Recent Trends in Palliative Care Utilization in Patients With Decompensated Liver Disease: 2016-2020 National Analysis.

Background: Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) have a poor quality of life, which often worsens as disease severity increases. Palliative care (PC) has emerged as a management option in ESLD patients, especially for those who are not candidates for a liver transplant. Objective: To assess the associated factors and trends in PC utilization in recent years. Design: We used the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database of the United States to identify patients with decompensated cirrhosis who suffered in-hospital mortality. Information regarding patient demographics, hospital characteristics, etiology and decompensations, Elixhauser comorbidities, and interventions was collected. The multivariate regression model was used to identify factors associated with PC use. Results: Out of 98,160 patients, 52,645 patients (53.6%) received PC consultations. PC utilization increased from 49.11% in 2016 to 56.85% in 2019, with a slight decrease to 54.47% in 2020. Patients with PC use had decreased incidence of blood transfusions (28.85% vs. 36.53%, p < 0.001), endoscopy (18% vs. 20.26%, p 0.0001), liver transplantation (0.28% vs. 0.69%, p < 0.001), and mechanical ventilation (46.22% vs. 56.37%, p < 0.001). African American, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander patients had 29%, 27%, and 23% lower odds of receiving PC than White patients. Patients in the two lowest income quartiles had 12% and 22% lower odds of receiving PC compared with the highest quartile. Conclusions: PC utilization in patients with ESLD is associated with decreased invasive procedures, shorter lengths of stay, and lower hospitalization charges. Minorities, as well as patients in the lower income quartiles, were less likely to receive PC.

Does use of long-term aspirin impact outcomes in patients with acute pancreatitis?

INTRODUCTION: Although the effect of rectal indomethacin in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis is well established, the effect of aspirin on acute pancreatitis (AP) is not well studied. We investigate the effect of aspirin on AP. METHODS: We collected data from the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2020, to identify adult patients with acute pancreatitis. Patients were stratified into 2 groups, based on the presence of aspirin use. The primary outcome was mortality, while other outcomes were sepsis, shock, acute kidney injury (AKI), ICU admission, deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), portal vein thrombosis (PVT), pseudocyst and ileus. RESULTS: A total of 2.09 million patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 197 170 (9.41%) had long-term aspirin use. The majority of the patients with aspirin use were aged >65 years, male, White and had Medicare insurance. There was a higher incidence of biliary pancreatitis while rates of alcohol-induced pancreatitis were lower in patients with aspirin use. There was a lower incidence of mortality, sepsis, shock, PE, DVT, PVT and pseudocyst in patients with aspirin use. There was no difference in the incidence of ileus, while the incidence of AKI was higher. After adjusting for confounding factors, patients with aspirin use had a 23.6% lower risk of mortality. DISCUSSION: Our results reveal a significant finding of aspirin's protective effect on AP in the US population. Our study is the largest study revealing an association between aspirin and AP. Further studies assessing the role of aspirin use in AP are warranted.

Incidence and factors associated with portal vein thrombosis in patients with acute pancreatitis: A United States national retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a well-known complication in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). Limited data exist on the incidence and factors of PVT in patients with AP. We investigate the incidence and clinical predictors of PVT in AP. METHODS: We queried the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample database to identify patients with AP. Patients with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer were excluded. We studied demographics, comorbidities, complications, and interventions in these patients and stratified the results by the presence of PVT. A multivariate regression model was used to identify factors associated with PVT in patients with AP. We also assessed the mortality and resource utilization in patients with PVT and AP. RESULTS: Of the 1,386,389 adult patients admitted with AP, 11,135 (0.8%) patients had PVT. Women had a 15% lower risk of developing PVT (aOR-0.85, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the age groups in the risk of developing PVT. Hispanic patients had the lowest risk of PVT (aOR-0.74, p < 0.001). PVT was associated with pancreatic pseudocyst (aOR-4.15, p < 0.001), bacteremia (aOR-2.66, p < 0.001), sepsis (aOR-1.55, p < 0.001), shock (aOR-1.68, p < 0.001) and ileus (aOR-1.38, p < 0.001). A higher incidence of in-hospital mortality and ICU admissions was also noted in patients with PVT and AP. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a significant association between PVT and factors such as pancreatic pseudocyst, bacteremia, and ileus in patients with AP.

The burden of acute pancreatitis on COVID-19 in the United States.

Background: Although SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the respiratory system, gastrointestinal symptoms were also seen. Our study analyzed the prevalence and impact of acute pancreatitis (AP) on COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States. Methods: The 2020 National Inpatient Sample database was used to identify patients with COVID-19. The patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the presence of AP. AP as well as its impact on COVID-19 outcomes were evaluated. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, shock, acute kidney injury (AKI), sepsis, length of stay, and total hospitalization charges. Univariate and multivariate logistic/linear regression analyses were performed. Results: The study population comprised 1,581,585 patients with COVID-19, from which 0.61% of people had AP. Patients with COVID-19 and AP had a higher incidence of sepsis, shock, ICU admissions, and AKI. On multivariate analysis, patients with AP had higher mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.38; P=0.02). We also noted a higher risk of sepsis (aOR 1.22, 95%CI 1.01-1.48; P=0.04), shock (aOR 2.09, 95%CI 1.83-2.40; P<0.001), AKI (aOR 1.79, 95%CI 1.61-1.99; P<0.001), and ICU admissions (aOR 1.56, 95%CI 1.38-1.77; P<0.001). Patients with AP also had a longer length of stay (+2.03 days, 95%CI 1.45-2.60; P<0.001), and higher hospitalization charges ($44,088.41, 95%CI $33,198.41-54,978.41; P<0.001). Conclusions: Our study revealed that the prevalence of AP in patients with COVID-19 was 0.61%. Although this was not strikingly high, the presence of AP is associated with worse outcomes and higher resource utilization.

The burden of Clostridioides difficile on COVID-19 hospitalizations in the USA.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of hospital acquired-infectious diarrhea in the USA. In this study, we assess the prevalence and impact of CDI in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the USA. METHODS: We used the 2020 National Inpatient Sample database to identify adult patients with COVID-19. The patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence of CDI. The impact of CDI on outcomes such as in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, shock, acute kidney injury (AKI), and sepsis rates. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the effects of CDI on outcomes. RESULTS: The study population comprised 1581 585 patients with COVID-19. Among these, 0.65% of people had a CDI. There was a higher incidence of mortality in patients with COVID-19 and CDI compared with patients without COVID-19 (23.25% vs 13.33%, P < 0.001). The patients with COVID-19 and CDI had a higher incidence of sepsis (7.69% vs 5%, P < 0.001), shock (23.59% vs 8.59%, P < 0.001), ICU admission (25.54% vs 12.28%, P < 0.001), and AKI (47.71% vs 28.52%, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, patients with CDI had a statistically significant higher risk of mortality than those without (aOR = 1.47, P < 0.001). We also noted a statistically significant higher risk of sepsis (aOR = 1.47, P < 0.001), shock (aOR = 2.7, P < 0.001), AKI (aOR = 1.55, P < 0.001), and ICU admission (aOR = 2.16, P < 0.001) in the study population. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed the prevalence of CDI in COVID-19 patients was 0.65%. Although the prevalence was low, its presence is associated with worse outcomes and higher resource utilization.

Hospital frailty risk score predicts worse outcomes in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Background: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a pathological fibroinflammatory response to persistent inflammation or stress to the pancreas. The effect of frailty on outcomes in patients with CP has not been previously examined. In this study, we examined the effect of frailty on outcomes in hospitalized patients with CP. Methods: Records of patients with a primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of CP (ICD10-CM codes K86.0, K86.1) between January 2016 and December 2019 were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample database. Data were collected on patient demographics, hospital characteristics, comorbidities, and etiology of CP. The relationship between frailty and outcomes, including mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, sepsis, shock, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization charges (THC), were analyzed using multivariate analysis. Results: 722,160 patients were included in the analysis. Patients with a high hospital frailty risk score had a higher mortality risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 12.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.42-15.16; P<0.001) compared to patients with low frailty scores. Patients with high frailty scores also had a higher risk of sepsis (aOR 5.75, 95%CI 4.97-6.66; P<0.001), shock (aOR- 26.25, 95%CI-22.83-30.19; P<0.001), ICU admission (aOR 25.86, 95% CI-22.58-29.62; P<0.001), and acute kidney injury (aOR 24.4, 95%CI 22.39-26.66; P<0.001). They also had a longer LOS (7.04 days, 95%CI 6.57-7.52; P<0.001) and higher THC ($72,200, 95%CI 65,904.52-78,496.66; P<0.001). Conclusions: Frail patients, as determined by their hospital frailty risk score, are at high risk of worse outcomes. This data suggests opportunities for physicians to risk-stratify patients and predict outcomes.

Predictors of leaving against medical advice in patients with alcohol-related hepatitis.

Background: Alcohol-related hepatitis is one of the most severe manifestations of alcohol-related liver disease and has been associated with significant morbidity, mortality and financial burden. Patients with alcohol use disorders are at risk of leaving against medical advice (LAMA); however, there is currently a lack of data in the literature to show which patients are at higher risk. In this study, we investigated the specific demographic factors and comorbidities associated with LAMA. Methods: Patients with a primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of alcohol-related hepatitis (ICD10-CM codes K70.4 and K70.1) between January 2016 and December 2019 were included in this study. Demographics, comorbidities, complications and interventions were studied in for patients who LAMA. Multivariate analysis was conducted to elucidate factors contributing to the increased risk of alcohol-related hepatitis. Results: A total of 538,750 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of alcohol-related hepatitis. Of these, 31,500 (5.84%) patients LAMA. Older age, Hispanic race, private insurance, and higher income status were associated with a lower risk of LAMA, while younger age, African American race, lack of insurance and being in the lowest income quartile were associated with the highest risk. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that significant differences exist between patients with alcohol-related hepatitis who LAMA and those who remain hospitalized until discharge. We believe that this study will help healthcare providers identify patients at risk of LAMA, and help promote the targeted education of specific subgroups to improve their understanding of their disease state and decrease adverse events.

Gender differences in esophageal variceal bleeding in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Esophageal variceal bleeding is a common reason for hospitalization in patients with cirrhosis. The main objective of this study was to analyze the effects of gender differences on outcomes in hospitalizations related to Esophageal variceal bleeding in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was performed using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for all hospitalizations with a discharge diagnosis of esophageal varices with hemorrhage from 2016 to 2019. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, while secondary outcomes included rate of early endoscopy (defined as less than 1 day), AKI, blood transfusion, sepsis, ICU admission and TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt). We also compared the length of stay and total hospitalization charges. RESULTS: We identified a total of 166,760 patients with variceal bleeding of which 32.7% were females. In-hospital mortality was higher in males, 9.91%, compared to females, 8.31% (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.88, p-value=.008, when adjusted for confounding factors). The odds of undergoing an EGD, length of stay, or total hospitalization charges did not differ between the two groups. Compared to men, women had lower odds of receiving TIPS (aOR = 0.83, p-value=.002). CONCLUSION: Women hospitalised with esophageal variceal bleeding are at a lower risk of death compared to males. Further research is needed to elucidate the factors associated with this lower risk.

Seasonal Variations of Hospital Admissions for Alcohol-Related Hepatitis in the United States.

Background: Clinical experience suggests an increased hospitalization rate for alcohol-related hepatitis (AH) in the winter months; however, seasonal variations in the prevalence of hospitalizations for AH have not been described previously. We hypothesized that AH hospitalizations would be higher in the winter months due to the holiday season and increased alcohol sales. Methods: Patients with primary or secondary discharge diagnosis of AH were included in the study (International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification-10th Revision codes K70.4 and K70.1) between January 2016 and December 2019. The primary outcome measure for this study was daily hospitalizations by each month of the year. Secondary outcome measures included the rate of in-hospital mortality associated with AH, for each month. Results: The highest number of AH-related admissions was reported in July (n = 56,800; 9%), followed by August (n = 55,700; 8.8%) and May (n = 54,865; 8.7%). February had the lowest number of admissions (n = 46,550; 7.37%). The adjusted mortality was highest in December (overall mortality: 9.6%; adjusted odds ratio: 1.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.142 - 1.461; P < 0.0001) and lowest in May (overall mortality rate: 7.7%). No difference was noted between length of stay and total hospitalization cost between months. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that seasonal variations in hospitalizations related to AH do exist across the United States. Regional differences also exist and follow unique patterns. The increase in admissions for AH is in line with other studies suggesting that heavy drinking happens during the warm season. Hospital administrators and other stewards of healthcare resources can use seasonal patterns to guide allocation of resources.

Effect of Hospital Teaching Status on Outcomes of Patients With Acute Pancreatitis.

Introduction Multiple studies have shown that outcomes of various diseases differ by the hospital teaching status. However, not much is known about the effects of hospital teaching status on outcomes of acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this study was to identify if there was an effect of hospital teaching status on the outcomes of AP. Methods The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify patients with a discharge diagnosis of AP from 2016 to 2019. Patients were classified according to whether they were admitted to teaching hospitals (TH) or non-teaching hospitals (NTH). Study outcomes were the length of stay (LOS), total hospitalization cost and charge, sepsis, shock, acute kidney injury, ICU admission, and mortality. Results A total of 1,689,334 patients were included in the study. Of these, 65.06% were in the TH group, while 34.94% were in the NTH group. Patients admitted to TH had a higher incidence of AKI (18.84% vs. 15.79%, p<0.001), shock (4.32% vs. 2.7%, p<0.001), sepsis (4.48% vs. 3.65%, p<0.001), and ICU admissions (4.78% vs. 2.90%, p<0.001) than NTH. Patients admitted to TH also had a higher length of stay (5.82 vs. 4.54 days, p<0.001) and higher hospitalization charges ($47,390 vs. $65,380, p<0.001). The mortality rate in TH was 2.25% compared to 1.5% in NTH (p<0.001). Conclusion Patients admitted to TH had higher mortality as compared to NTH. While the exact reason for this is unknown, it can be partially explained by a higher incidence of AKI, shock, and sepsis. Furthermore, ICU admissions were higher in TH, indicating higher resource utilization.

Hospitalization Outcomes of Acute Pancreatitis in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) carries a significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. AP is a potential complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) although its incidence remains unclear. HSCT recipients are at increased risk of AP due to various factors but the effect of AP on mortality and resource utilization in the adult population has not been studied. We investigated the impact of AP on hospitalization outcomes among patients following HSCT. Methods: We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes. All adult patients with a diagnosis or procedure code of HSCT were included in the study. Patients were divided into those with a diagnosis of AP and those without. Sensitivity analysis was performed for patients with a length of stay greater than 28 days. The relationship between AP and mortality, length of stay, total hospitalization cost, and charges was assessed using univariate analysis followed by multivariate analysis. Results: Of the 140,130 adult patients with HSCT, 855 (0.61%) patients developed AP. There was 1.74 times higher risk of mortality in patients with AP as compared to controls (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.74, P = 0.0055). There was no statistically significant difference in the length of stay, hospitalization charge, or cost before sensitivity analysis. After sensitivity analysis, 13,240 patients were included, from which 125 (0.94%) had AP. There was 3.85 times higher risk of mortality in patients who developed AP as compared to controls (aOR: 3.85, P = 0.003). There was a statistically significant increase noted in the length of stay (adj coeff: 20.3 days, P = 0.002), hospital charges (+$346,616, P = 0.017), and cost (+$121,932.4, P = 0.001) in patients with AP as compared to those who did not develop AP. Conclusion: Recipients of HSCT who develop AP have shown to have higher mortality on sensitivity analysis. This study highlights that AP in HSCT patients is associated with worse outcomes and higher resource utilization. Physicians should be aware of this association as the presence of pancreatitis portends a poor prognosis.