Inpatient outcomes for lung cancer patients presenting with superior vena cava thrombosis.

Background: A specific cause of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, SVC thrombosis, is a rare but known complication in cancer patients. Early identification and management of SVC thrombosis in lung cancer patients may lead to improved patient outcomes and a reduction in healthcare costs. Methods: We studied the racial and socioeconomic differences, length of stay, total hospital charges, and all-cause mortality outcomes in patients with lung cancer with and without SVC thrombosis using data from the National Inpatient Sample. Statistical analysis was performed on STATA. Results: A total of 480,750 patients were hospitalized for lung cancer; 720 (0.15%) of these patients had SVC thrombosis. The lung cancer with SVC thrombosis cohort had a statistically higher proportion of Black patients. Patients with lung cancer presenting with SVC thrombosis had an increased hospital length of stay (10 vs 6 days, P < 0.001) and cost ($117,320 vs $80,806, P < 0.005) compared to those without SVC thrombosis. All-cause mortality in patients with lung cancer was 7.7% and the presence of SVC thrombosis significantly increased the odds of inpatient mortality (18.0%). Nonwhite races were associated with higher odds of mortality in lung cancer admissions. Conclusion: Race, insurance type, and comorbidities impacted the likelihood of developing SVC thrombosis in patients with lung cancer. SVC thrombosis is a poor prognostic factor for patients with lung cancer. Further studies to evaluate these disparities are warranted.

Assessing the Impact of Comorbid Hypercalcemia on Inpatient Outcomes of Patients With Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma During Admission for Chemotherapy.

Introduction Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) may be complicated by hypercalcemia at various stages of treatment. The impact of hypercalcemia on chemotherapy admission outcomes in DLBCL is not well described.  Methods In a retrospective analysis, using the National Inpatient Sample database (2018 - 2020), patients with DLBCL admitted for chemotherapy were dichotomized based on the presence of hypercalcemia. Our primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), total charge, rate of acute kidney injury (AKI), tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, acute encephalopathy, septic shock, Clostridiodes difficile infection, acute respiratory failure, and venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Results We identified 78,955 patients, among whom 1,375 (1.74%) had hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia was associated with higher odds of all-cause mortality (aOR:3.05, p-value:0.020), TLS (aOR:8.81, p-value<0.001), acute metabolic encephalopathy (aOR:4.89, p-value<0.001), AKI (aOR:5.29, p-value<0.001), hyperkalemia (aOR:2.84, p-value:0.002), metabolic acidosis (aOR:3.94, p-value<0.001) and respiratory failure (aOR:2.29, p-value:0.007) and increased LOS by 1 day and total charge by 12, 501 USD. Conclusions In patients with DLBCL admitted for inpatient chemotherapy, those with hypercalcemia compared to a cohort without had higher odds of; all-cause mortality, TLS, AKI, acute encephalopathy, acute metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, and acute respiratory failure as well as higher LOS and total charge.

Readmission rates and outcomes in adults with and without COVID-19 following inpatient chemotherapy admission: A nationwide analysis.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has received considerable attention in the scientific community due to its impact on healthcare systems and various diseases. However, little focus has been given to its effect on cancer treatment. AIM: To determine the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients' care. METHODS: A retrospective review of a Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) was conducted to analyze hospitalization patterns of patients receiving inpatient chemotherapy (IPCT) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Two cohorts were defined based on readmission within 30 d and 90 d. Demographic information, readmission rates, hospital-specific variables, length of hospital stay (LOS), and treatment costs were analyzed. Comorbidities were assessed using the Elixhauser comorbidity index. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of readmission. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata® Version 16 software. As the NRD data is anonymous and cannot be used to identify patients, institutional review board approval was not required for this study. RESULTS: A total of 87755 hospitalizations for IPCT were identified during the pandemic. Among the 30-day index admission cohort, 55005 patients were included, with 32903 readmissions observed, resulting in a readmission rate of 59.8%. For the 90-day index admission cohort, 33142 patients were included, with 24503 readmissions observed, leading to a readmission rate of 73.93%. The most common causes of readmission included encounters with chemotherapy (66.7%), neutropenia (4.36%), and sepsis (3.3%). Comorbidities were significantly higher among readmitted hospitalizations compared to index hospitalizations in both readmission cohorts. The total cost of readmission for both cohorts amounted to 1193000000.00 dollars. Major predictors of 30-day readmission included peripheral vascular disorders [Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.09, P < 0.05], paralysis (HR = 1.26, P < 0.001), and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (HR = 1.14, P = 0.03). Predictors of 90-day readmission included lymphoma (HR = 1.14, P < 0.01), paralysis (HR = 1.21, P = 0.02), and peripheral vascular disorders (HR = 1.15, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the management of patients undergoing IPCT. These findings highlight the urgent need for a more strategic approach to the care of patients receiving IPCT during pandemics.

A Rare Case of Regorafenib-Induced ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Regorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor that is used in the treatment of chemotherapy-resistant metastatic colorectal carcinoma. However, multi-kinase inhibitors have been known to cause cardiac side effects, most notably hypertension. Myocardial ischemia is a very extraordinary adverse effect of regorafenib. Our patient was a 74-year-old gentleman with stage IVa colon cancer who underwent a right colectomy with end ileostomy and was on cycle two of regorafenib during the presentation. He came in with acute onset chest pain that was intermittent, non-exertional, and radiating to the back. His left heart catheterization did not reveal any atherosclerotic lesions, and his ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was deemed an extremely rare adverse event from regorafenib. We are herewith reporting a case of regorafenib-induced STEMI.

Recent national trends in outcomes and economic disparities among adult sickle cell disease-related admissions.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder caused secondary to a mutation in the hemoglobin beta subunit. There is sparse information regarding the trends in outcomes of SCD admissions in the past decade where rapid advances have been made in treatment. In this study, we wanted to analyze the trends and outcomes of SCD admissions in the United States from 2011 to 2019 and the influence of socio-economic status. Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database using the International Classification of Disease (ICD-9) and ICD-10 codes. Trends for primary in-hospital outcomes including mortality, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization charges (THC) were assessed. The impact of economic status on these outcomes was also studied. There was an annual percent change (APC) in the number of admissions for SCD of + 2.5% from 2010 to 2015 (95% CI: 1.3-3.8%, p = 0.003). However, there was no significant change in the number of admissions between 2015 and 2019 (95% CI - 1.8-0.7%, p = 0.323). The overall mortality across the years has decreased by about 4% yearly at the population level (p = 0.008, 95% CI 2-8%). However, the inpatient mortality for the high-income group had decreased significantly from 2010 to 2019, whereas there was no difference in the mortality rate for the low-income group across the decade. Despite the advances in the understanding of SCD and its treatment, its benefits have not reached all the people affected. Meaningful progress in healthcare is not achievable unless these economic disparities are addressed. Economic policies to address these inequities are the need of the hour.

Impact of protein-energy malnutrition on outcomes of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma admitted for inpatient chemotherapy.

Background: Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is a major factor contributing to morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Empiric data are limited on the effect of PEM on the outcomes of patients receiving chemotherapy in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was designed using data from the National Inpatient Sample for 2016 to 2019. Adult patients admitted for chemotherapy with DLBCL were stratified based on the presence of PEM. Primary outcomes assessed were mortality, length of stay, and total hospital charges. Results: PEM was associated with an increased odds of mortality, 2.21% vs 0.25% (adjusted odds ratio 8.20, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.92-13.69). There was also an increased length of stay in patients with PEM, 7.89 vs 4.85 days (adjusted difference of 3.01 days, P < 0.001, 95% CI 2.37-3.66), as well as an increase in total charges, $137,940 vs $69,744 (adjusted difference of $65,427, P < 0.001, 95% CI $38,075-$92,778). Similarly, the presence of PEM was associated with increased odds of several secondary outcomes measured, including neutropenia, Candida sepsis, septic shock, acute respiratory failure, and acute kidney injury compared to the other cohort. Conclusion: This study demonstrated an eightfold increased odds of mortality and concomitant prolonged length of stay with a 50% total charge increment in malnourished individuals with DLBCL compared to those without PEM. Prospective trials to evaluate PEM as an independent prognostic marker of chemotherapy tolerance and adequate nutritional support can improve clinical outcomes.

Lactic Acidosis: A Novel Presentation of Intravascular Lymphoma.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare form of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that preferentially grows intravascularly within the capillaries and often has a fatal course. Most of the patients have advanced and disseminated disease at the time of presentation. It is often arduous to make the diagnosis during the antemortem period due to the multitude of presenting symptoms. We report a case of aggressive IVLBCL which presented with a myriad of complaints and acidosis and had a rapid clinical decline.

Trends in outcomes and racial disparities in adult hospitalizations for immune thrombocytopenia over a decade.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a diagnosis of exclusion characterized by a low platelet count in patients for whom other etiologies have been ruled out. It occurs due to autoimmune-mediated platelet destruction and thrombopoietin deficiency. ITP is a rare hematologic disorder in adults, and scarce information exists on the hospitalization outcomes among these patients. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a nationwide population-based study from 2010 to 2019 using the National Inpatient Sample. We found a trend toward an increase in the annual admissions for ITP (from 392.2 to 417.3, p = 0.07). There was a decrease in mortality exclusively for White patients over the period studied (p = 0.03), which was not seen in Black or Hispanic patients. There was an increase in total charges adjusted for inflation for all subgroups (p < 0.01). Length of stay decreased during the decade analyzed (p < 0.01) for the total population and most subgroups. The rates of epistaxis and melena increased (p < 0.01), while rates of intracranial hemorrhage and hematemesis did not change significantly. Advances have been made in the ITP management over the past decade. However, this has not resulted in a decrease in the number of hospitalizations or total healthcare charges during hospitalization. Furthermore, a decrease in mortality was observed in White patients but not in other races. Prospective studies are needed to better characterize the financial burden of the disease, as well as to investigate racial variability in access to care, disease behavior, and response to treatment.

When Radiation Therapy Becomes a Foe: A Rare Case of Radiation-Induced Angiosarcoma of Head and Neck.

Angiosarcomas are a rare subtype of sarcomas originating from vascular endothelial cells. Though frequently found in the head and neck area, there are minimal reports of radiation-induced angiosarcomas in this area. They have a poor prognosis due to a high rate of lymph node metastasis and, hence, require to be addressed promptly in order to improve survival. We present a rare case of radiation-induced angiosarcoma in a patient previously irradiated for squamous cell carcinoma of the neck. Due to variable and complex patient presentations of the disease, this case will help raise awareness of an uncommon complication of a common treatment offered to patients.

Association of hyponatremia with clinical outcomes in patients admitted with acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Hyponatremia is associated with negative prognosis in several conditions like Congestive heart failure and acute MI (Myocardial Infarction), but its impact on the outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) is not well studied. We aimed to study the association of hyponatremia in patients hospitalized with PE. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed using data obtained from the 2016 to 2019 combined National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Adult patients admitted with PE were identified and stratified based on the presence of hyponatremia. Primary outcomes assessed were, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and Total Hospitalization Charges (THC). Secondary outcomes included a diagnosis of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF), sepsis, Acute Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), arrhythmias and acute MI. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: There was a total of 750,655 adult hospitalizations for PE and among them 41,595 (5.5%) had a secondary diagnosis of hyponatremia. Hyponatremia was associated with an increased odds of mortality, 6.31% vs 2.91% (AOR:1.77, p = 0.000, 95% CI: 1.61-1.92), increased LOS, 6.79 days vs 4.20 days (adjusted difference of 2.20 days, p = 0.000, 95% CI: 2.04-2.37), as well as an increase in THC, 75,458.95 USD vs 46,708.27 USD (adjusted difference of 24,341.37 USD, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 21,484.58-27,198.16). Similarly, the presence of hyponatremia was associated with increased odds of several secondary outcomes measured. CONCLUSION: Hyponatremia is associated with an increased odds of death and attendant increase in LOS and THC. The odds of several secondary adverse clinical outcomes were also increased.

Metastatic Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Rare Presentation.

Prostate cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in men around the world, and it typically metastasizes to bone, lung, and liver. Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement by prostate cancer is rare, as patients tend to present with upper and lower GI bleed among other symptoms not related to prostate cancer, which commonly include lower urinary tract symptoms such as urinary frequency, dribbling of urine, or urinary retention. In cases of patients with prostate cancer and symptoms from the GI system, colonoscopy and biopsy of lesions should be performed to allow physicians to make an accurate and prompt diagnosis in patients with metastatic prostate cancer with rectal involvement. We present a case of a patient who initially complained of melena and was found to have a rectal nodule with biopsy-proven metastatic prostate cancer.