Comorbidities and Complications of Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: General pediatricians and hospitalists are increasingly summoned to optimize the comorbid conditions of children with medical complexity (CMC) undergoing major surgery. We assessed the relationship between specific chronic conditions of CMC and hospital resource use with spinal fusion for scoliosis, an operation with high cost and morbidity. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 7252 children age ≥5 years with an underlying complex chronic condition undergoing spinal fusion between January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2014 in 41 children's hospitals. Hospital length of stay (LOS), cost, and 30-day readmission rate were compared across comorbid conditions by using linear and logistic regression accounting for demographic characteristics and clustering of patients by hospital. RESULTS: Fifty-nine percent of children had ≥4 comorbid conditions. As the number of chronic conditions increased from 1-3 to ≥10, median LOS increased 60% (5 [interquartile range (IQR), 4-7] to 8 [IQR, 5-13] days); median hospital cost increased 53% ($52 319 [IQR, $37 937-71 513] to $80 429 [IQR, $58 602-$111 965]); and readmission rates increased 293% (5.4% to 15.8%) (P < .001 for all). In multivariable analysis, conditions strongly associated with LOS and cost were chronic respiratory insufficiency (LOS: +2.1 days; cost: +$12 070; and bladder dysfunction (LOS: +0.8 days; cost: +$4014) (P < .001 for all). Readmission likelihood was highest with bladder dysfunction (odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.0) and epilepsy (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.5). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic respiratory insufficiency, bladder dysfunction, and epilepsy had significant associations with hospital resource use for CMC undergoing spinal fusion. Pediatricians, patients, and families may find it useful to consider these conditions when striving to benefit the children's perioperative health and outcomes.

The Burden of Bladder Pain in Five European Countries: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the burden of illness associated with bladder pain in 5 European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of bladder pain (ie, unpleasant sensation, pain, pressure, or discomfort related to the urinary bladder) were identified from data collected by the cross-sectional National Health and Wellness Survey performed in 2013. Propensity score matching was used to construct a comparator group without bladder pain (1 case: 2 controls). Assessments were performed for several outcomes including health-related quality of life (HRQoL; 36-item Short-Form, version 2), work-related function (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire), employment status, and all-cause healthcare resource use. RESULTS: We identified 275 patients with a physician diagnosis of bladder pain, 274 of whom were successfully matched to 548 controls without bladder pain. Compared with matched controls, patients with bladder pain had significantly impaired HRQoL (mental component summary: 38.5 vs 44.5; physical component summary: 38.9 vs 47.8; P <.001). Overall work productivity loss was significantly greater in patients with bladder pain compared with matched controls (41.7% vs 21.5%; P <.001). Patients with bladder pain were also significantly more likely to use all-cause healthcare resources and make more visits to healthcare providers in the previous 6 months than matched controls (P <.001 for all outcomes). CONCLUSION: Bladder pain is associated with a considerable burden in Europe in terms of impaired HRQoL and work productivity, and increased healthcare resource use.

Intermittent self catheterisation with hydrophilic, gel reservoir, and non-coated catheters: a systematic review and cost effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the most effective and cost effective type of catheter for patients performing intermittent self catheterisation in the community. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Results were incorporated into a probabilistic Markov model to compare lifetime costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs). DATA SOURCES: We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane and Cinahl databases from 2002 to 18 April 2011 to identify studies comparing hydrophilic, gel reservoir, and non-coated intermittent catheters. Earlier guidelines were used to identify papers published before 2002. To capture studies comparing clean and sterile non-coated intermittent self catheterisation, each database was searched from its date of inception to 18 April 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical outcomes included symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI), bacteraemia, mortality, patient preference or comfort, and number of catheters used. The economic model included downstream complications of UTI and cost effectiveness was calculated as incremental cost per QALY gained. RESULTS: Eight studies were included in the systematic review. Most were conducted in patients with spinal cord injuries, and most of the included patients were men. People using gel reservoir and hydrophilic catheters were significantly less likely to report one or more UTIs compared with sterile non-coated catheters (absolute effect for gel reservoir = 149 fewer per 1000 (95% confidence interval -7 to 198), P=0.04; absolute effect for hydrophilic = 153 fewer per 1000 (-8 to 268), P=0.04). However, there was no difference between hydrophilic and sterile non-coated catheters when outcomes were measured as mean monthly UTIs (mean difference = 0.01 (-0.11 to 0.09), P=0.84) or total UTIs at 1 year (mean difference = 0.18 (-0.50 to 0.86), P=0.60). There was little difference in the incidence of one or more UTIs for people using clean versus sterile non-coated catheters (absolute effect = 12 fewer per 1000 (-134 to 146), P=0.86). Although the most effective, gel reservoir catheters cost >£54,350 per QALY gained and are therefore not cost effective compared with clean non-coated self catheterisation. CONCLUSION: The type of catheter used for intermittent self catheterisation seems to make little difference to the risk of symptomatic UTI. Given large differences in resource use, clean non-coated catheters are most cost effective. However, because of limitations and gaps in the evidence base and the designation of non-coated catheters as single use devices, we recommend a precautionary principle should be adopted and that patients should be offered a choice between hydrophilic and gel reservoir catheters.

Defining overactive bladder: epidemiology and burden of disease.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common, disabling condition associated with considerable negative impact on quality of life, quality of sleep, and mental health. The age-specific prevalence of OAB is similar among men and women. Urge incontinence affects only a portion of the OAB population: 33% of patients have OAB with urge incontinence ("OAB wet"), while 66% have OAB without urge incontinence ("OAB dry"). The symptoms of OAB can affect social, psychological, occupational, domestic, physical, and sexual aspects of life. OAB can also lead to depression and low self-esteem. The shift away from urodynamic observation (essential in the identification of OAB) reflects increased emphasis on the symptom-specific nature of this common disorder. The overall costs of OAB to society are in the billions. Yet the condition often goes unrecognized, largely because of the reluctance of those with OAB to seek medical attention.

Estimated economic costs of overactive bladder in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the economic costs of overactive bladder (OAB), including community and nursing home residents, and to compare the costs in male versus female and older versus younger populations. METHODS: The National Overactive Bladder Evaluation Program included a representative telephone survey of 5204 community-dwelling adults 18 years and older in the United States and a follow-up postal survey of all individuals with OAB identified and age and sex-matched controls. The postal survey asked respondents about bladder symptoms, self-care use, treatment use, work loss, and OAB-related health consequences. Survey data estimates were combined with year 2000 average cost data to calculate the cost of OAB in the community. Institutional costs were estimated from the costs of urinary incontinence in nursing homes, limited to only those with urge incontinence or mixed incontinence (urge and stress). RESULTS: The estimated total economic cost of OAB was 12.02 billion dollars in 2000, with 9.17 and 2.85 billion dollars incurred in the community and institutions, respectively. Community female and male OAB costs totaled 7.37 and 1.79 billion dollars, respectively. The estimated total cost was sensitive to the estimated prevalence of OAB; therefore, we calculated the average cost per community-dwelling person with OAB, which was 267 dollars per year. CONCLUSIONS: By quantifying the total economic costs of OAB, this study-the first obtained from national survey data-provides an important perspective of this condition in society. The conservative estimates of the total cost of OAB were comparable to those of osteoporosis and gynecologic and breast cancer. Although this provides information on the direct and indirect costs of OAB, quality-of-life issues must be taken into account to gain a better understanding of this condition.

Overactive bladder patients and role of the pharmacist.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the prevalence, quality of life (QOL) implications, cost of illness, and pharmacotherapy of overactive bladder (OAB), and to describe the pharmacist's role in the management of patients with OAB. DATA SOURCES: Articles published between 1990 and 2001 identified through a MEDLINE search using the terms overactive bladder, unstable bladder, urinary incontinence, prevalence, cost of illness, quality of life, drug therapy, pharmacist, and pharmacy in various combinations. STUDY SELECTION: All studies providing information on OAB or urinary incontinence were retrieved. DATA EXTRACTION: By the authors. DATA SYNTHESIS: Published prevalence and cost studies focus primarily on urinary incontinence, which is only one possible symptom of OAB. Reported prevalence rates of urge and mixed incontinence in the United States range from 3% to 8% and 5% to 37%, respectively, and the highest prevalence has been found in geriatric and psychogeriatric populations. Associated costs are substantial. Total costs of OAB in the United States were estimated to be $12.6 billion in 2000. Patients with OAB score lower than the general population in QOL assessments. All aspects of QOL can be compromised by OAB, as physical, social, occupational, domestic, and sexual activities are often limited in OAB patients. The pharmacist is instrumental in improving an individual's QOL through ensuring safe and effective treatment for OAB. Oxybutynin and tolterodine (Detrol-Pharmacia) have been the mainstays of pharmacotherapy for OAB, but frequent adverse effects (including dry mouth) often prevent patients from adhering to treatment. Tolterodine, now available in a new long-acting formulation, has been proven safe and efficacious in the treatment of OAB, with fewer adverse effects and better tolerability than existing agents. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists can play an active role in helping identify and recommending interventions for OAB that can ultimately improve an individual's QOL.

Health-related consequences of overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVE: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition of urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia. This study assesses whether people with OAB are at greater risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs), falls and injuries, and increased number of visits to the doctor compared to age- and gender-matched controls. The study also estimates costs associated with these health-related consequences. PATIENTS & METHODS: A US representative telephone survey under the National Overactive Bladder Evaluation (NOBLE) Program was conducted with 5204 English-speaking adults older than 18 years. The survey asked respondents about bladder symptoms. Based on the telephone survey, 865 symptom-identified OAB cases and 903 age- and gender-matched controls were sent a postal questionnaire. A total of 397 cases and 522 controls returned the questionnaires. Nonrespondent cases and controls did not differ with regard to age, gender, educational status, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and self-rated health status. Regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of OAB on health-related consequences, controlling for age, gender, race, education, marital status, number of previous births, self-reported health status, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. RESULTS: People with OAB reported 0.84 (20%) more visits to the physician (P < .05) and 0.21 (138%) more UTIs in the last year than people without OAB (P < .001). Overactive bladder cases also had over twice the odds of being injured in a fall than people without OAB (odds ratio = 2.26; 95% confidence interval 1.46, 3.51). Consistent with having more falls, OAB cases had an increased risk of bone fracture (P < .1). This effect, however, was not statistically significant (at alpha level 0.05) due to the limited sample size. The estimated cost of UTIs associated with OAB was approximately $1.37 billion US dollars in year 2000. The cost of falls without bone fracture due to OAB was $55 million. Falls with bone fracture accounted for approximately $386 million; however, further research with a larger sample is needed to accurately estimate these costs. CONCLUSION: People with OAB self-report significantly more UTIs and a greater risk of being injured in a fall. Given the large prevalence of UTIs and concerns of overprescribing antibiotics, these results are important for health plans and policy makers. In addition, people with OAB visit their physicians more often than people without OAB. These consequences entail significant economic costs, of which a large percentage will be incurred by health plans. To the extent that OAB causes these consequences, there may be significant savings from effectively treating OAB.

Cost of pelvic organ prolapse surgery in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the annual direct cost to society of pelvic organ prolapse operations in the United States. METHODS: We multiplied the number of pelvic organ prolapse operations identified in the 1997 National Hospital Discharge Survey by national average Medicare reimbursement for physician services and hospitalizations. Although this reimbursement does not estimate the actual cost, it is a proxy for cost, which estimates what society pays for the procedures. RESULTS: In 1997, direct costs of pelvic organ prolapse surgery were 1012 million dollars (95% confidence interval [CI] 775 dollars, 1251 million), including 494 dollars million (49%) for vaginal hysterectomy, 279 million dollars (28%) for cystocele and rectocele repair, and 135 million dollars (13%) for abdominal hysterectomy. Physician services accounted for 29% (298 million dollars) of total costs, and hospitalization accounted for 71% (714 million dollars). Twenty-one percent of pelvic organ prolapse operations included urinary incontinence procedures (218 million dollars). If all operations were reimbursed by non-Medicare sources, the annual estimated cost would increase by 52% to 1543 million dollars. CONCLUSION: The annual direct costs of operations for pelvic organ prolapse are substantial.

Economics of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older people.

Urinary incontinence is an area of clinical and social importance to older people and providers of care. This article provides an update on the 'symptom' of urinary incontinence and reviews the concept of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The challenges facing health services researchers working in this field are also discussed in terms of trying to quantify the size and extent of the underlying problem. Economic issues and work undertaken to evaluate the cost of LUTS are appraised and the common nonsurgical treatments for LUTS are described together with associated conditions and their cost implications. The cost to individuals and society of LUTS is generally underestimated and the importance of reducing its severity (if cure is not achievable) makes clinical and economic sense.

Findings of a three-year retrospective study to investigate prevalence and incidence of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in a typical managed care setting.

This study was conducted in a large, integrated HMO to determine the prevalence and incidence of urinary incontinence, identify a demographic profile of patients having the UI subgroup condition of overactive bladder, and collect data to create an economic cost of illness description regarding current diagnosis and treatment practices. Using ICD-9 and CPT codes and prescription drug claims data as markers for the disease, subjects were selected for inclusion in the study. Resource use cost data was collected from this cohort over a three-year period and analyzed for total and mean monthly costs.