Development of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Among Hospital Inpatients: Incidence, Causes and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the incidence, precipitants, and outcomes of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) that develops during the inpatient stay. METHODS: We undertook a case-control study in the medical, oncology, surgical, and orthopaedic wards of a tertiary referral hospital (February-May, 2016). Patients aged ≥18 years who developed ADHF during their inpatient stay were enrolled as cases. One control patient was matched to each case by age, gender, presenting complaint/surgery performed and co-morbidities. Multivariate regression was employed to determine variables associated with ADHF. RESULTS: The incidence of ADHF was 1.0% of patients. Eighty cases were well-matched to 80 controls (p>0.05). ADHF precipitants comprised infection (30%), inappropriate intravenous (IV) fluid and medication management (23.8% and 8.8%, respectively), tachyarrhythmia (12.5%), ischaemic heart disease (8.8%), renal failure (1.3%), and other/unclear causes (15%). Three variables were associated with ADHF: not having English as the preferred language (OR 3.5, 95%CI 1.2-9.8), a history of ischaemic heart disease (OR 3.3, 95%CI 1.2-9.1), and the administration of >2000ml of IV fluid on the day before the ADHF (OR 8.3, 95%CI 1.5-48.0). The day before the ADHF, cases were administered significantly more IV fluids than controls (median 2,757.5 versus 975ml, p=0.001). Medication errors mostly related to failure to restart regular diuretics. Cases had significantly greater length of stay (median 15 versus 6 days, p<0.001) and mortality (12.5% versus 1.3%, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: New onset ADHF is common and a substantial proportion of cases are iatrogenic. Cases experience significantly increased length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality.

Community asthma management of emergency department patients: A pilot study of adherence with national consensus guidelines.

We aimed to determine whether the outpatient management of ED patients with asthma adheres to Australia's Asthma Consensus Guidelines. Adult patients, under treatment for asthma, were administered a validated questionnaire. Data on their outpatient management were collected and analysed descriptively. Of 51 patients, 14 smoked and 35 did not undergo regular GP review. Twenty-one patients had a good understanding of a written asthma action plan although only 15 owned one. Fourteen patients used no preventer medication. Patients were only able to identify a mean of 3.4 asthma triggers. Most patients' management does not adhere to Australian guidelines.

The Period Prevalence of Mind and Body Practice Use by Adult Emergency Department Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Mind and Body Practice (MBP) use (e.g., chiropractic, acupuncture, meditation) among Emergency Department (ED) patients is largely unknown. We aimed to determine the period prevalence, nature of MBP use, and perceptions of MBP among adult ED patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: We undertook a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of patients presenting to three EDs between February and June 2016. SUBJECTS: Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were aged 18 years or more and had presented for medical treatment. INTERVENTION: An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire, based upon a validated pediatric questionnaire, was completed by the patient, with assistance if required. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the nature and 12 month period prevalence of MBP use. Secondary outcomes were variables associated with use and patient perceptions of MBP. RESULTS: 674 patients were enrolled. In the previous 12 months, 500 (74.2%) patients had used at least one MBP. MBP users and nonusers did not differ in gender, ancestry, or chronic illness status (p > 0.05). However, users were significantly younger and more likely to have private health insurance (p < 0.001). A total of 2094 courses of 68 different MBP had been used including massage (75.0% of users), meditation (35.2%), chiropractic (32.6%), acupuncture (32.0%), and yoga (30.6%). Users were significantly more likely (p < 0.01) to believe that MBP prevented illness, treated illness, were more effective than prescription medicines, assisted prescription medications, and were safe and provided a more holistic approach. Forty-one (6.1%) patients used MBP for their ED presenting complaint. However, only 14 (34.1%) advised their ED physician of this. CONCLUSION: The period prevalence of MBP use among ED patients is high. Knowledge of the MBP used for a patient's presenting complaint may better inform the ED physician when making management decisions.