Management of Uncomplicated Appendicitis in Adults: A Nationwide Analysis From 2018 to 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Nonoperative management (NOM) of uncomplicated appendicitis (UA) has been increasingly utilized in recent years. The aim of this study was to describe nationwide trends of sociodemographic characteristics, outcomes, and costs of patients undergoing medical versus surgical management for UA. METHODS: The 2018-2019 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample was queried for adults (age ≥18 y) with UA; diagnosis, as well as laparoscopic and open appendectomy, were defined by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We examined several characteristics, including cost of care and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Among the 167,125 patients with UA, 137,644 (82.4%) underwent operative management and 29,481 (17.6%) underwent NOM. In bivariate analysis, we found that patients who had NOM were older (53 versus 43 y, P < 0.001) and more likely to have Medicare (33.6% versus 16.1%, P < 0.001), with higher prevalence of comorbidities such as diabetes (7.8% versus 5.5%, P < 0.001). The majority of NOM patients were treated at urban teaching hospitals (74.5% versus 66.3%, P < 0.001). They had longer LOS's (5.4 versus 2.3 d, P < 0.001) with higher inpatient costs ($15,584 versus $11,559, P < 0.001) than those who had an appendectomy. Through logistic regression we found that older patients had up to 4.03-times greater odds of undergoing NOM (95% CI: 3.22-5.05, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NOM of UA is more commonly utilized in patients with comorbidities, older age, and those treated in teaching hospitals. This may, however, come at the price of longer length of stay and higher costs. Further guidelines need to be developed to clearly delineate which patients could benefit from NOM.

Firearm-Related Injuries and the US Opioid and Other Substance Use Epidemic: A Nationwide Evaluation of Emergency Department Encounters.

INTRODUCTION: There has been a sharp climb in the Unites States' death rate among opioid and other substance abuse patients, as well as an increased prevalence in gun violence. We aimed to investigate the association between substance abuse and gun violence in a national sample of patients presenting to US emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: We queried the 2018-2019 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for patients ≥18 years with substance abuse disorders (opioid and other) using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Within this sample, we analyzed characteristics and outcomes of patients with firearm-related injuries. The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes were ED charges and length of stay. RESULTS: Among the 25.2 million substance use disorder (SUD) patients in our analysis, 35,306 (0.14%) had a firearm-related diagnosis. Compared to other SUD patients, firearm-SUD patients were younger (33.3 versus 44.7 years, P < 0.001), primarily male (88.6% versus 54.2%, P < 0.001), of lower-income status (0-25th percentile income: 56.4% versus 40.5%, P < 0.001), and more likely to be insured by Medicaid or self-pay (71.6% versus 53.2%, P < 0.001). Firearm-SUD patients had higher mortality (1.4% versus 0.4%, P < 0.001), longer lengths of stay (6.5 versus 4.9 days, P < 0.001), and higher ED charges ($9269 versus $5,164, P < 0.001). Firearm-SUD patients had a 60.3% rate of psychiatric diagnoses. Firearm-SUD patients had 5.5 times greater odds of mortality in adjusted analyses (adjusted odds ratio: 5.5, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Opioid-substance abuse patients with firearm injuries have higher mortality rates and costs among these groups, with limited discharge to postacute care resources. All these factors together point to the urgent need for improved screening and treatment for this vulnerable group of patients.

Explainable Machine Learning to Bring Database to the Bedside: Development and Validation of the TROUT (Trauma fRailty OUTcomes) Index, a Point-of-Care Tool to Prognosticate Outcomes After Traumatic Injury Based on Frailty.

OBJECTIVE: Exemplify an explainable machine learning framework to bring database to the bedside; develop and validate a point-of-care frailty assessment tool to prognosticate outcomes after injury. BACKGROUND: A geriatric trauma frailty index that captures only baseline conditions, is readily-implementable, and validated nationwide remains underexplored. We hypothesized Trauma fRailty OUTcomes (TROUT) Index could prognosticate major adverse outcomes with minimal implementation barriers. METHODS: We developed TROUT index according to Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis guidelines. Using nationwide US admission encounters of patients aged ≥65 years (2016-2017; 10% development, 90% validation cohorts), unsupervised and supervised machine learning algorithms identified baseline conditions that contribute most to adverse outcomes. These conditions were aggregated into TROUT Index scores (0-100) that delineate 3 frailty risk strata. After associative [between frailty risk strata and outcomes, adjusted for age, sex, and injury severity (as effect modifier)] and calibration analysis, we designed a mobile application to facilitate point-of-care implementation. RESULTS: Our study population comprised 1.6 million survey-weighted admission encounters. Fourteen baseline conditions and 1 mechanism of injury constituted the TROUT Index. Among the validation cohort, increasing frailty risk (low=reference group, moderate, high) was associated with stepwise increased adjusted odds of mortality {odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 2.6 [2.4-2.8], 4.3 [4.0-4.7]}, prolonged hospitalization [OR (95% CI)]: 1.4 (1.4-1.5), 1.8 (1.8-1.9)], disposition to a facility [OR (95% CI): 1.49 (1.4-1.5), 1.8 (1.7-1.8)], and mechanical ventilation [OR (95% CI): 2.3 (1.9-2.7), 3.6 (3.0-4.5)]. Calibration analysis found positive correlations between higher TROUT Index scores and all adverse outcomes. We built a mobile application ("TROUT Index") and shared code publicly. CONCLUSION: The TROUT Index is an interpretable, point-of-care tool to quantify and integrate frailty within clinical decision-making among injured patients. The TROUT Index is not a stand-alone tool to predict outcomes after injury; our tool should be considered in conjunction with injury pattern, clinical management, and within institution-specific workflows. A practical mobile application and publicly available code can facilitate future implementation and external validation studies.

A National Evaluation of Emergency General Surgery Outcomes Among Hospitalized Cardiac Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency general surgery among cardiac surgery patients is increasingly common and consequential. We sought to characterize the true burden of emergency general surgery among hospitalized complex cardiac patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the 2016-2017 National Inpatient Sample. We included adult patients with a primary diagnosis of complex cardiac disease. We then compared patients who underwent emergency general surgery (GS-OR) with those who did not (non-GS-OR). The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes included length of stay and hospitalization costs. RESULTS: We identified 10.2 million patients with a primary diagnosis of complex cardiac disease, of which 148,309 (1.4%) underwent GS-OR. Mortality rates were significantly higher in the GS-OR group (11.0% versus 5.0%, P < 0.001). Among all cardiac patients, GS-OR was associated with 2.2 times increased odds of death (aOR: 2.2, P < 0.001). GS-OR patients also had longer length of stays (14.1 versus 5.8 d, P < 0.001). Among all cardiac patients, GS-OR was associated with an 8.1-day longer length of stay (P < 0.001). GS-OR patients were less often routinely discharged home (31.7% versus 45.3%, P < 0.001) and incurred higher inpatient costs ($46,136 versus $16,303, P < 0.001). Among all cardiac patients, GS-OR patients incurred $30,102 higher hospitalization costs (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency general surgery among cardiac surgery patients is associated with a greater than two-fold increase in mortality, longer length of stays, higher rates of nonroutine discharge, and higher hospitalization costs. Emergency general surgery complications account for 4.0% of total inpatient costs of cardiac surgery patients and merit further study.

Early National Landscape of Surgical Stabilization of Sternal Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Operative management of chest wall injuries aims to restore respiratory mechanics and mitigate pulmonary complications. Extensive studies support surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) for select patients, but role for surgical stabilization of sternal fractures (SSSF) remains unclear. We aimed to understand national prevalence of SSSF and compare outcomes after surgical stabilization and non-operative management of sternal fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) admitted with sternal fractures after blunt trauma using the 2016 National Trauma Data Bank. We compared odds of inpatient mortality, pneumonia, and respiratory failure for propensity score matched patients (4:1) who underwent non-operative management vs SSSF. We characterized subgroup of patients with concurrent rib and sternal fractures who underwent concomitant SSRF-SSSF. RESULTS: We identified 14,760 encounters of adults admitted with sternal fractures; 270 (1.8%) underwent SSSF. Compared to matched patients who underwent non-operative management, patients who underwent SSSF had lower odds of mortality (OR [95%CI]: 0.19 [0.06-0.62], p = 0.006). Adjusted for trauma center level, Mantel-Haenszel mortality odds remained lower for patients who underwent SSSF. Odds of pneumonia and respiratory failure were similar between matched groups. Among 46% of patients who had concomitant rib fractures, 0.3% (n = 18) underwent concurrent SSRF-SSSF and these patients survived hospitalization without pneumonia or respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: A vast majority of patients who suffer sternal fractures undergo non-operative management. Potential mortality benefit of SSSF and concurrent SSRF-SSSF's role for commonly concomitant rib and sternal fractures deserve further study. Our preliminary findings call for delineating heterogeneity of sternal fractures and establishing consensus SSSF indications.

Traumatic Injuries Due to Interpersonal and Domestic Violence in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Domestic and intimate partner violence (DV) are under-reported causes of injury. We describe the health care utilization of DV patients, hypothesizing they are at increased risk of mortality. METHODS: We queried the 2014 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for adult patients (18 y and older) with a primary diagnosis of trauma. DV was abstracted using International Statistical Classification of Diseases, ninth Revision codes for partner or spouse intimate violence, abuse, or neglect. The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes included admission rates and charges. RESULTS: Among 14 million trauma patients, 654,356 (5.0%) had a diagnosis of DV. Compared with other trauma patients, DV patients were younger (34.6 versus 46.8 y, P < 0.001), more often male (69.5% versus 50.1%, P < 0.001), and more likely to be uninsured (31.5% versus 15.6%, P < 0.001). 9154 (1.4%) were injured because of intimate partner violence, of which 90.2% were female. Drug and alcohol abuse (22.2%), anxiety (1.8%), and depression (1.3%) were high among all DV trauma patients. DV emergency department charges were higher ($4462 versus $2,871, P < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, DV trauma patients had 2.1 higher odds of mortality (aOR: 2.31, P < 0.001). DV trauma patients were also associated with a $1516 increase in emergency department charges compared with non-DV trauma patients (95% CI: $1489-$1,542, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Injuries related to all types of DV are emerging as a public health crisis among both genders. To mitigate under-reporting, it is important to identify at-risk patients and provide them with appropriate resources.

Mortality After General Surgery Among Hospitalized Patients With Hematologic Malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalized patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) may require abdominal operations for complications of malignancy, treatment sequelae, or unrelated abdominal pathology. We determined predictors of mortality after emergency general surgery for patients with HM using national-level data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the 2010-2014 National Inpatient Sample for International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for HM and abdominal operations, comparing adult patient encounters with abdominal operations with HM to those without HM. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of mortality. RESULTS: Of the 7.9 million adult inpatient encounters where abdominal surgery was performed, 82,187 (1%) had concomitant diagnoses of HM. Mortality among patient encounters with HM was significantly higher than without HM (9.0% versus 2.0%; P < 0.0001). Patient encounters with HM and surgery and a diagnosis of acute abdominal pain had mortality rates as high as 41%. The median standardized risk ratio for death after the top 25 general surgery procedures was 2.9 (interquartile range: 2.2-3.8) among patients with HM. In adjusted analyses, odds of mortality among patients with HM undergoing surgery were increased by concomitant acute abdominal pain diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.6; P < 0.0001), coagulopathy (OR = 2.0; P < 0.0001), aplastic anemia (OR = 1.7; P < 0.0001), peripheral vascular disease (OR = 1.4; P = 0.001), and weight loss (OR = 1.3; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although uncommon, surgery on patients with HM is associated with mortality rates nearly five times higher than the general surgical population. Patients with HM requiring surgical intervention may be at particularly high odds of death and postoperative complications.

Hospital Readmission After Climbing-Related Injury in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Rock climbing and mountaineering may result in injury requiring hospital admission. Readmission frequency after climbing-related injury is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess readmission frequency, morbidity, and mortality after admission for climbing-related injury. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the 2012 to 2014 national readmission database, a nationally representative sample of all hospitalized patients. Rock climbing, mountain climbing, and wall climbing injuries were identified using International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision-Clinical Modification codes (E004.0). Outcomes evaluated included readmission frequency, morbidity, mortality, inpatient admission, and costs. Adjusted analyses accounting for survey methodology were performed. Data are presented as mean±SD. RESULTS: A weighted-estimate 1324 inpatient admissions were associated with a climbing-related injury. Most patients were aged 18 to 44 y (64%), and 68% (n=896) were male. Isolated extremity injures were more common than other injuries (49%, n=645). Sixty-five percent (n=856) underwent a major operative procedure. Less than 1% of all climbing-related visits resulted in death. Within 6 mo of the index hospitalization, 2% (n=23) of the patients had at least 1 readmission, with a time to readmission of 9.9±6.6 (95% CI 4.5-15.4) d. Only female sex was associated with increased odds of readmission (odds ratio=5.5; 95% CI 1.5-20.1; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is a very low frequency of readmissions after being admitted to the hospital for climbing-related injury. A considerable opportunity to describe the long-term burden of climbing-related injury exists, and further research should be done to assess injury burden treated in the outpatient setting.

BASE Jumping Injuries Presenting to Emergency Departments in the United States: an Assessment of Morbidity, Emergency Department, and Inpatient Costs.

BACKGROUND: BASE (building, antenna, span, earth) jumping involves jumping from fixed objects with specialized parachutes. BASE jumping is associated with less aerodynamic control and flight stability than skydiving because of the lower altitude of jumps. Injuries and fatalities are often attributed to bad landings and object collision. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the 2010-2014 National Emergency Department Sample database, a nationally representative sample of all visits to US emergency departments (EDs). BASE jumping-associated injuries were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes [E004.0]. Outcomes evaluated included morbidity, mortality, inpatient admission, and costs. Adjusted analyses accounting for survey methodology were performed. RESULTS: After weighting, 1790 BASE-associated ED presentations were identified with 358±28 injuries annually. A total of 1313 patients (73%) were aged 18 to 44 y, and 1277 (71%) were male. Nine hundred seventy-six (55%) multiple body system injuries and 677 (38%) isolated extremity injuries were reported. There were 1588 (89%) patients discharged home from the ED; only 144 (7%) were admitted as inpatients. On multivariate logistic regression, only anatomic site of injury was associated with inpatient admission (odds ratio=0.6, P<0.001, 95% CI 0.5-0.8). Including ED and inpatient costs, BASE injuries cost the US healthcare system approximately $1.7 million annually. No deaths were identified within the limitations of the survey design. CONCLUSIONS: Although deemed one of the most dangerous extreme sports, many patients with BASE injuries surviving to arrival at definitive medical care do not require inpatient admission.

Self-inflicted gunshot wounds: readmission patterns.

BACKGROUND: Self-inflicted gunshot wounds (SI-GSWs) are often fatal, but roughly 20% of individuals survive. What happens to survivors after the initial hospitalization is unknown. We hypothesized that the SI-GSW survivors are frequently readmitted and that the pattern of readmission is different from that of the survivors of non-GSW self-harm (SH). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the 2013 and 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database. Patients with any diagnosis indicating deliberate SH in the first 6 months of the year were included. This group was divided into those who had SI-GSW as their mechanism and those who did not. Weighted numbers are reported. RESULTS: A total of 1987 patients were admitted for SI-GSW in the study period. Many (n = 506, 26%) experienced at least one readmission in 6 months. When compared with non-GSW SH patients, readmission rates were not statistically different (26% versus 26%, P = 0.60). However, readmissions for repeat SH were lower for the SI-GSW cohort (3% versus 7%, P = 0.004). Readmission for the SI-GSW cohort less frequently had a primary diagnosis of psychiatric illness (28% versus 57%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, there was no difference in odds ratios (OR) of all-cause readmission between the two groups. SI-GSW was associated with a lower OR of repeat SH readmission compared with non-GSW SH (OR 0.65, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Readmissions after an SI-GSW are frequent, highlighting the burden of this injury beyond the index hospitalization. There are differences in readmission patterns for SI-GSW patients versus non-GSW SH patients, and this suggests that prevention and follow-up strategies may differ between the two groups.

The association between angioembolization and splenic salvage for isolated splenic injuries.

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggest improved splenic salvage rates when angioembolization (AE) is routinely employed for high-grade splenic injuries; however, protocols and salvage rates vary among centers. MATERIALS/METHODS: Adult patients with isolated splenic injuries were identified using the National Trauma Data Bank, 2013-2014. Patients were excluded if they underwent immediate splenectomy or died in the emergency department. To characterize patterns of AE, trauma centers were grouped into quartiles based on frequency of AE use. Unadjusted analyses and mixed-effects logistical regression controlling for center effects were performed. RESULTS: Five thousand and ninety three adult patients were identified. Overall, 705 (13.8%) underwent AE and 290 (5.7%) required a splenectomy. In unadjusted comparisons, splenectomy rates were lower for patients with severe spleen injuries who underwent AE (7% versus 11%, P = 0.02). In mixed-effect logistical regression patients with severe splenic injuries undergoing AE had a lower odds ratio (OR) for splenectomy (OR = 0.67, P = 0.04). Patients treated at centers in the highest quartile of AE use had a lower OR for splenectomy (OR = 0.58, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The use of AE in patients with isolated severe splenic injuries is associated with decreased splenectomy rates. There is an association between centers that perform AE frequently and reduced splenectomy rates.

Climbing-Related Injury Among Adults in the United States: 5-Year Analysis of the National Emergency Department Sample.

INTRODUCTION: Rock climbing and mountaineering are popular outdoor recreational activities. More recently, indoor climbing has become popular, which has increased the number of persons at risk for climbing-related injuries. The purpose of this study was to assess the morbidity, mortality, and healthcare cost due to climbing-related injury among persons presenting to US emergency departments (ED). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the 2010 to 2014 National Emergency Department Sample database, a nationally representative sample of all visits to US EDs. Rock climbing, mountain climbing, and wall climbing injuries were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes (E004.0). Outcomes evaluated included morbidity, mortality, inpatient admission, and costs. Adjusted analyses accounting for survey methodology were performed. RESULTS: A weighted-estimate 15,116 adult ED visits were associated with climbing-related injury. Patient age was 32.8±14.7 (mean±SD) (95% CI: 32.1-33.5) y, and 62% of patients were male. The majority of the injuries occurred in the Western census region (9593; 63%). Less than 1% of all climbing-related visits resulted in death. Only of injury severity score >15 was associated with death (P = 0.005). A total of 1610 (11%) of patients were admitted as inpatients. Accounting for ED and inpatient costs, climbing-related injuries cost the US healthcare system approximately $102 (95% CI: $75-130) million USD for the 5-y period, averaging $20±9.5 million USD per y. CONCLUSIONS: Most persons with climbing-related injuries presenting to EDs do not require inpatient admission. Although death is rare among patients with climbing-related injuries, the costs of injuries in survivors remain high.

Costs and Financial Burden of Initial Hospitalizations for Firearm Injuries in the United States, 2006-2014.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the inflation-adjusted costs associated with initial hospitalizations for firearm-related injuries in the United States. METHODS: We used the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify patients admitted for firearm-related injuries from 2006 to 2014. We converted charges from hospitalization to costs, which we inflation-adjusted to 2014 dollars. We used survey weights to create national estimates. RESULTS: Costs for the initial inpatient hospitalization totaled $6.61 billion. The largest proportion was for patients with governmental insurance coverage, totaling $2.70 billion (40.8%) and was divided between Medicaid ($2.30 billion) and Medicare ($0.40 billion). Self-pay individuals accounted for $1.56 billion (23.6%) in costs. CONCLUSIONS: From 2006 to 2014, the cost of initial hospitalizations for firearm-related injuries averaged $734.6 million per year. Medicaid paid one third and self-pay patients one quarter of the financial burden. These figures substantially underestimate true health care costs. Public health implications. Firearm-related injuries are costly to the US health care system and are particularly burdensome to government insurance and the self-paying poor.

Clinical phenotypes of US level I trauma centers: use of clustering methodology.

BACKGROUND: American College of Surgeons Level I Trauma Centers (ACSL1TCs) meet the same personnel and structural requirements but serve different populations. We hypothesized that these nuanced differences may amenable to description through mathematical clustering methodology. METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank 2014 was used to derive information on ACSL1TCs. Explorative cluster hypothesis generation was performed using Ward's linkage to determine expected number of clusters based on patient and injury characteristics. Subsequent k-means clustering was applied for analysis. Comparison between clusters was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis or chi-square test. RESULTS: In 2014, 113 ACSL1TCs admitted 267,808 patients (median = 2220 patients, range: 928-6643 patients). Three clusters emerged. Cluster I centers (n = 53, 47%) were more likely to admit older, Caucasian patients who suffered from falls (P < 0.05) and had higher proportions of private (31%) and Medicare payers (29%) (P = 0.001). Cluster II centers (n = 18, 16%) were more likely to admit younger, minority males who suffered from penetrating trauma (P < 0.05) and had higher proportions of Medicaid (24%) or self-pay patients (19%) (P = 0.001). Cluster III centers (n = 42, 37%) were similar to cluster I with respect to racial demographic and payer status but resembled cluster II centers with respect to injury patterns (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis identified three unique, mathematically definable clusters of ACSL1TCs serving three broadly different patient populations. Understanding these mathematically definable clusters should have utility when assessing an institution's financial risk profile, directing prevention and outreach programs, and performing needs and resource assessments. Ultimately, clustering allows for more meaningful direct comparisons between phenotypically similar trauma centers.

The prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses and associated mortality in hospitalized US trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that psychiatric diagnoses would be common in hospitalized trauma patients in the United States and when present, would be associated with worse outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS, 2012) was used to determine national estimates for the number of patients admitted with an injury. Psychiatric diagnoses were identified using diagnosis codes according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. RESULTS: A total of 36.5 million patients were admitted to hospitals in the United States in 2012. Of these, 1.3 million (4%) were due to trauma. Psychiatric conditions were more common in patients admitted for trauma versus those admitted for other reasons (44% versus 34%, P < 0.001). Trauma patients who had a psychiatric diagnosis compared to trauma patients without a psychiatric diagnosis were older (mean age: 61 versus 56 y, P < 0.001), more often female (52% versus 50%, P < 0.001), and more often white (73% versus 68%, P < 0.001). For ages 18-64, drug and alcohol abuse predominated (41%), whereas dementia and related disorders (48%) were the most common in adults ≥65 y. Mortality was lower for trauma patients with a psychiatric diagnosis compared to those who did not in both unadjusted and adjusted analysis (1.9% versus 2.8%; odds ratio: 0.56, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Psychiatric conditions are present in almost half of all hospitalized trauma patients in the United States; however, the types of conditions varied with age. The frequency of psychiatric conditions in the trauma population suggests efforts should be made to address this component of patient health.

Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure and Common Bacterial Infections: A Nationwide Analysis of Concomitant Clostridium Difficile Infection Rates and In-Hospital Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure (HF) are frequently hospitalized with common bacterial infections. It is unknown whether they experience concomitant Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) more frequently than patients without HF, and whether CDI affects their mortality. METHODS: We used 2012 National Inpatient Sample data to determine the rate of CDI and associated in-hospital mortality for hospitalized patients with comorbid HF and urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia (PNA), or sepsis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Weighted data are presented. RESULTS: There were an estimated 5,851,582 patient hospitalizations with discharge diagnosis of UTI, PNA, or sepsis in 2012 in the United States. Of these, 23.4% had discharge diagnosis of HF. Patients with HF were on average older and had more comorbidities. CDI rates were higher in hospitalizations with discharge diagnosis of HF compared with those without HF (odds ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.16) after controlling for patient demographics and comorbidities and hospital characteristics. Among HF hospitalizations with UTI, PNA, or sepsis, those with concomitant CDI had a higher in-hospital mortality than those without concomitant CDI (odds ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.71-1.92) after controlling for the covariates outlined previously. CONCLUSIONS: HF is associated with higher CDI rates among hospitalized patients with other common bacterial infections, even when adjusting for other known risk factors for CDI. Among these patients with comorbid HF, CDI is associated with markedly higher in-hospital mortality. These findings may suggest an opportunity to improve outcomes for hospitalized patients with HF and common bacterial infections, possibly through improved Clostridium difficile screening and prophylaxis protocols.

Trends in open vascular surgery for trauma: implications for the future of acute care surgery.

BACKGROUND: Trauma patients with vascular injuries have historically been within a general surgeon's operative ability. Changes in training and decline in operative trauma have decreased trainees' exposure to these injuries. We sought to determine how frequently vascular procedures are performed at US trauma centers to quantify the need for general surgeons trained to manage vascular injuries. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the National Trauma Data Base (NTDB) from 2012 compared with 2002. Patients with general surgical and vascular procedures were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, procedure codes 38.0-39.99, excluding 38.9-38.99. RESULTS: General surgery or vascular operations were performed on 12,099 (24%) of 50,248 severely injured adult patients in 2002 and 21,854 (16%) of 138,009 injured patients in 2012. Nineteen percent to 26% of all patients underwent vascular procedures. Patients with combined general surgery and vascular procedures were less likely to be discharged home and more likely to die. In 2002, 6% of severely injured adult trauma patients underwent open vascular procedures at level III/IV trauma centers; by 2012, only 1% of vascular surgery procedures were performed at level III/IV centers (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Need for emergent vascular surgery remains common for severely injured patients. Future trauma systems and surgical training programs will need to account for the need for open vascular skills. The findings suggest that there is already a trend away from open vascular procedures at level III/IV trauma centers, which may be a sign of system compensation for changes in the workforce.

Trends in the management of pelvic fractures, 2008-2010.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding from pelvic fractures can be lethal. Angioembolization (AE) and external fixation (EXFIX) are common treatments to control bleeding, but it is not known how frequently they are used. We hypothesized that AE would be increasingly more common compared with EXFIX over time. METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank for the years from 2008-2010 were used. Patients were included in the study if they had an International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition, Clinical Modification codes for pelvic fractures and were aged ≥18 y. Patients were excluded if they had isolated acetabular fractures, were not admitted, or had minor injuries. Outcomes included receiving a procedure and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 22,568 patients met study criteria. AE and EXFIX were performed in 746 (3.3%) and 663 (2.9%) patients, respectively. AE was performed more often as the study period progressed (2.5% in 2007 to 3.7% in 2010; P < 0.001). This remained significant in adjusted analysis (odds ratio per year 1.15; P = 0.008). Having a procedure was associated with higher mortality in unadjusted analyses compared with those with no procedure (11.0% for no procedure versus 20.5% and 13.4% for AE or EXFIX, respectively; P < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, only AE remained associated with higher mortality (odds ratio 1.63; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AE in severely injured pelvic fracture patients is increasing. AE is associated with higher mortality, which may reflect the fact that it is used for patients at higher risk of death. The role of AE for bleeding should be examined in future studies.

The burden of readmissions after rib fractures among older adults.

BACKGROUND: The index hospitalization morbidity and mortality of rib fractures among older adults (aged ≥65 years) is well-known, yet the burden and risks for readmissions after rib fractures in this vulnerable population remain understudied. We aimed to characterize the burdens and etiologies associated with 3-month readmissions among older adults who suffer rib fractures. We hypothesized that readmissions would be common and associated with modifiable etiologies. METHODS: This survey-weighted retrospective study using the 2017 and 2019 National Readmissions Database evaluated adults aged ≥65 years hospitalized with multiple rib fractures and without major extrathoracic injuries. The main outcome was the proportion of patients experiencing all-cause 3-month readmissions. We assessed the 5 leading principal readmission diagnoses overall and delineated them by index hospitalization discharge disposition (home or facility). Sensitivity analysis using clinical classification categories characterized readmissions that could reasonably represent rib fracture-related sequelae. RESULTS: In 2017, 25,092 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 20% (N = 4,894) experiencing 3-month readmissions. Six percent of patients did not survive their readmission. The 5 leading principal readmission diagnoses were sepsis (many associated with secondary diagnoses of pneumonia [41%] or urinary tract infections [41%]), hypertensive heart/kidney disease, hemothorax, pneumonia, and respiratory failure. In 2019, a comparable 3-month readmission rate of 23% and identical 5 leading diagnoses were found. Principal readmission diagnosis of hemothorax was associated with the shortest time to readmission (median [interquartile range]:9 [5-23] days). Among patients discharged home after index hospitalization, pleural effusion-possibly representing mischaracterized hemothorax-was among the leading principal readmission diagnoses. Some patients readmitted with a principal diagnosis of hemothorax or pleural effusion had these diagnoses at index hospitalization; a lower proportion of these patients underwent pleural fluid intervention during index hospitalization compared with readmission. On sensitivity analysis, 30% of 3-month readmissions were associated with principal diagnoses suggesting rib fracture-related sequelae. CONCLUSION: Readmissions are not infrequent among older adults who suffer rib fractures, even in the absence of major extrathoracic injuries. Future studies should better characterize how specific complications associated with readmissions, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and delayed hemothoraces, could be mitigated.

Palliative Intervention for Malignant Bowel Obstruction Comes at a Cost: A National Inpatient Study.

Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) due to peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is associated with poor outcomes. Optimal management for palliation remains unclear. This study aims to characterize nonoperative, procedural, and operative management strategies for MBO and evaluate its association with mortality and cost.Materials and Methods: ICD-10 coding identified patient admissions from the 2018 to 2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for MBO with PC from gastrointestinal or ovarian primary cancers. Management was categorized as nonoperative, procedural, or surgical. Multivariate analysis was used to associate treatment with mortality and cost.Results: 356,316 patient admissions were identified, with a mean age of 63 years. Gender, race, and insurance status were similar among groups. Length of stay (LOS) was longest in the surgical group (surgical: 17 days; procedural: 14 days; nonoperative: 7 days; P = .001). In comparison to nonoperative, procedural and surgical patients had statistically higher hospital charges, post-discharge medical needs, palliative care consults, and admission to rehab centers. Mortality was 7% in nonoperative, 9% in procedural, and 8% in surgical (P = .007) groups. In adjusted analyses, older age, palliative care consult, and non-Medicare payer status were associated with higher mortality. Compared to nonoperative, procedural and surgical groups resulted in increased costs (procedural: $17K more; surgical: $30K more).Conclusions: Admissions for procedural and surgical treatment of MBO are associated with increased LOS, hospital costs, and discharge needs. Optimal management remains challenging. Clinicians must examine all options prior to recommending palliative interventions given a trend towards higher resource utilization and mortality.