ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is associated with improved early detection and reduced mortality, although practice patterns and effectiveness vary in clinical practice. We aimed to characterize HCC surveillance patterns in a large, diverse cohort of patients with HCC. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with HCC between January 2008 and December 2022 at 2 large US health systems. We recorded imaging receipt in the year before HCC diagnosis: ultrasound plus α-fetoprotein (AFP), ultrasound alone, multiphasic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and no liver imaging. We used multivariable logistic and Cox regression analysis to compare early tumor detection, curative treatment receipt, and overall survival between surveillance strategies. RESULTS: Among 2028 patients with HCC (46.7% Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A), 703 (34.7%) had ultrasound plus AFP, 293 (14.5%) had ultrasound alone, 326 (16.1%) had multiphasic CT/MRI, and 706 (34.8%) had no imaging in the year before HCC diagnosis. Over the study period, proportions without imaging were stable, whereas use of CT/MRI increased. Compared with no imaging, CT/MRI and ultrasound plus AFP, but not ultrasound alone, were associated with early stage HCC detection and curative treatment. Compared with ultrasound alone, CT/MRI and ultrasound plus AFP were associated with increased early stage detection. CONCLUSIONS: HCC surveillance patterns vary in clinical practice and are associated with differing clinical outcomes. While awaiting data to determine if CT or MRI surveillance can be performed in a cost-effective manner in selected patients, AFP has a complementary role to ultrasound-based surveillance, supporting its adoption in practice guidelines.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Liver Neoplasms , Humans , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy , Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis , Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , alpha-Fetoproteins/analysis , Retrospective Studies , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
We present a tutorial on quantile regression, an underutilized yet valuable class of multivariable linear regression models that allow researchers to understand more fully the conditional distribution of response as compared to models based on conditional means. Quantile regression models are flexible, have attractive interpretations, and are implemented in most statistical software packages. Our focus is on intuitive understanding of quantile regression models, particularly as compared with more familiar regression methods such as conditional mean models as estimated using ordinary least squares (OLS). We frame our tutorial through two clinical case studies in the field of liver transplantation: one in the context of estimating recipient financial burden after transplantation and another in estimating intraoperative blood transfusion needs. Our real-world cases demonstrate how quantile regression models give researchers a richer understanding of relationships in the data and provide more nuanced clinical understanding compared to more commonly used linear regression models. We encourage researchers to explore quantile regression as a tool to answer relevant clinical research questions and support their more widespread adoption.
ABSTRACT
Liver transplantation is the curative therapy of choice for patients with early-stage HCC. Locoregional therapies are often employed as a bridge to reduce the risk of waitlist dropout; however, their association with posttransplant outcomes is unclear. We conducted a systematic review using Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify studies published between database inception and August 2, 2023, which reported posttransplant recurrence-free survival and overall survival among patients transplanted for HCC within Milan criteria, stratified by receipt of bridging therapy. Pooled HRs were calculated for each outcome using the DerSimonian and Laird method for a random-effects model. We identified 38 studies, including 19,671 patients who received and 20,148 patients who did not receive bridging therapy. Bridging therapy was not associated with significant differences in recurrence-free survival (pooled HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.77-1.08; I2 =39%) or overall survival (pooled HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.95-1.24; I2 =47%). Results were relatively consistent across subgroups, including geographic location and study period. Studies were discordant regarding the differential strength of association by pretreatment tumor burden and pathologic response, but potential benefits of locoregional therapy were mitigated in those who received 3 or more treatments. Adverse events were reported in a minority of studies, but when reported occurred in 6%-15% of the patients. Few studies reported loss to follow-up and most had a risk of residual confounding. Bridging therapy is not associated with improvements in posttransplant recurrence-free or overall survival among patients with HCC within Milan criteria. The risk-benefit ratio of bridging therapy likely differs based on the risk of waitlist dropout.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Liver Neoplasms , Liver Transplantation , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Humans , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/surgery , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/mortality , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , Liver Neoplasms/surgery , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/prevention & control , Waiting Lists/mortality , Treatment Outcome , Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/adverse effects , Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/methods , Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/statistics & numerical data , Disease-Free SurvivalABSTRACT
The financial impact of liver transplantation has been underexplored. We aimed to identify associations between high financial burden (≥10% annual income spent on out-of-pocket medical costs) and work productivity, financial distress (coping behaviors in response to the financial burden), and financial toxicity (health-related quality of life, HRQOL) among adult recipients of liver transplant. Between June 2021 and May 2022, we surveyed 207 adult recipients of liver transplant across 5 US transplant centers. Financial burden and distress were measured by 25 items adapted from national surveys of cancer survivors. Participants also completed the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment and EQ-5D-5L HRQOL questionnaires. In total, 23% of recipients reported high financial burden which was significantly associated with higher daily activity impairment (32.9% vs. 23.3%, p =0.048). In adjusted analyses, the high financial burden was significantly and independently associated with delayed or foregone medical care (adjusted odds ratio, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.85-8.42) and being unable to afford basic necessities (adjusted odds ratio, 5.12; 95% CI: 1.61-16.37). Recipients experiencing high financial burden had significantly lower self-reported HRQOL as measured by the EQ-5D-5L compared to recipients with low financial burden (67.8 vs. 76.1, p =0.008) and an age-matched and sex-matched US general population (67.8 vs. 79.1, p <0.001). In this multicenter cohort study, nearly 1 in 4 adult recipients of liver transplant experienced a high financial burden, which was significantly associated with delayed or foregone medical care and lower self-reported HRQOL. These findings underscore the need to evaluate and address the financial burden in this population before and after transplantation.
Subject(s)
Cost of Illness , Health Expenditures , Liver Transplantation , Quality of Life , Humans , Liver Transplantation/economics , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Liver Transplantation/statistics & numerical data , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Adult , Health Expenditures/statistics & numerical data , United States/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires/statistics & numerical data , Financial Stress/economics , Financial Stress/epidemiology , Aged , Adaptation, Psychological , End Stage Liver Disease/surgery , End Stage Liver Disease/economics , End Stage Liver Disease/diagnosis , EfficiencyABSTRACT
Liver transplantation (LT) is lifesaving for patients with cirrhosis; however, the resultant financial burden to patients has not been well characterized. We aimed to provide a nationally representative portrayal of patient financial burden after LT. Adult recipients of LT from 2006 to 2021 were identified using IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus for Academics-a large nationally representative claims database of commercially insured Americans. Patient financial liability (ie, what patients owe) was estimated using the difference between allowed and paid costs for adjudicated medical/pharmacy claims. Descriptive statistics were provided stratified by the financial liability group within 1 year after LT. Multivariable logistic regression modeling identified factors associated with high/extreme liability adjusting for covariates. Potential indirect costs of post-LT care were estimated based on hourly wages lost for care. Among 1412 recipients of LT, financial liability was heterogeneous-~3% had no liability and 21% had extreme liability > $10K for 1-year post-LT care; most (69%) paid between $1 and 10K, with 48% having liability >$5K. Factors associated with >$5K liability included older age, insurance/enrollment type, US region, history of HCC, and simultaneous liver-kidney transplant (for liability >$10K). Medication costs comprised ~30% of outpatient financial liability. Potential indirect costs from wages lost were $2,201-$6,073 per person, depending on an hourly wage. In a large national cohort of commercially insured recipients of LT, financial liability was highly variable across sociodemographic and clinical characteristics; nearly 1 out of 2 recipients of LT owed >$5K for 1 year of post-LT care. Transplant programs should help patients anticipate potential costs and identify vulnerable populations who would benefit from enhanced financial counseling.
Subject(s)
Insurance, Health , Liver Transplantation , Humans , Liver Transplantation/economics , Liver Transplantation/statistics & numerical data , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Male , Female , Middle Aged , United States , Adult , Insurance, Health/statistics & numerical data , Insurance, Health/economics , Cost of Illness , Health Care Costs/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Young Adult , Databases, Factual/statistics & numerical data , Retrospective Studies , End Stage Liver Disease/surgery , End Stage Liver Disease/economicsABSTRACT
Psychiatric disorders after liver transplantation (LT) are associated with worse patient and graft outcomes, which may be amplified by inadequate treatment. We aimed to characterize the burden of psychiatric disorders, treatment patterns, and associated financial burden among liver transplantation recipients (LTRs). IQVIA PharMetrics (R) Plus for Academics-a large health plan claims database representative of the commercially insured US population-was used to identify psychiatric diagnoses among adult LTRs and assess treatment. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with post-LT psychiatric diagnoses and receipt of pharmacotherapy. Patient financial liability was estimated using adjudicated medical/pharmacy claims for LTRs with and without psychiatric diagnoses. Post-LT psychiatric diagnoses were identified in 395 (29.5%) of 1338 LTRs, of which 106 (26.8%) were incident cases. Treatment varied, with 67.3% receiving pharmacotherapy, 32.1% psychotherapy, 21.0% combination therapy, and 21.5% no treatment. Among 340 LTRs on psychotropic medications before transplant, 24% did not continue them post-LT. Post-LT psychiatric diagnoses were independently associated with female sex, alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), prolonged LT hospitalization (>2 wk), and pre-LT psychiatric diagnosis. Incident psychiatric diagnoses were associated with female sex, ALD, and prolonged LT hospitalization. Patients with a post-LT psychiatric diagnosis had higher rates of hospitalization (89.6% vs. 81.5%, p <0.001) and financial liability (median $5.5K vs. $4.6K USD, p =0.006). Having a psychiatric diagnosis post-LT was independently associated with experiencing high financial liability >$5K. Over 1 in 4 LTRs had a psychiatric diagnosis in a large national cohort, yet nearly a quarter received no treatment. LTRs with psychiatric diagnoses experienced increased health care utilization and higher financial liability. Sociodemographic and clinical risk factors could inform high-risk subgroups who may benefit from screening and mitigation strategies.
ABSTRACT
Understanding survivorship experiences at different stages postliver transplantation (poat-LT) is essential to improving care. Patient-reported concepts including coping, resilience, post-traumatic growth (PTG), and anxiety/depression, have been implicated as important predictors of quality of life and health behaviors after LT. We aimed to descriptively characterize these concepts at different post-LT survivorship stages. This cross-sectional study featured self-reported surveys measuring sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and patient-reported concepts including coping, resilience, PTG, anxiety, and depression. Survivorship periods were categorized as early (1 y or below), mid (1-5 y), late (5-10 y), and advanced (10 y or above). Univariable and multivariable logistic and linear regression modeling examined factors associated with patient-reported concepts. Among 191 adult LT survivors, the median survivorship stage was 7.7 years (interquartile range: 3.1-14.4) and median age was 63 years (range: 28-83); most were male (64.2%) and Caucasian (84.0%). High PTG was more prevalent in the early survivorship period (85.0%) than late survivorship (15.2%). High trait resilience was only reported by 33% of survivors and associated with higher income. Lower resilience was seen among patients with longer LT hospitalization stays and late survivorship stages. About 25% of survivors had clinically significant anxiety and depression, which was more frequent among early survivors and females with pre-LT mental health disorders. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with lower active coping included survivors ≥65 years, non-Caucasian race, lower levels of education, and nonviral liver disease. In a heterogeneous cohort including early and late LT survivors, there was variation in levels of PTG, resilience, anxiety, and depression at different survivorship stages. Factors associated with positive psychological traits were identified. Understanding determinants of LT survivorship has important implications for how we should monitor and support LT survivors.
Subject(s)
Liver Transplantation , Posttraumatic Growth, Psychological , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Quality of Life/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Adaptation, Psychological , Survivors , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/psychologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Frailty is a risk factor for adverse health in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The Fried phenotype (FP) and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Frailty Index (SLICC-FI) are common frailty metrics reflecting distinct approaches to frailty assessment. We aimed to 1) compare frailty prevalence according to both metrics in women with SLE and describe differences between frail and non-frail participants using each method and 2) evaluate for cross-sectional associations between each metric and self-report disability. METHODS: Women aged 18-70 years with SLE were enrolled. FP and SLICC-FI were measured, and agreement calculated using a kappa statistic. Physician-reported disease activity and damage, Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computerized adaptive tests, and Valued Life Activities (VLA) self-report disability were assessed. Differences between frail and non-frail participants were evaluated cross-sectionally, and the association of frailty with disability was determined for both metrics. RESULTS: Of 67 participants, 17.9% (FP) and 26.9% (SLICC-FI) were frail according to each metric (kappa = 0.41, p< 0.01). Compared with non-frail women, frail women had greater disease damage, worse PROMIS scores, and greater disability (all p< 0.01 for FP and SLICC-FI). After age adjustment, frailty remained associated with a greater odds of disability (FP: odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-18.8; SLICC-FI: OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.3-15.8). CONCLUSION: Frailty is present in 17.9-26.9% of women with SLE. These metrics identified a similar, but non-identical group of women as frail. Further studies are needed to explore which metric is most informative in this population.
ABSTRACT
Survivorship after liver transplantation (LT) is a novel concept providing a holistic view of the arduous recovery experienced after transplantation. We explored components of early survivorship including physical, emotional, and psychological challenges to identify intervention targets for improving the recovery process of LT recipients and caregivers. A total of 20 in-person interviews were conducted among adults 3 to 6 months after LT. Trained qualitative research experts conducted interviews, coded, and analyzed transcripts to identify relevant themes and representative quotes. Early survivorship comprises overcoming (1) physical challenges, with the most challenging experiences involving mobility, driving, dietary modifications, and medication adherence, and (2) emotional and psychological challenges, including new health concerns, financial worries, body image/identity struggles, social isolation, dependency issues, and concerns about never returning to normal. Etiology of liver disease informed survivorship experiences including some patients with hepatocellular carcinoma expressing decisional regret or uncertainty in light of their post-LT experiences. Important topics were identified that framed LT recovery including setting expectations about waitlist experiences, hospital recovery, and ongoing medication requirements. Early survivorship after LT within the first 6 months involves a wide array of physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Patients and caregivers identified what they wish they had known prior to LT and strategies for recovery, which can inform targeted LT survivorship interventions.
Subject(s)
Liver Transplantation , Survivorship , Adult , Caregivers/psychology , Humans , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Liver Transplantation/psychology , Qualitative Research , Quality of Life/psychologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of frailty in a single-centre cohort of patients with PMR and describe its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), cognition and sarcopenia. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with PMR, according to 2012 EULAR/ACR Classification Criteria, presenting within 12 months of diagnosis and on treatment with glucocorticoids. Frailty was defined according to the Fried frailty criteria. HRQoL was assessed using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Computerized Adaptive Test (PROMIS-CAT) and cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Sarcopenia was measured by DXA. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were enrolled. Prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty was 17% and 59%, respectively. Frail patients had higher inflammatory markers at diagnosis compared with pre-frail and robust patients. Of 27 patients with DXA results, 26% were sarcopenic. Frail patients had worse physical function, and more pain behaviour and interference compared with pre-frail and robust patients. In univariable analyses, frail patients were more likely to have worse physical function, and more pain behaviour and pain interference, which remained significant after adjusting for age. There were no significant associations between cognition or sarcopenia and frailty. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of PMR patients, there was a higher prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty compared with that reported in community-dwelling elderly. Frailty was associated with worse physical function, and increased pain behaviour and pain interference, differences that were also clinically meaningful. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and analyse the association of frailty with other PMR disease outcomes.
Subject(s)
Frailty , Polymyalgia Rheumatica , Sarcopenia , Humans , Aged , Frailty/diagnosis , Frailty/epidemiology , Sarcopenia/epidemiology , Quality of Life , Frail Elderly , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cognition , Pain , Geriatric Assessment/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In an aging population with cardiovascular comorbidities, anticoagulant (AC), antiplatelet (AP), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use are increasing. It remains unclear whether these agents pose increased bleeding risk in cirrhosis. This study aimed to assess the association between these medications and bleeding and portal hypertension complications in cirrhosis. METHODS: The IMS PharMetrics database was used to identify privately insured adults diagnosed with cirrhosis from 2007 to 2015, stratified as compensated or decompensated based on the presence of portal hypertensive complications 1 year before cirrhosis diagnosis. Bleeding or decompensation outcomes were assessed 6 to 18 months after cirrhosis diagnosis using a landmark analysis design. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression modeling assessed associations between AC, AP, and NSAID drug exposures and outcomes adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: A total of 18,070 cirrhosis patients were analyzed; 57% male; 74% ages 50 to 64 years; 34% with a prior decompensation. Overall, 377 (2%) had claims for ACs; 385 (2%) APs; and 1231 (7%) NSAIDs. APs were associated with increased bleeding [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00, 1.72] and decompensation events (aHR=1.44; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.95) in a 9-month landmark analysis. NSAIDs were significantly associated with bleeding events (aHR=1.29; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.57) on 3-month landmark analysis. No statistically significant associations were seen between ACs and bleeding or decompensation outcomes in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: AP use was associated with increased bleeding and decompensation events among privately insured patients with cirrhosis. NSAID use was associated with significant early bleeding, but not decompensations. Lastly ACs were not associated with bleeding or decompensation outcomes.
Subject(s)
Hypertension, Portal , Liver Cirrhosis , Adult , Aged , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/adverse effects , Anticoagulants/adverse effects , Female , Hemorrhage , Humans , Hypertension, Portal/complications , Liver Cirrhosis/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Survivorship is a well-established concept in the cancer care continuum with a focus on disease recurrence, quality of life, and the minimization of competing risks for mortality; however, survivorship has not been well studied in liver transplantation (LT). We investigated what survivorship means to LT patients and identified motivations and coping strategies for overcoming challenges after LT. A total of 20 in-depth home interviews were conducted among adults 3 to 6 months after LT. Interviews were conducted by trained qualitative research experts and coded and analyzed using an inductive approach. A majority of LT recipients (75%) identified themselves as survivors. Integral to the definition of survivorship was overcoming hardship (including experiences on the waiting list) and the unique experience of being given a "second chance" at life. Motivations to survive included a new chance at life (55%), family (40%), spirituality/faith (30%), and fear of rejection (15%). LT recipients and caregivers identified multiple strategies to cope with post-LT challenges, including relying on a large network of community, spiritual, and virtual support. These findings informed a conceptual model of LT survivorship based on socioecological theory, which identified the following variables influencing survivorship: (1) pretransplant experiences, (2) individual attributes and challenges, (3) interpersonal relationships with caregivers and other social support, (4) community relationships, and (5) large-scale factors including neighborhood and financial issues. LT recipients identified themselves as survivors, and post-LT identities were greatly influenced by pre-LT experiences. These perspectives informed an in-depth conceptual model of survivorship after transplantation. We identified sources of motivation and coping strategies used in LT recovery that could be targets of survivorship interventions aimed at improving post-LT outcomes.
Subject(s)
Liver Transplantation , Survivorship , Adaptation, Psychological , Adult , Humans , Qualitative Research , Quality of Life , Survivors , Transplant RecipientsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anesthesia services for endoscopic procedures have proliferated with the promise of increased comfort and safety. Cirrhosis patients are higher risk for sedation, yet limited data are available describing anesthesia complications in this population. APPROACH AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional study utilized the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry, a multicenter quality-improvement database from 2010 to 2015. Patients with cirrhosis undergoing an endoscopy were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9)/Current Procedures Terminology (CPT) codes. The outcome of interest was serious anesthesia-related complication defined as cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, drug related, patient injury, death, or unexpected admission. A mixed-effects multivariate logistic regression model determined odds ratios (ORs) between variables and serious complications, adjusting for potential confounders. In total, 9,007 endoscopic procedures were performed among patients with cirrhosis; 92% were esophagogastroduodenoscopies. The majority (81%) were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class ≥3, and 72% had a history of hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, varices, hepatorenal syndrome, or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis identified by ICD-9/CPT codes. In total, 87 complications were reported, 33 of which were serious. Frequency of serious complications was 0.4% or 378.6 per 100,000 procedures (95% confidence interval [CI], 260.8, 531.3). The majority of serious complications were cardiovascular (21 of 33), including 15 cardiac arrests. Serious complications were significantly associated with ASA 4/5 (OR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.09, 13.57) and general anesthesia (OR, 4.71; 95% CI, 1.20, 18.50), adjusting for age, sex, ASA class, anesthesia type, inpatient status, portal hypertension history, and variable complication reporting practices. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia complications among endoscopic procedures in cirrhosis are rare overall. Serious complications were predominantly cardiac and associated with sicker patients undergoing general anesthesia. The complexity of end-stage liver disease may warrant more intensive care during endoscopic procedures, including anesthesia monitoring.
Subject(s)
Anesthesia/adverse effects , End Stage Liver Disease/complications , Endoscopy/adverse effects , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Pain, Procedural/prevention & control , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Anesthesia/methods , Cross-Sectional Studies , End Stage Liver Disease/diagnosis , Female , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Pain, Procedural/etiology , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Prevalence , Registries/statistics & numerical data , Severity of Illness Index , United States/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Septic arthritis (SA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Delayed or inadequate treatment may result in joint destruction, osteomyelitis and sepsis. Like other types of infection, the causative agents of SA may have changed over time. Early targeted intervention is important in cases of SA and can be achieved only by understanding the current trends in the microbiology of SA. OBJECTIVES: To determine the trends in the microbiology of SA over the last two decades. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including all patients 18 and older with culture positive, surgically treated, native joint septic arthritis (NJSA), admitted to a single tertiary medical centre in Boston between the years of 1997 and 2015. We excluded cases of osteomyelitis and septic bursitis. We focused our analysis on the microbiology data which included synovial fluid gram stain and culture, blood cultures and synovial biopsy cultures. RESULTS: Among 260 cases, the most common bacteria isolated were Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA, 36%), Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 17.6%), Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS, 13%) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS, 7.3%). Trends in the rates of these bacteria demonstrated no significant variation. The knee was the most common joint affected, followed by the shoulder and hip. Shoulder SA was most commonly caused by MRSA while MSSA was the leading causative organism in other joints. GBS was a causative bacterium in shoulder SA significantly more often than in knee or hip infections. CONCLUSIONS: Although no significant trends were noted in the microbiology of SA over nearly 2 decades, we observed meaningful findings regarding shoulder SA as MRSA was the most common bacterial because of SA in this joint. Prompt joint aspiration, microbiologic testing of synovial fluid and empiric antibiotic therapy that covers MRSA may improve outcomes in SA.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Infectious , Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus , Osteomyelitis , Staphylococcal Infections , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Arthritis, Infectious/drug therapy , Arthritis, Infectious/epidemiology , Humans , Osteomyelitis/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies , Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy , Staphylococcal Infections/epidemiology , United StatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite the increased use of anesthesia services for endoscopic procedures in the United States, the risks of anesthesia-directed sedation (ADS) are unclear. We analyzed national data from multiple centers to determine patterns of use of anesthesia services and risk factors for serious complications. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study using the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry, a national quality improvement database. Univariable and bivariate analyses investigated frequencies and relationships between predefined variables and serious complications of anesthesia (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic, drug-related, patient injury, death, or unexpected admission). A multivariable mixed-effects model determined the odds ratios between these variables and serious complications, adjusting for confounders and varying reporting practices. RESULTS: In total, 428,947 endoscopic procedures of adults were performed using ADS from 2010 to 2015. The population was 54.9% female with a mean age of 59.1 years, and predominantly American Society of Anesthesiologists classes 2 and 3 (74.4%). More than half of the procedures were colonoscopies (51.4%); 37.4% were esophagogastroduodenoscopies and 6.5% were endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies. A total of 4441 complications (1.09%) were reported; 1349 were serious complications (0.34%). In multivariable analysis, older age, American Society of Anesthesiologists classes 4 and 5, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, general anesthesia, cases performed on an overnight shift, and longer cases were associated independently and significantly with serious complications. CONCLUSIONS: In an analysis of data from the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry, we found ADS during endoscopy to be safe, with few serious complications (<1% of procedures). Risk of ADS complications increased with older age, more severe disease, procedure type, and case complexity.
Subject(s)
Anesthesia , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal , Adult , Aged , Anesthesia/adverse effects , Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde , Colonoscopy , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , United StatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Estimates of disease burden can inform national health priorities for research, clinical care, and policy. We aimed to estimate health care use and spending among gastrointestinal (GI) (including luminal, liver, and pancreatic) diseases in the United States. METHODS: We estimated health care use and spending based on the most currently available administrative claims from commercial and Medicare Supplemental plans, data from the GI Quality Improvement Consortium Registry, and national databases. RESULTS: In 2015, annual health care expenditures for gastrointestinal diseases totaled $135.9 billion. Hepatitis ($23.3 billion), esophageal disorders ($18.1 billion), biliary tract disease ($10.3 billion), abdominal pain ($10.2 billion), and inflammatory bowel disease ($7.2 billion) were the most expensive. Yearly, there were more than 54.4 million ambulatory visits with a primary diagnosis for a GI disease, 3.0 million hospital admissions, and 540,500 all-cause 30-day readmissions. There were 266,600 new cases of GI cancers diagnosed and 144,300 cancer deaths. Each year, there were 97,700 deaths from non-malignant GI diseases. An estimated 11.0 million colonoscopies, 6.1 million upper endoscopies, 313,000 flexible sigmoidoscopies, 178,400 upper endoscopic ultrasound examinations, and 169,500 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures were performed annually. Among average-risk persons aged 50-75 years who underwent colonoscopy, 34.6% had 1 or more adenomatous polyps, 4.7% had 1 or more advanced adenomatous polyps, and 5.7% had 1 or more serrated polyps removed. CONCLUSIONS: GI diseases contribute substantially to health care use in the United States. Total expenditures for GI diseases are $135.9 billion annually-greater than for other common diseases. Expenditures are likely to continue increasing.
Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Diseases/economics , Gastrointestinal Diseases/therapy , Health Care Costs/trends , Health Expenditures/trends , Liver Diseases/economics , Liver Diseases/therapy , Pancreatic Diseases/economics , Pancreatic Diseases/therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cost of Illness , Female , Gastrointestinal Diseases/diagnosis , Gastrointestinal Diseases/ethnology , Health Services Needs and Demand/economics , Humans , Incidence , Liver Diseases/diagnosis , Liver Diseases/ethnology , Male , Middle Aged , Needs Assessment/economics , Pancreatic Diseases/diagnosis , Pancreatic Diseases/ethnology , Prevalence , Socioeconomic Factors , Time Factors , United States/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
Septic arthritis (SA) is typically managed with antibiotic therapy with or without surgery. Little is known about how patients without surgery differ from their operatively managed counterparts. We compared SA patients who received antibiotic treatment with and without surgery. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with monoarticular septic arthritis admitted to a single tertiary care centre between 1998 and 2015. All 441 monoarticular septic arthritis patients received antibiotics; 382 were also managed operatively and 59 nonoperatively. Nonoperative patients were older (64.4 vs 58.3 years old; p = 0.02) and less likely to have prior joint pathology (44.1% vs 67.5%; p < 0.001). Nonoperative patients presented more often with sepsis (37.3% vs 31.9; p = 0.02) and were more frequently admitted to the intensive care unit (23.7% vs 16.5%; p = 0.04). Nonoperative patients were less often discharged to a rehabilitation facility (37.9% vs 55.8%; p = 0.002) and less frequently readmitted to hospital within 60 days of initial discharge (15.3% vs 18.6%; p = 0.05). However, nonoperative patients were more likely to expire within 30 days after hospital discharge (11.9% vs 3.9%; p = 0.009). Nonoperative patients were sicker at presentation; despite deferral of surgery, they had a relatively high survival rate (88%). Among survivors whose data was available, there were no significant sequelae in post-discharge imaging. These findings support the nonsurgical approach as effective for patients with septic arthritis who are not critically ill at time of presentation.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Arthritis, Infectious/drug therapy , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Arthritis, Infectious/complications , Arthritis, Infectious/mortality , Critical Care , Critical Illness , Female , General Surgery , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Discharge , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Sepsis/drug therapy , Sepsis/etiology , Tertiary Care Centers , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is common after liver transplantation (LT). Yet, how PTDM relates to graft outcomes and survival needs elucidation as more individuals are transplanted for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: This single-center, retrospective study of adult LT recipients (2003-2016) identified PTDM incidence and associations with graft steatosis, rejection, and post-LT patient survival. Multivariable analysis investigated predictors of PTDM. Kaplan-Meier curves depicted patient survival 5 years post-LT. RESULTS: Among 415 adult LT recipients, 23% had pre-LT DM and 13% were transplanted for NAFLD. PTDM incidence was 34.7%, 46.9%, and 56.2% and overall survival was 90%, 80.9%, and 71.7% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Over a third of non-NAFLD patients developed PTDM. Half of PTDM cases developed by 6 months and 75% by 12 months. The PTDM group had more rejection episodes compared to no PTDM (31.9% vs 21.8%, P = 0.055), with trends toward worse patient survival 5 years post-LT (log-rank test P = 0.254). Age was the only significant predictor of PTDM. CONCLUSIONS: Post-transplant diabetes mellitus occurs rapidly in the post-LT period and is a significant problem for both NAFLD and non-NAFLD LT recipients. Age is a significant risk factor for PTDM. Outcomes trended toward increased rejection and worse survival among PTDM individuals, suggesting the benefit of early strategies targeting glucose control.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus/mortality , Graft Rejection/mortality , Liver Diseases/mortality , Liver Transplantation/mortality , Postoperative Complications/mortality , Adult , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus/physiopathology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Graft Rejection/etiology , Graft Rejection/pathology , Graft Survival , Humans , Incidence , Liver Diseases/surgery , Liver Transplantation/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , North Carolina/epidemiology , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/pathology , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Survival RateABSTRACT
Little is known about the incidence, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with polymicrobial SA (PMSA). We aimed to determine the unique characteristics of patients with PMSA by comparing them to patients with monomicrobial SA (MMSA). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients 18 years and older admitted to a single tertiary care medical center, between 1998 and 2015, with surgically treated culture-positive SA affecting one or more joints. Patients were separated into two groups by the presence of one (MMSA) or more organisms (PMSA). A total of 441 patients with MMSA and 47 with PMSA were identified. Prior history of SA was more common among the PMSA group (31.9% vs. 18.6%; p = 0.03) as well as higher rates of prosthetic joint involvement (48.9% vs. 36.1%; p = 0.06). Patients with PMSA were sicker with higher rates of shock at presentation (14.9% vs. 5.5%; p = 0.02), intensive care unit admissions (39.1% vs. 18%; p < 0.001), and longer mean length of stay (16.1 vs. 10.9 days; p < 0.001). The most prevalent pathogens in the PMSA group were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (31%), followed by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (29%), and Enterococcus (24%). To our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the clinical and microbiologic profiles of patients with PMSA. Important differences were noted such as more frequent involvement of atypical and prosthetic joints in PMSA. PMSA should be suspected in patients with these clinical features, and broad-spectrum antibiotics should be considered as these patients appear to be sicker and have worse outcomes.