Nationwide Analysis of Adult-Onset Still Disease With and Without Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis.

INTRODUCTION: Adult-onset Still disease (AOSD) is a rare inflammatory condition with a monophasic, intermittent, or chronic clinical course, and a subset may experience life-threatening complications such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). This study aims to characterize concurrent AOSD and HLH and identify variables independently associated with in-hospital death. METHODS: We performed a medical records review of AOSD with and without HLH from the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample database. We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis for in-hospital death. Results were reported as adjusted odds ratios (OR adj ). RESULTS: There were 5495 hospitalizations with AOSD, of which 340 (6.2%) had HLH. Thirty (9.0%) of the combined AOSD and HLH group died in the hospital compared with 75 (1.5%) of those without HLH. Multivariable analysis in AOSD inpatients showed that disseminated intravascular coagulation (OR adj 6.13), hepatic failure (OR adj 7.16), infection (OR adj 3.72), respiratory failure (OR adj 6.89), and thrombotic microangiopathy (OR adj 14.05) were associated with higher odds of death. However, HLH itself was not an independent predictor of mortality in AOSD population. CONCLUSIONS: HLH occurred in a small minority of inpatients with AOSD. HLH itself was not an independent risk factor for in-hospital death. Disseminated intravascular coagulation, hepatic failure, infection, respiratory failure, and thrombotic microangiopathy were associated with higher odds of in-hospital death in AOSD. Better awareness of these life-threatening complications may improve hospital outcomes.

Acetaminophen overdose: analysis of 2018 US nationwide emergency database.

INTRODUCTION: Recognized risk factors for acetaminophen overdose include alcohol, opioids, and mood disorders. The aim of this study is to assess additional risk factors for acetaminophen overdose evaluated in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using the 2018 US Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). All adult ED visits for acetaminophen overdose were included in the study group and those without it were taken as control. STATA, 16.1 was used to perform multivariable logistic regression analysis and adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) were reported. RESULTS: We identified 27,792 ED visits for acetaminophen overdose. Relative to non-acetaminophen ED visits, this group was younger (median age 32 vs 47 years; p < 0.0001), more often female (66.1% vs 57.0%; p < 0.0001), had higher ED charges ($3,506 vs $2,714; p < 0.0001), higher proportion of alcohol-related disorders (15.8% vs 3.5%; p < 0.0001), anxiety disorders (30.2% vs 8.3%; p < 0.0001), cannabis use (8.7% vs 1.4%; p < 0.0001), hematology/oncology diagnoses (13.3% vs 10.9%; p < 0.0001), mood disorders (52.4% vs 7.9%; p < 0.0001), opioid-related disorders (4.1% vs 1.0%; p < 0.0001), and suicide attempt/ideation (12.2% vs 1.1%; p < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis showed alcohol-related disorders (ORadj 2.67), anxiety disorders (ORadj 1.24), cannabis (ORadj 1.63), females (ORadj 1.45), Income Q3 (ORadj 1.09), hematology/oncology diagnoses (ORadj 1.40), mood disorders (ORadj 10.07), opioid-related disorders (ORadj 1.20), and suicide attempt/ideation (ORadj 1.68) were associated with acetaminophen overdose. CONCLUSION: In addition to previously recognized risks, our study demonstrated that cannabis use and hematologic/oncologic comorbidities were more common among acetaminophen-overdose ED visits. These new findings are concerning because of rapid legalization of cannabis and the increasing incidence of cancer worldwide. Additional investigation into these risks should be a priority for clinicians, policymakers, and researchers.

Nationwide analysis of neuromyelitis optica in systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic's disease, is a rare inflammatory demyelinating disorder causing myelitis and optic neuritis. While there have been reports of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjogren's syndrome (SS) occurring with NMO, a formal association is not established. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of NMO in SLE and SS patients and study the clinical characteristics and outcomes of NMO and SLE/SS hospitalizations utilizing the national inpatient sample (NIS) database. METHODS: The NIS database from 2016 to 2019 was used to extract data. Adult hospitalizations with the principal or secondary diagnosis of NMO were included. We classified NMO patients with and without concomitant diagnosis of SLE or Sjogren's syndrome. We evaluated and compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes of NMO hospitalizations with and without SLE or Sjogren's syndrome. STATA17 was used for data analysis. We also calculated the odds ratio of NMO in SLE and Sjogren's syndrome. RESULTS: There were a total of 16,360 adult hospitalizations with the principal or secondary discharge diagnosis of NMO. Among all NMO hospitalizations, 1425 (8.71%) had the primary or secondary diagnosis of SLE or SS. The odds of NMO in SLE and Sjogren's syndrome were noted to be 12.29 and 5.56, respectively. NMO with SLE/SS group had higher proportion of females (89.82% vs 79%, P value < 0.001), African Americans (56.63% vs 38.28, P value < 0.001), and Asians (5.73% vs 3.25, P value 0.04). The Charlson comorbidity index was higher for NMO-SLE/SS overlap (2.44 vs 1.28, P value < 0.001). There was no significant difference in overall mortality rates of both groups (2.11% vs 1.2%, P value 0.197). There were significantly higher reported seizures (14.73% vs 6.05, P value < 0.001) and paraplegia (21.75% vs 13.93%, P value < 0.001) in NMO-SLE/SS patients. These patients also had a longer length of stay in comparison to the reference group (7 vs 5 days, P value < 0.001) as well as higher total charges. CONCLUSIONS: NMO patients had a 12-fold higher risk of SLE and 5-fold higher risk of Sjogren's disease when compared to general population. Patients with overlap of NMO and SLE or Sjogren's were predominantly women and were more likely to be African-American. Co-existence of these autoimmune disorders was associated with poor prognosis in terms of higher morbidity for patients and increased health care burden. Key Points • NMO is a rare autoimmune disease seen predominantly in women in the middle age group with low overall mortality. • SLE and Sjogren's have increased odds of NMO in comparison to general population. • NMO patients have high rates of several complications such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, seizures, blindness, sepsis, and respiratory failure with even higher rates of seizures and paraplegia in those with concomitant SLE or Sjogren's.

Polymyositis/dermatomyositis readmissions: analysis of the nationwide readmission database.

BACKGROUND: There is a scarcity of national population-based studies on polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM) readmissions in the USA. In this study, we aim to describe the rates, reasons for readmissions, and characteristics of readmissions for adults hospitalized for PM/DM in the USA. METHODS: We analyzed the 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). We included index hospitalizations for all adult DM/PM patients with a principal diagnosis of PM/DM using ICD-10 codes. We excluded elective and traumatic readmissions. Using a "rank" command in STATA, the most common specific principal diagnosis of readmissions was outlined. Chi-square tests were used to compare baseline characteristics between readmissions and index hospitalizations. STATA 16 was used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1610, 1286, and 842 index hospitalizations with a principal diagnosis of PM/DM, that were discharged alive, were included in the 30-, 90-, and 180-day readmission analysis, respectively. Among these, 193 (12%), 276 (21.5%), and 240 (28.5%) were readmitted within 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. PM and sepsis were the most common reasons for reasons across the 3 timeframes. 30-day readmissions were responsible for an aggregate of 4.1 million US dollars in total hospital cost and 1518 hospital days in 2018. Compared to index hospitalizations, 30-day readmissions have higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores, severe-extreme loss of function, obesity, and deep venous thrombosis. CONCLUSION: About a third of PM/DM hospitalized patients are readmitted within 180 days. Readmissions constitute a significant economic burden to the health care system. PM and sepsis are the main reasons for readmissions. Key points • About a third of polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM) hospitalized patients are readmitted within 180 days • PM and sepsis are the main reasons for readmissions. • Readmissions of PM/DM Patients constitute a significant economic burden to the health care system. • Compared to index hospitalizations, 30-day readmissions have higher Charlson comorbidity index scores, severe-extreme loss of function, obesity, and deep venous thrombosis.

Nationwide analysis of adult hospitalizations with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a well-recognized complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aims to characterize HLH with and without SLE in the US adult inpatient population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of HLH with and without SLE from the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. We described the demographic characteristics of HLH with and without SLE. Multivariable analysis was performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) for in-hospital death. RESULTS: A total of 8690 hospitalizations had HLH. Of those 605 (7%) had SLE, and 8085 (93%) did not have SLE. Relative to the non-SLE group, the SLE group was younger, had more females, less whites, more African Americans, more Hispanics, and more Asian/Pacific Islanders. Over 60% of HLH with or without SLE had a concurrent infection. Sixty (9.9%) of HLH hospitalizations with SLE died compared to 1735 (21.5%) of those without SLE. Among HLH hospitalizations, multivariable analysis showed that age (OR 1.02; 95% C.I. 1.016-1.031), Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR 1.15; 95% C.I. 1.091-1.213), infections (OR 3.35; 95% C.I. 2.467-4.557), and leukemia/lymphoma (OR 1.46; 95% C.I. 1.112-1.905) had higher odds of in-hospital death. SLE did not increase the odds of death. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatients with both HLH and SLE were younger, had a higher proportion of racial/ethnic minorities, and were predominately female. One out of every 10 hospitalizations for HLH ended in death but SLE itself was not an independent risk factor for death. Concurrent infection was the variable most associated with HLH death. Key Points • HLH and SLE group were younger and had higher proportions of female and racial/ethnic minorities. • SLE was not an independent risk factor for death in HLH patients.

Risk Factors for Respiratory Failure in Patients Hospitalized With Systemic Sclerosis: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients are at high risk for respiratory failure due to the progression of their disease. Investigating factors predictive of impending respiratory failure in this patient population can be used to improve hospital outcomes. Here, we investigate risk factors associated with developing respiratory failure in patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of SSc in the United States using a large, multi-year, population-based dataset. Methodology This retrospective study was conducted on SSc hospitalizations from 2016 to 2019 with and without a principal diagnosis of respiratory failure from the United States National Inpatient Sample database. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) for respiratory failure. Results There were 3,930 SSc hospitalizations with a principal diagnosis of respiratory failure and 94,910 SSc hospitalizations without a diagnosis of respiratory failure. Among SSc hospitalizations, multivariable analysis showed that the following were associated with a principal diagnosis of respiratory failure: Charlson comorbidity index (ORadj = 1.05), heart failure (ORadj = 1.81), interstitial lung disease (ILD) (ORadj = 3.62), pneumonia (ORadj = 3.40), pulmonary hypertension (ORadj = 3.59), and smoking (ORadj = 1.42). Conclusions This analysis represents the largest sample to date in assessing risk factors for respiratory failure among SSc inpatients. Charlson comorbidity index, heart failure, ILD, pulmonary hypertension, smoking, and pneumonia were associated with higher odds of inpatient respiratory failure. Patients with respiratory failure had higher in-hospital mortality compared to those without it. Outpatient optimization and inpatient recognition of these risk factors can lead to improved hospitalization outcomes for SSc patients.

Longitudinal Trends of Hospitalizations for Giant Cell Arteritis: A 21-Year Longitudinal National Population-Based Study.

Background Long-term longitudinal studies on giant cell arteritis (GCA) hospitalizations are limited. Here we aim to fill gaps in knowledge by analyzing longitudinal trends of GCA hospitalizations over the last two decades in the United States (U.S.). Materials and methods We performed a 21-year longitudinal trend analysis of GCA hospitalizations using data obtained from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between 1998 and 2018. Using the NIS database, we searched for hospitalizations for patients aged ≥ 50 years with a principal diagnosis of GCA using ICD billing codes. The principal diagnosis was the main reason for hospitalization. We used all hospitalizations in patients without GCA aged ≥50 years as the control population. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analysis was utilized to calculate the adjusted p-trend for outcomes of interest. Results The incidence of GCA hospitalization remained stable at about one per 100,000 U.S. persons throughout the study period. There was no statistically significant change in the inpatient mortality for the GCA group during the study period (adjusted p-trend=0.111). In comparison, inpatient mortality reduced from 4.4% to 3.1% from 1998 to 2018 (adjusted p-trend <0.0001) in the control group. The proportion of whites reduced, while the proportion of racial minorities increased over time in both the GCA and control groups. Conclusion The non-GCA control population saw significant reductions in mortality over time, but unfortunately, the GCA group did not see such improvements. More research into additional treatment modalities for inpatient GCA management may help improve mortality.

Systemic lupus erythematous readmissions have reduced: a 9-year longitudinal study of the nationwide readmission database.

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal data on the trends in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) readmissions are limited. We aimed to study trends in 30-day readmissions of patients admitted for SLE flares and all SLE hospitalizations in the USA from 2010 to 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the nationwide readmission database (NRD). We performed a retrospective 9-year longitudinal trend analysis using the 2010-2018 NRD databases. We searched for index hospitalizations of adult patients diagnosed with SLE using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Elective and traumatic readmissions were excluded from the study. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were used to calculate the adjusted p value trend for categorical and continuous outcomes, respectively. RESULTS: The 30-day readmissions following index admissions of all SLE patients and for SLE flares decreased from 15.6% in 2010 to 13.3% in 2018 (adjusted p trend < 0.0001), and 20.3% in 2010 to 17.6% in 2018 (adjusted p trend = 0.009) respectively. Following SLE-flare admissions, hospital length of stay (LOS) decreased from 6.7 to 6 days (adjusted p trend = 0.045), while the proportion with a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score ≥ 3 increased from 42.2 to 54.4% (adjusted p trend < 0.0001) during the study period. SLE and its organ involvement, sepsis, and infections were common reasons for 30-day readmissions. CONCLUSION: About 1 in 5 SLE-flare admissions resulted in a 30-day readmission. The 30-day readmissions following index hospitalization for SLE flares and all SLE hospitalizations have decreased in the last decade. Although the readmission LOS was reduced, the CCI score increased over time. Key Points • The 30-day readmissions following index hospitalization for SLE flares and all SLE hospitalizations have reduced in the last decade although the CCI score increased over time. • SLE, its organ involvement, and infections are common reasons for readmission. • Infection control strategies, optimal management of SLE and its complications, and emphasis on an ideal transition of care are essential in reducing SLE readmissions.

Rheumatic diseases associated with alveolar hemorrhage: analysis of the national inpatient sample.

OBJECTIVE: Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a severe pulmonary complication of numerous diseases, including rheumatic conditions. We have conducted an observational study using inpatient data from the National Inpatient Sample to study the relationship of DAH with rheumatic conditions along with their descriptive characteristics. METHODS: An observational study was conducted on hospitalizations in 2016-2018 with a principal diagnosis of DAH from the United States National Inpatient Sample database. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) for risk factors of DAH. RESULTS: A total of 5420 DAH hospitalizations were identified among 90 million hospitalizations. Mortality in this group was found to be 24.3%. Majority of patients admitted with DAH were white and male, with a mean age of 61.8 years and a mean LOS of 10.6 days. Multivariate analysis showed that multiple rheumatic diseases were associated with DAH, including anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) (ORadj 72.56) (95% C.I. 50.607-104.043), antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLS) (ORadj 6.51) (95% C.I. 3.734-11.366), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) (ORadj 7.13) (95% C.I. 1.886-26.926), Goodpasture's (ORadj 30.58) (95% C.I. 16.360-57.176), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (ORadj 1.60) (95% C.I. 1.158-2.212), sarcoidosis (ORadj 3.99) (95% C.I. 2.300-6.926), and systemic lupus (SLE) (ORadj 5.82) (95% C.I. 3.993-8.481). CONCLUSION: Although DAH is a relatively rare entity, it carries a very high mortality. Multiple rheumatic diseases were associated with DAH hospitalizations including AAV, APLS, EGPA, Goodpasture's, RA, sarcoidosis, and SLE. Key points • It is known that DAH carries a high morbidity and mortality based on prior literature. However, large datasets on the association of rheumatic diseases with DAH are lacking • This study identifies the descriptive characteristics of patients admitted to the hospital with DAH • This study also identifies the strength of association of rheumatic diseases with DAH.

Longitudinal trends of systemic lupus erythematous hospitalizations in the United States: a two-decade population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Longitudinal data are limited on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) hospitalizations. We aim to study longitudinal trends of SLE hospitalizations in the last 2 decades in the United States (U.S). METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample database (NIS). We performed a 21-year longitudinal trend analysis of NIS 1998-2018. We searched for hospitalizations for adult patients with a "principal" diagnosis of SLE (SLE flare group) and those with "any" diagnosis of SLE (all SLE hospitalization group) using ICD codes. All non-SLE hospitalizations for adult patients were used as the control. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were used appropriately to calculate adjusted p-trend for the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Incidence of SLE flare hospitalization reduced from 4.1 to 3.2 per 100,000 U.S persons from 1998 to 2018 (adjusted p-trend < 0.0001). The proportion of all hospitalized patients with SLE admitted principally for SLE reduced from 11.3% in 1998 to 5.7% in 2018 (adjusted p-tend < 0.0001). The proportion of hospitalized blacks in the SLE flare and all SLE hospitalization groups increased from 37.7% and 26.9% in 1998 to 44.7% and 30.7% in 2018 respectively (adjusted p-trend < 0.0001). The proportion of hospitalized Hispanics and Asians disproportionally increased in SLE flare hospitalizations compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The incidence of hospitalization for SLE flare has reduced in the last 2 decades in the U.S. The proportion of hospitalized patients with SLE admitted principally for SLE has reduced significantly over time. However, the burden of SLE hospitalizations among ethnic minorities has increased over time. Key Points • The incidence of hospitalization for SLE flare has reduced in the last 2 decades in the U.S. • The proportion of hospitalized patients with SLE admitted principally for SLE has reduced significantly over time. • The burden of SLE hospitalizations among ethnic minorities such as blacks has increased over time.

Reasons for Hospitalization and All-Cause Mortality for Adults with Sarcoidosis.

Purpose: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem immune disease with a high rate of hospitalization. There is a paucity of large population-based studies on sarcoid inpatients. We aimed to examine the reasons for hospitalizations and mortality of adult sarcoid patients utilizing the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Methods: Adult hospitalizations in 2016-2019 NIS database with sarcoidosis (ICD-10 code D86) were analyzed. The "reason for hospitalization" and "reason for in-hospital death" were divided into 19 organ system/disease categories based on their principal ICD-10 hospital billing diagnosis. Results: Among the 330,470 sarcoid hospitalizations, cardiovascular (20.4%) and respiratory (16.9%) diagnoses were the most common reasons for hospitalization. The most common individual diagnoses were sepsis and pneumonia. In-hospital death occurred in 2.4% of sarcoid hospitalizations. The most common reasons for death were infectious (30%), cardiovascular (20.7%), and respiratory (20.3%) diagnoses. The most common individual diagnoses in the deceased group were sepsis and respiratory failure. Finally, the sarcoid group had a higher frequency of complications including arrhythmias/heart blocks, heart failure, cranial neuropathies, hypercalcemia, iridocyclitis, myocarditis, and myositis. Sarcoid inpatients had longer length of stay (4 vs 3 days; p < .001) and higher median total hospital charges ($36,865 vs $31,742; p < .001). Conclusions: The most common reasons for sarcoid hospitalizations were cardiovascular and respiratory. Nearly 1 in 40 hospitalizations resulted in death, with most common complications being conduction abnormalities and heart failure. The most common causes of in-hospital death were sepsis and respiratory failure. Sarcoid hospitalizations had 16% higher total hospital charges compared to nonsarcoid inpatients.

Patients admitted on weekends have higher in-hospital mortality than those admitted on weekdays: Analysis of national inpatient sample.

Introduction: Since the 1999 Institute of Medicine report, hospitals have implemented a myriad of measures to protect patients from medical errors. At this point, looking beyond errors may bring additional safety benefits. This study aims to analyze predictors of in-hospital death regardless of underlying diagnoses in an effort to identify additional targets for improvement. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of hospitalizations from the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) for variables associated with in-hospital death. Results: There were 121,026,484 adult hospital discharges in the database. Multivariable analysis showed the following variables were associated with higher in-hospital death: Age (OR, 1.04), Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR, 1.23), male (OR, 1.16), income Q1 (OR, 1.12), income Q2 (OR, 1.07), west region (OR, 1.07), non-elective admission (OR, 2.01), urban hospital location (OR, 1.17), and weekend admission (OR, 1.14). Percentage of deaths for weekend versus weekday admissions was 2.7% versus 2.1%. Fewer procedures (ICD-10-PCS) were done in first 24 hours of weekend admissions when compared to weekday admissions (34.8% vs 46.8%; p<0.001). Only 524,295 in-hospital deaths were expected for weekend admissions but 673,085 were observed. Conclusion: Weekend hospital admissions were associated with higher adjusted mortality and a lower rate of procedures when compared to weekday admissions. Further studies should be done to further clarify and confirm if additional staffing and procedural availability on weekends could improve hospital outcomes.

Reasons for hospitalization and in-hospital mortality in adults with systemic sclerosis: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

Objective: Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune condition with significant morbidity and mortality despite modern medical therapies. The goal of this investigation was to comprehensively analyze all reasons for hospitalization and in-hospital death of systemic sclerosis patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the adult systemic sclerosis hospitalizations from the 2016-2018 National Inpatient Sample. We included patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of systemic sclerosis and compared them to the group without the disease. The incidence of inpatient death and total hospitalization charges were recorded along with the most frequent principal diagnoses for systemic sclerosis hospitalizations and mortality categorized into subgroups. Results: There were 94,515 adult systemic sclerosis hospitalizations recorded in the 2016-2018 National Inpatient Sample database. Systemic sclerosis patients had higher inpatient mortality compared to the non-systemic sclerosis group (4.5% vs 2.2%, respectively, p < 0.0001), were more likely to be female (84% vs 58%, p < 0.0001), had a longer mean length of stay (6.1 vs 4.7 days, p < 0.0001), and greater mean total hospital charges ($70,018 vs $53,556, p < 0.0001). Sepsis, unspecified organism (A41.9) was the most common principal diagnosis for both hospitalized and deceased systemic sclerosis patients. Cardiovascular diagnoses (21.9%) were the most common reasons for hospitalization and infectious (28%)-for in-hospital death. Conclusion: Our analysis of the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2018 showed that infections and cardiovascular diseases were a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized systemic sclerosis patients. Sepsis was the most frequent specific diagnosis for both hospitalization and inpatient deaths. These results stress the importance of early recognition of life-threatening infections in this patient population.

Incorporating interactive workshops into bedside teaching: completion of a multi-modal rheumatology rotation significantly increases internal medicine residents' competency and comfort with comprehensive knee examinations.

BACKGROUND: Studies have elucidated the lack of competency in musculoskeletal (MSK) examination skills amongst trainees. Various modalities have been studied, however, there remains a dearth of literature regarding the effectiveness of bedside teaching versus dedicated workshops. Our aim was to determine if incorporating a workshop into a rheumatology rotation would be effective in increasing medicine residents' competency and comfort with knee examinations when compared to the rotation alone. METHODS: Over 16 months, rotators were randomized to workshop plus rotation versus rotation alone. Participants were tested on their knee examination skills using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Surveys were administered assessing to what degree the rotation was beneficial. Comfort and helpfulness were measured using a 5-point Likert scale. Paired and independent samples t-tests were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Fifty-seven residents participated. For both groups, there were improvements between pre- and post-OSCE scores (workshop p < 0.001, no workshop p = 0.003), and levels of comfort with examination (workshop p < 0.001, no workshop p < 0.001). When comparing groups, there were differences favoring the workshop in post-OSCE score (p = < 0.001), mean change in OSCE score (p < 0.001) and mean change in comfort with knee examination (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: An elective in rheumatology augmented residents' MSK competency and comfort. Incorporation of a workshop further increased knowledge, skills and comfort with diagnosis and treatment. Current educational research focuses on alternatives to traditional methods. This study provides evidence that a multi-modal approach, combining traditional bedside and interactive models, is of benefit.

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

INTRODUCTION: Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) are two rare syndromes that affect the cerebral vasculature. Both conditions have been shown to cause severe neurologic complications. Distinguishing these two conditions in clinical practice is often challenging. Here, we compare the clinical features and outcomes of RCVS and PACNS hospitalizations against the general adult inpatient population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of hospitalizations with a diagnosis of PACNS or RCVS from 2016 to 2018 in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Multivariate analysis was performed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) for hospital outcomes. RESULTS: In the NIS, 3305 hospitalizations had a diagnosis of RCVS and 6035 hospitalizations had a diagnosis of PACNS. RCVS hospitalizations had a significantly greater association with cerebral aneurysms (ORadj 23.80), hemiplegia/hemiparesis following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (ORadj 324.09), ischemic stroke (ORadj 7.59), and nontraumatic SAH (ORadj 253.61). PACNS hospitalizations had a significantly greater association with hemiplegia/hemiparesis following cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (ORadj 6.16), ischemic stroke (ORadj 11.55), nontraumatic SAH (ORadj 7.29), seizure (ORadj 2.49), and in-hospital mortality (ORadj 2.85). CONCLUSIONS: We performed an analysis of the NIS to better understand RCVS and PACNS hospitalizations. Severe neurologic events including CVA and SAH were elevated in both, but SAH and related hemiplegia/hemiparesis were extremely common among RCVS hospitalizations. In-hospital mortality was elevated in PACNS but not RCVS. This information can be used to help clinicians better understand, distinguish, and diagnose these conditions. Key Points • Despite clear description of RCVS and PACNS in the medical literature, there remains a scarcity of national population-based studies comparing these two entities against the general adult inpatient population. • This study aims to fill knowledge gaps in this area. • Here, we compare the clinical features and outcomes of RCVS and PACNS hospitalizations against the general adult inpatient population.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome as Risk Factors for Acute Coronary Syndrome in Young Patients: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the odds of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients aged 18 to 40 years to patients older than 40 years with and without secondary diagnoses of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLS) while controlling for traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. METHODS: Data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2018. The National Inpatient Sample was searched for hospitalizations of adult patients with ACS as the principal diagnosis, with and without SLE or APLS as secondary diagnoses. Age was divided categorically into 2 groups: adults aged 18 to 40 years and those older than 40 years. The primary outcome was the development of ACS. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: There were 90,879,561 hospital discharges in the 2016 to 2018 database. Of those, 55,050 between the ages of 18 to 40 years and 1,966,234 aged older than 40 years were hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of ACS. Traditional CV risk factors were associated with ACS hospitalizations in both age groups. In multivariate analysis of the 18 to 40 years age group, both SLE (odds ratio, 2.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.814-2.625) and APLS (odds ratio, 2.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.546-3.087) were strongly associated with ACS hospitalizations. After the age of 40 years, there were no increased odds of ACS hospitalizations for SLE or APLS. CONCLUSIONS: In the younger population, SLE and APLS were strongly associated with ACS hospitalizations in addition to the traditional CV risk factors. In the older age group, traditional CV risk factors dominated and diluted the effect of SLE and APLS.

Thirty-Day Hospital Readmissions for Acute Gout in the United States: Analysis of the Nationwide Readmission Database.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to describe the rates and characteristics of nonelective 30-day readmission among adult patients hospitalized for acute gout and to assess predictors of readmission. METHODS: We analyzed the 2017 Nationwide Readmission Database. Gout hospitalizations were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification code. Hospitalizations for adult patients were included. We excluded planned or elective readmissions. We utilized χ2 tests to compare baseline characteristics between readmissions and index hospitalizations. We used multivariate Cox regression to identify independent predictors of readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 11,727 index adult hospitalizations with acute gout listed as the principal diagnosis were discharged alive and included. One thousand five hundred ninety-four (13.6%) readmissions occurred within 30 days. Acute gout was the most common reason for readmission. Readmissions had higher inpatient mortality (2.4% vs 0.1%, p < 0.0001), greater mean age (68.1 vs 67.0 years, p = 0.021), and longer hospital length of stay (5.9 vs 3.8 days, p < 0.0001) compared with index hospitalizations. Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of ≥2 (score 2: adjusted hazards ratio [AHR], 1.67; p = 0.001; score ≥3: AHR, 2.08; p < 0.0001), APR-DRG (All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups) severity levels ≥2 (level 2: AHR, 1.43; p = 0.044; level 3: AHR, 1.83; p = 0.002; level 4: AHR, 2.38; p = 0.002), admission to metropolitan hospital (AHR, 1.83; p = 0.012), atrial fibrillation (AHR, 1.31; p = 0.004), and anemia (AHR, 1.30; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with 30-day readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: Acute gout readmissions were associated with worse outcomes compared with index hospitalizations. Charlson Comorbidity Index scores ≥2, APR-DRG severity levels ≥2, admission to metropolitan hospital, atrial fibrillation, and anemia were significant predictors of readmission.

Reasons for Hospitalization and In-Hospital Mortality in Adults With Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis.

OBJECTIVE: Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are systemic autoimmune diseases that have been associated with high in-hospital mortality (IHM). The aim of this study was to use the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), a large US population database, to determine the reasons for hospitalization and IHM in patients with DM and PM. METHODS: We conducted a medical records review of adult DM/PM hospitalizations in 2016 and 2017 in acute care hospitals across the United States using the NIS. The reasons for IHM and reasons for hospitalization were divided into 19 broad categories based on their principal International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10) diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 27,140 hospitalizations carried either a principal or secondary ICD-10 code for DM or PM. The main reasons for hospitalization were rheumatologic (22%, n = 6085), cardiovascular (15%, n = 3945), infectious (13%, n = 3515), respiratory (12%, n = 3170), and gastrointestinal, (8%, n = 2150). A total of 3.5% of all patients experienced IHM. Infectious (34%, n = 325), respiratory (23%, n = 215), and cardiovascular (15%, n = 140) diagnoses were the most common reasons for IHM. Sepsis ICD-10 A41.9 was the most frequent specific principal diagnosis for both hospitalizations and IHM. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis demonstrated that in the NIS the most common reasons for hospitalization in patients with DM/PM were rheumatologic diagnoses. However, IHM in these patients was most frequently from infectious diagnoses, highlighting the need for increased attention to infectious complications in these patients.