Assessment of the Value of a Carriage System to Organize and Elevate Intravenous Tubing.

Caregiver/patient fall injury risks increase when medical tubing drapes on floors. The objective of this research was to examine the value of a novel carriage system that organizes and elevates medical and intravenous (IV) tubing. Using a prospective, multicenter, cohort design, value of the IV carriage system was assessed using a valid, reliable survey that provided the total score and scores of 3 involvement factors: personal relevance, attitude, and importance. The survey was scored on a 0-100 scale, and questions about tubing elevation, patient mobility, and ease of use were rated on 0-10 scales. Participants were adult and pediatric inpatient caregivers (n = 131). In adult intensive care environments (n = 61), carriage system value scores were higher in the quaternary care site compared to 4 enterprise adult intensive care sites (median [Q1, Q3]: 90.0 [69.2, 97.5] vs 72.5 [52.5, 78.3], respectively; P = .008). Compared to nurses working in adult environments (n = 58), pediatric nurses (n = 40) had higher value scores (median [Q1, Q3]: 89.2 [68.3, 97.5] vs 97.5 [85.8, 100.0], respectively; P = .007). High median score ratings (9-10) were given for tubing elevation, patient mobility, and ease of use. In conclusion, the IV carriage system was valued by nurses as an important tool in clinical practice.

PREDICTORS FOR ADVERSE OUTCOMES IN DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS IN A MULTIHOSPITAL HEALTH SYSTEM.

Objective: To determine predictors of prolonged length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality in a multihospital health system. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 531 adults admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) to a multihospital health system between November 2015 and December 2016. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Linear regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for predictors and their association with prolonged LOS (3.2 days), 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality. Results: Significant predictors for prolonged LOS included: intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR, 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38 to 3.27), disease duration (nonlinear) (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.49), non-white race (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.60), age at admission (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.04), and Elixhauser index (EI) (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.29). Shorter time to consult after admission (median [Q1, Q3] of 11.3 [3.9, 20.7] vs. 14.8 [7.4, 37.3] hours, P<.001) was associated with a shorter LOS. Significant 30-day readmission predictors included: Medicare insurance (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.13 to 4.86) and EI (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.41). Endocrine consultation was associated with reduced 30-day readmission (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.92). A predictive model for mortality was not generated because of low event rates. Conclusion: EI, non-white race, disease duration, age, Medicare, and ICU admission were associated with adverse outcomes. Endocrinology consultation was associated with lower 30-day readmission, and earlier consultation resulted in a shorter LOS. Abbreviations: CI = confidence interval; DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis; EI = Elixhauser index; HbA1c = hemoglobin A1c; ICD = International Classification of Diseases; ICU = intensive care unit; LOS = length of stay; OR = odds ratio; Q = quartile.

Revalidation of a Perioperative Risk Assessment Measure for Skin.

BACKGROUND: Validated perioperative pressure injury (PI) risk assessment measures are few and often cumbersome to complete, leading to missed opportunities to identify and target prevention interventions to those patients at increased risk for developing a postsurgical PI. OBJECTIVES: Previous validation of a six-item perioperative risk assessment measure for skin (PRAMS) was conducted in our community hospital with positive findings. The purpose of this study was to increase generalizability by revalidating the PRAMS in a larger sample. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of all surgical patients aged ≥18 years positioned in the supine or lateral position in a Midwest quaternary care, multispecialty, 1,500-bed hospital during a 6-month period (n = 1,526). The intent of the study was to revalidate the PRAMS. The main outcome of interest was the development of PI after surgery. Risk indicators of interest included diabetes, age, surgical time, Braden score, previous surgery, and preexisting PI. The diagnostic ability of any of the risk indicators on the development of a postsurgical PI was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. RESULTS: Postsurgical PIs occurred in 121 patients. Comparing current to previous study results, the PRAMS was effective in identifying surgical patients at risk for PI (sensitivity = .98). Those patients with a postsurgical PI had a lower mean Braden score, were more likely to have a preexisting PI, and were more likely to have a previous surgery during the same admission (p < .001 for all risk indicators), comparing favorably to the original study. Patients without risk indicators were unlikely to develop a postsurgical PI (negative predictive value = .98). DISCUSSION: Results of this validation study demonstrate that the PRAMS is effective in identifying patients who developed a postsurgical PI using information readily available to the perioperative staff.

Randomized controlled study of the effects of 2 fecal management systems on incidence of anal erosion.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of anal erosion between 2 indwelling fecal management systems. Anal erosion was defined as localized mucous membrane tissue impairments of the anal canal caused by corrosive fecal enzymes and/or indwelling devices. DESIGN: Randomized comparative effectiveness clinical trial comparing 2 commercially available indwelling fecal management systems. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The target population was adults cared for on medical, surgical, and neurological intensive care units (ICUs) and non-ICU units with an order for indwelling fecal management system placement. The research setting was a 1200-bed quaternary-care medical center in the Midwestern United States. Seventy-nine patients participated in the study; 41 received system A and 38 received system B. Subjects' mean age was 64 ± 13.6 years (mean ± SD), and 52% were female. METHODS: Nurse researchers inserted 1 of 2 indwelling fecal management systems and assessed patients daily for anal erosion. Data were collected on patient demographics, medical history and insertion date, reason for the fecal management system, volume of water in balloon and balloon pressure daily, diet, body mass index, ease of insertion and removal, amount of resistance, and when and why the device was removed. Anecdotal comments from front-line staff nurses were also recorded. Occurrences of anal ulcer or erosion was compared using logistic regression models that adjusted for length of system use and time to event using Kaplan-Meier estimates and log rank tests. RESULTS: The incidence of anal erosion was 12.7%. There were no differences in incidence of anal erosions between the 2 groups (12.2% vs 13.2% for systems A and B, respectively, P = .88), or in time to development of the erosions (P = .82). Leakage of stool occurred in 70% of patients and was associated with anal erosion (P = .027). CONCLUSIONS: In this randomized comparative effectiveness research study, there was no difference in the incidence of anal erosion between groups. Purchasing decisions cannot be made based on differences in general product characteristics postulated to influence likelihood of anal erosion. Results regarding balloon water volume, mucosa pressure generated, and anal erosions require further study.

The contemporary management of splenic artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: The management of patients with splenic artery aneurysms (SAAs) is variable since the natural history of these aneurysms is poorly delineated. The objective of this study was to review our experience with open repair, endovascular therapy, and observation of SAAs over a 14-year interval. METHODS: Between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2009, 128 patients with SAAs were evaluated. Sixty-two patients underwent surgical repair (n = 13) or endovascular coil/glue ablation (n = 49), while 66 patients underwent serial observation. The original medical records and computed tomography (CT) imaging were reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed using χ(2) or Fisher's exact test for categorical patient characteristics and t-test for continuous variables. Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival were calculated. Mortality was verified via the Social Security Death Index. RESULTS: Patients (61 ± 11 years, 69% female) were investigated for abdominal symptoms (49%) or had the incidental finding of SAA (mean size, 2.4 ± 1.4 cm). Seven patients (5.5%) presented with rupture and were treated emergently with two perioperative mortalities (29%). Patients requiring surgical or endovascular treatment were more likely male (40% vs 21%, P = .031), younger (58 vs 64 years; P = .004), and current smokers (18% vs 5%; P = .035). Increased aneurysm calcification was associated with decreased SAA size (P = .013). The mean aneurysm size at initial diagnosis was 1.67 cm for patients undergoing observation and 3.13 cm for the treated group (P < .001). Endovascular repair was safe and durable with a mean 1.5-mm regression in SAA size over 2 years. The mean rate of growth for observed SAA was 0.2 mm/y. Ten-year survival was 89.4% (95% confidence interval: 82.0, 97.4) for all patients (observed group, 94.9%; treated group, 85.1%; P = .18). No late aneurysm-related mortality was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Ruptured SAAs are lethal. Large SAAs can undergo endovascular ablation safely with durable SAA regression. Smaller SAAs (<2 cm) grow slowly and carry a negligible rupture risk.

Breast reduction: does the tumescent technique affect reimbursement?

BACKGROUND: Breast reduction is a very common procedure within the field of plastic surgery, with many techniques. These techniques include differences in the location of the pedicles and of the scars. Another variation on the technique for breast reduction relates to preoperative infiltration of an epinephrine solution to reduce blood loss and operative time. The authors' technique for breast reduction and its effect on insurance reimbursement has not previously been discussed in a large prospective study. METHODS: The authors performed a prospective study to compare a cohort of 50 patients undergoing a traditional breast reduction without infiltration of epinephrine followed by electrocautery for resection versus 50 patients receiving tumescent infiltration of epinephrine followed by sharp resection. RESULTS: The patients who underwent the tumescent technique for breast reduction had shorter operative times and similar blood loss and pain compared with the traditional technique. The use of tumescence did not cause a significant difference in the weight of the amount resected when compared with the dry, pathologic weight. CONCLUSIONS: In the first large prospective cohort study involving this technique, the authors can demonstrate the many advantages of the tumescent technique and refute their concern that tumescence can cause inaccurate weight measurements that might interfere with insurance reimbursement based on resected weight.

The management of severe aortoiliac occlusive disease: endovascular therapy rivals open reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Aortobifemoral bypass (ABF) grafting has been the traditional treatment for extensive aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD). This retrospective study compared the outcomes and durability of recanalization, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and stenting (R/PTAS) vs ABF for severe AIOD. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2004, 86 patients (161 limbs) underwent ABF (n = 75) or iliofemoral bypass (n = 11), and 83 patients (127 limbs) underwent R/PTAS. All patients had severe symptomatic AIOD (claudication, 53%; rest pain, 28%; tissue loss, 12%; acute limb ischemia, 7%). The analyses excluded patients treated for aneurysms, extra-anatomic procedures, and endovascular treatment of iliac stenoses. Original angiographic imaging, medical records, and noninvasive testing were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier estimates for patency and survival were calculated and univariate analyses performed. Mortality was verified by the Social Security database. RESULTS: The ABF patients were younger than the R/PTAS patients (60 vs 65 years; P = .003) and had higher rates of hyperlipidemia (P = .009) and smoking (P < .001). All other clinical variables, including cardiac status, diabetes, symptoms at presentation, TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus stratification, and presence of poor outflow were similar between the two groups. Patients underwent ABF with general anesthesia (96%), often with concomitant treatment of femoral or infrainguinal disease (61% endarterectomy, profundaplasty, or distal bypass). Technical success was universal, with marked improvement in ankle-brachial indices (0.48 to 0.84, P < .001). Patients underwent R/PTAS with local anesthesia/sedation (78%), with a 96% technical success rate and similar hemodynamic improvement (0.36 to 0.82, P < .001). At the time of R/PTAS, 21% of patients underwent femoral endarterectomy/profundaplasty or bypass (n = 5) for concomitant infrainguinal disease. Limb-based primary patency at 3 years was significantly higher for ABF than for R/PTAS (93% vs 74%, P = .002). Secondary patency rates (97% vs 95%), limb salvage (98% vs. 98%), and long-term survival (80% vs 80%) were similar. Diabetes mellitus and the requirement of distal bypass were associated with decreased patency (P < .001). Critical limb ischemia at presentation (tissue loss, hazard ratio [HR], 8.1; P < .001), poor outflow (HR, 2; P = .023), and renal failure (HR, 2.5; P = .02) were associated with decreased survival. CONCLUSION: R/PTAS is a suitable, less invasive alternative to ABF for the treatment of severe AIOD. Repair of the concomitant femoral occlusive disease is often needed regardless of open or endovascular treatment. Infrainguinal disease negatively affects the durability of the procedure and patient survival.

A personal experience with the influence of diabetes and other factors on the outcome of infrainguinal bypass grafts for occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of diabetes mellitus and other factors on the outcome of all infrainguinal bypass grafts performed for occlusive disease by a single surgeon at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: The series includes 650 operations in 412 men and 238 women with median ages of 65 and 69 years, respectively. Critical ischemia was the indication for most procedures (n = 553, 85%), but 97 (15%) were done for claudication alone. Nearly half (n = 312, 48%) of the patients were diabetic, and 195 (30%) required insulin. All-autogenous vein was used for 389 grafts (60%). Synthetic or composite materials were employed for the remaining 261 grafts, 91 (35%) of which were entirely above the knee. Perioperative data were recorded contemporaneously and were supplemented by reviewing 558 of the 565 medical records and the Social Security Death Index. Survival, graft patency, and limb salvage were analyzed using logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier estimates and proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Diabetics were more likely to have critical preoperative limb ischemia (P < .001), elevated serum creatinine (P = .003) or a history of previous coronary intervention (P = .015), lower extremity revascularization (P < .001) or minor amputations (P = .002). The operative mortality rate was 4.8%, and there were 81 graft occlusions (12%) and 49 major amputations (7.5%) during the index hospital admission. Patency was immediately restored in 46 of the 81 occluded grafts, but their secondary patency rates were only 62 +/- 16% at 1 year and 26 +/- 18% at 5 years. Insulin-dependent diabetes was associated with a higher incidence of early amputation (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-4.8; P = .004). Overall survival was 52 +/- 4% at 5 years and 25 +/- 5% at 10 years, and there were 175 late graft occlusions (27%), a total of 198 related reoperations and 107 late amputations (16%). The risks for further occlusion and/or major amputation after three or more graft revisions were 65% and 71%, respectively. Insulin-dependent diabetes also was associated with higher late mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8; P = .001) and amputation rates (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.1; P = .026), but other independent variables like age, elevated serum creatinine, critical preoperative ischemia, synthetic conduits, and previous ipsilateral bypass had at least as much influence as diabetes on survival, graft failure or limb loss. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes was one of several factors influencing survival and limb preservation, but it did not adversely affect graft patency. The number of graft revisions was an important predictor of further occlusion or amputation.

Hexavalent chromium and lung cancer in the chromate industry: a quantitative risk assessment.

The purpose of this investigation was to estimate excess lifetime risk of lung cancer death resulting from occupational exposure to hexavalent-chromium-containing dusts and mists. The mortality experience in a previously studied cohort of 2,357 chromate chemical production workers with 122 lung cancer deaths was analyzed with Poisson regression methods. Extensive records of air samples evaluated for water-soluble total hexavalent chromium were available for the entire employment history of this cohort. Six different models of exposure-response for hexavalent chromium were evaluated by comparing deviances and inspection of cubic splines. Smoking (pack-years) imputed from cigarette use at hire was included in the model. Lifetime risks of lung cancer death from exposure to hexavalent chromium (assuming up to 45 years of exposure) were estimated using an actuarial calculation that accounts for competing causes of death. A linear relative rate model gave a good and readily interpretable fit to the data. The estimated rate ratio for 1 mg/m3-yr of cumulative exposure to hexavalent chromium (as CrO3), with a lag of five years, was RR=2.44 (95% CI=1.54-3.83). The excess lifetime risk of lung cancer death from exposure to hexavalent chromium at the current OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL) (0.10 mg/m3) was estimated to be 255 per 1,000 (95% CI: 109-416). This estimate is comparable to previous estimates by U.S. EPA, California EPA, and OSHA using different occupational data. Our analysis predicts that current occupational standards for hexavalent chromium permit a lifetime excess risk of dying of lung cancer that exceeds 1 in 10, which is consistent with previous risk assessments.