Racial and socioeconomic disparities in fertility treatment provision for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether provision of fertility treatment for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) varies by patient and physician level demographics. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study SUBJECTS: Patients at a university health system seeking care for PCOS and infertility from 2007-2021. EXPOSURE: Patient age, BMI, race, ethnicity, estimated household income, primary insurance payor, provider sex, and provider medical specialty. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prescriptions for fertility treatment, including clomiphene citrate, letrozole, and injectable gonadotropins. Differences in patient and physician demographics between patients who did and did not receive a prescription were identified with univariable analysis. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was performed to determine associations between patient and physician demographics and prescription receipt. RESULTS: 3,435 patients with PCOS and infertility were identified with a mean age of 31.1 +/- 5.7 years. Of the 68.8% of patients who received a prescription, 47.8% of prescriptions were clomiphene citrate, 38.6% letrozole, and 13.7% injectable gonadotropins. There were lower odds of prescription receipt for Black patients compared to White patients (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61-0.93), those with estimated household income below the federal poverty level (FPL) compared to above the national median (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.46-0.97), and those with public compared to commercial insurance (aOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.40-0.71). These disparities persisted in a subanalysis of patients prescribed oral medications only with lower odds of prescription receipt for Black compared to White patients (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.95), those with estimated household income below the FPL compared to above the national median (aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.98), and those with public compared to commercial insurance (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.42-0.76). Black patients waited on average 153.3 days longer than White patients from initial visit to prescription receipt. Patients had lower odds of receiving any prescription from family medicine physicians (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.24-0.52) and general internal medicine physicians (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42-0.73) compared to reproductive endocrinologists. CONCLUSION: Racial and socioeconomic disparities exist in the provision of infertility treatments for patients with PCOS. Fewer primary care physicians engaged in first-line fertility treatment, indicating an opportunity for physician education to improve access to fertility care.

Operative Time and Accrual of Postoperative Complications in Minimally Invasive Versus Open Myomectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence and accrual of 30-day postoperative complications by operative time for open myomectomy (OM) and minimally invasive myomectomy (MIM). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study SETTING: Hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from January 2015 to December 2021. PATIENTS: Female patients aged ≥18 years undergoing OM or MIM. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were categorized into OM and MIM cohorts. Covariates associated with operative time and composite complications were identified using general linear model and chi-square or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Adjusted spline regression was performed as a test of linearity between operative time and composite complications. Adjusted risk ratios of 30-day postoperative individual, minor, major, and composite complications by 60-minute operative time increments were estimated using Poisson regression with robust error variance. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 27 728 patients, 11 071 underwent MIM and 16 657 underwent OM. Mean operative times (SD) were 164.6 (82.0) for MIM and 129.2 (67.0) for OM. Raw composite complication rates were 5.5% for MIM and 15.8% for OM. Adjusted spline regression demonstrated linearity between operative time and relative risk of composite postoperative complications for both MIM and OM. MIM had higher adjusted relative risk (aRR, 95% CI) compared to OM of blood transfusion (1.55, 1.45-1.64 versus 1.29, 1.25-1.34), overall minor complications (1.13, 1.03-1.23 versus 1.01, 0.92-1.10), and overall major complications (1.43, 1.35-1.51 versus 1.27, 1.12-1.32). Operative time had greater impact on risk of composite complications for MIM than OM, reaching aRR 2.0 at 296 minutes versus 461 minutes for OM. CONCLUSION: OM has a higher overall rate of composite, minor, and major complications compared to MIM. While operative time is independently and linearly associated with postoperative complications with myomectomy regardless of approach, optimizing surgical efficiency for MIM may be more critical than for OM.

Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination on live birth rates after in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination on the live birth rates in patients who underwent in vitro fertilization. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic fertility practice. PATIENT(S): Patients who underwent fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycles at an academic center between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. INTERVENTION(S): Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination, defined as completing a 2-dose regimen (Pfizer or Moderna) or 1-dose regimen (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) before cycle initiation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary outcome was the live birth rate per embryo transfer. The secondary outcomes included positive human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and clinical pregnancy rates per embryo transfer. The outcomes from cycles among vaccinated and unvaccinated patients were compared. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic and cycle characteristics using the Student t test and Wilcoxon rank sum, Pearson chi-square, and Fisher exact tests as appropriate for univariate analysis. Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine the strength of the relationship between vaccination status and pregnancy outcomes. RESULT(S): Among 709 unvaccinated and 648 vaccinated fresh cycles, no statistically significant differences were observed between the number of oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturity, fertilization, and blastocyst utilization rates. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, no statistically significant differences were noted between fresh cycles among vaccinated patients compared with those among unvaccinated patients with the rates of positive hCG (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-2.25), clinical pregnancy (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.73-2.03), or live birth (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.79-2.25) per embryo transfer. Among 264 unvaccinated and 423 vaccinated frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, vaccinated patients had higher odds of positive hCG (aOR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.08-2.20), clinical pregnancy (aOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.27-2.56), and live birth (aOR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.60-3.32) per embryo transfer than unvaccinated patients. CONCLUSION(S): Patients who were COVID-19 vaccinated before FET had higher rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. Vaccination was not associated with the pregnancy or live birth rates after fresh cycles. This study contributes to evidence supporting COVID-19 vaccination for patients attempting pregnancy.

Perioperative Considerations for Hysterectomy in Second-Trimester Molar Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Second-trimester complete molar pregnancies are rare. Due to a later presentation, means to reduce surgical and long-term morbidity from hemorrhage, hyperthyroidism, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia risk should be considered. CASE: A 48-year-old woman presented at 17 6/7 weeks of gestation with vaginal bleeding, with a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level of 483,906 milli-international units/mL, biochemical hyperthyroidism, and ultrasonographic suspicion for complete molar pregnancy. The patient received preoperative uterine artery embolization and antithyroid medication before undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy. Her thyroid function and hCG level normalized by 1 week and 69 days postoperatively, respectively. CONCLUSION: Uterine artery embolization and hysterectomy may reduce surgical blood loss and lower the risk of malignancy for patients at high risk for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Preoperative treatment of hyperthyroidism with gestational trophoblastic disease can reduce morbidity from thyrotoxicosis.

Long-term impact of the Affordable Care Act's dependent coverage mandate on young women with gynecologic cancer.

BACKGROUND: The dependent coverage mandate in the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows young adults to stay on a parent's private insurance through age 26. While this mandate is associated with gains in insurance and early-stage cancer diagnosis, its long-term impact on survival is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare insurance coverage, stage at diagnosis, and overall survival in patients with gynecologic cancer before and after the ACA's dependent coverage mandate. METHODS: Using difference-in-differences (DiD) analysis, we conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing outcomes before and after the implementation of the ACA's dependent coverage mandate in young patients with gynecologic cancer, ages 18-26 years (exposure group) to patients ages 27-35 (control group). We analyzed insurance coverage, stage at diagnosis, and 1, 2, and 3-year overall survival, adjusted for age and comorbidities, utilizing the 2004-2017 National Cancer Database. IRB exemption was obtained. RESULTS: A total of 3553 cases pre-reform and 4535 cases post-reform were identified for patients 18-26 years compared to 14,420 pre-reform and 19,821 post-reform for patients age 27-35. The ACA's dependent coverage mandate was associated with significant gains in insurance (DiD 2%, 95% CI 0.6-3.5) and early-stage diagnosis (3.1%, 95% CI 0.6-5.7). The ACA's dependent coverage mandate was associated with significant gains in 3-year survival (2.4%, 95% CI 0.4-4.3) and non-significant gains in 1 and 2-year survival. CONCLUSION: The ACA's dependent coverage mandate is associated with improvements in early-stage diagnosis and survival for young patients with gynecologic cancer. Maintaining insurance gains-and expanding to the remaining uninsured-are critical for the health of young patients with gynecologic cancer.

Safety of Same-Day Discharge Versus Hospital Admission in Minimally Invasive Myomectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative complication rates between same-day discharge patients and patients admitted to hospital after minimally invasive myomectomy, stratified by patient demographics and perioperative variables including myoma burden. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. Setting Hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from January 2015 to December 2019. PATIENTS: Female patients aged ≥18 years undergoing minimally invasive myomectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were categorized into either the same-day discharge or admitted patient cohort. Univariate comparisons of demographics, perioperative variables, and 30-day postoperative complications were performed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to 1) identify demographic and perioperative factors associated with admission, and 2) compare postoperative complication rates of same-day discharge patients with those of admitted patients while adjusting for demographic and perioperative factors. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Eight thousand one hundred patients were recruited during the study period. The overall rate of same-day discharge was 57.2% in 2015 and 65.0% in 2019. The same-day discharge rate was 64.6% for patients with a smaller myoma burden (1-4 fibroids and ≤250 grams, Current Procedural Terminology 58545) and 56.8% for larger myoma burden (≥5 fibroids or >250 grams, Current Procedural Terminology 58546). Age, race, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification III or IV, preoperative hematocrit <36%, hypertension, diabetes, bleeding disorder, and increasing operative time were associated with admission to hospital. After adjusting for these variables, composite postoperative complication rates were similar between admitted patients and patients who were discharged the same day regardless of myoma burden (adjusted OR [aOR], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-2.47 for low myoma burden and aOR, 0.91; 95% CI 0.18-4.63 for high myoma burden). Admitted patients with both low (aOR, 9.1; 95% CI 2.27-37.04) and high (aOR, 8.24; 95% CI 1.59-42.49) myoma burdens were significantly more likely to receive a blood transfusion compared to same-day discharge patients. CONCLUSION: Same-day discharge after minimally invasive myomectomy, regardless of myoma burden, is associated with low complication rates. Our findings may aid in shared decision making on discharge planning.

Malpractice litigation surrounding in vitro fertilization in the United States: a legal literature review.

IMPORTANCE: Analysis of malpractice lawsuits that involve in vitro fertilization (IVF) can provide insight into the breadth of legal challenges faced by IVF clinics and the patient harms and financial consequences that can result from alleged errors in practice. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to review malpractice litigations involving IVF and identify common themes in plaintiff allegations and defense arguments. EVIDENCE REVIEW: We queried Nexis Uni, Westlaw, and CourtListener legal databases to collect records from malpractice litigations involving IVF. The nature of the cases, allegations, and outcomes were abstracted from court documents. FINDINGS: Of the 447 cases identified in the query, 53 involved both malpractice and IVF, occurring between 1993 and 2022. Defendants included a reproductive endocrinologist in 19 (35.8%) cases, an academic institution in 17 (32.1%) cases, embryology personnel in 9 (17.0%) cases, and nursing staff in 2 (3.8%) cases. Twenty-four (45.3%) cases involved embryology errors (e.g., lost specimens and incorrect sperm donor), 11 (20.8%) preimplantation genetic testing errors (e.g., child born with genetic illness despite testing), 6 (11.3%) medical or surgical complications (e.g., ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), 4 (7.5%) misdiagnoses (e.g., malignancy before cycle start), 3 (5.6%) misrepresentations of IVF outcomes, 2 (3.8%) medical eligibility screening issues (e.g., medical comorbidities in a gestational carrier), 2 (3.8%) confidentiality breaches, and 1 (1.9%) case of discrimination. The most common secondary claims were negligence (23 cases, 16.4% of all claims), breach of contract (13, 9.3%), lack of informed consent (11, 7.9%), and negligent infliction of emotional distress (11, 7.9%). Twenty-nine (54.7%) cases were decided in favor of the defending IVF clinic or provider, 13 (24.5%) cases were decided in favor of the plaintiff, and 11 (20.8%) involved ongoing proceedings. Financial awards ranged from $4171 to $14,975,000, with the largest monetary award resulting from a cryostorage accident class action lawsuit. CONCLUSION: In vitro fertilization malpractice claims are varied, with the most common issues involving embryology laboratory processes and genetic testing errors. Some errors may be avoidable with increased vigilance and implementation of stringent laboratory and clinical guidelines. Understanding jurisdiction-specific legislation and court processes may also assist IVF providers in navigating the malpractice litigation process. RELEVANCE: This comprehensive review of IVF litigation may have the potential to promote practices that protect both providers and patients.

"Every minute counts": association between operative time and post-operative complications for patients undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our aim was to assess whether operative time is independently associated with post-operative complications for minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISCP). METHODS: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, patients undergoing MISCP from 2015 to 2020 were identified by CPT code. The following data were extracted: demographics, concomitant procedures (hysterectomies, midurethral sling, and anterior or posterior repair), and post-operative complications. Complications were categorized into minor, major, and composite, modeled after the Clavien-Dindo classification. For analysis, covariates associated with operative time and composite complications were identified using a general linear model and Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Then, adjusted spline regression was performed as a test of nonlinearity between operative time and composite complications. Adjusted relative risks of complications by 60-min increments were estimated using Poisson regression with robust error variance. RESULTS: A total of 13,239 patients who underwent MISCP were analyzed. Overall, mean operative time (SD) was 189.5 (78.3) min. Post-operative complication rates were 2.6% for minor, 4.7% for major, and 7.3% for composite complications. Age, smoking, and sling were the only covariates associated with both operative time and post-operative complications. Adjusted spline regression demonstrated linearity (p<0.0001). With each 60-min increase in operative time, adjusted relative risks (95% CI) were 1.14 for composite (1.09, 1.19), 1.16 for minor (1.10, 1.21), and 1.11 (1.03, 1.20) for major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Operative time is independently and linearly associated with post-operative complications for patients undergoing MISCP, even when adjusted for demographic variables and concomitant procedures.

Association of the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid Expansion With 1-Year Survival Among Patients With Ovarian Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The Affordable Care Act's (ACA) 2014 Medicaid expansion is associated with gains in insurance and early-stage diagnosis among patients with gynecologic cancer, but its association with mortality remains unknown. This study aims to assess whether the ACA's Medicaid expansion was associated with improved survival among patients with ovarian cancer. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, we compared 1-year survival before and after 2014 Medicaid expansion in patients aged 40-64 years in Medicaid expansion states (intervention group) to patients aged 40-64 years in non-Medicaid expansion states using a difference-in-difference analysis. Results were adjusted for age, comorbidities, treatment at an academic center, and variables associated with Medicaid insurance status (race, income, high-school education, distance traveled for care, and living in a rural area). RESULTS: Our sample included 19,558 patients with ovarian cancer: 9,013 in Medicaid expansion states and 10,545 in nonexpansion states. The ACA's Medicaid expansion was associated with increased 1-year survival among patients in expansion states compared with nonexpansion states (adjusted difference-in-difference 2.2%, 95% CI 0.4-4.1). After adding stage at diagnosis, the mortality difference between expansion and nonexpansion states was no longer evident. Medicaid expansion was associated with a significant improvement in 1-year survival for White patients (2.4%, 95% CI 0.4-4.4), but the difference was not significant for Black patients (1.3%, 95% CI -5.7 to 8.2) or rural patients (9.5%, 95% CI -8.0 to 26.9). CONCLUSION: The ACA's Medicaid expansion was associated with improvements in 1-year survival among patients with ovarian cancer, which was mediated by an earlier stage at diagnosis. Continued insurance expansion to nonexpansion states may improve survival and reduce disparities for patients with ovarian cancer.

Expanding certified professional midwife services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given concerns of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) acquisition in health care settings and hospital policies reducing visitors for laboring patients, many pregnant women are increasingly considering planned home births. Several state legislatures are considering increasing access to home births by granting licensure and Medicaid coverage of certified professional midwife (CPM) services. In this commentary, issues surrounding the expansion of CPM services including safety, standardization of care, patient satisfaction, racial and income equity, and an overburdened health care system are discussed. Lawmakers must account for these factors when considering proposals to expand CPM practice and payment during a pandemic.

Long-term Impact of Hearing Aid Provision or Cochlear Implantation on Hearing Handicap.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Previous research has shown hearing handicap to be reduced following hearing aid use or cochlear implantation in short-to-medium follow-up periods, yet the impact of interventions for hearing loss on hearing handicap in the long term remains understudied. This article reports hearing handicap at 6 months, 12 months, and 5 years after either hearing aid provision or cochlear implantation. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. METHODS: A study of 115 participants from the Studying Multiple Outcomes after Aural Rehabilitative Treatment (SMART) study cohort assessed self-reported hearing handicap using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening version (HHIE-S) at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 5 years. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to estimate the population mean HHIE-S score over time, accounting for the correlated nature of repeated measures data, and multiple imputation with chained equations was performed to impute missing data. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, mean HHIE-S scores after hearing aid provision were significantly reduced at 6 months (mean = -7.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -10.40, -5.53), 12 months (mean = -6.58, 95% CI: -9.26, -3.90), and 5 years (mean = -4.58, 95% CI: -7.87, -1.30). After cochlear implantation, mean hearing handicap scores were also significantly lower compared to baseline at 6 months (mean = -8.18, 95% CI: -11.07, -5.30), 12 months (mean = -10.04, 95% CI: -12.92, -7.16), and 5 years (mean = -8.97, 95% CI: -12.92, -7.16). CONCLUSIONS: This study found short-term benefits from hearing aids and cochlear implantation on hearing handicap were maintained over 5 years. Laryngoscope, 131:1122-1126, 2021.

Gynecologic Care in Women With Down Syndrome: Findings From a National Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate receipt of recommended gynecologic care, including cancer screening and menstrual care, among women with Down syndrome in the United States. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women participating in DS-Connect, the National Institute of Health's registry of women with Down syndrome. Using 2013-2019 survey data, we estimated the proportion of women receiving recommended age-appropriate well-woman care (Pap tests, mammogram, breast examination, pelvic examination) and compared receipt of gynecologic care to receipt of other preventive health care. We also estimated proportion receiving care for menstrual regulation. RESULTS: Of 70 participants with Down syndrome, 23% (95% CI 13-33) of women received all recommended gynecologic components of a well-woman examination. Forty-four percent (95% CI 32-56) of women aged 18 years and older reported ever having a gynecologic examination, and 26% (95% CI 15-37) reported ever having a Pap test. Of women aged 40 years or older, 50% (95% CI 22-78) had had a mammogram. Fifty-two percent (95% CI 41-65) had tried medication for menstrual regulation, and 89% (95% CI 81-96) received all recommended components of nongynecologic routine health care. CONCLUSION: Women with Down syndrome received gynecologic care, including cancer screening, at lower-than-recommended rates and at substantially lower rates than other forms of health care. Efforts to improve gynecologic care in this vulnerable population are needed.

Characterization of Geriatric Dysphagia Diagnoses in Age-Based Cohorts.

OBJECTIVE: An aging population requires increased focus on geriatric otolaryngology. Patients aged ≥65 years are not a homogenous population, and important physiologic differences have been documented among the young-old (65-74 years), middle-old (75-84), and old-old (≥85). We aim to analyze differences in dysphagia diagnoses and swallowing-related quality-of-life among these age subgroups. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care laryngology clinic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We identified chief complaint, diagnosis, and self-reported swallowing handicap (Eating Assessment Tool [EAT-10] score) of all new patients aged ≥65 years presenting to the Johns Hopkins Voice Center between April 2015 and March 2017. Dysphagia diagnoses were classified by physiologic etiology and anatomic source. Diagnostic categories and EAT-10 score were evaluated as functions of patient age and sex. RESULTS: Of 839 new patients aged ≥65 years, 109 (13.0%) reported a chief complaint of dysphagia and were included in this study. The most common dysphagia etiologies were neurologic and esophageal. Most common diagnoses were diverticula (15.6%), reflux (13.8%), and radiation induced (8.3%). Diverticula, cricopharyngeal hypertonicity, and radiation-induced changes were associated with higher EAT-10 score (P < .001). Significant differences by sex were found in anatomic source of dysphagia, as men and women were more likely to present with oropharyngeal and esophageal disease, respectively (P = .023). Dysphagia etiology and EAT-10 score were similar across age subgroups. CONCLUSION: Important differences among dysphagia diagnosis and EAT-10 score exist among patients aged ≥65 years. Knowledge of these differences may inform diagnostic workup, management, and further investigations in geriatric otolaryngology.

Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased mortality and higher health care spending in older adults. Hearing loss is a common condition in older adults and impairs communication and social interactions. The objective of this review is to summarize the current state of the literature exploring the association between hearing loss and social isolation and/or loneliness. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library. REVIEW METHODS: Articles were screened for inclusion by 2 independent reviewers, with a third reviewer for adjudication. English-language studies of older adults with hearing loss that used a validated measure of social isolation or loneliness were included. A modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies included in the review. RESULTS: Of the 2495 identified studies, 14 were included in the review. Most of the studies (12/14) were cross-sectional. Despite the heterogeneity of assessment methods for hearing status (self-report or objective audiometry), loneliness, and social isolation, most multivariable-adjusted studies found that hearing loss was associated with higher risk of loneliness and social isolation. Several studies found an effect modification of gender such that among women, hearing loss was more strongly associated with loneliness and social isolation than among men. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings that hearing loss is associated with loneliness and social isolation have important implications for the cognitive and psychosocial health of older adults. Future studies should investigate whether treating hearing loss can decrease loneliness and social isolation in older adults.

Long-term subjective loneliness in adults after hearing loss treatment.

Objective: While hearing loss is associated with loneliness, the long term impact of hearing loss interventions remains unknown. We investigated levels of loneliness in adults at baseline, 6-months, 1-year and 5-years after receiving a hearing aid (HA) or cochlear implant (CI). Design: In this 5-year follow-up to the Studying Multiple Outcomes after Aural Rehabilitative Treatment study, participants completed the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale at baseline, 6-months, 1-year, and 5-year time points. Generalized estimating equations modeled the population average UCLA score over time. Study Sample: Analytic cohort of 115 participants (74% of original 156) 50 years or older who received a HA or CI at baseline and completed at least one follow up visit. Results: Loneliness scores were not different at 5 years versus baseline for HA users. CI users showed significantly reduced loneliness at 6-months and 1-year from baseline and with no significant difference at 5 years. Conclusion: Over 5 years, we observed no increase in loneliness from baseline in a cohort of adults receiving HAs and CIs. Short-term reduction in loneliness in CI users was demonstrated. Future randomized trials are needed to definitively assess the impact of treated versus untreated hearing loss on loneliness.

Geriatric Dysphonia: Characteristics of Diagnoses in Age-Based Cohorts in a Tertiary Voice Clinic.

OBJECTIVE: An aging population has increased focus on geriatric otolaryngology. Those ≥65 years old are not a uniform population, however, and recent gerontology literature recognizes important physiologic differences between the young-old (ages 65-74 years), middle-old (75-84), and old-old (≥85). This study evaluates differences within these groups among dysphonia patients ≥65 years relative to diagnosis and voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL). METHODS: Chart review of all new patients ≥65 years presenting to the Johns Hopkins Voice Center between April 2015 and March 2017 identified chief complaint, diagnosis, and self-reported voice handicap. Etiology of dysphonia diagnoses were classified. Diagnostic categories and V-RQOL were evaluated as functions of patient age and gender. RESULTS: Of 839 new patients ≥65 years, 463 (55.2%) reported chief complaint of dysphonia, with the most common etiologies being vocal fold immobility (28.3%) and atrophy (21.6%). Younger cohorts were more likely to present with benign vocal fold lesion and vocal fold immobility, while older cohorts were more likely to present with atrophy ( P = .016). The odds of having a diagnosis of vocal fold atrophy increased 7% with each year of life (odds ratio = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11). V-RQOL scores were similar across gender and age categorization. CONCLUSION: Dysphonia patients ≥65 years are not a uniform group, and important differences exist in terms of diagnosis as a function of age. Knowledge of these differences may inform further investigations in the growing field of geriatric otolaryngology.