeat high-dose dexamethasone, the morning after surgery, may improve percentage of gait assistance and ambulation endurance on postoperative day two. There was no risk of uncontrolled glucose levels or infections compared to receiving one dose of dexamethasone at induction.

Alkaline Phosphatase is an Independent Risk Factor for Periprosthetic Fractures in Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a biomarker for chronic low-grade inflammation along with hepatobiliary and bone disorders. High abnormal ALP levels in blood have been associated with metabolic bone disease and high bone turnover. METHODS: All primary total hip and knee arthroplasties from 2005 to 2019 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients with available serum ALP levels were included and stratified to low (<44 IU/L), normal (44 to 147 IU/L), and high (>147 IU/L). A risk-adjusted multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze ALP as an independent risk factor of complications. RESULTS: The analysis included 324,592 patients, consisting of 11,427 low ALP, 305,977 normal ALP, and 7,188 high preoperative ALP level patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis showed high ALP level patients had an overall increased risk of readmission within 30 days of surgery compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; P < 0.01). High ALP patients also had an increased risk of postoperative periprosthetic fracture (OR, 1.6), postoperative wound infection (OR, 1.81), pneumonia (OR, 2.24), renal insufficiency (OR, 2.39), cerebrovascular disease (OR, 2.2), postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion (OR, 1.83), sepsis (OR, 2.35), length of stay > 2 days (OR, 1.47), Clostridium difficile infection (OR, 2.07), and discharge to a rehab facility (OR, 1.41) (all P < 0.05). A low ALP level was also associated with increased postoperative bleeding transfusion risk (OR, 1.12; P < 0.01) and developing a deep vein thrombosis (OR, 1.25; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Abnormal serum ALP levels in patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty are associated with increased postoperative periprosthetic fracture risk and medical complications requiring increased length of stay and discharge to a rehabilitation facility.

Kinematic Alignment May Reduce Opioid Consumption and Length of Stay Compared to Mechanically Aligned Total Knee Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have sought to determine the effects of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using kinematic alignment (KA) versus mechanical alignment (MA) to reproduce the native knee alignment and soft tissue envelope for improved patient satisfaction. There are limited studies that compare acute perioperative outcomes between KA and MA patients as it pertains to pain-related opioid consumption and hospital length of stay (LOS). This study aims to compare early KA and MA in restoring function and rehabilitation after surgery to reduce hospitalization and opioid consumption. METHODS: A retrospective review of 42 KA and 58 MA primary TKA patients performed by a single surgeon between 2020-2021 was conducted. Demographics were controlled between groups and radiographic measurements and functional outcomes were compared. Pain was evaluated with inpatient/outpatient morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Mobility was assessed using multiple measures by a physical therapist. Mean preoperative and 3-month postoperative flexion range of motion (ROM) were analyzed, and overall complications, LOS, and non-home discharge between groups compared. Continuous variables were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and categorical variables were compared using the chi-square or Fisher exact test. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: KA patients had shorter LOS (1.8 vs 3.1 days) and less cumulative opioid requirements compared to MA patients (578 vs 1253 MME). On postoperative day 0, KA patients ambulated on average twice the distance of MA patients (20 vs 6.5 feet). KA patients had residual tibia component in varus (1.4° vs -0.3°), femoral component in valgus (-1.9° vs 0.2°), and valgus joint line obliquity compared with MA (-1.5° vs 0.2°). There were no significant differences between 3-month postoperative flexion arc motion, discharge destination, KOOS or SF-12 outcomes, and surgical complication rates between groups. CONCLUSIONS: By restoring the native joint line obliquity and minimizing the frequency of ligament releases, KA for TKA may improve pain relief, early mobility, and decreased length of stay compared with traditional methods of establishing neutral limb axis by MA.

Preoperative Malnutrition and Metabolic Markers May Predict Periprosthetic Fractures in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Periprosthetic fractures are a devastating complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and are associated with significantly higher mortality rates in the postoperative period. Given the strain that periprosthetic fractures place on the patient as well as the healthcare system, identifying and optimizing medical comorbidities is essential in reducing complications and improving outcomes. Methods: All THA with primary indications of osteoarthritis from 2007 to 2020 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Demographic data, preoperative laboratory values, medical comorbidities, hospital course, and acute complications were collected and compared between patients with and without readmission for a periprosthetic fracture. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine associated independent risk factors for periprosthetic fractures after index THA. Results: The analysis included 275,107 patients, of which 2539 patients were readmitted for periprosthetic fractures. Patients with postoperative fractures were more likely to be older (>65 years), females, BMI >40, and increased medical comorbidities. Preoperative hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and abnormal estimated glomerular filtration rates were independent risk factors for sustaining a periprosthetic fracture and readmission within 30 days. Modifiable patient-related factors of concurrent smoking and chronic steroid use at the time of index THA were also independent risk factors for periprosthetic fractures. Inpatient metrics of longer length of stay, operative time, and discharge to rehab predicted postarthroplasty fracture risk. Readmitted fracture patients subsequently had increased risks of developing a surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, and requiring blood transfusions. Conclusions: Patients with hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, and abnormal estimated glomerular filtration rate are at increased risk for sustaining periprosthetic fractures after THA. Preoperative optimization with close monitoring of metabolic markers and modifiable risk factors may help not only prevent acute periprosthetic fractures but also associated infection and bleeding risk with fracture readmission.

Preoperative demographics and laboratory markers may be associated with early dislocation after total hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify modifiable medical comorbidities, laboratory markers and flaws in perioperative management that increase the risk of acute dislocation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. METHODS: All THA with primary indications of osteoarthritis from 2007 to 2020 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Demographic data, preoperative laboratory values, recorded past medical history, operative details as well as outcome and complication information were collected. The study population was divided into two cohorts: non-dislocation and dislocation patients. Statistics were performed to compare the characteristics of both cohorts and to identify risk factors for prosthetic dislocation (α < 0.05). RESULTS: 275,107 patients underwent primary THA in 2007 to 2020, of which 1,258 (0.5%) patients experienced a prosthetic hip dislocation. Demographics between non-dislocation and dislocation cohorts varied significantly in that dislocation patients were more likely to be female, older, with lower body mass index and a more extensive past medical history (all p < 0.05). Moreover, hypoalbuminemia and moderate/severe anemia were associated with increased risk of dislocation in a multivariate model (all p < 0.05). Finally, use of general anesthesia, longer operative time, and longer length of hospital stay correlated with greater risk of prosthetic dislocation (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly female patients and patients with certain abnormal preoperative laboratory values are at risk for sustaining acute dislocations after index THA. Careful interdisciplinary planning and medical optimization should be considered in high-risk patients as dislocations significantly increase the risk of sepsis, cerebral vascular accident, and blood transfusions on readmission.

Outcomes of Heart Transplant Donation After Circulatory Death.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation using donation after circulatory death (DCD) allografts is increasingly common, expanding the donor pool and reducing transplant wait times. However, data remain limited on clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare 6-month and 1-year clinical outcomes between recipients of DCD hearts, most of them recovered with the use of normothermic regional perfusion (NRP), and recipients of donation after brain death (DBD) hearts. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study of all adult heart-only transplants from January 2020 to January 2023. Recipient and donor data were abstracted from medical records and the United Network for Organ Sharing registry, respectively. Survival analysis and Cox regression were used to compare the groups. RESULTS: During the study period, 385 adults (median age 57.4 years [IQR: 48.0-63.7 years]) underwent heart-only transplantation, including 122 (32%) from DCD donors, 83% of which were recovered with the use of NRP. DCD donors were younger and had fewer comorbidities than DBD donors. DCD recipients were less often hospitalized before transplantation and less likely to require pretransplantation temporary mechanical circulatory support compared with DBD recipients. There were no significant differences between groups in 1-year survival, incidence of severe primary graft dysfunction, treated rejection during the first year, or likelihood of cardiac allograft vasculopathy at 1 year after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest single-center comparison of DCD and DBD heart transplantations to date, outcomes among DCD recipients are noninferior to those of DBD recipients. This study adds to the published data supporting DCD donors as a safe means to expand the heart donor pool.