Use of pancreatic endotherapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis: results from a multicenter cohort study in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although pancreatic endotherapy (PET) is commonly used for treating adverse events of chronic pancreatitis, data on the frequency and factors associated with the use of PET are limited. Our aim was to define the use of and factors predictive for receiving PET in a well-characterized chronic pancreatitis cohort. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of data from PROCEED, a multicenter U.S. cohort study of chronic pancreatitis. PET modalities primarily consisted of ERCP. A treatment course was defined as the number of sessions performed for a specific indication. A repeat course was defined as PET >1 year after completion of the last course. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictive factors for receiving PET, and proportional rates model assessed risk factors for repeat PET. RESULTS: Of 681 subjects, 238 (34.9%) received PET. Factors associated with receiving PET included female sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.53), lower education (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.04-1.62), income ≤$50,000 per year (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.07-1.71), and prior acute pancreatitis (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.31-2.32). Of 238 subjects, 103 (43.3%) underwent repeat PET at a median duration of 2 years, with 23.1% receiving 2 courses, 9.7% receiving 3 courses, and 10.4% receiving ≥4 courses. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of patients with chronic pancreatitis who undergo PET received 1 or more repeat courses within 2 to 3 years. In addition to a prior history of acute pancreatitis, demographic and socioeconomic factors were associated with receiving PET.

Effectiveness and Safety of Restarting Oral Anticoagulation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation after an Intracranial Hemorrhage: Analysis of Medicare Part D Claims Data from 2010-2016.

BACKGROUND: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who survive an anticoagulant-related intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), the benefits of restarting oral anticoagulation (OAC) remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we sought to determine the effectiveness and safety associated with resumption of OAC in atrial fibrillation patients who survive an ICH. METHODS: Using 2010-2016 Medicare claims data, we identified patients with non-valvular AF who experienced an OAC-related ICH and survived at least 6 weeks after the ICH (n = 1502). The primary outcomes included the composite of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), thromboembolism (TE), a composite of ischemic stroke/TIA and TE, recurrent ICH, and all-cause mortality. We constructed Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the association between post-ICH OAC resumption, which was measured in a time-dependent manner, and the risk of primary outcomes, while controlling for a comprehensive list of covariates. RESULTS: Among patients who survived an ICH, 69% reinitiated OAC within 6 weeks of the event, and among those who resumed OAC, 83% restarted warfarin. There was no significant difference in the risk of ischemic stroke/TIA (hazard ratio [HR] 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-1.21), TE (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.55-1.32), and ischemic stroke/TIA/TE (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.61-1.07) between post-ICH OAC use and non-use. Post-ICH OAC use was associated with a lower risk of recurrent ICH (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.95) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.37-0.62) compared with non-OAC use. CONCLUSIONS: In AF patients who survived an ICH, restarting OAC was not associated with a greater risk of recurrent ICH. Evidence from randomized controlled studies is needed to further clarify the clinical benefit of restarting OAC in this high-risk population. Further evaluation of which individuals benefit from restarting OAC is also needed to provide more clinical guidance.

Factores predictores de reconsulta por gastroenteritis aguda en urgencias pediátricas: estudio de casos y controles / Predictor factors for emergency department revisiting of children with acute gastroenteritis: case-control study

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo de este trabajo es describir factores de riesgo de reconsulta en pacientes con diagnóstico de gastroenteritis aguda, identificables en su primera visita a Urgencias. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio casos-control, incluye pacientes entre 0-16 años que consultan en Urgencias de un hospital terciario durante 4 años. Se define caso el episodio de Urgencias con diagnóstico de gastroenteritis que reconsulta durante las 72 h posteriores. Se seleccionó un control por cada caso, siendo este el primer paciente que consultó tras cada caso con el mismo diagnóstico y que no reconsultó posteriormente. Se estudiaron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas e intervenciones diagnóstico-terapéuticas llevadas a cabo durante la primera visita, realizándose análisis uni y multivariable del riesgo de reconsulta utilizando modelos de regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Los diagnósticos de gastroenteritis supusieron el 5,3% de todas las visitas a urgencias. 745 pacientes (6,2%) reconsultaron en las siguientes 72 h. En el análisis multivariado se encontró asociación entre la reconsulta con cada año de aumento de edad (OR 0,94; IC 95%: 0,91-0,97), ausencia de vacunación de rotavirus (OR 1,47; IC 95%: 1,11-1,95), no valoración previa en atención primaria (OR 1,55; IC 95%: 1,09-2,19), mayor número de deposiciones en las últimas 24 h (OR 1,06; IC 95% 1,02-1,10) y recogida de coprocultivo en Urgencias (OR 1,54; IC 95%: 1,05-2,24). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes de menor edad con elevada frecuencia de deposiciones son especialmente susceptibles de volver a consultar en los servicios de Urgencias. La vacunación frente a rotavirus podría disminuir las reconsultas. Ninguna de las actuaciones diagnóstico-terapéuticas realizadas parece disminuir el número de revisitas a Urgencias.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this work is to describe risk factors for reconsultation in patients with an acute gastroenteritis diagnosis, identifiable in their first visit to the Emergency Department. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Case-control study, including patients aged between 0-16 years who consulted in the Emer gency Department (ED) of a tertiary hospital for 4 years. The case is defined as the episode with a gastroenteritis diagnosis that reconsulted within 72 hours. A control was selected for each case, which was the first patient to consult after each case with the same diagnosis and not reconsulted later. Epidemiological and clinical variables, and diagnostic-therapeutic interventions carried out during the first visit were studied. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the reconsultation risk were per formed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Gastroenteritis diagnoses accounted for 5.3% of all ED visits. 745 patients (6.2%) reconsulted within 72 hours. Multivariate analysis found association between reconsultation with each year of increasing age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97), absence of rotavirus vaccination (OR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.11-1.95), no prior assessment in primary care (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.09-2.19), increased stool output in the last 24 hours (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10), and stool collection in the ED (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.05-2.24). CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients with an increased stool output are especially susceptible to return to the ED for consultation. Rotavirus vaccination could reduce reconsultation. None of the diagnostic-therapeutic actions carried out seems to reduce the number of visits to the ED.

Notification of relapse and other previously treated tuberculosis in the 52 health districts of South Africa.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the extent to which relapse and other previously treated tuberculosis (TB) contribute to the notified TB burden in South Africa.DESIGN: We conducted an ecological analysis at the level of the 52 South African health districts using national electronic TB register data. We included all bacteriologically confirmed TB cases treated for presumed drug-susceptible TB in 2011. Treatment history information was based on recorded patient categories (new vs. retreatment).RESULTS: Relapse and other previously treated TB cases constituted between 7.6% and 40% (median 17%, interquartile range 12-22) of all bacteriologically confirmed TB cases in the 52 South African districts. Multivariable analysis suggested that districts with higher proportions of previously treated TB cases had higher TB case notification rates (P < 0.001), lower estimates of antenatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence in the district population (P < 0.001) as well as lower HIV co-infection rates (P < 0.001) among new TB cases.CONCLUSION: Relapse and other previously treated TB cases contributed substantially to the notified TB burden in several South African health districts, particularly those with high case notification rates and lower antenatal HIV prevalence. Additional efforts to prevent TB among previously treated people, such as strengthening treatment monitoring and/or secondary preventive therapy, should be considered.

Efficacy, safety and impact on antimicrobial resistance of duration and dose of amoxicillin treatment for young children with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: a protocol for a randomIsed controlled Trial (CAP-IT).

INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common indication for antibiotic treatment in young children. Data are limited regarding the ideal dose and duration of amoxicillin, leading to practice variation which may impact on treatment failure and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Community-Acquired Pneumonia: a randomIsed controlled Trial (CAP-IT) aims to determine the optimal amoxicillin treatment strategies for CAP in young children in relation to efficacy and AMR. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The CAP-IT trial is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2×2 factorial non-inferiority trial of amoxicillin dose and duration. Children are enrolled in paediatric emergency and inpatient environments, and randomised to receive amoxicillin 70-90 or 35-50 mg/kg/day for 3 or 7 days following hospital discharge. The primary outcome is systemic antibacterial treatment for respiratory tract infection (including CAP) other than trial medication up to 4 weeks after randomisation. Secondary outcomes include adverse events, severity and duration of parent-reported CAP symptoms, adherence and antibiotic resistance. The primary analysis will be by intention to treat. Assuming a 15% primary outcome event rate, 8% non-inferiority margin assessed against an upper one-sided 95% CI, 90% power and 15% loss to follow-up, 800 children will be enrolled to demonstrate non-inferiority for the primary outcome for each of duration and dose. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The CAP-IT trial and relevant materials were approved by the National Research Ethics Service (reference: 16/LO/0831; 30 June 2016). The CAP-IT trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, and in a report published by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme. Oral and poster presentations will be given to national and international conferences, and participating families will be notified of the results if they so wish. Key messages will be constructed in partnership with families, and social media will be used in their dissemination. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN76888927, EudraCT2016-000809-36.

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections are expensive and associated with prolonged hospitalisation: UK Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: There are limited reports outlining the financial cost of treating cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection outside the United States. This study aimed to determine the average treatment cost of CIED infection in a large UK tertiary referral centre and compared costs of different treatment pathways that are recognised in the management of CIED infection (early versus delayed re-implantation). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed cost and length of stay (LOS) data for consecutive patients undergoing infected CIED extraction with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT-D [with defibrillator], CRT-P [with pacemaker]), implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and permanent pacemakers (PPMs). RESULTS: Between January 2013 and March 2015, complete data was available for 84 patients (18 [21.4%] CRT-D, 24 [28.6%] ICDs and 42 [50.0%] PPMs). When all cases were considered the cost of infection ranged from £5,139 (PPM) to £24,318 (CRT-D). Considering different treatment strategies; 41 (48.8%) underwent CIED extraction and re-implantation during the same admission (early re-implant strategy (ER). 43 (51.2%) underwent extraction, but were then discharged home to be re-admitted for day-case re-implantation (delayed re-implant strategy (DR)). Median LOS was significantly shorter in DR compared to ER (5.0 vs. 18.0 days, p<0.001). The total cost of CIED infection episode was similar for both treatment strategies (median £14,241.48 vs. £14,741.70 including wearable defibrillator (Lifevest) and outpatient antibiotics costs, ER vs. DR; p = 0.491). CONCLUSION: CIED infections are expensive and associated with significant health-economic burden. When all device types were considered, a DR strategy is associated with reduced LOS without an increased cost penalty.

Predictor Factors for Emergency Department revisiting of children with acute gastroenteritis: Case-control study. / Factores predictores de reconsulta por Gastroenteritis Aguda en Urgencias Pediátricas: Estudio de casos y controles.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this work is to describe risk factors for reconsultation in patients with an acute gastroenteritis diagnosis, identifiable in their first visit to the Emergency Department. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Case-control study, including patients aged between 0-16 years who consulted in the Emer gency Department (ED) of a tertiary hospital for 4 years. The case is defined as the episode with a gastroenteritis diagnosis that reconsulted within 72 hours. A control was selected for each case, which was the first patient to consult after each case with the same diagnosis and not reconsulted later. Epidemiological and clinical variables, and diagnostic-therapeutic interventions carried out during the first visit were studied. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the reconsultation risk were per formed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Gastroenteritis diagnoses accounted for 5.3% of all ED visits. 745 patients (6.2%) reconsulted within 72 hours. Multivariate analysis found association between reconsultation with each year of increasing age (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97), absence of rotavirus vaccination (OR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.11-1.95), no prior assessment in primary care (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.09-2.19), increased stool output in the last 24 hours (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02-1.10), and stool collection in the ED (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.05-2.24). CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients with an increased stool output are especially susceptible to return to the ED for consultation. Rotavirus vaccination could reduce reconsultation. None of the diagnostic-therapeutic actions carried out seems to reduce the number of visits to the ED.

Healthcare reconsultation in working-age adults following hospitalisation for community-acquired pneumonia.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with prolonged symptom persistence during recovery. However, the effect of the residual symptom load on healthcare utilisation is unknown. The aim of this study was to quantify healthcare reconsultation within 28 days of hospital discharge for an index episode of CAP, and explore reasons for these reconsultations. Adults of working age admitted to any of four hospitals in the UK, with a primary diagnosis of CAP, were prospectively studied. Of 108 patients, 71 (65.7%) reconsulted healthcare services within 28 days of discharge; of these, 90.1% consulted their GP. Men were less likely to reconsult than women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.91, p=0.032). Persistence of respiratory symptoms accounted for the majority of these reconsultations. Healthcare utilisation is high in working-age adults after an episode of hospitalised CAP and, in most cases, is due to failure to resolve index symptoms.

Propensity Score-Matched Analysis Comparing Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery with Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Large Stones in Patients with a Solitary Kidney.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and cost of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment for large renal stones in patients with a solitary kidney. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, 117 patients with a solitary kidney who had undergone PCNL or RIRS for renal stones larger than 2 cm between January 2010 and December 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. The patients' demographic data, clinical characteristics, and perioperative outcomes were collected through a review of their medical records. Forty-three patients treated with PCNL were compared to 43 patients treated with RIRS by propensity score-matched analysis. The stone-free rate, retreatment rate, complication rate, and efficacy quotient (EQ) were assessed in both groups. RESULTS: Initial stone-free rate of the PCNL group after a single procedure was significantly higher compared with the RIRS group (74.42% vs 34.88%, p < 0.001), whereas there was no significant difference in the final stone-free rate after repeated procedures (90.70% vs 88.37%, p = 0.713). PCNL had a significantly lower retreatment rate than RIRS (16.28% vs 63.79%, p < 0.001), and the PCNL group underwent fewer procedures than the RIRS group (p < 0.001). Thus, PCNL group had a higher EQ (78.00% vs 53.52%). Although cost per procedure of PCNL was significantly higher compared with RIRS (p < 0.001), the total costs were comparable. Complication rate of RIRS was lower compared with PCNL with no statistical significance (p = 0.193), and acute kidney injury rates were also comparable (PCNL vs RIRS: 13.95% vs 6.98%, p = 0.533). CONCLUSIONS: With fewer repeated surgical procedures, higher EQ, and comparable total costs, PCNL is recommended as the first choice for the treatment of large renal calculi in patients with a solitary kidney. As for specific indications such as anticoagulant drugs, RIRS is a safer choice with fewer complications and acceptable final stone-free rate.

A cost-minimization analysis of large overjet reduction with two removable functional appliances based on a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess and relate the societal costs of reducing large overjet with a prefabricated functional appliance (PFA), or a slightly modified Andresen activator (AA), using a cost-minimization analysis (CMA). Design, settings, and participants: A multicentre, prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted with patients from 12 general dental practices. Ninety-seven patients with an Angle Class II, division 1 malocclusion, and an overjet of ≥6 mm were randomly allocated by lottery to treatment with either a PFA or an AA. The PFA and AA groups consisted of 57 and 40 subjects, respectively. Blinding was not performed. Duration of treatment, number of scheduled/unscheduled appointments, and retreatment were registered. Direct and indirect costs were analysed with reference to intention-to-treat (ITT), successful (S), and unsuccessful (US) outcomes. Societal costs were described as the total of direct and indirect costs, not including retreatments. Interventions: Treatment with a PFA or an AA. Results: The direct and societal costs were significantly lower for the PFA than for the AA group. The number of visits was lower in the PFA group, when ITT was considered, and for the US cases as well. No difference in retreatment rate could be seen between the groups. Limitations: Costs depend on local factors and thus should not be generalized to other settings. Harms: No harms were detected during the study. Conclusion: The success rate of the both appliances was low. However, the PFA was the preferred approach for reduction of a large overjet in mixed dentition, since it minimized costs and there were no difference in clinical outcomes between PFA and AA. Registration: This trial was registered at 'FoU i Sverige' (http://www.fou.nu/is/sverige), registration number: 97131. Protocol: The protocol was not published before trial commencement.

Maintenance immunosuppression for adults undergoing liver transplantation: a network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: As part of liver transplantation, immunosuppression (suppressing the host immunity) is given to prevent graft rejections resulting from the immune response of the body against transplanted organ or tissues from a different person whose tissue antigens are not compatible with those of the recipient. The optimal maintenance immunosuppressive regimen after liver transplantation remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To assess the comparative benefits and harms of different maintenance immunosuppressive regimens in adults undergoing liver transplantation through a network meta-analysis and to generate rankings of the different immunosuppressive regimens according to their safety and efficacy. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and trials registers until October 2016 to identify randomised clinical trials on immunosuppression for liver transplantation. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included only randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or publication status) in adult participants undergoing liver transplantation (or liver retransplantation) for any reason. We excluded trials in which participants had undergone multivisceral transplantation or participants with established graft rejections. We considered any of the various maintenance immunosuppressive regimens compared with each other. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We performed a network meta-analysis with OpenBUGS using Bayesian methods and calculated the odds ratio, rate ratio, and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% credible intervals (CrI) based on an available-case analysis, according to National Institute of Health and Care Excellence Decision Support Unit guidance. MAIN RESULTS: We included a total of 26 trials (3842 participants) in the review, and 23 trials (3693 participants) were included in one or more outcomes in the review. The vast majority of the participants underwent primary liver transplantation. All of the trials were at high risk of bias, and all of the evidence was of low or very low quality. In addition, because of sparse data involving trials at high risk of bias, it is not possible to entirely rely on the results of the network meta-analysis. The trials included mainly participants undergoing primary liver transplantation of varied aetiologies. The follow-up in the trials ranged from 3 to 144 months. The most common maintenance immunosuppression used as a control was tacrolimus. There was no evidence of difference in mortality (21 trials; 3492 participants) or graft loss (15 trials; 2961 participants) at maximal follow-up between the different maintenance immunosuppressive regimens based on the network meta-analysis. In the direct comparison, based on a single trial including 222 participants, tacrolimus plus sirolimus had increased mortality (HR 2.76, 95% CrI 1.30 to 6.69) and graft loss (HR 2.34, 95% CrI 1.28 to 4.61) at maximal follow-up compared with tacrolimus. There was no evidence of differences in the proportion of people with serious adverse events (1 trial; 719 participants), proportion of people with any adverse events (2 trials; 940 participants), renal impairment (8 trials; 2233 participants), chronic kidney disease (1 trial; 100 participants), graft rejections (any) (16 trials; 2726 participants), and graft rejections requiring treatment (5 trials; 1025 participants) between the different immunosuppressive regimens. The network meta-analysis showed that the number of adverse events was lower with cyclosporine A than with many other immunosuppressive regimens (12 trials; 1748 participants), and the risk of retransplantation (13 trials; 1994 participants) was higher with cyclosporine A than with tacrolimus (HR 3.08, 95% CrI 1.13 to 9.90). None of the trials reported number of serious adverse events, health-related quality of life, or costs. FUNDING: 14 trials were funded by pharmaceutical companies who would benefit from the results of the trial; two trials were funded by parties who had no vested interest in the results of the trial; and 10 trials did not report the source of funding. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Based on low-quality evidence from a single small trial from direct comparison, tacrolimus plus sirolimus increases mortality and graft loss at maximal follow-up compared with tacrolimus. Based on very low-quality evidence from network meta-analysis, we found no evidence of difference between different immunosuppressive regimens. We found very low-quality evidence from network meta-analysis and low-quality evidence from direct comparison that cyclosporine A causes more retransplantation compared with tacrolimus. Future randomised clinical trials should be adequately powered; performed in people who are generally seen in the clinic rather than in highly selected participants; employ blinding; avoid postrandomisation dropouts or planned cross-overs; and use clinically important outcomes such as mortality, graft loss, renal impairment, chronic kidney disease, and retransplantation. Such trials should use tacrolimus as one of the control groups. Moreover, such trials ought to be designed in such a way as to ensure low risk of bias and low risks of random errors.

Probability of IV antibiotic retreatment within thirty days is associated with duration and location of IV antibiotic treatment for pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: There are few objective data to guide management of cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations. We studied intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment failure as defined by a need to retreat patients with IV antibiotics within 30days of completion of a prior IV antibiotic treatment for pulmonary exacerbation. METHODS: The first IV-treated exacerbation on or after Jan. 1, 2010 among US CF Foundation Patient Registry patients was studied, combining treatments separated by <7days into single treatments. IV treatment duration categories were: 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-16, 17-22, and ≥23days (inclusive). Logistic regressions for IV retreatment in ≤30days were adjusted with 12 categorical covariates, including age, sex, lung function, prior-year exacerbations, CF complications, CF Care Program, and ever/never treated in hospital. RESULTS: 777 of 13,579 patients (5.7%) were retreated within 30days, with incidence varying by treatment duration: 1-4days, 8.7%; 5-8days; 6.6%; 9-12days, 3.2%; 13-16days, 4.5%; 17-22days, 6.2%; ≥23days, 10.3% and hospitalization: ever, 5.0%; never 8.5%. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for retreatment (compared to 13-16days treatment) were: 1-4days, 1.94 [95%CI 1.49, 2.54] P<.001; 5-8days, 1.55 [1.18, 2.04] P=.002; 9-12days, 0.78 [0.58, 1.04] P=.09; 17-22days, 1.12 [0.88, 1.42] P=.37; ≥23days, 1.46 [1.12, 1.91] P=.005. Adjusted retreatment OR for never/ever hospitalized was 1.57 [1.29, 1.90] P<.001. Prior-year exacerbation number, oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, and female sex were significantly associated with retreatment. Modeling hazard rate time-dependence showed that treatment duration and location-associated hazard rates attenuated within a few months after treatment. CONCLUSION: After adjustment for covariates known to be associated with increased risk of IV treatment for exacerbation, IV antibiotic treatments of <9 and ≥23days and those without hospitalization were significant risk factors for IV retreatment within 30days of completion of an exacerbation treatment.

The burden and risk factors of ventriculostomy occlusion in a high-volume cerebrovascular practice: results of an ongoing prospective database.

OBJECT Ventriculostomy occlusion is a known complication after external ventricular drain (EVD) placement. There have been no prospective published series that primarily evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for EVD occlusion. These phenomena are investigated using a prospective database. METHODS An ongoing prospective study of all patients undergoing frontal EVD placement in the Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit at the University of Florida was accessed for the purposes of this analysis. Demographic, procedural, and radiographic data were recorded prospectively and retrospectively. The need for catheter irrigation or replacement was meticulously documented. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Ninety-eight of 101 total enrolled patients had accessible data, amounting to 131 total catheters and 1076 total catheter days. Nineteen percent of patients required at least 1 replacement. Forty-one percent of catheters developed at least 1 temporary occlusion, with an average of 2.4 irrigations per patient. Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 28% of patients after the first EVD placement (2% resulting in new neurological deficit) and in 62% of patients after 1 replacement. The cost of occlusion is estimated at $615 per enrolled patient. Therapeutic anticoagulation and use of small EVD catheters were statistically significant predictors of permanent occlusion (p = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS EVD occlusion is frequent and imparts a significant burden in terms of patient morbidity, physician upkeep, and cost. This study suggests that developing strategies or devices to prevent EVD occlusion, such as the preferential use of larger diameter catheters, may be beneficial in reducing the burden associated with ventriculostomy malfunction.

Dynamics of cinacalcet use and biochemical control in hemodialysis patients: a retrospective New-user cohort design.

BACKGROUND: Cinacalcet is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism among hemodialysis patients. Large-scale epidemiologic studies describing patterns of cinacalcet use, effects on parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorous levels, and predictors of discontinuation have not been previously reported. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used a clinical database of a large U.S. dialysis provider (2007-2010) merged with administrative data from the United States Renal Data System. Among new users of cinacalcet with Medicare coverage, trends in PTH, calcium, and phosphorus were measured in 30-day intervals following cinacalcet initiation. RESULTS: Seventeen thousand seven hundred sixty-three eligible initiators contributed 111,047 30-day follow-up intervals. Of these, 56 % discontinued cinacalcet by month 4. Of those discontinuing, 76.3 % reinitiated. Mean values of PTH, calcium, and phosphorus decreased to recommended levels within 4 months following initiation. Proximal PTH levels < 150 pg/mL were associated with discontinuation: HR = 1.23 (95 % CI: 1.12, 1.36), whereas low calcium (< 7.5 mg/dL) was suggestive of an association, HR = 1.09 (95 % CI 0.91, 1.32). Being in the Part D gap period increased discontinuation risk: HR = 1.09 (95 % CI: 1.03, 1.16). Low-income subsidy status decreased discontinuation risk: HR = 0.77 (95 % CI 0.69, 0.86). Predictors of reinitiation included low-income subsidy, HR = 1.32 (95 % CI 1.22, 1.43); higher albumin level, HR = 1.23 (95 % CI 1.10, 1.36) and higher calcium level, HR = 1.26 (95 % CI 1.19, 1.33). CONCLUSIONS: Substantial and expected declines in laboratory values occurred following cinacalcet initiation. Early discontinuation and reinitiation of cinacalcet were common and may have occurred for clinical and economic reasons.

The incidence of hysterectomy, uterus-preserving procedures and recurrent treatment in the management of uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of hysterectomy and uterus-preserving procedures (UPPs) among women with uterine fibroids (UFs) and the incidence of further procedures after a UPP. STUDY DESIGN: This was an observational study using a primary care database, The Health Improvement Network (THIN). Women in THIN with UFs aged 15-54 years between January 2000 and December 2009 were eligible for study. The UPPs examined were myomectomy, endometrial ablation (EA) and uterine artery embolization (UAE). Using Read codes, women were followed up until one of the following was met: there was a record of hysterectomy or UPPs, they died or the study ended (end of 2010). RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of hysterectomy or UPPs was 23.6% at 1 year, and 40.9% after the follow-up period (median 3.6 years). At the end of the follow-up period, the cumulative incidences of hysterectomy, myomectomy, EA and UAE were 33.0%, 3.9%, 6.4% and 1.9%, respectively. For women initially treated with a UPP, the cumulative incidence of second procedures was 11.5% at 1 year. At the end of the follow-up period (median 2.7 years), the cumulative incidence of further procedures was 26.1%, and the cumulative incidences of women undergoing hysterectomy, myomectomy, EA and UAE were 19.0%, 4.3%, 3.4% and 1.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Women considering UPPs for the management of UFs should be made aware that the incidence of further treatments is high, with hysterectomy being the most frequent procedure undergone.

Health care utilization before and after intensive care unit admission in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: The incidence of intensive care unit (ICU) admission is elevated in the multiple sclerosis (MS) population but the reasons for this are incompletely understood, as are outcomes post-ICU admission. Among MS patients we examined the association between ICU admission and health care utilization in the year preceding admission, and compared health care utilization following ICU admission among persons with MS and persons from the general population. METHODS: We used population-based administrative data from Manitoba, Canada to identify 4237 MS cases of which 2547 were incident. We compared the incidence rates of ICU admission in the prevalent MS population according to health care utilization in the year before admission, adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity and socioeconomic status. Among incident cases of MS we compared rates of health care utilization after ICU admission to those in a matched general population cohort. We used generalized linear models adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, region, comorbidity and utilization before admission. RESULTS: Of 4219 prevalent MS cases, 222 (5.3%) were admitted to the ICU. After adjustment, any hospitalization in the prior year conferred an 80% increased incidence, and physician visits in the highest tertile and prescription costs in the highest quartile in the prior year each conferred a more than two-fold increased incidence of admission. Among 2547 incident cases of MS, 109 (4.3%) were admitted to the ICU and 93 survived their admission. Thirty-eight percent of the MS population were re-hospitalized in the year following admission, similar to the matched population (33.8%). Seven percent of both populations were readmitted to the ICU. The MS population had more hospital days after ICU admission than the matched population (adjusted RR 3.11; 95% CI: 1.34-5.90). After adjustment the number of physician visits did not differ between populations. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ICU admission is higher among persons with MS who have higher prior health care utilization. Health care utilization remains high after ICU admission. Efforts to prevent ICU admission in this population are needed.

Factors associated with failure of nonoperative treatment in lateral epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis is a common cause of elbow pain that is treated with a variety of nonoperative measures and often improves with time. Minimal research is available on patients in whom these nonoperative treatments fail. PURPOSE: To identify baseline patient and disease factors associated with the failure of nonoperative treatment of lateral epicondylitis, defined as surgery after a period of nonoperative treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Case control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 580 patients treated for lateral epicondylitis at a tertiary center between 2007 and 2012 were analyzed. Disease-specific and patient demographic characteristics were compared between patient groups (nonoperative vs surgical treatment). A multivariable logistic regression model was created based on preliminary univariate testing to determine which characteristics were associated with failure of nonoperative treatment. RESULTS: Of the 580 patients, 92 (16%) underwent surgical treatment at a mean of 6 months (range, 0-31 months) from their initial visit. Univariate analysis demonstrated a potential association (P < .10) between operative management and the following factors at initial diagnosis: increased age, body mass index, duration of symptoms, presence of radial tunnel syndrome, prior injection, physical therapy, splinting, smoking, workers' compensation, a labor occupation, use of narcotics, use of antidepressant medications, and previous orthopaedic surgery. In the final multivariable model, a workers' compensation claim (odds ratio [OR], 8.1), prior injection (OR, 5.6), the presence of radial tunnel syndrome (OR, 3.1), previous orthopaedic surgery (OR, 3.2), and duration of symptoms >12 months (OR, 2.5) remained significant independent predictors of surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: This study identifies risk factors for surgical treatment for lateral epicondylitis. While these findings do not provide information regarding causal factors associated with surgery, these patient and disease-specific considerations may be helpful when counseling patients regarding treatment options and the likelihood of the success of continued nonoperative treatment.

Delayed repeat enemas are safe and cost-effective in the management of pediatric intussusception.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to compare outcomes between delayed repeat enema (DRE) and immediate surgery (IS) in children with ileocolic intussusception who fail initial enema reduction. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of children <6 years-of-age from 2008 to 2012 in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database. Outcomes measured were bowel resection, length of stay (LOS), and adjusted hospital costs (AHC). RESULTS: 4980 of 6889 (72.3%) children with intussusception were discharged without operation following a single successful enema. 1407 of 1909 (73.7%) remaining patients underwent IS while 502 (26.3%) had a DRE. Bowel resection was required in 372 of 1407 (26.4%) patients in IS group compared to 59 of 502 (11.8%) in the DRE group (p<0.001). The number of patients needed to treat by DRE to prevent a bowel resection was 7. In multivariable analysis, the IS patients had a 2.5 times greater likelihood of undergoing bowel resection than the DRE patients (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83-3.41, p<0.001). The DRE group had a mean LOS of 3.2 days (95% CI 2.9-3.6) and mean AHC of $9205 (95% CI $7673-$10,735). The IS group had a longer LOS (4.4days, 95% CI 4.0-4.8, p≤0.001) and higher AHC ($14,422, 95% CI $12,631-$16,214, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Delayed repeat enemas for ileocolic intussusception increase the success of nonoperative reduction, decrease the rate of bowel resection and reduce mean hospital length of stay and costs.

Three-year outcomes of root canal treatment: Mining an insurance database.

OBJECTIVES: There is doubt whether success rates of root canal treatments reported from clinical trials are achievable outside of standardized study populations. The aim of this study was to analyse the outcome of a large number of root canal treatments conducted in general practice. METHODS: The data was collected from the digital database of a major German national health insurance company. All teeth with complete treatment data were included. Only patients who had been insurance members for the whole 3-year period from 2010 to 2012 were eligible. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were conducted based on completed root canal treatments. Target events were re-interventions as (1) retreatment of the root canal treatment, (2) apical root resection (apicoectomy) and (3) extraction. The influences of vitality status and root numbers on survival were tested with the log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 556,067 root canal treatments were included. The cumulative overall survival rate for all target events combined was 84.3% for 3 years. The survival rate for nonvital teeth (82.6%) was significantly lower than for vital teeth (85.6%; p<0.001). The survival rate for single rooted teeth (83.4%) was significantly lower than for multi-rooted teeth (85.5%; p<0.001). The most frequent target event was extraction followed by apical root resection and retreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these 3-year outcomes, root canal treatment is considered a reliable treatment in practice routine under the conditions of the German national health insurance system. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Root canal treatment can be considered as a reliable treatment option suitable to salvage most of the affected teeth. This statement applies to treatments that in the vast majority of cases were delivered by general practitioners under the terms and conditions of a nationwide health insurance system.