Identifying Pregnant Patients With Suspected Intimate Partner Violence.

INTRODUCTION: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the leading cause of death in pregnant women. Although it can be difficult to identify patients experiencing IPV, injuries to the head, neck, or face due to an assault are known to correlate with intentional injury. The objective of this study is to assess the contemporary burden of IPV in pregnancy and describe the patient characteristics. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was queried for all pregnant women between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: suspected IPV (SIPV) and no-SIPV groups. We defined SIPV as any pregnant patient with an identified head, neck, or face injuries categorized as intentional assault. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between SIPV and variables of interest. RESULTS: A total of 28,540 pregnant patients presented with traumatic injuries with 530 (.02%) identified as SIPV. Suspected IPV patients were younger (25 vs 27 years, P = .012), more likely to be of Black race (46% vs 28%, P = .002), more likely to be in the lowest income quartile (51% vs 38%, P = .031), less likely to have private insurance (12% vs 34%, P < .001), and have higher rates of substance use disorder (35% vs 18%, P < .001). Black race and history of substance use disorder were associated with increased odds of SIPV-related injuries (odds ratio [OR]: 2.01, interquartile range [IQR]: 1.27-3.16, P = .003 and OR: 2.30, IQR 1.54-3.43, P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there are significant racial and socioeconomic disparities in potential risk for IPV during pregnancy.

Longer hospitalizations, more complications, and greater readmissions for patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders undergoing pulmonary lobectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of comorbid psychiatric disorders (PSYD) on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2016 to 2018 was performed. Patients with lung cancer with and without psychiatric comorbidities who underwent pulmonary lobectomy were collated and analyzed (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental disorders [F01-99]). The association of PSYD with complications, length of stay, and readmissions was assessed using a multivariable regression analysis. Additional subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 41,691 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 27.84% (11,605) of the patients had at least 1 PSYD. PSYD was associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative complications (relative risk, 1.041; 95% CI, 1.015-1.068; P = .0018), pulmonary complications (relative risk, 1.125; 95% CI, 1.08-1.171; P < .0001), longer length of stay (PSYD mean, 6.79 days and non-PSYD mean, 5.68 days; P < .0001), higher 30-day readmission rate (9.2% vs 7.9%; P < .0001), and 90-day readmission rate (15.4% vs 12.9%; P < .007). Among patients with PSYD, those with cognitive disorders and psychotic disorders (eg, schizophrenia) appear to have the highest rates and risks of postoperative morbidity and in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lung cancer with comorbid psychiatric disorders undergoing lobectomy experience worse postoperative outcomes with longer hospitalization, increased rates of overall and pulmonary complications, and greater readmissions suggesting potential opportunities for improved psychiatric care during the perioperative period.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta for Nontraumatic Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in the US.

This cohort study describes the use of and outcomes for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta for managing nontraumatic gastrointestinal bleeding.

Management for Acute Uncomplicated Appendicitis During Pregnancy: National Trends and Patient Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes national trends in the management of uncomplicated appendicitis during pregnancy, comparing outcomes for nonoperative management (NOM) and appendectomy. BACKGROUND: In the nonpregnant population, several randomized controlled trials demonstrated noninferiority of NOM compared with appendectomy for acute uncomplicated appendicitis. However, it remains unclear whether these findings are generalizable to pregnant patients. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was queried for pregnant women diagnosed with acute uncomplicated appendicitis from January 2003 to September 2015. Patients were categorized by treatment: NOM, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), and open appendectomy. A quasi-experimental analysis with interrupted time series examined the relationship between the year of admission and the likelihood of receiving NOM. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between treatment strategy and patient outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 33,120 women satisfied the inclusion criteria. Respectively, 1070 (3.2%), 18,736 (56.6%), and 13,314 (40.2%) underwent NOM, LA, and open appendectomy. The NOM rate significantly increased between 2006 and 2015, with an annual increase of 13.9% (95% CI, 8.5-19.4, P <0.001). Compared with LA, NOM was significantly associated with higher rates of preterm abortion (odds ratio [OR]: 3.057, 95% CI, 2.210-4.229, P <0.001) and preterm labor/delivery (OR: 3.186, 95% CI, 2.326-4.365, P <0.001). Each day of delay to appendectomy was associated with significantly greater rates of preterm abortion (OR: 1.210, 95% CI, 1.123-1.303, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although NOM has been increasing as a treatment for pregnant patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, compared with LA, it is associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Predictors of Complications Following Bariatric Surgery for Adolescent Patients.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery for adolescent patients has been shown to be safe but potentially underutilized. A better understanding of operative risk in adolescents may temper apprehension to its adoption. This study intends to examine the association between preoperative risk factors and complications following bariatric surgery for adolescent patients. METHODS: The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program databank (2015-2020) was queried for all adolescent patients (10 to 19 years). Only patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass were included. Multivariable regression examined the association between patient characteristics and complications. RESULTS: A total of 7785 adolescent patients satisfied inclusion criteria. The median age was 18 years, 1737 (22%) were male, and the median body mass index was 46. Of all patients, 6675 (86%) and 1310 (14%) underwent sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, respectively. Preoperative chronic steroid use was significantly associated with higher rates of leak (odds ratio [OR] 7.327, P = .009), bleeding (OR 10.791, P = .003), and reoperation (OR 7.685, P < .001). While Pacific Islander race was also significantly associated with higher rates of reoperation (OR 11.773, P = .039), Asian race was significantly associated with higher rates of bleeding (OR 14.527, P = .042). A history of gastroesophageal reflux disease was associated with higher rates of postoperative reintervention (OR 2.306, P = .004). DISCUSSION: Readily identifiable preoperative patient characteristics are significantly associated with higher rates of postoperative complications following adolescent bariatric surgery. Additional research is required to determine whether tailoring treatment based on these characteristics can improve outcomes.

Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography findings for hollow viscus injuries following thoracoabdominal gunshot wounds.

BACKGROUND: Selective nonoperative management (SNOM) of abdominal gunshot wounds (GSWs) is increasingly used as computed tomography (CT) has become a diagnostic adjunct for the evaluation of intraabdominal injuries including hollow viscus injuries (HVIs). Currently, there is scarce data on the diagnostic accuracy of CT for identifying HVI. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of different CT findings in the diagnosis of HVI following abdominal GSW. METHODS: This retrospective single-center cohort study was performed from January 2015 to April 2019. We included consecutive patients (≥18 years) with abdominal GSW for whom SNOM was attempted and an abdominal CT was obtained as a part of SNOM. Computed tomography findings including abdominal free fluid, diffuse abdominal free air, focal gastrointestinal wall thickness, wall irregularity, abnormal wall enhancement, fat stranding, and mural defect were used as our index tests. Outcomes were determined by the presence of HVI during laparotomy and test performance characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 212 patients included for final analysis (median age: 28 years), 43 patients (20.3%) underwent a laparotomy with HVI confirmed intraoperatively whereas 169 patients (79.7%) were characterized as not having HVI. The sensitivity of abdominal free fluid was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 92-100). The finding of a mural defect had a high specificity (99%, 95% CI: 97-100). Other findings with high specificity were abnormal wall enhancement (97%, 95% CI: 93-99) and wall irregularity (96%, 95% CI: 92-99). CONCLUSION: While there was no singular CT finding that confirmed the diagnosis of HVI following abdominal GSW, the absence of intraabdominal free fluid could be used to rule out HVI. In addition, the presence of a mural defect, abnormal wall enhancement, or wall irregularity is considered as a strong predictor of HVI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Test or Criteria; Level II.

Predictors of Clinical Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Colectomy for Traumatic Injury.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colectomy following traumatic injury has been increasingly utilized, but open resection remains the standard of care. Therefore, identifying appropriate candidates for laparoscopy is critically important. This study's purpose was to identify predictors of clinical outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy following traumatic injury. METHODS: The National Trauma Databank was queried for patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy within 48 hours of admission between 2007 and 2015. Patient, injury, and management characteristics were abstracted. Multivariable regression analyses adjusted for baseline characteristics and identified significant predictors of clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 581 patients satisfied inclusion criteria. The median age was 31 years, 465 (80%) were male, and 321 (55%) sustained penetrating injuries. An ostomy was created in 143 (25%) cases. Multivariable logistic regression showed that significant predictors of mortality included a falling mechanism (odds ratio [OR] 104.917, P = .002), admission tachycardia (OR 5.823, P = .001), admission hypotension (OR 26.089, P < .001), and multi-system injuries like head (OR 1.587, P = .008) and thoracic (OR 1.627, P = .001) injuries. Significant predictors of unplanned reoperation included transverse (OR 7.657, P = .033) and left (OR 17.155, P = .014) colon resections, obesity (OR 24.407, P = .016), and chronic respiratory disease (OR 32.963, P = .018). Ostomy creation was significantly associated with neither mortality nor unplanned reoperation. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that readily identifiable preoperative characteristics are significantly associated with differences in clinical outcomes. Additional research is required to determine if varying treatment based on these qualities can improve outcomes.

Management of Complicated Appendicitis During Pregnancy in the US.

Importance: Data are sparse regarding the optimal treatment for complicated appendicitis during pregnancy. Objective: To compare nonoperative and operative management in complicated appendicitis during pregnancy. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study was conducted using National Inpatient Sample data from between January 2003 and September 2015. This database approximates a 20% stratified sample of US inpatient hospital discharges. Included individuals were pregnant women discharged with the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis. Data were analyzed from February 2020 through February 2022. Exposures: Study patients were categorized into 3 groups: those with successful nonoperative management, failed nonoperative management with delayed operation, or immediate operation for complicated appendicitis. Main Outcomes and Measures: Clinical outcomes, including maternal infectious complications and perinatal complications, hospital length of stay, and total hospital charges. Results: Among 8087 pregnant women with complicated appendicitis (median [IQR] age, 27 [22-32] years), nonoperative management of complicated appendicitis was successful among 954 patients (11.8%) and failed among 2646 patients (32.7%), who underwent delayed operation; 4487 patients (55.5%) underwent immediate operation. In multivariate analysis, successful nonoperative management was associated with higher odds of amniotic infection (odds ratio [OR], 4.35; 95% CI, 2.22-8.53; P < .001) and sepsis (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.10-2.11; P = .01) compared with immediate operation, while there was no significant difference in preterm delivery, preterm labor, or abortion. However, failed nonoperative management that required delayed operation was associated with higher odds of preterm delivery, preterm labor, or abortion compared with immediate operation (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.24-1.68; P < .001). Immediate operation was associated with decreased hospital charges compared with nonoperative management that was successful (regression coefficient [RC], 0.09; 95% CI, 0.07-0.11; P < .001) and that failed (RC, 0.12; 95% CI: 0.11-0.14; P < .001). In subgroup multivariate logistic regression analysis, each day in delay to surgery was associated with an increase in odds of preterm delivery, preterm labor, or abortion by 23% (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.18-1.29; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that immediate operation for complicated appendicitis in pregnant women was associated with lower odds of maternal infectious complications without higher odds of perinatal or other maternal complications compared with successful nonoperative management. Failed nonoperative management was associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Association Between Trimester and Outcomes after Cholecystectomy During Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Conventional philosophy promotes the second trimester as the ideal time during pregnancy for cholecystectomy. However, literature supporting this belief is sparse. The purpose of this study is to examine the association of trimester and clinical outcomes after cholecystectomy during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: The National Inpatient Sample was queried for pregnant women who underwent cholecystectomy between October 2015 and December 2017. Patients were categorized by trimester. Multivariable logistic and continuous outcome regression models were used to evaluate the association of trimester and outcomes, including maternal and fetal complications, length of stay, and hospital charges. The primary outcome was any complication-a composite of specific clinical complications, each of which were designated as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 819 pregnant women satisfied our inclusion criteria. Of these, 217 (26.5%) were in the first trimester, 381 (47.5%) were in the second trimester, and 221 (27.0%) were in the third trimester. Median age was 27 years (interquartile range: 23-31 years). Compared with the second trimester, cholecystectomy during the first trimester was not associated with higher rates of complications (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-1.63, p = 0.68). However, cholecystectomy during the third trimester was associated with a higher rate of preterm delivery (AOR 7.20, 95% CI 3.09-16.77, p < 0.001) and overall maternal and fetal complications (AOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.71-4.53, p < 0.001). Compared with the second trimester, the third trimester was associated with 21.3% higher total hospital charges (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that cholecystectomy can be performed in the first trimester without significantly increased risk of maternal and fetal complications, compared to the second trimester. In contrast, cholecystectomy during pregnancy should not be delayed until the third trimester.

Surgical trends in the management of acute cholecystitis during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Since 2007, clinical practice guidelines by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) recommend early surgical management with laparoscopic cholecystectomy for pregnant women with symptomatic gallbladder disease regardless of trimester. However, little is known about practice patterns in the management of pregnant patients with acute cholecystitis. This study aims to examine nationwide trends in the surgical management of acute cholecystitis, as well as their impact on clinical outcomes during pregnancy. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was queried for all pregnant women diagnosed with acute cholecystitis between January 2003 and September 2015. After applying appropriate weights, multivariate regression analysis adjusted for patient- and hospital-level characteristics and quantified the impact of discharge year (2003-2007 versus 2008-2015) on cholecystectomy rates and timing of surgery. Multivariate regression analysis was also used to examine the impact of same admission cholecystectomy and its timing on maternal and fetal outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 23,939 pregnant women with acute cholecystitis satisfied our inclusion criteria. The median age was 26 years (interquartile range: 22-30). During the study period, 36.3% were managed non-operatively while 59.6% and 4.1% underwent laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was more commonly performed after 2007 (odds ratio [OR] 1.333, p < 0.001). Furthermore, time from admission to surgery was significantly shorter in the latter study period (regression coefficient -0.013, p < 0.001). Compared to non-operative management, laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis was significantly associated with lower rates of preterm delivery, labor, or abortion (OR 0.410, p < 0.001). Each day that laparoscopic cholecystectomy was delayed significantly associated with an increased risk of fetal complications (OR 1.173, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study exhibits significant trends favoring surgical management of acute cholecystitis during pregnancy. Although further studies are still warranted, early laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be considered in pregnant patients with acute cholecystitis.

Human Metapneumovirus Infection in Hospitalized Children.

BACKGROUND: Most children are exposed to human metapneumovirus (HMPV) by the age of 5 y. This study aimed to describe the morbidity associated with HMPV infections in a cohort of children in the Midwest of the United States. METHODS: This was a retrospective 2-center cohort study including children (0-17 y old) hospitalized with HMPV infections at 2 tertiary care pediatric hospitals from 2009 to 2013. Demographics, chronic medical conditions, viral coinfections, and hospitalization characteristics, including the need for respiratory support, high-flow nasal cannula, CPAP, bi-level positive airway pressure, invasive mechanical ventilation, pediatric ICU admission, acute kidney injury (AKI), use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and length of stay, were collected. RESULTS: In total, 131 subjects were included. Those with one or more comorbidities were older than their otherwise healthy counterparts, with a median age of 2.8 y (interquartile range [IQR] 1.1-7.0) compared to 1.3 y (IQR 0.6-2.0, P < .001), respectively. Ninety-nine (75.6%) subjects required respiratory support; 72 (55.0%) subjects required nasal cannula, simple face mask, or tracheostomy mask as their maximum support. Additionally, 1 (0.8%) subject required high-flow nasal cannula, 1 (0.8%) subject required CPAP, 2 (1.5%) subjects required bi-level positive airway pressure, 15 (11.5%) subjects required invasive mechanical ventilation, 4 (3.1%) subjects required high-frequency oscillatory or jet ventilation, and 4 (3.1%) subjects required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Fifty-one (38.9%) subjects required pediatric ICU admission, and 16 (12.2%) subjects developed AKI. Subjects with AKI were significantly older than those without AKI at 5.4 y old (IQR 1.6-11.7) versus 1.9 y old (IQR 0.7-3.5, P = .003). After controlling for the presence of at least one comorbidity and cystic fibrosis, each year increase in age led to a 16% increase in the odds of AKI (P = .01). The median length of stay for the entire cohort was 4.0 d (IQR 2.7-7.0). CONCLUSIONS: Children hospitalized with HMPV may be at risk for AKI. Risk of HMPV-associated AKI appears to increase with age regardless of severity of respiratory illness or presence of comorbidities.

Clinical implications and molecular mechanisms of immunoparalysis after cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVE: We used a whole blood assay to characterize the immune system's response after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children to identify the risk for postoperative infections. We assessed the impact of CPB on histone methylation as a potential mechanism for altering gene expression necessary for the immune system's capacity to defend against infections. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled patients less than 18 years old undergoing heart surgery requiring CPB at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Blood was obtained from patients before CPB, on CPB, and on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. Ex vivo lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha production measured the capacity of the immune system. Serum cytokines were measured using a multiplex assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation to detect histone modifications at the interleukin (IL) 10 promoter was performed on circulating mononuclear cells from a subgroup of patients. RESULTS: We enrolled 92 patients, and postoperative day 1 samples identified a subpopulation of immunocompetent patients at low risk for infections with a specificity of 93% (confidence interval [CI], 83%-98%) and a negative predictive value of 88% (CI, 77%-95%; P = .006). Patients classified as immunoparalyzed had serum IL-10 levels 2.4-fold higher than the immunocompetent group (mean, 14.3 ± 18.3 pg/mL vs 6.0 ± 5.0 pg/mL; P = .01). In a subgroup of patients, we identified a greater percent of the "gene on" epigenetic signature, H3K4me3, associated with the IL-10 promoter after CPB. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that immunophenotyping patients after CPB can predict their risk for the development of postoperative infections. Novel mechanistic data suggest that CPB affects epigenetic alterations in IL-10 gene regulation.