Feasibility of Universal Screening for Preeclampsia Risk and Aspirin Recommendation in the Ultrasound Unit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and impact of using the first-trimester ultrasound visit to identify and counsel women at increased risk of preeclampsia about the benefits of low-dose aspirin (LDA) for preventing preeclampsia. We also assessed patient-reported utilization of LDA, perceived risk for preeclampsia, and clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Women presenting for routine first-trimester nuchal-translucency (NT) ultrasounds were screened for clinical preeclampsia risks using a self-administered risk assessment. Women at moderate or high risk for preeclampsia were counseled to take LDA, if not already taking it. LDA utilization and perceived risk for preeclampsia were assessed during the second-trimester ultrasound. Factors associated with LDA utilization were analyzed. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between those who used LDA and those who did not. RESULTS: Slightly more than 20% of patients (765/3,669) screened at increased risk for developing preeclampsia. Of those, 67.8% (519/765) had not received LDA recommendations from their referring obstetrician and 97 had not been taking LDA despite being advised to do so. Combined, 94.6% (583/616) of these patients eligible to start LDA prophylaxis received the indicated counseling during the ultrasound visit. A total of 61.4% (358/583) of women completed the follow-up form and of those 77.9% (279/358) reported taking LDA. Screening at increased risk for preeclampsia and perception of increased risk were positively associated with LDA utilization, whereas concerns for LDA safety were negatively associated with use. African American/Black patients and Medicaid recipients were less likely to use LDA. Pregnancy outcomes were similar between those who used LDA and those who did not. CONCLUSION: Assessing preeclampsia risk and counseling patients about LDA at the time of the NT ultrasound are feasible in the ultrasound unit and led to good LDA utilization among women at increased risk for preeclampsia. This intervention may standardize patient care and help close the disparity in maternal health. KEY POINTS: · A simple intervention captured 2/3 of eligible patients.. · Aspirin utilization rate was good after the intervention.. · Screening high risk for preeclampsia and self-perception of risk correlated with aspirin use..

Association of Race, Ethnicity, Education, and Neighborhood Context With Dementia Prevalence and Cognitive Impairment Severity Among Older Adults Receiving Medicaid-Funded Home and Community-Based Services.

OBJECTIVE: While racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic group disparities in cognitive impairment and dementia prevalence are well-documented among community-dwelling older adults, little is known about these disparity trends among older adults receiving Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services (HCBS) in lieu of nursing home admission. The authors determined how dementia prevalence and cognitive impairment severity compare by race, ethnicity, educational attainment, and neighborhood context in a Medicaid HCBS population. DESIGN/SETTING: A cross-sectional study in Connecticut. PARTICIPANTS: Adults age ≥65 in the HCBS program, January-March 2019 (N = 3,520). MEASUREMENTS: The data source was Connecticut's HCBS program Universal Assessment tool. The authors employed two outcomes: Cognitive Performance Scale (CPS2), a 9-point measure ranging from cognitively intact-very severe impairment; and presence or not of either diagnosed dementia or CPS2 score ≥4 (major impairment). Neighborhood context was measured using the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). RESULTS: Cohort characteristics: 75.7% female; mean(SD) age = 79.1(8.2); Non-Hispanic White = 47.8%; Hispanic = 33.6%; Non-Hispanic Black = 15.9%. Covariate-adjusted multivariate analyses revealed no dementia/major impairment prevalence differences among White, Black, and Hispanic individuals, but impairment severity was greater among Hispanic participants (b = 0.22; p = 0.02). People with more than HS education had less severe impairment (b = -0.12; p <0.001) and lower likelihood of dementia/major impairment (AOR = 0.61; p <0.001). Dementia/major impairment likelihood and impairment severity were greater in less socially vulnerable neighborhoods. CONCLUSION: Racial and ethnic group differences in cognitive impairment are less pronounced in Medicaid-funded HCBS cohorts than in other community-dwelling older adult cohorts. SVI results suggest that, among other possible explanations, older adults with dementia may move to lower social vulnerability neighborhoods where supportive family members reside.

Herpes Zoster in Hospitalized Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: National Analysis of Disease Presentation and Age Distribution.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated an increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Most recently, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended HZ vaccination for adults aged 19 years and older who are at increased risk of shingles due to their disease or drug-related immunosuppression. We aimed to assess the burden of HZ in IBD inpatients and contribute with scientific evidence for an appropriate age cut-off vaccination recommendation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional analysis using the 2014 US National Inpatient Sample (NIS). We measured the frequencies and demographics of adult patients with IBD admitted to the hospital with an HZ diagnosis. Age-stratification analysis was performed, and age groups were compared with non-IBD inpatients with an HZ diagnosis. RESULTS: From 307,260 IBD discharges, 1110 (0.35%) patients were found to have HZ as follows: shingles 63%; post-herpetic neuralgia 26%; HZ with ophthalmic involvement 7%; HZ with neurological involvement 4%. Women with IBD were more likely to have shingles ( P =0.002) and post-herpetic neuralgia ( P =0.001) than men with IBD. The shingles distribution by age in IBD inpatients was 18 to 39 (13%), 40 to 49 (19%), 50 to 59 (18%), 60 to 99 (50%) compared with 18 to 39 (8%), 40 to 49 (6%), 50 to 59 years (14%), 60 to 99 (72%) in non-IBD inpatients ( P =0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalized patients with IBD were found to have a higher frequency of shingles at younger ages when compared with hospitalized patients without IBD. Shingles is more frequent in women, and their prevalence steadily increases with aging though 32% of cases were seen in patients younger than age 50.

A novel scoring system for identifying patients at risk for venous thromboembolism undergoing diverticular resection: an American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Study.

Following colorectal surgery, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication occurring at an estimated incidence of 2-4%. There is a significant body of literature stratifying risk of VTE in specific populations undergoing colorectal resection for cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. There has been little research characterizing patients undergoing colorectal surgery for other indications, e.g. diverticulitis. We hypothesize that there exists a subgroup of patients with identifiable risk factors undergoing resection for diverticulitis that has relatively higher risks for VTE. We conducted a retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2006 to 2017 who underwent colorectal resection for diverticulitis. Patients with a primary indication for resection other than diverticulitis were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was conducted to determine the risk of VTE for each independent variable. A novel scoring system was developed and a receiver-operating-characteristic curve was generated. The rate of VTE was 1.49%. An 7-point scoring system was developed using identified significant variables. Patients scoring ≥ 6 on the developed scoring scale had a 3.12% risk of 30-day VTE development. A simple scoring system based on identified significant risk factors was specifically developed to predict the risk of VTE in patients undergoing diverticular colorectal resection. These patients are at significantly higher risk and may justify increased vigilance regarding VTE events, similar to patients undergoing colorectal resection for cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.

Maternal Outcomes and Pregnancy-Related Complications Among Hospitalized Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Report from the National Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Previous studies have been inconsistent in reporting the risk of pregnancy-related complications in women with IBD. We aimed to investigate the differences in frequencies of pregnancy-related complications requiring hospitalization in women with IBD compared to women without IBD. METHODS: We performed a population-based, cross-sectional study using the 2014 USA National Inpatient Sample. Frequencies of ICD-9 codes for pregnancy-related complications in women aged 18-35 years with IBD were compared to women with no IBD controlling for confounders predisposing to pregnancy complications. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated for each outcome. RESULTS: A total of 6705 women with IBD and a pregnancy complication were discharged from the hospital in 2014. In multivariate analyses, there was no statistically significant difference between women with and without IBD for: spontaneous abortion, post-abortion complications, ectopic pregnancy, hemorrhage, severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, early labor, polyhydramnios, hyperemesis, missed abortion, mental disorder during pregnancy, and forceps delivery. Women with IBD had significant lower odds for prolonged pregnancy, gestational diabetes, fetal distress, umbilical cord complications, obstetric trauma, mild preeclampsia, and hypertension. There was, however, higher odds for infectious and parasitic complications (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.42-2.14, p < 0.0001), UTIs (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.07-2.60, p = 0.02), and anemia (OR 5.26, 95% CI 4.01-6.90, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this large population-based analysis, women with IBD had higher odds for certain infections such as UTIs and anemia during pregnancy when compared to women with no IBD. For other pregnancy-related complications, women with IBD had the same or lower odds than women with no IBD. These data are important to share with women with IBD considering pregnancy.

A matched cohort study of convalescent plasma therapy for COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a public health crisis. Prior studies demonstrated successful use of convalescent plasma therapy for treatment of other viral illnesses. Our primary objective was to evaluate treatment efficacy of convalescent plasma in patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective matched cohort study, we enrolled recipients of convalescent plasma collected from donors recovered from laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection under the single patient eIND process. We individually matched 35 cases with 61 controls based on age, gender, supplemental oxygen requirements, and C-reactive protein level at the time of hospital admission. We compared the outcomes of in-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay between the groups. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 20% among the cases and 24.6% among the controls (P = .61). A multivariable logistic regression model that included age, gender, duration of symptoms, need for mechanical ventilation, and pharmacologic interventions revealed no significant difference in mortality by study group (P = .71). The median length of stay was significantly greater among convalescent plasma recipients compared with controls, 10 (IQR, 6-17) vs 7 (IQR, 4-11) days, P < .01. The difference was not significant after controlling for covariates (P > .1). CONCLUSIONS: We did not find convalescent plasma reduced in-hospital mortality in our sample, nor did it reduce length of stay. Further investigation is warranted to determine the efficacy of this treatment in patients with COVID-19, particularly early in the disease process.

Impact of Diabetes on Hospitalized Patients With Chronic Medical Conditions.

AIM: To measure cost and length of stay in patients with and without a diagnosis of diabetes admitted with cardiovascular, pulmonary, or cerebrovascular disease. METHODS: Retrospective study used International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes to identify patients with diabetes, cardiovascular, pulmonary, or cerebrovascular disease. The All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups, which classify patients according to admission diagnosis, severity of illness, and risk of mortality, was used to determine actual (discharge) diagnoses. Total admission cost and length of stay were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS: Study reviewed 48,572 subjects who met inclusion criteria. When compared with patients without diabetes of similar age, sex, race, risk of mortality, and severity of illness and controlling for length of stay, individuals with diabetes had similar total admission costs. Lengths of stay were similar for individuals with and without diabetes admitted with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease or respiratory infection. However, patients with a primary diagnosis of congestive heart failure and a secondary diagnosis of diabetes incurred longer lengths of stay. CONCLUSION: Individuals with diabetes and congestive heart failure have longer lengths of stay than those without diabetes. To decrease the economic burden of diabetes and chronic conditions, primary care providers and hospitals need to implement guidelines regarding the management of care for individuals with two or more chronic conditions.

A survey on patient preferences towards CIED implantation.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation is increasingly performed worldwide with improving safety. Outpatient CIED implantation has similar complication rates compared to those implants which are hospitalized. Here, we analyze patient preferences on discharge timing after CIED implantation. OBJECTIVE: To identify and understand the factors contributing to patient preferences towards same-day or next-day discharge after CIED implantation. METHODS: One hundred and two patients undergoing new CIED implants were included in the study at two separate hospitals in CT (CT group) and FL (FL group) from 2018-2019. A 7-question survey was administered to the patients after the procedure. Survey responses and demographic data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy-four percent of CT group and 58% of the FL group responded with a 10 score (0-10) that they were ready to be discharged home the same day (p=0.09). Both groups reported a low number of patients feeling safer by having a remote monitor provided at the time of discharge (44% CT group, 28% FL group; p=0.123). The mean distance of patients living from the hospital in CT group (21.6 miles) was significantly lower than that for the FL group (35.5 miles); p=0.01. Hypertension (86% vs 52%; p=0.0002) and Diabetes mellitus (44% vs 21%; p=0.013) were more prevalent in the FL group compared to the CT group. CONCLUSION: Despite the influence of local practices, the majority of patients preferred same-day discharge after CIED implantation. Improved patient education regarding the ability of remote monitors to provide real-time response to acute events is needed.

Effects of Intensive Versus Standard Ambulatory Blood Pressure Control on Cerebrovascular Outcomes in Older People (INFINITY).

BACKGROUND: Subcortical microvascular disease represented by brain white matter hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging is associated with functional decline in older people with hypertension. The effects of 2 levels of 24-hour average systolic blood pressure (BP) on mobility, white matter disease progression, and cognitive function over 3 years were studied. METHODS: This trial was a prospective, randomized, blinded end-points study in patients ≥75 years of age with systolic hypertension and magnetic resonance imaging evidence of white matter hyperintensity lesions. Patients were randomized to a 24-hour mean systolic BP of ≤130 mm Hg (intensive treatment) versus ≤145 mm Hg (standard treatment) with antihypertensive therapies. Primary study outcomes were changes in mobility (gait speed) and accrual of white matter hyperintensity volume after 3 years. Changes in cognitive function (executive processing) and adverse events were also evaluated. RESULTS: In 199 randomized patients, the mean age of the cohort was 80.5 years, and 54% were women; the average 24-hour systolic BP was 149 mm Hg. Goal BPs were achieved after a median treatment period of 3 to 4 months; at that time, the mean 24-hour systolic BP was 127.7 mm Hg in the intensive treatment group and 144.0 mm Hg in the standard treatment group for an average difference of 16.3 mm Hg. Changes in gait speed were not different between treatment groups (0.40±2.0 versus 0.42±2.7 s in the intensive treatment and standard treatment groups, respectively; P=0.91), whereas changes from baseline in white matter hyperintensity volumes were smaller (0.29%) in the intensive treatment group compared with the standard treatment group (0.48%; P=0.03). Cognitive outcomes also were not different between the treatment groups. Major adverse cardiovascular events were higher in the standard treatment group compared with the intensive treatment group (17 versus 4 patients; P=0.01). Falls, with or without injury, and syncope were comparable in the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive lowering of ambulatory BP reduction in older patients with hypertension did not result in differences in mobility outcomes but was associated with a reduction in accrual of subcortical white matter disease. Over periods >3 years, a reduction in the accumulation of white matter disease may be a factor in conserving function. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01650402.

A Guideline-Based Policy to Decrease Intensive Care Unit Admission Rates for Accidental Hypothermia.

RATIONALE: Despite guidelines advising passive rewarming for mild accidental hypothermia (AH), patients are frequently admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) for active rewarming using a forced-air warming device. We implemented a new policy at our institution aimed at safely reducing ICU admissions for AH. We analyzed our practice pre- and post-policy intervention and compared our experiences with acute care hospitals in Connecticut. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 203 participants with AH identified by primary and secondary discharge codes. Our new policy recommended passive rewarming on the medical floors for mild hypothermia (>32°C) and ICU admission for moderate hypothermia (<32°C). Practices of other Connecticut hospitals were obtained by surveying ICU nurse managers and medical directors. RESULTS: Over a 3-year period, prior to rewarming policy change, 64% (n = 92) of patients with AH were admitted to ICU, with a mean ICU length of stay (LOS [SD]) of 2.75 (2.2) days. After the policy change, over a 3-year period, 15% (n = 9) were admitted to ICU (P < .001), with an ICU LOS of 2.11 (0.9) days (P = 0.005). In both groups with AH, altered mental status, infection, and acute alcohol intoxication were the most common diagnoses at presentation. Alcohol intoxication was more prevalent in the post-policy intervention group, pre 17% versus post 46% (P < .001). No complications such as dermal burns or cardiac arrhythmias were noted with forced-air warming device use during either time period. Among the 29 hospitals surveyed, 20 used active rewarming in ICU or intermediate care units and 9 cared for patients on telemetry units. Most hospitals used active external rewarming for core body temperature of <35°C; however, 37% of hospitals performed active rewarming at temperatures >35°Cor lacked a policy. CONCLUSIONS: Reserving forced-air warming devices for the treatment of moderate-to-severe hypothermia (<32°C) significantly reduced ICU admissions for AH.

SARS-CoV-2 serology and virology trends in donors and recipients of convalescent plasma.

SARS-CoV-2 has infected millions worldwide. The virus is novel, and currently there is no approved treatment. Convalescent plasma may offer a treatment option. We evaluated trends of IgM/IgG antibodies/plasma viral load in donors and recipients of convalescent plasma. 114/139 (82 %) donors had positive IgG antibodies. 46/114 donors tested positive a second time by NP swab. Among those retested, the median IgG declined (p < 0.01) between tests. 25/139 donors with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 were negative for IgG antibodies. This suggests that having had the infection does not necessarily convey immunity, or there is a short duration of immunity associated with a decline in antibodies. Plasma viral load obtained on 35/39 plasma recipients showed 22 (62.9 %) had non-detectable levels on average 14.5 days from positive test versus 6.2 days in those with detectable levels (p < 0.01). There was a relationship between IgG and viral load. IgG was higher in those with non-detectable viral loads. There was no relationship between viral load and blood type (p = 0.87) or death (0.80). Recipients with detectable viral load had lower IgG levels; there was no relationship between viral load, blood type or death.

Improving fetal congenital heart disease screening using a checklist-based approach.

To determine if using a checklist of specific ultrasound image criteria to screen the fetal heart improves the cardiac exam completion rate, defined as the ability to classify the heart as normal or abnormal. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with singleton pregnancies who underwent a fetal anatomy survey between 18 and 28 weeks' gestation. A checklist was used from 1 September 2015 to 31 March 2016 to categorize exams as complete-normal, complete-abnormal, or incomplete. Performance was compared with a 7-month period prior to checklist introduction (1 December 2014 to 30 June 2015). Checklist utilization improved the cardiac exam completion rate by 8.9%. With the checklist, 1083 of 1202 exams (90.1%) were completed compared to 987 of 1193 (82.7%) pre-checklist, P < .001. We did not detect a change in cases classified as abnormal and referred for echocardiography: 25 (2.1%) with the checklist and 16 (1.3%) pre-checklist, P = .16. We did not detect more congenital heart disease (CHD), 12 (1.0%) with checklist screening, 5 (0.4%) pre-checklist, P = .14. Critical CHD was not missed in either group. Using the checklist improved the cardiac exam completion rate. There was no change in congenital heart disease detection.

The impact of prior prolapse repairs on surgical outcomes with minimally invasive sacral colpopexy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To determine whether prior prolapse repair has an impact on operative time, surgical complications, and prolapse recurrence with minimally invasive sacral colpopexy (MISC). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all laparoscopic and robotic MISC procedures performed from January 2009 to July 2014 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Patient demographics, clinical and surgical data were compared in women who underwent MISC for initial repair versus those undergoing MISC for recurrence after prior prolapse surgery. Our primary outcome was operating room (OR) time (skin incision to closure) using linear regression. Logistic regression compared complications (a composite variable considered present if any major complication occurred) and prolapse recurrence (any POP-Q point ≥0 or retreatment). RESULTS: Of 816 subjects, the mean age was 59.6 ± 8.7, with mean BMI 27.0 ± 3.0 in a primarily Caucasian population (97.8%). Subjects had predominantly POP-Q stage III prolapse (69.9%), and 21.3% reported prior prolapse repair. OR time was 205.0 ± 69.0 min. Prior prolapse repair did not impact OR time (p = 0.25) after adjusting for age, concomitant procedures, POP-Q measurements, changes in OR personnel, case order in the day, and preoperative stress incontinence. Complications occurred in 15.8% but were not impacted by prior prolapse repair (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.53-1.67) after adjusting for potential confounders. During a median follow-up of 31 weeks, 7.8% had recurrence with no impact from prior prolapse surgery (OR = 1.557, 95% CI = 0.67-3.64) after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to demonstrate increased OR time, complications, or prolapse recurrence for MISC based on history of prior prolapse repair. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm the lack of difference in prolapse recurrence rates.

Comparing laparoscopic and robotic sacrocolpopexy surgical outcomes with prior versus concomitant hysterectomy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to compare surgical outcomes after prior hysterectomy versus concomitant hysterectomy with laparoscopic/robotic minimally invasive sacral colpopexy (MISC). METHODS: Using all MISC from 2009 to 2014, patient sociodemographic and surgical data were compared between MISC with prior versus concomitant hysterectomy. Operative time (skin incision to closure) was compared with linear regression. Logistic regression compared complications, a composite variable including ≥1 transfusion, infection, readmission, reoperation, bowel obstruction/ileus, conversion to laparotomy, bowel/bladder injury, or mesh complication. Logistic regression compared prolapse recurrence defined as retreatment (pessary/surgery) or postoperative POP-Q points ≥ 0. RESULTS: Eight hundred and sixteen patients were 59.6 ± 8.7 years old and predominantly Caucasians (97.8%), with BMI 27.4 ± 4.5 and predominantly POP-Q stage III prolapse (69.9%). Operative time was 205.0 ± 69.0 min. Concomitant hysterectomy increased operative time 17.8 min (p = 0.004) adjusting for age, POP-Q stage, total vaginal length, perineal body, lysis of adhesions or perineorrhaphy, changes in operating personnel (scrub tech/circulating nurse), case order during the day, and preoperative stress incontinence. Complications occurred in 15.8% and were more likely with prior hysterectomy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43-3.70) adjusting for preoperative genital hiatus and perineal body, concomitant midurethral sling, obesity, and immunosuppression. During a follow-up of 31 weeks, 7.8% had prolapse recurrence with no impact from concomitant hysterectomy (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.41-2.24). Post-hoc power calculation would have required an unattainable size of >2,800 per group for this outcome. CONCLUSIONS: For MISC, concomitant hysterectomy is associated with longer operative time but lower risk of complications. There was no impact of concomitant hysterectomy on prolapse recurrence, but longer follow-up may be needed for this outcome.

Risk Factors for Skin Tears Following Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum to Treat Dupuytren Contractures.

PURPOSE: Skin tears are an unpleasant complication that may occur after collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) administration to treat Dupuytren contractures of the fingers. The purpose of this study was to determine risk factors for the development of this complication. METHODS: Over a 6-year period, patients with a measurable metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal joint Dupuytren contracture and a palpable cord treated with CCH were prospectively observed. Patients were assessed for the development of skin tears immediately on the day of manipulation as well 30 days or more after manipulation. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients (174 cords) met inclusion criteria. There was a 25.6% incidence of skin tears (30 of 117 patients; 33 skin tears). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that patients with a combined digital flexion contracture (total combined metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joint contracture) of 75° and greater and those treated with 2 simultaneous doses of CCH in the same hand were more likely to sustain a tear. All skin tears healed with nonsurgical management at short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although a relatively minor complication, skin tears are not well-tolerated by all patients and may change the postinjection course of orthosis use, wound care, and manual activity. Based on these results, patients with digital contractures 75° or greater and those treated with 2 simultaneous doses of CCH in the same hand may be counseled that they have a higher likelihood of developing a skin tear during manipulation. Pretreatment education may reduce anxiety experienced by patients who otherwise unexpectedly develop a skin tear at the time of manipulation. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Chronic Liver Disease Patients have Worse Outcomes and Increased Postoperative Complications After Orthopedic Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Cirrhotic patients are at a higher risk for sustaining orthopedic fractures with a reported prevalence of 5% to 20%. Cirrhosis also affects wound healing and bleeding risk, and hence, impacts the postoperative outcomes after fracture repair. However, there is limited data available on the postoperative risk factors and clinical outcomes of fractures in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). METHODS: Data from the National Inpatient Sample for the years 2012 to 2015 were analyzed. Patients were identified using ICD-9 codes for any fracture. ICD-9 codes for CLD were used to categorize patients into CLD and non-CLD groups. Primary outcomes included inpatient mortality, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges. Secondary outcomes included complications such as postoperative infection, prosthetic failure, bleeding, and improper wound healing. RESULTS: A total of 931,193 patient encounters for orthopedic fractures were identified and divided into 17,388 with CLD and 913,806 without CLD (non-CLD). The inpatient mortality in patients with CLD was almost twice that of non-CLD patients (odds ratio, 1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-2.1). Patients with CLD also had a longer mean LOS at 7.4±8.6 days versus 5.6±7.2 days (P<0.001) and higher total hospital charges at $76,198±99,494 versus $64,294±95,673 (P<0.001). CLD patients also had higher rates of infections, improper wound healing, and bleeding. DISCUSSION: In this large retrospective study, CLD patients with fractures had significantly higher mortality, LOS and hospital charges. These findings correlate with the higher rates of infection, bleeding, and poorer wound healing in this population. Increased clinician awareness of these risks is a key to improving the care of CLD patients.

Acute kidney injury is associated with higher mortality and healthcare costs in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: AKI is known to be associated with increased risk of mortality, however limited information is available on how AKI impacts healthcare costs and resource utilization in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. Previous studies have had variable definitions of AKI, resulting in inconsistent reporting of the true impact of AKI in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) which contains data from 44 states and 4378 hospitals, accounting for over 7 million discharges were analyzed. The inclusion data were all discharges in the 2012 NIS dataset with a discharge diagnosis of cirrhosis. RESULTS: A total of 32,605 patients were included in the analysis, incidence of AKI was 12.12% in patients with cirrhosis. Crude mortality was much higher for patients with cirrhosis and AKI (14.9% vs. 1.8%, OR 9.42, p<0.001) than for patients without AKI. In addition, mean LOS was longer (8.5 vs. 4.3 days, p<0.001) and median total hospital charges were higher for patients with AKI ($43,939 vs. $22,270, p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, controlling for covariates and mortality risk score, sepsis, ascites and SBP were predictors of AKI. CONCLUSIONS: AKI is relatively common in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. Presence of AKI results in significantly higher inpatient mortality as well as LOS and resource utilization. Median hospitalization cost was twice as high in AKI patients. Early identification of patients at high risk for AKI should be implemented to reduce mortality and contain costs. Prognosis could be enhanced by utilizing biomarkers which could rapidly detect AKI.

Home Food Environment Factors Associated With Hispanic Preschoolers' Intake of Fruits and Vegetables.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of home fruit and vegetable (F&V) availability and maternal feeding practices with Hispanic preschoolers' F&V intake (N = 238). "Availability' of total fruit" (P < .0001) and "modeling" (P < .020) increased the odds of consuming 1 or more cups of fruit. "Pressure" (P < .009) and the child being female (P < .028) increased the odds of consuming 1 or more cups of vegetables, while having a greater number of children in the home (P < .037) reduced the odds of consuming 1 or more cups of vegetables. To increase preschoolers' intake of F&V, interventions should target specific environmental factors in the home and maternal monitoring practices.

Relationships among clinic, home, and ambulatory blood pressures with small vessel disease of the brain and functional status in older people with hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Subcortical small vessel disease, represented as white matter hyperintensity (WMH) on magnetic resonance images (MRI) is associated with functional decline in older people with hypertension. We evaluated the relationships of clinic and out-of-office blood pressures (BP) with WMH and functional status in older persons. METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from 199 older study participants enrolled in the INFINITY trial, we analyzed the clinic, 24-hour ambulatory, and home BPs and their relationships with WMH burden and mobility and cognitive outcomes. RESULTS: Volume of WMH was associated with clinic and 24-hour ambulatory systolic BP but not home systolic BP. The mobility measure, supine-to-sit time, had a significant association with 24-hour systolic BP and pulse pressure but not with diastolic BP or values obtained by home BP. Cognitive measures of processing speed (Trails Making Test Part A and the Stroop Word Test) were significantly associated with 24-hour systolic BP, but not clinic and home BPs. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that ambulatory BP measurements in older people are more strongly associated with WMH and certain measures of functional status compared to home BP measurements. Hence, home BP may not be a useful substitute for ambulatory BP for assessing subcortical small vessel disease and its consequences. Further longitudinal analyses comparing clinic and various types of out-of-office BP measures with small vessel brain disease are needed. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01650402.

Disability in prison activities of daily living and likelihood of depression and suicidal ideation in older prisoners.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to determine if disability in activities of daily living specific to prison, prison activities of daily living (PADLs), is associated with depression and severity of suicidal ideation (SI) in older prisoners, a rapidly growing population at high risk of suicide. METHODS: Cross-sectional design using data from a study of prisoners age ≥50 years (N = 167). Depression was operationalized as a score of ≥15 on the 9-item Physician Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). SI severity was assessed using the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS). Participants were considered to have PADL disability if they reported any of the following as "very difficult" or "cannot do:" dropping to the floor for alarms, climbing on/off the top bunk, hearing orders, walking while wearing handcuffs, standing in line for medications, and walking to chow. Associations were examined with bivariate tests and with multivariable logistic and linear regression models, and the interaction term gender × PADL disability was tested. RESULTS: PADL disability was associated with depression and SI severity. There was no main effect of gender on either depression or SI, yet the association between PADL disability and depression was considerably stronger in male than in female older prisoners. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying older prisoners who have difficulty performing PADLs may help distinguish prisoners who may also be likely to be depressed or experience more severe SI. Furthermore, the association between PADL disability and depression may be particularly salient in older male prisoners. Longitudinal studies are needed as causal inferences are limited by the cross-sectional design. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.