Mixed-method approach to informing a lifestyle intervention to improve the survivorship of patients with endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To identify endometrial cancer survivors' (ECS) barriers and facilitators for participation in lifestyle interventions to improve their dietary and exercise behaviors. Our secondary objective is to determine baseline information: physical activity level, quality of life (QoL), and impact of COVID-19 on exercise, diet, and mental health. METHODS: Obese, early-stage ECS participated in 2-part mixed-methods data collection; Part 1: survey gathering sample characteristics, QoL, exercise, and basic endometrial cancer- related knowledge. Part 2: virtual focus group or individual interviews using a brainwriting premortem protocol. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS (version 8.3). Qualitative data were analyzed using deductive thematic coding guided by the RE-AIM framework. RESULTS: Twenty percent (70/358) of ECS from a survivorship database and clinic recruitment completed the survey; 16 ECS provided qualitative feedback. Common barriers to intervention participation included time and resource costs, meeting frequency, and pessimism about weight loss maintenance. Facilitators included an opportunity to connect with other survivors and a focus on health rather than weight loss. Most ECS could not identify exercise guidelines (60%) and 83% were not meeting these guidelines. Higher BMI was correlated with a lower confidence in completing in moderate physical activity (p-value = 0.0206). Post-COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity, nutritional decisions, and/or mental health worsened for 67% of ECS. CONCLUSION: ECS are a disparate population, with worsening behaviors and mental health following the pandemic. The identified ECS-specific barriers and facilitators to behavioral intervention participation are being used to simultaneously improve the reach of and adherence to a lifestyle intervention aimed at improving their health and QoL.

Timing of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy in traumatic brain injury: exploring indicators of poor prognosis in adult and geriatric populations.

OBJECTIVE: The lack of objective prognostication tools for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes variability in the application of withdrawal of life-saving treatment (WLST). We aimed to determine whether WLST in persons with severe TBI is associated with known indicators of poor prognosis. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study focused on adult (18-64 years) and geriatric (≥65 years) patients with severe TBI who were admitted between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2021 at a Level I trauma center and subsequently underwent WLST. The data collected from the Trauma Registry and electronic health records included information regarding demographic characteristics, injury severity, clinical variables, and length of hospital stay and were used to examine the indicators of poor prognosis and WLST. RESULTS: Among the 164 participants with TBI who met the inclusion criteria, 61.0% were geriatric, and 122 (74.4%) patients had 0 or only 1 of the poor prognostic indicators prior to WLST. The non-geriatric group had more indicators of poor prognosis than the geriatric group. Participants with fewer indicators of poor prognosis had a longer length-of-stay. CONCLUSION: In severe TBI cases, standardized prognostication tools can help guide informed WLST decisions, particularly in geriatric patients, improving care consistency.

Association of Radial Artery Access with Reduced Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury.

Objectives: To determine if radial artery (RA) access compared with femoral artery (FA) access for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with a lower incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Background: AKI results in substantial morbidity and cost following PCI. Prior studies comparing the occurrence of AKI associated with radial artery (RA) versus femoral artery (FA) access have mixed results. Methods: Using a large state-wide database, 14,077 patients (8,539 with RA and 5,538 patents with FA access) were retrospectively compared to assess the occurrence of AKI following PCI. To reduce selection bias and balance clinical data across the two groups, a novel machine learning method called a Generalized Boosted Model was conducted on the arterial access site generating a weighted propensity score for each variable. A logistic regression analysis was then performed on the occurrence of AKI following PCI using the weighted propensity scores from the Generalized Boosted Model. Results: As shown in other studies, multiple variables were associated with an increase in AKI after PCI. Only RA access (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.74-0.91) and male gender (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.72-0.89) were associated with a lower occurrence of AKI. Based on the calculated Mehran scores, patients were stratified into groups with an increasing risk of AKI. RA access was consistently found to have a lower risk of AKI compared with FA access across these groups of increasing risk. Conclusions: Compared with FA access, RA access is associated with an 18% lower rate of AKI following PCI. This effect was observed among different levels of risk for developing AKI. Although developed from a retrospective analysis, this study supports the use of RA access when technically possible in a diverse group of patients.

Institutional Adherence to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Body Mass Index Guidelines Lowers Perioperative Emergency Department Visits in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In 2013, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons tasked a workgroup to provide obesity-related recommendations in total joint arthroplasty and determined that patients who had body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 seeking hip/knee arthroplasty were at increased perioperative risk and recommended preoperative weight reduction. Few studies have shown the actual results of instituting this; therefore, we reported the effect of instituting a BMI < 40 threshold in 2014 on our elective, primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). METHODS: We queried an institutional database to select all TKAs conducted from January 2010 to May 2020. There were 2,514 TKA pre-2014 and 5,545 TKA post-2014 that were identified. The 90-day emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and returns-to-operating room (OR) outcomes were identified. Patients were propensity score weight-matched as per comorbidities, age, initial surgical consultation (consult) BMI, and sex. We conducted 3 outcome comparisons: (1) pre-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI ≥ 40 against post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI < 40; (2) pre-2014 patients against post-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI < 40; (3) post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI < 40 against post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI ≥ 40. RESULTS: Pre-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI ≥ 40 had more ED visits (12.5% versus 6%, P = .002) but similar readmissions and returns-to-OR than post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI < 40. Pre-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI < 40 had more readmissions (8.8% versus 6%, P < .0001) but similar ED visits and returns-to-OR when compared to their post-2014 counterparts. Post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI < 40 had fewer ED visits (5.8% versus 10.6%) but similar readmissions and returns-to-OR than patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI ≥ 40. DISCUSSION: Patient optimization prior to total joint arthroplasty is essential. Enacting BMI reduction pathways prior to total knee arthroplasty seems to afford morbidly obese patients major risk mitigation. We must continue to ethically balance the pathology, expected improvement after surgery, and the overall risks of complications for each patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

A Reduction in Body Mass Index From ≥ 40 to < 40 Lowers Emergency Department Visits, but May Increase All-Cause Readmissions After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Conflicting 90-Day Outcomes at a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons tasked a 2013 workgroup to provide obesity-related recommendations in total joint arthroplasty. Morbidly obese patients (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40) seeking hip arthroplasty were determined to be at increased perioperative risk, and surgeons were recommended to encourage these patients to reduce their BMI <40 presurgery. We report the effect of instituting a 2014 BMI <40 threshold on our primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs). METHODS: We queried our institutional database to select all primary THAs from January 2010 to May 2020. There were 1,383 THAs that were pre-2014 and 3,273 THAs that were post-2014. The 90-day emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and returns to operating room (OR) were identified. Patients were propensity score weight-matched according to comorbidities, age, initial surgical consultation (consult) BMI, and sex. We conducted 3 comparisons: A) pre-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI ≥40 against post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥40 and surgical BMI <40; B) pre-2014 patients against post-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI <40; and C) post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥40 and surgical BMI <40 against post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥40 and surgical BMI ≥40. RESULTS: Post-2014 patients who had a consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI <40 had less ED visits (7.6 versus 14.1%, P = .0007), but similar readmissions (11.9 versus 6.3%, P = .22) and returns to OR (5.4 versus 1.6%, P = .09) compared to pre-2014 patients who had a consult BMI and surgical BMI ≥ 40. Post-2014 BMI <40 had less readmissions (5.9 versus 9.3%, P < .0001), and similar all-cause returns to OR and ED visits than patients pre-2014. Post-2014 patients who had a consult and surgical BMI ≥ 40 had lower readmissions (12.5 versus 12.8%, P = .05), and similar ED visits and returns to OR than consult BMI ≥ 40 and surgical BMI <40. CONCLUSION: Patient optimization prior to total joint arthroplasty is critical. However, the BMI optimization that mitigates risk in primary total knee arthroplasty may not apply to primary THA. We observed a paradoxical increased readmission rate for patients who reduced their BMI before THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Diagnostic accuracy of a new COVID-19 antigen test obtained by mid-turbinate swab.

Context: At the mid-point of the COVID-19 pandemic, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 was difficult to obtain and took several days to return a result. Our health system wished to explore the use of the Quidel Sofia™ antigen test to diagnose COVID-19 in our primary care clinics, but the test was approved for emergency use authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration with only 250 test subjects. In addition, because it was important to avoid aerosol generating procedures in primary care clinics, it was necessary to test the diagnostic performance of the antigen test using mid-turbinate (MT) swabs rather than the approved nasopharyngeal (NP) swab technique. Objective: To assess the diagnostic test characteristics of a SARS-CoV-2 antigen test performed using mid-turbinate nasal swabs compared with the presumed reference standard PCR test by NP swab. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting or Dataset: Outpatient. Population studied: Adults with symptoms consistent with mild-moderate COVID-19. We attempted to recruit 800 subjects to provide statistical assurance that the test sensitivity was at least 90%. Intervention/Instrument: After informed consent, subjects underwent MT nasal swab for antigen testing followed by NP swabbing for PCR testing. Outcome Measures: Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and likelihood ratios, all with associated 95% confidence intervals. Results: Due to recruitment difficulty (subject reluctance and staffing issues at the testing centers), we recruited only 117 subjects. Sensitivity was 0.750 (95% CI 0.566, 0.885), and specificity was 0.988 (95% CI 0.936, 1.000). Positive Predictive Value was 0.960 (95% CI 0.796, 0.999) and Negative Predictive Value was 0.913 (95% CI 0.836, 0.962). The likelihood ratio for a positive test was 63.75 (95% CI 8.99, 451.97) and the likelihood ratio for a negative test was 0.25 (95% CI 0.14, 0.46). Conclusions: This antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 was of reasonable clinical utility in a low prevalence environment but concerns about the actual prevalence of COVID-19 and the ramifications of false negatives limited its use. Difficulty recruiting subjects and the resultant delay in the results made it impossible to implement this antigen testing in primary care practices, but it is hoped that these data will contribute to the accumulation of evidence about diagnostic testing for COVID-19.

A Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Schwartz Center Rounds on Moral Distress.

Moral distress occurs when moral integrity is compromised and can affect any healthcare professional. This study examined the impact of Schwartz Center Rounds (SCRs) on moral distress using a longitudinal, quasi-experimental design to examine SCR attendees from 2015 to 2019. Data were collected via a 2-part survey composed of demographics and Moral Distress Thermometer (MDT) readings before rounds and immediately after rounds. Most participants experienced either no change in moral distress (50.6%) or a decrease in moral distress (33.7%) after attending one of the SCRs. Participants who worked with adult populations had higher moral distress after participation for most topics. An increase in moral distress was associated with a longer time in the current position. Fifty percent of the physicians had a decrease in their moral distress immediately after the rounds. Schwartz Center Rounds is a promising approach to foster high-functioning teams while promoting wellness and mitigating moral distress among employees.

Traditional Lecture Versus Procedural Video Randomized Trial: Comparative Analysis of Instructional Methods for Teaching Baclofen Pump Management.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effectiveness of traditional lectures and microvideos in teaching baclofen pump programming and refilling to physicians who have completed less than 10 refills for the previous 2 yrs. DESIGN: A mixed-method approach was used with 60 participating physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation or pain management. Preintervention and postintervention assessments were conducted using a rubric, and the participants' perceptions and preferences were gathered through focus group sessions. RESULTS: Two thirds of the participants specialized in physical medicine and rehabilitation. No significant differences in the preintervention, postintervention, or knowledge retention scores were found between the traditional lecture and microvideo groups. Both methods demonstrated comparable effectiveness in improving the baclofen pump refilling and programming skills. Qualitatively, participants perceived both approaches as equally helpful, but those in the microvideo group raised concerns because of instructors' unavailability and online platform navigation. Nevertheless, they preferred the convenience, accessibility, and time efficiency of the microvideos. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that microvideos are an effective alternative to traditional lectures for acquiring knowledge on baclofen pump programming and refilling. Further research should consider learners' characteristics and investigate the benefits of blended learning in medical education.

Incidence of Abnormal Findings During Pelvic Examinations in Women Aged 21-35 Years.

To describe the incidence of abnormal gynecologic examination findings in asymptomatic compared with symptomatic patients during preventive visits, we conducted a retrospective study of 1,121 visits for patients between the ages of 21 and 35 years from January 2017 to March 2017. Only 1.2% (95% CI, 0.5%,1.9%) of asymptomatic patients had abnormal findings on pelvic examination, compared with 32.4% (95% CI, 27.0%, 37.8%) of those with symptoms ( P ≤.001). In symptomatic patients, the most common symptoms were vaginal discharge (25.1%), pelvic pain (16.4%), and vaginal bleeding (15.7%). In asymptomatic patients, the most common findings were bacterial vaginosis and Candida infection. Asymptomatic patients presenting for a routine preventive visit have low rates of abnormalities detected on examination, and routine pelvic examinations should be re-considered.

Obesity and Native Tissue Repairs: A Secondary Analysis of the OPTIMAL Trial.

IMPORTANCE: The Operations and Pelvic Muscle Training in the Management of Apical Support Loss (OPTIMAL) Trial compared sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) and uterosacral ligament suspension (ULS) surgical outcomes. Increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse, and the prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to better understand the effect of obesity on the results of native tissue vaginal apical suspension procedures. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of the OPTIMAL Trial data set. Subgroup analysis was performed to compare surgical failure rates between SSLF and ULS across BMI subgroups after 2 years. RESULTS: There were 75, 120, 63, and 39 patients in the normal, overweight, class 1 obesity, and class 2 obesity or greater BMI subgroups, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in surgical failure rates between SSLF and ULS within BMI subgroups; however, failure rates increased in the ULS group between the nonobese and obese groups (normal, 35.9% SSLF vs 30.6% ULS [P = 0.81]; overweight, 38.6% vs 30.2% [P = 0.44]; class 1 obesity, 38.7% vs 40.6% [P = 0.92]; class 2 obesity or greater, 21.1% vs 45% [P = 0.21]). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of surgical failure between SSLF and ULS was not significant across BMI subgroups. Additional investigation is required to further elucidate whether SSLF or ULS is a more reliable option for obese patients.

On the Road Again: Return to Driving Following Minor Hand Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Patient return-to-driving following minor hand surgery is unknown. Through daily text message surveys, we sought to determine return-to-driving after minor hand surgery and the factors that influence return-to-driving. METHODS: One hundred five subjects undergoing minor hand surgery received daily text messaging surveys postoperatively to assess: (1) if they drove the day before and if so; (2) whether they wore a cast, sling, or splint. Additional patient-, procedure-, and driving-related data were collected. RESULTS: More than half of subjects, 54 out of 105, returned to driving by the end of postoperative day #1. While patient-related factors had no effect on return-to-driving, significant differences were seen in anesthesia type, procedure laterality, driving assistance, and distance. Return-to-driving was significantly later for subjects who had general anesthetic compared to wide awake local anesthetic with no tourniquet (4 ± 4 days vs 1 ± 3 days, P = 0.020), as well as for bilateral procedures versus unilateral procedures (5 ± 5 days vs 1 ± 3 days, P = 0.046). Lack of another driver and driving on highways led to earlier return-to-driving (P = 0.040 and, P = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients rapidly return to driving after minor hand surgery. Use of general anesthetic and bilateral procedures may delay return-to-driving. Confidential real-time text-based surveys can provide valuable information on postoperative return-to-driving and other patient behaviors.

Implementation of a Multimodal Heart Failure Management Protocol in a Skilled Nursing Facility.

Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are incentivized to reduce hospital readmissions among patients with heart failure (HF). We used the RE-AIM framework and mixed quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the implementation of a multimodal HF management protocol (HFMP) administered in a SNF in 2021. Over 90% of eligible patients were enrolled in the HFMP (REACH). Of the 42 enrolled patients (61.9% female, aged 81.9 ± 8.9 years, 9.5% Medicaid), 2 (4.8%) were readmitted within 30 days of hospital discharge and 4 (9.5%) were readmitted within 30 days of SNF discharge compared with historical (2020) rates of 16.7% and 22.2%, respectively (a potential savings of $132,418-$176,573 in hospital costs) (EFFECTIVENESS). Although stakeholder feedback about ADOPTION and IMPLEMENTATION was largely positive, challenges associated with clinical data collection, documentation, and staff turnover were described. Findings will inform refinement of the HFMP to facilitate further testing and sustainability (MAINTENANCE).

Endometrial Cancer Characteristics and Risk of Recurrence.

OBJECTIVES: To describe clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes of endometrial adenocarcinomas stratified by mismatch repair (MMR) status. METHODS: Single-institution, retrospective study of all women with endometrioid adenocarcinomas treated from January 2012 through December 2017. Patients were categorized into one of three groups based on MMR testing: intact MMR expression (MMR+), probable MMR mutation (MMR-), or MLH1 hypermethylation (hMLH1+). Demographics, pathologic characteristics, recurrence rates, and survival differences were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 316 women were included in the analysis: 235 (74.4%) patients in the MMR+ group, 10 (3.1%) in the MMR- group, and 71 (22.5%) in the hMLH1+ group. Patients with hMLH1+ were significantly older, exhibited higher-grade histology and presence of lymphovascular space invasion, and were more likely to have received adjuvant treatment. The early stage hMLH1+ patients were more likely to recur (15.3% hMLH1+ vs 2.3% MMR+ vs 12.5% MMR-, P < .001). Hypermethylation remained a significant predictor of recurrence in multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 5.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.54-16.86; P = .008). Recurrence-free survival was significantly reduced in early stage hMLH1+ (hazard ratio, 7.40; 95% CI, 2.80-21.62; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Women with hMLH1+ endometrial cancer have worse prognostic features and recur more frequently, even in patients traditionally considered low risk for recurrence.

Pain management consultation for acute pancreatitis: impact on length of stay and opioid utilization.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to understand the impact of a pain management consult for acute pancreatitis patients on their inpatient length of stay, morphine milligram equivalences (MMEs) and pancreatitis severity. Materials & methods: Adult patient data were extracted from the electronic health records from 1 October 2016 to 31 December 2018. Results & conclusion: Of 277 patients with a single acute pancreatitis hospitalization, 23 had a pain consultation (treatment group), whereas 254 did not (control group). There were statistically significant differences in median length of stay, median MME total and median MME per day between the treatment and control groups with comparable severity and pain scores (6.8 vs 3.1 days, 196.5 vs 33.8 MMEs, 30.9 vs 12.1 MMEs, respectively, p < 0.0001). This study emphasizes the complexity of pain management and the importance of further research in the field.

Tracheostomy and Gastrostomy in Geriatric Trauma Associated With High Postdischarge Mortality.

OBJECTIVES: Identify 5-year mortality rates in trauma patients greater than 18 years old who undergo tracheostomy and/or gastrostomy tube placement. DESIGN: Retrospective convenience sample with two cohorts. SETTING: Academic level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Hospitalized patients admitted to the trauma service from July 2008 to December 2012 who underwent tracheostomy and/or gastrostomy tube placement. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were placed into two cohorts: adult 18-64 and geriatric greater than or equal to 65; mortality data were obtained from the National Death Index. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was 5-year mortality of both cohorts as well as those admitted who did not receive tracheostomy or gastrostomy. Univariate analysis was performed using Fisher exact and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to examine mortality up to 5 years after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Five-year postdischarge mortality is significantly higher in geriatric patients undergoing tracheostomy and/or gastrostomy after traumatic injury. Fifty percent die within the first 28 weeks following discharge and 93% die within 2 years.

Trauma Recidivism Postdischarge Mortality: Important Differences Exist between the Adult and Geriatric Populations.

Trauma recidivists are a high-risk patient population. The effects of recidivism on Geriatric trauma mortality have not been investigated. Our hypothesis is that trauma recidivism is associated with high postdischarge mortality after the initial index admission in both the geriatric and adult trauma populations. The trauma registry of our Level I trauma center was queried for patients evaluated between 2008 and 2012. Patients were stratified adult (18-64) and geriatric (≥65) groups and matched with mortality data from the National Death Index. Unique patients were identified and recidivists flagged. Statistical analysis was performed based on characteristics from the index admission using nonparametric tests, and Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to examine postdischarge mortality after index admission for recidivists. A total of 8716 records met inclusion criteria; 800 recidivist records were identified representing 369 unique patients. Recidivists presented between 2 and 7 times. Recidivists were more likely to be male, required ICU admission and mechanical ventilation, had a longer median length of stay, were less likely to discharge home, and had a higher postdischarge mortality. Stratifying into adult and geriatric groups demonstrated significant differences in injury severity, injury patterns, length of stay, race, gender, mechanism, and postdischarge mortality. Recidivists demonstrated a higher postdischarge mortality in both groups with the geriatric group approaching 46 per cent. Trauma recidivists represent an at-risk group with significantly higher postdischarge mortality. Group characteristics differ significantly between the adult and geriatric recidivist populations. Further research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors in these populations to minimize risks of morbidity and mortality.

The two faces of intentional self-inflicted injury: High in-hospital mortality, low postdischarge mortality, but high readmission rates.

BACKGROUND: Intentional self-inflicted injuries present unique challenges in treatment and prevention. We hypothesized intentional self-inflicted injuries would have higher in-hospital and postdischarge mortality than nonintentional self-inflicted injuries trauma. METHODS: Adult patients evaluated 2008 to 2012 were identified in our trauma registry and matched with mortality data from the National Death Index. Intentional self-inflicted injuries were identified using E-Codes. Readmissions were identified and analyzed. Intentional self-inflicted injuries patients who died in-hospital were compared with those surviving to discharge. Univariate analysis was performed using nonparametric tests. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to compare mortality ≤5 years postdischarge between intentional self-inflicted injuries and non-intentional self-inflicted injuries patients. RESULTS: In the study, 8,716 patient records were evaluated with 245 (2.8%) classified as intentional self-inflicted injuries. Eighteen (7.8%) patients with intentional self-inflicted injuries had multiple admissions, compared with 352 (4.4%) patients with nonintentional self-inflicted injuries with readmissions (P = .0210). In-hospital mortality was higher for intentional self-inflicted injuries compared with patients with non-intentional self-inflicted injuries (18.7% vs 4.9%, P < .0001). Survival analysis demonstrated that patients with intentional self-inflicted injuries had significantly lower postdischarge mortality at multiple time points. CONCLUSION: Patients with intentional self-inflicted injuries trauma have high in-hospital mortality, but low postdischarge mortality. We attribute this to high lethality mechanisms but appropriate psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation. However, the high intentional self-inflicted injuries readmission rate indicates further study of intentional self-inflicted injuries follow-up is warranted. Better prevention strategies are needed to identify and intervene in patients at-risk for intentional self-inflicted injuries.

Postdischarge Mortality after Geriatric Low-Level Falls: A Five-Year Analysis.

Geriatric trauma patients with low-level falls often have multiple comorbidities and limited physiologic reserve. Our aim was to investigate postdischarge mortality in this population. We hypothesized that five-year mortality would be higher relative to other blunt mechanisms. The registry of our Level 1 trauma center was queried for patients evaluated between July 2008 and December 2012. Adult patients identified were matched with mortality data from 2008 to 2013 from the National Death Index. Low-level falls were identified by E Codes; other types of blunt trauma were based on registry classification. Patients with multiple admissions were excluded. Univariate analysis was performed using Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon tests. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to compare postdischarge mortality. Seven thousand nine hundred sixteen patients were evaluated, 35.1 per cent were females. Patients aged less than 65 years and penetrating trauma were excluded, yielding 1997 patients-63.7 per cent with low-level falls versus 36.3 per cent with other blunt traumas. Geriatric patients sustaining low-level falls were older, more likely female, had a higher inpatient mortality, and were less likely to return home at discharge. Injury severity score, hospital length of stay, and intensive care unit length of stay were similar. Survival analysis demonstrated increased postdischarge mortality in the low-level fall group with 25 per cent mortality at 120 days. Geriatric patients with other blunt trauma had a significantly lower postdischarge mortality. Geriatric patients injured in low-level falls have a higher inhospital mortality, are more likely to be functionally dependent on discharge, and have a high postdischarge mortality. Opportunities likely exist for injury prevention, consideration of palliative care, and postdischarge rehabilitation.