Surgical Versus Medical Team Assignment and Secondary Palliative Care Services for Patients Dying in a Cardiac Hospital.

BACKGROUND:: Secondary palliative care (SPC) provides several benefits for patients with cardiovascular disease, but historically, it has been underutilized in this population. Prior research suggests a low rate of SPC consultation by surgical teams in general, but little is known about how surgical teams utilize SPC in the setting of severe cardiovascular disease. AIM:: To determine if surgical team assignment affects the probability of SPC for inpatients dying of cardiovascular disease. DESIGN:: Retrospective, cohort study. METHODS:: We identified all inpatients at a large cardiac hospital who had anticipated death under the care of a cardiology, cardiac surgery, or vascular surgery team in 2016. Our primary outcome was referral to SPC, including palliative medicine consultation or inpatient hospice care. Informed by univariate analysis, we created a multivariable logistic regression model, the significance of which was assessed with the Wald test. RESULTS:: Two hundred thirty-seven patients were included in our analysis: 93 (39%) received SPC and 144 (61%) were "missed opportunities." Secondary palliative care was less frequent in patients assigned to a surgical, versus medical, team (11% vs 47%, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, surgical versus medical team assignment was the strongest risk-adjusted predictor of SPC (odds ratio [OR]: 0.10, P < .001). Other predictors of SPC included do not resuscitate status on admission (OR: 14, P < .001), length of stay (OR = 1.05/day, P < .001), and having Medicare (OR = 3.9, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS:: Primary inpatient care by a surgical team had a strong inverse relationship with SPC. This suggests a possible cultural barrier within surgical disciplines to SPC.

Long-term Outcomes of Tetralogy of Fallot: A Study From the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium.

Importance: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a surgically repairable form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. Multicenter data for long-term survival following repair are sparse. Objective: To evaluate the long-term transplant-free survival of TOF by surgical strategy adjusted for era and patient characteristics. Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective cohort study enriched with data from the National Death Index and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network through 2014. Multicenter cohort from the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium (PCCC), a large, US-based clinical registry for interventions for congenital heart disease. The cohort included patients with adequate identifiers for linkage with the National Death Index and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network who were enrolled in the PCCC registry between 1982 and 2003 and survived surgical repair of simple TOF. Data were analyzed between September 2015 and April 2018. Exposures: We examined patient-associated and surgery-associated risk factors affecting survival. Main Outcomes and Measures: We analyzed the transplant-free survival during early (<6 years) and late (≥6 years) phase after TOF surgical repair. Results: Of the 3283 patients who survived repair for simple TOF and met the study's inclusion criteria, 56.4% were male and 43.6% were female. Twenty-five-year survival following TOF repair was 94.5%. Multivariable analysis demonstrated increased risk of early mortality with staged repair (HR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.59-4.49) and non-valve-sparing operation (HR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.53-9.19). Presence of a genetic abnormality was associated with increased risk of death both in the early (HR, 3.64; 95% CI, 2.05-6.47) and late postoperative phase (HR, 4.41; 95% CI, 2.62-7.44). Conclusions and Relevance: Long-term survival after simple TOF repair is excellent. Staged repair and non-valve-sparing operations were negatively associated with survival in the early postrepair phase but not the late postrepair phase. These data are important for patients with repaired TOF and their caretakers and may guide surgical strategies for optimizing the long-term outcomes of this population.

Proximity to Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Care among Adolescents with Congenital Heart Defects in 11 New York Counties.

BACKGROUND: Many individuals with congenital heart defects (CHDs) discontinue cardiac care in adolescence, putting them at risk of adverse health outcomes. Because geographic barriers may contribute to cessation of care, we sought to characterize geographic access to comprehensive cardiac care among adolescents with CHDs. METHODS: Using a population-based, 11-county surveillance system of CHDs in New York, we characterized proximity to the nearest pediatric cardiac surgical care center among adolescents aged 11 to 19 years with CHDs. Residential addresses were extracted from surveillance records documenting 2008 to 2010 healthcare encounters. Addresses were geocoded using ArcGIS and the New York State Street and Address Maintenance Program, a statewide address point database. One-way drive and public transit time from residence to nearest center were calculated using R packages gmapsdistance and rgeos with the Google Maps Distance Matrix application programming interface. A marginal model was constructed to identify predictors associated with one-way travel time. RESULTS: We identified 2522 adolescents with 3058 corresponding residential addresses and 12 pediatric cardiac surgical care centers. The median drive time from residence to nearest center was 18.3 min, and drive time was 30 min or less for 2475 (80.9%) addresses. Predicted drive time was longest for rural western addresses in high poverty census tracts (68.7 min). Public transit was available for most residences in urban areas but for few in rural areas. CONCLUSION: We identified areas with geographic barriers to surgical care. Future research is needed to determine how these barriers influence continuity of care among adolescents with CHDs. Birth Defects Research 109:1494-1503, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Trends in utilization of specialty care centers in California for adults with congenital heart disease.

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines recommend that management of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) be coordinated by specialty ACHD centers and that ACHD surgery for patients with moderate or complex congenital heart disease (CHD) be performed by surgeons with expertise and training in CHD. Given this, the aim of this study was to determine the proportion of ACHD surgery performed at specialty ACHD centers and to identify factors associated with ACHD surgery being performed outside of specialty centers. This retrospective population analysis used California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development's discharge database to analyze ACHD cardiac surgery (in patients 21 to 65 years of age) in California from 2000 to 2011. Designation as a "specialty ACHD center" was defined on the basis of a national ACHD directory. A total of 4,611 ACHD procedures were identified. The proportion of procedures in patients with moderate and complex CHD delivered at specialty centers increased from 46% to 71% from 2000 to 2011. In multivariate analysis among those discharges for ACHD surgery in patients with moderate or complex CHD, performance of surgery outside a specialty center was more likely to be associated with patients who were older, Hispanic, insured by health maintenance organizations, and living farther from a specialty center. In conclusion, although the proportion of ACHD surgery for moderate or complex CHD being performed at specialty ACHD centers has been increasing, 1 in 4 patients undergo surgery at nonspecialty centers. Increased awareness of ACHD care guidelines and of the patient characteristics associated with differential access to ACHD centers may help improve the delivery of appropriate care for all adults with CHD.

[Diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Italy: results of the INCIPIT2 survey]. / Diagnosi e terapia dell'ipertensione arteriosa polmonare nelle Cardiologie italiane: risultati dell'indagine conoscitiva INCIPIT2.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare clinical condition characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and premature death. It is necessary to activate a pathway from the screening of pulmonary hypertension to the diagnosis of PAH, so as to use the drugs able to improve the outcome. Nowadays, in Italy, there are no data about the management of PAH in peripheral centers and about the integration of peripheral centers with those of excellence. METHODS: In order to have a map of the actual Italian pathway for diagnosis and therapy of PAH, on behalf of the ANMCO Pulmonary Circulation Area, 923 Italian cardiology departments were asked to reply, on a special electronic file, to a few simple questions about their organization, from December 2012 to May 2013. RESULTS: 101/923 centers (48 in the North, 18 in the Middle, 35 in the South) answered correctly. 32% has no organization for PAH, 68% has a pathway for PAH diagnosis and management, and two thirds of them collaborate with excellence centers. 36 centers perform right heart catheterization with vascular reactivity (21 with nitric oxide, 8 with adenosine, 5 with epoprostenol, 2 with nitric oxide or epoprostenol). 61/101 are prescriber centers: 33 perform right heart catheterization with vascular reactivity test, 23 send their patients to the reference center for right heart catheterization, 5 perform no right heart catheterization before the prescription of specific drugs for PAH, and only 14 prescribe intravenous prostanoids. In 2011, the participating centers followed 561 patients with PAH, of whom 126 (23%) were in independent centers. With regard to the network organization of the groups, the participating centers are partly independent of the diagnostic pathway, partly refer to outside regions; in others there is a structured regional network and there are 3 Italian regions with Hub & Spoke networks that receive patients coming from other regions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the interest of Italian Cardiology to find a pathway for the diagnosis of PAH and a heterogeneity suggesting the need for a shareable pathway, thus improving the collaboration between peripheral cardiology departments and the excellence centers for PAH in a functional Hub & Spoke network.

Spatial distribution of specialized cardiac care units in the state of Santa Catarina / Distribuição espacial de serviços especializados em cardiologia no estado de Santa Catarina

OBJECTIVE To analyze the methodology used for assessing the spatial distribution of specialized cardiac care units. METHODS A modeling and simulation method was adopted for the practical application of cardiac care service in the state of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, using the p-median model. As the state is divided into 21 health care regions, a methodology which suggests an arrangement of eight intermediate cardiac care units was analyzed, comparing the results obtained using data from 1996 and 2012. RESULTS Results obtained using data from 2012 indicated significant changes in the state, particularly in relation to the increased population density in the coastal regions. The current study provided a satisfactory response, indicated by the homogeneity of the results regarding the location of the intermediate cardiac care units and their respective regional administrations, thereby decreasing the average distance traveled by users to health care units, located in higher population density areas. The validity of the model was corroborated through the analysis of the allocation of the median vertices proposed in 1996 and 2012. CONCLUSIONS The current spatial distribution of specialized cardiac care units is more homogeneous and reflects the demographic changes that have occurred in the state over the last 17 years. The comparison between the two simulations and the current configuration showed the validity of the proposed model as an aid in decision making for system expansion. .

OBJETIVO Analisar metodologia para distribuição espacial de serviços especializados em cardiologia. MÉTODOS Foi utilizado método de modelagem e simulação de aplicação prática para o serviço de atendimento cardiológico do estado de Santa Catarina, por meio do modelo de p-medianas. Considerando-se a divisão do estado em 21 regiões de saúde, foi analisada uma metodologia que propõe a instalação de oito centros de atendimento cardiológico intermediários, comparando-se os resultados de 1996 e 2012. RESULTADOS A aplicação com dados de 2012 refletiu mudanças ocorridas no estado, principalmente quanto ao adensamento populacional na região litorânea. A proposta atual apresentou uma resposta eficiente, observada pela homogeneidade dos resultados referentes à localização dos centros de atendimento cardiológico intermediários e às regiões que ficam a eles alocadas, com redução da distância média percorrida às unidades de serviço em regiões com maior densidade demográfica. A validade do modelo foi confirmada na análise da alocação dos vértices medianos propostos em 1996 e 2012. CONCLUSÕES A distribuição espacial de serviços especializados em cardiologia apresenta configuração mais homogênea e reflete as mudanças demográficas ocorridas no estado nos últimos 17 anos. A comparação entre as duas simulações realizadas e a configuração atual mostrou a validade do modelo como ferramenta auxiliar na tomada de decisão para a expansão do sistema. .

Effects of geodemographic profiles on healthcare service utilization: a case study on cardiac care in Ontario, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Although literature has associated geodemographic factors with healthcare service utilization, little is known about how these factors - such as population size, age profile, service accessibility, and educational profile - interact to influence service utilization. This study fills this gap in the literature by examining both the direct and the moderating effects of geodemographic profiles on the utilization of cardiac surgery services. METHODS: We aggregated secondary data obtained from Statistics Canada and Cardiac Care Network of Ontario to derive the geodemographic profiles of Ontario and the corresponding cardiac surgery service utilization in the years between 2004 and 2007. We conducted a two-step test using Partial Least Squares-based structural equation modeling to investigate the relationships between geodemographic profiles and healthcare service utilization. RESULTS: Population size and age profile have direct positive effects on service utilization (ß = 0.737, p < 0.01; ß = 0.284, p < 0.01, respectively), whereas service accessibility is negatively associated with service utilization (ß = -0.210, p < 0.01). Service accessibility decreases the effect of population size on service utilization (ß = -0.606, p < 0.01), and educational profile weakens the effects of population size and age profile on service utilization (ß = -0.595, p < 0.01; ß = -0.286, p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that (1) service accessibility has a moderating effect on the relationship between population size and service utilization, and (2) educational profile has moderating effects on both the relationship between population size and service utilization, and the relationship between age profile and service utilization. Our findings suggest that reducing regional disparities in healthcare service utilization should take into account the interaction of geodemographic factors such as service accessibility and education. In addition, the allocation of resources for a particular healthcare service in one area should consider the geographic distribution of the same services in neighboring areas, as patients may be willing to utilize these services in areas not far from where they reside.

Validation of the 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet and EuroSCORE at the Heart Institute - USP.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the 2000 Bernstein Parsonnet (2000BP) and additive EuroSCORE (ES) to predict mortality in patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery and/or heart valve surgery at the Heart Institute, University of São Paulo (InCor/HC-FMUSP). METHODS: A prospective observational design. We analyzed 3000 consecutive patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery and/or heart valve surgery, between May 2007 and July 2009 at the InCor/HC-FMUSP. Mortality was calculated with the 2000BP and ES models. The correlation between estimated mortality and observed mortality was validated by calibration and discrimination tests. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the prevalence of risk factors between the study population, 2000BP and ES. Patients were stratified into five groups for 2000BP and three for the ES. In the validation of models, the ES showed good calibration (P = 0.596), however, the 2000BP (P = 0.047) proved inadequate. In discrimination, the area under the ROC curve proved to be good for models, ES (0.79) and 2000BP (0.80). CONCLUSION: In the validation, 2000BP proved questionable and ES appropriate to predict mortality in patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery and/or heart valve surgery at the InCor/HC-FMUSP.

Heart defects treatment in Sergipe: propose of resources' rationalization to improve care.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims evaluate the treatment of congenital heart disease conducted from 2000 to 2009. METHODS: The sample consisted of all patients undergoing surgical correction for congenital heart disease for ten years in Sergipe, Brazil. The patients were operated in three hospitals located in the city of Aracaju, capital of the state of Sergipe (Brazil). The study was divided into two periods defined by the start date of centralization of surgery. The variables collected were: age, sex, postoperative diagnosis, destination, type of surgery and hospital where the procedure was performed and the classification RACHS -1. RESULTS: In the period I, the estimate deficit of surgery was 69% decrease occurring in the period II to 55.3%. The postoperative diagnosis was more frequent closure of the interventricular communication (20.5%), closure of patent ductus arteriosus (20.2%) and atrial septal defect (19%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the expected mortality RACHS-1 and observed in the sample. The evaluation of RACHS-1 as a predictor of hospital mortality by ROC curve showed area of 0.860 95% CI 0.818 to 0.902 with P <0.0001. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the centralization and organization of existing resources are needed to improve the performance of surgical correction of congenital heart diseases.

A 15-year study of the changing demographics and infection risk in a new UK cardiac surgery unit.

OBJECTIVES: National trends in cardiac surgery show a shift towards a higher preoperative risk profile and factors that might also be expected to increase the risk of postoperative infective complications. We document the changing patient demographics in the first 15 years of a new cardiac surgery unit and examine the impact of these and other changes in estate, staffing and clinical protocols, on the risks of common postoperative infections. METHODS: Data recorded included patient age, sex and body mass index, type and number of operations, logistic EuroSCORE, mortality rate, urgency of operation, reoperation rate, requirement for intra-aortic balloon pump, incidence of diabetes and the incidence of common postoperative infections. RESULTS: A total of 8449 cardiac operations were undertaken. The mean patient age increased from 62.71 to 65.82 years; procedural complexity increased with the proportion of isolated coronary artery bypass procedures falling from 72.8 to 54%; there were increases in the urgency of operation (11.3-26.9%), average patient body mass index (27.01-28.67), the incidence of diabetes (12.3-21.2%), logistic EuroSCORE (5.36-7.74) and intra-aortic balloon pump usage (6.4-15.6%). The incidence of superficial sternal infection reduced (3.9-1.4%); other wound infection rates were low and showed no overall trend with time. Urinary tract infection varied between 0 and 1.7%, but did show a significant increase over the last 3 years (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a change in the patient profile, yet despite an increase in infection risk factors, no increase in actual infection rates. The importance of non-patient factors in influencing the outcomes after cardiac surgery is discussed.

Validação do 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet e EuroSCORE no Instituto do Coração - USP / Validation of the 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet and EuroSCORE at the Heart Institute - USP

OBJETIVO: Validar o 2000 Bernstein Parsonnet (2000BP) e EuroSCORE aditivo (ES) na predição de mortalidade cirúrgica nos pacientes operados de coronária e/ou valva, no Instituto do Coração da Universidade de São Paulo (InCor/ HC-FMUSP). MÉTODOS: Desenho prospectivo e observacional. Foram analisados, 3000 pacientes consecutivos operados de coronária e/ou valva, entre maio de 2007 e julho de 2009 no InCor/HC-FMUSP. A mortalidade foi calculada com os escores 2000BP e ES. A correlação entre mortalidade estimada e mortalidade observada foi validada mediante testes de calibração e discriminação. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença significativa na prevalência dos fatores de risco entre as populações do estudo, ES e 2000BP. Os pacientes foram estratificados em cinco grupos para o 2000BP e três para o ES. Na validação dos modelos, o ES apresentou uma boa calibração (P=0,596); no entanto, o 2000BP revelou-se inadequado (P=0,047). Na discriminação, a área abaixo da curva ROC revelou-se boa para ambos os modelos, ES (0,79) e 2000BP (0,80). CONCLUSÃO: Na validação, o 2000BP revelou-se questionável e o ES adequado para predizer mortalidade nos pacientes operados de coronária e/ou valva, no InCor/ HC-FMUSP.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the 2000 Bernstein Parsonnet (2000BP) and additive EuroSCORE (ES) to predict mortality in patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery and/or heart valve surgery at the Heart Institute, University of São Paulo (InCor/HC-FMUSP). METHODS: A prospective observational design. We analyzed 3000 consecutive patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery and/or heart valve surgery, between May 2007 and July 2009 at the InCor/HC-FMUSP. Mortality was calculated with the 2000BP and ES models. The correlation between estimated mortality and observed mortality was validated by calibration and discrimination tests. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the prevalence of risk factors between the study population, 2000BP and ES. Patients were stratified into five groups for 2000BP and three for the ES. In the validation of models, the ES showed good calibration (P = 0.596), however, the 2000BP (P = 0.047) proved inadequate. In discrimination, the area under the ROC curve proved to be good for models, ES (0.79) and 2000BP (0.80). CONCLUSION: In the validation, 2000BP proved questionable and ES appropriate to predict mortality in patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery and/or heart valve surgery at the InCor/HC-FMUSP.

Tratamento das cardiopatias congênitas em Sergipe: proposta de racionalização dos recursos para melhorar a assistência / Heart defects treatment in Sergipe: propose of resources' rationalization to improve care

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o tratamento das cardiopatias congênitas realizadas de 2000 a 2009. MÉTODOS: A amostra constituiu-se de todos os pacientes submetidos a correção cirúrgica para cardiopatias congênitas por dez anos em Sergipe, Brasil. Os pacientes foram operados em três hospitais localizados na cidade de Aracaju (SE, Brasil), capital do estado de Sergipe. O estudo foi dividido em dois períodos, definidos pela data do início da centralização das cirurgias. As variáveis coletadas foram: faixa etária, gênero, diagnóstico pós-operatório, destino, tipo de cirurgia e hospital em que foi realizado o procedimento e a classificação RACHS -1. RESULTADOS: No período I, a estimativa do déficit de cirurgia foi de 69%, ocorrendo decréscimo no período II para 55,3%. O diagnóstico pós-operatório mais frequente foi de fechamento de comunicação interventricular (20,5%), fechamento de canal arterial (20,2%) e da comunicação interatrial (19%). Houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre mortalidade esperada pelo RACHS-1 e a observada na amostra. A avaliação do RACHS-1 como fator preditor da mortalidade hospitalar por meio da curva ROC demonstrou área de 0,860 IC 95% 0,818 a 0,902, com P < 0,0001. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo indicam que a centralização e a organização dos recursos existentes são necessárias para melhora no desempenho das correções cirúrgicas das cardiopatias congênitas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims evaluate the treatment of congenital heart disease conducted from 2000 to 2009. METHODS: The sample consisted of all patients undergoing surgical correction for congenital heart disease for ten years in Sergipe, Brazil. The patients were operated in three hospitals located in the city of Aracaju, capital of the state of Sergipe (Brazil). The study was divided into two periods defined by the start date of centralization of surgery. The variables collected were: age, sex, postoperative diagnosis, destination, type of surgery and hospital where the procedure was performed and the classification RACHS -1. RESULTS: In the period I, the estimate deficit of surgery was 69% decrease occurring in the period II to 55.3%. The postoperative diagnosis was more frequent closure of the interventricular communication (20.5%), closure of patent ductus arteriosus (20.2%) and atrial septal defect (19%). There was a statistically significant correlation between the expected mortality RACHS-1 and observed in the sample. The evaluation of RACHS-1 as a predictor of hospital mortality by ROC curve showed area of 0.860 95% CI 0.818 to 0.902 with P <0.0001. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the centralization and organization of existing resources are needed to improve the performance of surgical correction of congenital heart diseases.

An even smaller area variation: differing practice patterns among interventional cardiologists within a single high volume tertiary cardiac centre.

BACKGROUND: Variations in the rate of use of common medical procedures/therapies are widely documented. Previous studies tend to focus on variations between either hospitals or geographic areas. Few studies examine within centre practice variations. OBJECTIVE: To examine if variation in treatment recommendations exist among highly trained interventional cardiologists (n=9) working in a single, highly collaborative tertiary care centre. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Data was collected from a local registry. A logistic regression model was used to estimate each physician's odds of recommending revascularization therapy over medical therapy for patients with significant CAD. The analysis was repeated to estimate each physician's odds of recommending percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) over coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) when the physician indicated the need for revascularization. Each physician's odds were compared to those for a reference physician to yield odds ratios. The odds ratios were adjusted for multiple patient characteristics. RESULTS: The adjusted odds ratios of four physicians differed significantly from the reference physician (range: 0.8-2.9). Variation was also seen among physicians in the decision to recommend CABG rather than PCI once revascularization therapy was selected. The odds ratios ranged from 1.5 to 4.2. CONCLUSION: Practice variations were seen despite case mix adjustment, similar resource and environmental constraints. The existence of within centre variations may have implications on service delivery and planning. Research is needed to both identify the existence, and explain the determinants of "an even smaller area variation".

[B hepatitis vaccination evaluated in population of non-medical staff members]. / Szczepienia ochronne przeciw wirusowemu zapaleniu watroby typu B, oceniane w populacji doroslych pacjentów niebedacych pracownikami sluzby zdrowia.

UNLABELLED: Hepatitis belongs to a group of diseases caused by different hepatotropic viruses, which are responsible for inflamation of the liver. The most common form of liver infection is hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is transmitted by blood and other body fluids. The infection can also occur during pregnancy--the fetus contact with mother physiological fluids, direct contact with infected blood, unprotected sexual contact and intravenous administration of drugs using of unsterile needles. Chronic hepatitis B accounts for approximately 80% of liver cancer. HBV constitutes a major epidemiological threat. According to statistical data over 2 billion people worldwide are infected. 60% of patients are non-symptomatic, while 40-50 develop disease symptoms. All this often lead to inflamation, cirrhosis hepatis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV vaccinaton presents the only effective way to prevent the disease. Therefore it is extremely important to make people fully aware of the disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate hepatitis virus B vaccination and hepatitis incidence rate in the patients, who are non-medical staff members. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Family Doctor Office and Cardiology Clinic patients were included in the study. The source of data was questionnaire concerning anti-hepatitis B vaccination and hepatitis occurrence. RESULTS: The research was conducted on a group of 312 patient (109 male and 203 female). In this group, 168 people got vaccinated against the hepatitis B (53.84%). 29 patients (9.29%) had little knowledge about such a possibility of immunization, while 17 people (5.44%) knew nothing about the vaccination. The most common reason for vaccination was preventive action (preparation for medical treatment)--83 people (49.40%). Only 10 people (3.20%) from the studied group got infected. The most frequent reason were medical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: In Poland, the number of people vaccinated against B hepatitis is still very low. Therefore it is necessary to run a nationwide informative campaign and to intensify pro-vaccination activities. All this is extremely important for prevention of serious complications such as: liver failure, cirrhosis hepatis and hapatocelluar carcinoma. In the studied group it was medical procedures that became the source of infection. To guard ourselves against such situations in future it is vital to introduce and follow septic and antiseptic regime.

The 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet score and EuroSCORE are similar in predicting mortality at the Heart Institute, USP.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet (2000BP) and additive EuroSCORE (ES) for predicting surgical mortality at the Heart Institute, University of São Paulo. METHODS: A prospective observational design. Seven hundred and seventy four patients were operated for coronary artery bypass graft, valve or combined procedure between May and October, 2007, were analyzed. The mortality was estimated with the 2000BP and ES. The correlation between expected mortality and observed mortality was validated through calibration and discrimination test. RESULTS: The patients were stratified into five groups for the 2000BP and three for the ES. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test for 2000BP (P = 0.70) and for ES (P = 0.39) indicate a good calibration. The ROC curve for the 2000BP = 0.84 and for the ES = 0.81 confirms that the models are good predictors (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Both models are similar and adequate in predicting surgical mortality at the InCor-USP.

Process review of a departmental change from conventional coronary artery bypass grafting to totally arterial coronary artery bypass and its effects on the incidence and severity of postoperative stroke.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the process of changing from conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to totally arterial off-pump coronary artery bypass (TOPCAB) at a single heart center in Germany. METHODS: We (1) used multivariate statistical methods to assess real-time monitoring of OPCAB effects, (2) conducted a case review to assess preventable deaths and identify areas of improvement, (3) conducted a team survey, and (4) evaluated benchmarking results. RESULTS: All surgeons and assistants (n = 18) at this center were involved and were guided by the department head and one of the consultants, who was trained in this procedure in 2004 at the Leuven OPCAB school. The frequency of OPCAB operations increased abruptly in 2005 from 5% to 43% and then increased gradually to 67% (n = 546) by 2008 (total, 1781 OPCAB cases and 1563 on-pump cases). The in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates for OPCAB surgeries (n = 10 [0.6%] and 21 [1.2%], respectively) were lower than for on-pump surgeries (n = 27 [1.7%] and 26 [1.7%], respectively). Stroke rates were also lower for OPCAB surgeries (7 cases [0.4%] versus 15 cases [1%]). The lower risk of stroke in the OPCAB group was significant (P < .05) after risk adjustment. Monitoring curves and case reviews demonstrated a preventable death percentage of at least 30%. The attitude of the team was mostly positive because of the promising results (eg, fewer strokes, increasing TOPCAB popularity, and a top national rank). CONCLUSIONS: The change from conventional CABG to TOPCAB was effective in decreasing the incidence and severity of stroke, in developing a team routine and a positive team attitude, and in producing excellent benchmarking results. The presence of a training and communication deficiency at the beginning of the study suggested an area for further improvement. After 6 years TOPCAB had largely replaced conventional CABG.

Os escores 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet e EuroSCORE são similares na predição da mortalidade no Instituto do Coração-USP / The 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet score and EuroSCORE are similar in predicting mortality at the Heart Institute, USP

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho do 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet (2000BP) e EuroSCORE aditivo (ES) na predição de mortalidade cirúrgica no Instituto do Coração da Universidade de São Paulo (InCor-USP). MÉTODOS: Desenho prospectivo e observacional. Setecentos e quarenta e quatro pacientes consecutivos submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica, valvar ou associada, entre maio e outubro de 2007, foram analisados. A mortalidade foi calculada com os escores 2000BP e ES. A correlação entre mortalidade estimada e mortalidade observada foi validada mediante testes de calibração e discriminação. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes foram estratificados em cinco grupos para o 2000BP e três para o ES. O teste de Hosmer Lemeshow para o 2000BP (P = 0,70) e para o ES (P = 0,39) indica uma boa calibração. A curva ROC para o 2000BP = 0,84 e para o ES = 0,81 confirma que os modelos são bons preditores (P < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Ambos os modelos são similares e adequados na predição de mortalidade cirúrgica no InCor-USP.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of 2000 Bernstein-Parsonnet (2000BP) and additive EuroSCORE (ES) for predicting surgical mortality at the Heart Institute, University of São Paulo. METHODS: A prospective observational design. Seven hundred and seventy four patients were operated for coronary artery bypass graft, valve or combined procedure between May and October, 2007, were analyzed. The mortality was estimated with the 2000BP and ES. The correlation between expected mortality and observed mortality was validated through calibration and discrimination test. RESULTS: The patients were stratified into five groups for the 2000BP and three for the ES. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test for 2000BP (P = 0.70) and for ES (P = 0.39) indicate a good calibration. The ROC curve for the 2000BP = 0.84 and for the ES = 0.81 confirms that the models are good predictors (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Both models are similar and adequate in predicting surgical mortality at the InCor-USP.