Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty reduces postoperative complications and length of stay without increased cost compared to navigation-guided techniques: A national analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study compares postoperative outcomes of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) versus navigation-guided total knee arthroplasty (NG-TKA). Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data, it provides an analysis of postoperative complications, mortality, hospital costs and duration of stay. METHODS: The study analysed 217,715 patients (81,830 RA-TKA; 135,885 NG-TKA) using NIS data from 2016 to 2019. Elective TKA patients were identified through the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression modelling, were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and MATLAB. RESULTS: RA-TKA patients were younger (66.1 vs. 67.1 years, p < 0.0001) and had similar mortality rates (0.024% vs. 0.018%, p = 0.342) but shorter length of stay (LOS) (1.89 vs. 2.1 days, p < 0.0001). Mean total charges were comparable between RA-TKA ($66,180) and NG-TKA ($66,251, p = 0.669). RA-TKA demonstrated lower incidences of blood-related complications (11.67% vs. 14.19%, p < 0.0001), pulmonary oedema (0.0306% vs. 0.066%, p < 0.0001), deep vein thrombosis (0.196% vs. 0.254%, p = 0.006) and acute kidney injury (AKI) (1.356% vs. 1.483%, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: RA-TKA reduces postoperative complications and LOS without increasing costs, highlighting the relevance of this technology in patient care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Impact of frailty on perioperative outcomes following percutaneous nephrolithotomy in older persons: evidence from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

To evaluate the impact of frailty on perioperative outcomes of older patients undergoing PCNL, utilizing the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Data of hospitalized patients ≥ 60 years who received PCNL were extracted from the 2010 to 2020 NIS database, and included demographics, clinical, and hospital-related information. Patients were assigned to low (< 5), medium (5-15), and high frailty risk (> 15) groups based on the hospital frailty risk score (HFRS). Associations between frailty risk and perioperative outcomes including total hospital cost were determined using population-weighted linear and logistic regression analyses. Data of 30,829 hospitalized patients were analyzed (mean age 72.5 years; 55% male; 78% white). Multivariable analyses revealed that compared to low frailty risk, increased frailty risk was significantly associated with elevated in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 10.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.38-18.62), higher incidence of unfavorable discharge (aOR = 5.09, 95% CI: 4.43-5.86), prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS; aOR = 7.67, 95% CI: 6.38-9.22), increased transfusion risk (aOR = 8.05, 95% CI: 6.55-9.90), increased total hospital costs (adjusted Beta = 37.61, 95% CI: 36.39-38.83), and greater risk of complications (aOR = 8.52, 95% CI: 7.69-9.45). Frailty is a significant prognostic indicator of adverse perioperative outcomes in older patients undergoing PCNL, underscoring importance of recognizing and managing frailty in older patients.

Comparative evaluation of postoperative outcomes and expenditure between robotic and conventional single-level lumbar fusion surgery: a comprehensive analysis of nationwide inpatient sample data.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we investigate the evolution of lumbar fusion surgery with robotic assistance, specifically focusing on the impact of robotic technology on pedicle screw placement and fixation. Utilizing data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) covering 2016 to 2019, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of postoperative outcomes and costs for single-level lumbar fusion surgery. Traditionally, freehand techniques for pedicle screw placement posed risks, leading to the development of robotic-assisted techniques with advantages such as reduced misplacement, increased precision, smaller incisions, and decreased surgeon fatigue. However, conflicting study results regarding the efficacy of robotic assistance in comparison to conventional techniques have prompted the need for a thorough evaluation. With a dataset of 461,965 patients, our aim is to provide insights into the impact of robotic assistance on patient care and healthcare resource utilization. Our primary goal is to contribute to the ongoing discourse on the efficacy of robotic technology in lumbar fusion procedures, offering meaningful insights for optimizing patient-centered care and healthcare resource allocation. METHODS: This study employed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) spanning the years 2016 to 2019 from USA, 461,965 patients underwent one-level lumbar fusion surgery, with 5770 of them having the surgery with the assistance of robotic technology. The study focused primarily on one-level lumbar fusion surgery and excluded non-elective cases and those with prior surgeries. The analysis encompassed the identification of comorbidities, surgical etiologies, and complications using specific ICD-10 codes. Throughout the study, a constant comparison was made between robotic and non-robotic lumbar fusion procedures. Various statistical methods were applied, with a p value threshold of < 0.05, to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Robotic-assisted lumbar fusion surgeries demonstrated a significant increase from 2016 to 2019, comprising 1.25% of cases. Both groups exhibited similar patient demographics, with minor differences in payment methods, favoring Medicare in non-robotic surgery and more private payer usage in robotic surgery. A comparison of comorbid conditions revealed differences in the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and sleep apnea diagnoses-In terms of hospitalization outcomes and costs, there was a slight shorter hospital stay of 3.06 days, compared to 3.13 days in non-robotic surgery, showcasing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.042). Robotic surgery has higher charges, with a mean charge of $154,673, whereas non-robotic surgery had a mean charge of $125,467 (p < 0.0001). Robotic surgery demonstrated lower rates of heart failure, acute coronary artery disease, pulmonary edema, venous thromboembolism, and traumatic spinal injury compared to non-robotic surgery, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Conversely, robotic surgery demonstrated increased post-surgery anemia and blood transfusion requirements compared to non-robotic patients (p < 0.0001). Renal disease prevalence was similar before surgery, but acute kidney injury was slightly higher in the robotic group post-surgery (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: This is the first big data study on this matter, our study showed that Robotic-assisted lumbar fusion surgery has fewer post-operative complications such as heart failure, acute coronary artery disease, pulmonary edema, venous thromboembolism, and traumatic spinal injury in comparison to conventional methods. Conversely, robotic surgery demonstrated increased post-surgery anemia, blood transfusion and acute kidney injury. Robotic surgery has higher charges compared to non-robotic surgery.

Bigger pies, bigger slices: Increased hospitalization costs for lung transplantation recipients in the non-donation service area allocation era.

OBJECTIVE: On November 24, 2017, lung transplant allocation switched from donation service area to a 250-nautical mile radius policy to improve equity in access to lung transplantation. Given the growing consideration of healthcare costs, we evaluated changes in hospitalization costs after this policy change. METHODS: Lung transplant hospitalizations were identified within the National Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2020. Recipients were categorized as donation service area era (August 2015 to October 2017) or non-donation service area era (December 2017 to February 2020). Median total hospitalization costs (inflation adjusted) were compared by era nationally and regionally. Multivariable generalized linear regression was performed to determine if the removal of the donation service area was associated with total hospitalization costs. The model was adjusted for recipient demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index, hospitalization region, transplant type (single, double), and use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ex vivo lung perfusion, and mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: We analyzed 12,985 lung transplant recipients (median age of 61 years, 66% were male): 7070 in the donation service area era and 5915 in the non-donation service area era. Demographics were not different between recipients in both eras. Non-donation service area era recipients had greater extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use, mechanical ventilation (<24 hours), and longer length of stay than donation service area era recipients. Median total hospitalization costs for non-donation service area versus donation service area era recipients increased by $24,198 ($157,964 vs $182,162, percentage change = 15.32%, P < .001). Median costs increased in East North Central ($42,281) and Mountain ($35,521) regions (both P < .01). After adjustment, median costs for non-donation service area versus donation service area era recipients still increased ($19,168, 95% CI, 145-38,191, P = .048). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization costs for lung transplant hospitalizations have increased from 2015 to 2020. The transition from donation service area-based allocation to the non-donation service area system may have contributed to this increase after 2017 by increasing access to transplant for sicker recipients.

Disparities in access to minimally invasive surgery for inflammatory bowel disease and outcomes by insurance status: analysis of the 2015 to 2019 National Inpatient Sample.

INTRODUCTION: Despite being the preferred modality for treatment of colorectal cancer and diverticular disease, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been adopted slowly for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its technical challenges. The present study aims to assess the disparities in use of MIS for patients with IBD. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from October 2015 to December 2019 was conducted. Patients < 65 years of age were stratified by either private insurance or Medicaid. The primary outcome was access to MIS and secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, complications, length of stay (LOS), and total admission cost. Univariate and multivariate regression was utilized to determine the association between insurance status and outcomes. RESULTS: The NIS sample population included 7866 patients with private insurance and 1689 with Medicaid. Medicaid patients had lower odds of receiving MIS than private insurance patients (OR 0.85, 95% CI [0.74-0.97], p = 0.017), and experienced more postoperative genitourinary complications (OR 1.36, 95% CI [1.08-1.71], p = 0.009). In addition, LOS was longer by 1.76 days (p < 0.001) and the total cost was higher by $5043 USD (p < 0.001) in the Medicaid group. Independent predictors of receiving MIS were age < 40 years old, female sex, highest income quartile, diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, elective admission, and care at teaching hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Medicaid are less likely to receive MIS, have longer lengths of stay, and incur higher costs for the surgical management of their IBD. Further investigations into disparities in inflammatory bowel disease care for Medicaid patients are warranted.

Towards a science-based testing strategy to identify maternal thyroid hormone imbalance and neurodevelopmental effects in the progeny - Part IV: the ECETOC and CLE Proposal for a Thyroid Function-Related Neurodevelopmental Toxicity Testing and Assessment Scheme (Thyroid-NDT-TAS).

Following the European Commission Endocrine Disruptor Criteria, substances shall be considered as having endocrine disrupting properties if they (a) elicit adverse effects, (b) have endocrine activity, and (c) the two are linked by an endocrine mode-of-action (MoA) unless the MoA is not relevant for humans. A comprehensive, structured approach to assess whether substances meet the Endocrine Disruptor Criteria for the thyroid modality (EDC-T) is currently unavailable. Here, the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals Thyroxine Task Force and CropLife Europe propose a Thyroid Function-Related Neurodevelopmental Toxicity Testing and Assessment Scheme (Thyroid-NDT-TAS). In Tier 0, before entering the Thyroid-NDT-TAS, all available in vivo, in vitro and in silico data are submitted to weight-of-evidence (WoE) evaluations to determine whether the substance of interest poses a concern for thyroid disruption. If so, Tier 1 of the Thyroid-NDT-TAS includes an initial MoA and human relevance assessment (structured by the key events of possibly relevant adverse outcome pathways) and the generation of supportive in vitro/in silico data, if relevant. Only if Tier 1 is inconclusive, Tier 2 involves higher-tier testing to generate further thyroid- and/or neurodevelopment-related data. Tier 3 includes the final MoA and human relevance assessment and an overarching WoE evaluation to draw a conclusion on whether, or not, the substance meets the EDC-T. The Thyroid-NDT-TAS is based on the state-of-the-science, and it has been developed to minimise animal testing. To make human safety assessments more accurate, it is recommended to apply the Thyroid-NDT-TAS during future regulatory assessments.

Gender Disparities in Hospitalization Outcomes and Healthcare Utilization Among Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the United States.

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by various clinical manifestations. Despite efforts to improve outcomes, mortality rates remain high, and certain disparities, including gender, may influence prognosis and mortality rates in SLE. This study aims to examine the gender disparities in outcomes of SLE hospitalizations in the US. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 2016 and 2020. The NIS database is the largest publicly available all-payer database for inpatient care in the United States, representing approximately 20% of all hospitalizations nationwide. We selected every other year during the study period and included hospitalizations of adult patients (≥18 years old) with a primary or secondary diagnosis of SLE using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. The control population consisted of all adult hospitalizations. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the strength of the association between gender and primary and secondary outcomes. The regression models were adjusted for various factors, including age, race, median household income based on patients' zip codes, Charlson comorbidity index score, insurance status, hospital location, region, bed size, and teaching status. To ensure comparability across the years, revised trend weights were applied as the healthcare cost and use project website recommends. Stata version 17 (StataCorp LLC, TX, USA) was used for the statistical analyses, and a two-sided P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Among the 42,875 SLE hospitalizations analyzed, women accounted for a significantly higher proportion (86.4%) compared to men (13.6%). The age distribution varied, with the majority of female admissions falling within the 30- to 60-year age range, while most male admissions fell within the 15- to 30-year age category. Racial composition showed a slightly higher percentage of White Americans in the male cohort compared to the female cohort. Notably, more Black females were admitted for SLE compared to Black males. Male SLE patients had a higher burden of comorbidities and were more likely to have Medicare and private insurance, while a higher percentage of women were uninsured. The mortality rate during the index hospitalization was slightly higher for men (1.3%) compared to women (1.1%), but after adjusting for various factors, there was no statistically significant gender disparity in the likelihood of mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.027; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.570-1.852; P=0.929). Men had longer hospital stays and incurred higher average hospital costs compared to women (mean length of stay (LOS): seven days vs. six days; $79,751 ± $5,954 vs. $70,405 ± $1,618 respectively). Female SLE hospitalizations were associated with a higher likelihood of delirium, psychosis, and seizures while showing lower odds of hematological and renal diseases compared to men. Conclusion While women constitute the majority of SLE hospitalizations, men with SLE tend to have a higher burden of comorbidities and are more likely to have Medicare and private insurance. Additionally, men had longer hospital stays and incurred higher average hospital costs. However, there was no significant gender disparity in the likelihood of mortality after accounting for various factors.

Outcomes of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia in End-Stage Renal Disease and Predictors of Mortality: A Nationwide Assessment.

Background Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is an uncommon disease caused by obstruction of blood flow to the bowel, which can lead to high mortality rates. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is another disease commonly seen in the elderly. There are limited data evaluating the relationship between AMI and ESRD, but it has been shown that ESRD patients have a higher risk of mesenteric ischemia than the general population. Methods This retrospective analysis utilized the National Inpatient Sample database for 2016, 2017, and 2018 to identify patients with AMI. Patients were then divided into two groups, AMI with ESRD and AMI only. All-cause in-patient mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), and total costs were identified. The Student's t-test was used to analyze continuous variables, while Pearson's Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables. Results A total of 169,245 patients were identified, with 10,493 (6.2%) having ESRD. The AMI with ESRD group had a significantly higher mortality rate than the AMI-only group (8.5% vs 4.5%). Patients with ESRD had a longer LOS (7.4 days vs 5.3 days; P = 0.00), and higher total hospital cost ($91,520 vs $58,175; P = 0.00) compared to patients without ESRD. Conclusion The study found that patients with ESRD who were diagnosed with AMI had a significantly higher mortality rate, longer hospital stays, and higher hospital costs than patients without ESRD.

Operative management of rotator cuff tears: identifying disparities in access on a national level.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify nationwide disparities in the rates of operative management of rotator cuff tears based on race, ethnicity, insurance type, and socioeconomic status. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with a full or partial rotator cuff tear from 2006 to 2014 were identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample database using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes. Bivariate analysis using chi-square tests and adjusted, multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate differences in the rates of operative vs. nonoperative management for rotator cuff tears. RESULTS: This study included 46,167 patients. When compared with white patients, adjusted analysis showed that minority race and ethnicity were associated with lower rates of operative management for Black (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29-0.33; P < .001), Hispanic (AOR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.45-0.52; P < .001), Asian or Pacific Islander (AOR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.61-0.84; P < .001), and Native American patients (AOR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50-0.86; P = .002). In comparison to privately insured patients, our analysis also found that self-payers (AOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.07-0.10; P < .001), Medicare beneficiaries (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.72-0.81; P < .001), and Medicaid beneficiaries (AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.30-0.36; P < .001) had lower odds of receiving surgical intervention. Additionally, relative to those in the bottom income quartile, patients in all other quartiles experienced nominally higher rates of operative repair; these differences were statistically significant for the second quartile (AOR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.16; P = .004). CONCLUSION: There are significant nationwide disparities in the likelihood of receiving operative management for rotator cuff tear patients of differing race/ethnicity, payer status, and socioeconomic status. Further investigation is needed to fully understand and address causes of these discrepancies to optimize care pathways.

Regional differences in total hospital costs for radical cystectomy in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: To test for regional differences in total hospital costs (THC) across the United States in bladder cancer patients treated with open radical cystectomy (ORC) or robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). MATERIALS: We relied on the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2016-2019) and stratified RC patients according to census region (Midwest, Northeast, South, West). Primary statistical analyses consisted of THC-trend analyses and multivariable log-link linear regression models, after adjustment for hospital clustering (Generalized Estimating Equation function) and discharge disposition weighting. Finally, sensitivity analysis, relying on most favorable patient cohort, was performed. RESULTS: Of 5280 eligible patients, 1441 (27%), 1031 (20%), 1854 (35%) and 954 (18%) underwent RC in the Midwest, Northeast, South and West, respectively. Median THC was 28,915$ and differed significantly between regions (Midwest: 28,105$; Northeast: 28,886$; South: 26,096$; West: 38,809$; p < 0.001). After stratification between ORC and RARC, highest THC was invariably recorded in the West: ORC 36,137$ vs 23,941-28,850$ and RARC 43,119$ vs 28,425-29,952$ (both p < 0.05). In multivariable log-link linear regression models, surgery in the West was independently associated with higher THC: ORC (Exponent beta [Exp[ß]]: 1.39; 95%-CI: 1.32-1.47; p < 0.001) and RARC (Exp[ß]: 1.46; 95%-CI: 1.38-1.55; p < 0.001). Results remained unchanged when analyses were refitted in most favorable patient subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Important regional differences in ORC and RARC THC distinguish the West from other United States regions. The THC discrepancy clearly requires closer examination to identify underlying processes that contribute to inflated costs in the West.

Gender and Race-Based Health Disparities in COVID-19 Outcomes among Hospitalized Patients in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis of a National Sample.

COVID-19 has brought the disparities in health outcomes for patients to the forefront. Racial and gender identity are associated with prevalent healthcare disparities. In this study, we examine the health disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization outcome from the intersectional lens of racial and gender identity. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) 2020 NIS dataset for hospitalizations from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 was analyzed for primary outcome of in-patient mortality and secondary outcomes of intubation, acute kidney injury (AKI), AKI requiring hemodialysis (HD), cardiac arrest, stroke, and vasopressor use. A multivariate regression model was used to identify associations. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Men had higher rates of adverse outcomes. Native American men had the highest risk of in-hospital mortality (aOR 2.0, CI 1.7−2.4) and intubation (aOR 1.8, CI 1.5−2.1), Black men had highest risk of AKI (aOR 2.0, CI 1.9−2.0). Stroke risk was highest in Asian/Pacific Islander women (aOR 1.5, p = 0.001). We note that the intersection of gender and racial identities has a significant impact on outcomes of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in the United States with Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) men have higher risks of adverse outcomes.

Cost and Complications in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroplasty: A National Inpatient Sample-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple synovial joints in the body, including the hip. Hip involvement in RA patients is fairly common, but the current literature is lacking large-scale studies on the surgical outcomes of RA patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of the study is to examine the outcomes and hospital costs associated with THA in patients with RA and compare them to patients without RA using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. METHODS: We analyzed the NIS database to identify patients undergoing THA between 2016 and 2019 using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnosis codes. Multiple variables including demographics, medical comorbidities, total hospital costs, length of stay, and perioperative complication rates were then compared between patients with and without RA. Further, the two groups were matched for demographic differences, if any, using a 1:1 propensity match algorithm. RESULTS: Patients with RA undergoing THA were significantly younger and predominantly female when compared to patients without RA. There was also a lower incidence of obesity and the percentage of elective THA procedures were smaller in the RA group. The RA group had a longer length of stay and increased incidences of blood loss anemia, blood transfusion, and periprosthetic fractures. These differences persisted despite matching the two groups for demographic differences, elective procedures, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco usage. CONCLUSION: THA in RA is associated with an increased incidence of blood loss anemia, blood transfusion, and periprosthetic fractures, as well as a longer length of stay in THA patients.

Disparities in Social Determinants of Health Among Patients Receiving Liver Transplant: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample From 2016 to 2019.

Background Liver transplantation is the life-saving standard of care for those with end-stage liver disease. Unfortunately, many patients on the liver transplant list die waiting. Several studies have demonstrated significant differences based on disparities in race, gender, and multiple socioeconomic factors. We sought to evaluate recent disparities among patients receiving liver transplants using the latest available data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest publicly available inpatient care database in the United States. Methods We performed an analysis of discharge data from the NIS between 2016 and 2019. We identified adult patients with chronic liver disease who underwent a liver transplant using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) codes. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for differences in race, gender, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities among those who received a liver transplant. Results A total of 24,595 liver transplants were performed over the study period. Female gender was independently associated with decreased transplant rates (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.83, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.78-0.89, P < 0.001). Compared to White patients, Black patients had decreased transplant rates (AOR 0.86, 95% CI, 0.75-0.99, P = 0.034), as did Native Americans (AOR 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42-0.97, P = 0.035). Hispanics and Asian Americans had increased rates of liver transplantation (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.32, P = 0.022, and 1.36, 95% CI 1.11-1.67, P = 0.003; respectively). The increase in income quartile was associated with an incremental increase in transplant rates. Additionally, patients with private insurance had much higher transplant rates compared to those with Medicare (AOR 2.50, 95% CI 2.31-2.70, P < 0.001) while patients without insurance had the lowest rates of transplantation (AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.12-0.28, P < 0.001). Conclusions Our analysis demonstrates that race, gender, and other social determinants of health have significant impacts on the likelihood of receiving a liver transplant. Our study, on a national level, confirms previously described disparities in receiving liver transplantation. Patient-level studies are needed to better understand how these variables translate into differing liver transplantation rates.

Length of Stay, Cost, and Outcomes related to Traumatic Subdural Hematoma in inpatient setting in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: In the US, the prevalence of traumatic subdural hematoma (TSDH) continues to increase. Using a nationally representative sample of discharge records of patients with TSDH, the study objectives were to estimate trend in number of TSDH cases, surgical management, inpatient cost, length of stay (LOS), mortality rate, and complication rate; and to identify the association of sociodemographic, clinical and hospital characteristics with complications and mortality. METHOD: We identified patients with a primary diagnosis of TSDH from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2010 to 2017. Quarterly and monthly trends were estimated using interrupted time series design. Multivariate logistic regressions measured association between various factors and inpatient death and complications. RESULTS: Number of cases, mean LOS, rate of complication increased. Proportion of patients undergoing surgery, mean inpatient cost, inpatient mortality decreased. Mean inpatient cost was $23,182.40 and LOS was 6.41 days. Odds of inpatient death and complications increased with injury severity score and comorbid conditions requiring use of anticoagulants. Odds of inpatient death were highest among those ≥85 years old and in south and northeast region. CONCLUSION: Given the increase in prevalence of TSDH in USA, additional resources should be allocated toward improving patient outcomes and lowering healthcare costs.

Preoperative Deficiency Anemia in Digital Replantation: A Marker of Disparities, Increased Length of Stay, and Hospital Cost.

Introduction The effects of preoperative anemia have been shown to be an independent risk factor associated with poor outcomes in both cardiac and noncardiac surgery. Socioeconomic status and race have also been linked to poor outcomes in a variety of conditions. This study was designed to study iron deficiency anemia as a marker of health disparities, length of stay and hospital cost in digital replantation. Materials and Methods Digit replantations performed between 2008 and 2014 were reviewed from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database using the ICD-9-CM procedure codes 84.21 and 84.22. Patients with more than one code or with an upper arm (83.24) or hand replantation (84.23) code were excluded. Extracted variables included age, race, comorbidities, hospital type, hospital region, insurance payer type, and median household income quartile. Digit replantations were separated into patients with and without deficiency anemia. Demographics, comorbidities, and access to care were compared between cohorts by chi-squared and t -tests. Multivariate regressions were utilized to assess the effects of anemia on total cost and length of stay. The regression controlled for demographics, region, income, insurance, hospital type, and comorbidities. Beta coefficient was calculated for length of stay and hospital cost. The regression controlled for significant age, race, region, and comorbidities in addition to the above variables. Results In the studied patient population of those without anemia, 59.5% were Caucasian, and in patients with anemia, 46.7% were Caucasian ( p < 0.001). Whereas in the in the studied patient population of those without anemia, 6.7% were Black, and in patients with anemia, 15.7% were Black ( p < 0.001). Median household income, payer information, length of stay and total cost of hospitalization had statistically significant differences. Using regression and ß-coefficient, the effect of anemia on length of stay and cost was also significant ( p < 0.001). Regression controlled for age, race, region and comorbidities, with the ß-coefficient for effect on cost 37327.18 and on length of stay 3.96. Conclusion These data show that deficiency anemias are associated with a significant increase in length and total cost of stay in patients undergoing digital replantation. Additionally, a larger percentage of patients undergoing digital replantations and who have deficiency anemia belong to the lowest income quartile. Our findings present an important finding for public health prevention and resource allocation. Future studies could focus on clinical intervention with iron supplementation at the time of digital replantation.

Evaluating vaccination coverage and timeliness in American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic White children using state immunization information system data, 2015-2017.

Comprehensive estimates of vaccination coverage and timeliness of vaccine receipt among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children in the United States are lacking. This study's objectives were to quantify vaccination coverage and timeliness, as well as the proportion of children with specific undervaccination patterns, among AI/AN and non-Hispanic White (NHW) children ages 0-24 months in Montana, a large and primarily rural U.S. state. Data from Montana's immunization information system (IIS) for children born 2015-2017 were used to calculate days undervaccinated for all doses of seven recommended vaccine series. After stratifying by race/ethnicity, up-to-date coverage at key milestone ages and the proportion of children demonstrating specific patterns of undervaccination were reported. Among n = 3,630 AI/AN children, only 23.1% received all recommended vaccine doses on-time (i.e., zero days undervaccinated), compared to 40.4% of n = 18,022 NHW children (chi-square p < 0.001). A greater proportion of AI/AN children were delayed at each milestone age, resulting in lower overall combined 7-vaccine series completion, by age 24 months (AI/AN: 56.6%, NHW: 64.3%, chi-square p < 0.001). As compared with NHW children, a higher proportion of AI/AN children had undervaccination patterns suggestive of structural barriers to accessing immunization services and delayed starts to vaccination. More than three out of four AI/AN children experienced delays in vaccination or were missing doses needed to complete recommended vaccine series. Interventions to ensure on-time initiation of vaccine series at age 2 months, as well initiatives to encourage completion of multi-dose vaccine series, are needed to reduce immunization disparities and increase vaccination coverage among AI/AN children in Montana.

Assessment effects and risk of nosocomial infection and needle sticks injuries among patents and health care worker.

In medical centers and hospitals one of the most dangers that threaten health care worker and patient are Nosocomial infections (NIs) and Needle stick injuries (NSIs). The aim of this study was to determination the effects of nosocomial infection and needle sticks injuries on patents and health care worker. A review study of literature was conducted to One thousand and fifty manuscripts were retrieved based on various databases: Elsevier, PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, and Google Scholar. Reporting data were used on predetermined consequences nosocomial infection and needle sticks injuries and related to adverse health effects, routes of transmission, control and reduction. The literature signs a notable undesirable affect from potential NIS and NSIs attributed to risk investigated among patents and health care worker. Based on Result this study, the resistance of antibiotics, non-standard personal protective equipment, and Needle recapping can endanger health of human and increase transfer infectious disease risk among exposed patients and health care worker. Useful for health system decision makers and political officials in order to cope with the incidence of nosocomial infections and decrease number of needle stick injuries among patients and health care worker can be the main application the results of this study. Increasing the level of awareness, especially of sensitive groups (patients and HCW), about the ways to prevent nosocomial infections and reduce needle sticks and proper use of personal protective equipment are the main vital managers of the health department actions for decrease the prevalence of NIs. Further research using more sophisticated methodology is warranted. Holding regular and periodic training workshops in connection with standard precautions and prevention of occurrence nosocomial infection and needle sticks injuries can play an important role in increasing the health of patents and health care worker.

Effect of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Complications, in-Hospital Mortality, Length of Stay and Total Hospital Costs in Bladder Cancer Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy.

Background: To test for differences in complication rates, in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS) and total hospital costs (THCs) in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to radical cystectomy (RC). Methods: Within the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2016−2019), we identified RC-treated, non-metastatic, lymph-node negative bladder cancer patients, stratified by NAC status. Trend analyses, multivariable logistic, multivariable Poisson and multivariable linear regression models were used. Results: We identified 4347 RC-treated bladder cancer patients. Of those, 805 (19%) received NAC prior to RC. Overall, complications rates did not differ (65 vs. 66%; p = 0.7). However, NAC patients harbored lower rates of surgical site (6 vs. 9%), cardiac (13 vs. 19%) and genitourinary (5.5 vs. 9.7%) complications. In-hospital mortality (<1.7 vs. 1.8%) and LOS (6 vs. 7 days) was lower in NAC patients (all p < 0.05). Moreover, NAC was an independent predictor of shorter LOS in multivariable Poisson regression models (Risk ratio: 0.86; p < 0.001) and an independent predictor for higher THCs in multivariable linear regression models (Odds ratio: 1474$; p = 0.02). Conclusion: NAC was not associated with higher complication rates and in-hospital mortality. Contrary, NAC was associated with shorter LOS, yet moderately higher THCs. The current analysis suggests no detriment from NAC in the context of RC.

Surface amorphous coating for an economical and high-stability current collector for rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries.

Rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) are regarded as the next-generation energy storage devices due to their low flammability, low cost and high power density as well as abundant aluminum (Al) reserves. However, these popular ionic liquid electrolytes contain highly corrosive acid, which always corrodes the most used positive current collector, thus hindering the commercialization of AIBs. This study proposes an efficient and economical method of coating amorphous Ni3S2compound on a nickel metal current collector (Ni-S/Ni). The conductivity and the onset oxidation potential of amorphous Ni3S2coating can be up to 2.3 × 106S m-1and 2.7 V respectively. A Ni-S/Ni current collector can provide excellent cycling stability with no electrochemical corrosion in the AIBs. The AIBs fabricated using a Ni-S/Ni current collector exhibits a specific capacity of 65 mAh/g at 1 A g-1, high coulombic efficiency of 99% and cyclability of at least 2000 cycles. Moreover, the total cost of the Ni-S/Ni current collector can be limited to less than 3.3 USD/m2. The comprehensive performances of these AIBs are better than most reported results so far, which indicates that this method can advance the commercialization of AIBs.

Comparison of Social Inequality in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination among Teenagers with Parental Reports and Healthcare Providers' Records in the 2019 National Immunization Survey-Teen.

BACKGROUND: Relatively little is known about social inequality in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among teenagers in the United States. This study aims to investigate whether there is a social disparity in HPV vaccination among teenagers and if so, whether it can differ according to the source of teen vaccination information (parental reports and provider records). METHODS: We used the data from the 2019 National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen; 42,668 teenagers, aged 13-17) including parent-reported vaccination status. Among them, 18,877 teenagers had adequate provider-reported vaccination records. Two socioeconomic status (SES) measures were used: mother's education and annual family income. Multivariate logistic analyses were conducted. RESULTS: False negatives of parental reports against provider records were more than two times higher (p < 0.001) in low-SES teens than in high-SES teens. In both SES measures, the proportion of HPV-unvaccinated teenagers was lowest at the highest SES level in analyses with parental reports. However, it was the opposite in analyses with provider records. Interestingly, regardless of the vaccination information source, the HPV unvaccinated rate was highest in the middle-SES teens (>12 years, non-college graduates; above poverty level, but not >USD 75 K). CONCLUSIONS: Significant social inequality in HPV vaccination among teenagers exists in the United States. The pattern of social inequality in HPV vaccination can be distorted when only parent-reported vaccination information is used.