Perioperative mortality and morbidity of hip fractures among COVID-19 infected and non-infected patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeHip fractures among elderly patients are surgical emergencies. During COVID-19 pandemic time, many such patients could not be operated at early time because of the limitation of the medical resources, the risk of infection and redirection of medical attention to a severe infective health problem.MethodsA search of electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) with the keywords “COVID”, “COVID-19″, “SARS-COV-2”, “Corona”, “pandemic”, “hip fracture”, “trochanteric fracture” and “neck femur fracture” revealed 64 studies evaluating treatment of hip fracture in elderly patients during COVID-19 pandemic time. The 30-day mortality rate, inpatient mortality rate, critical care/special care need, readmission rate and complications rate in both groups were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Review Manager (RevMan) V.5.3.ResultsAfter screening, 7 studies were identified that described the mortality and morbidity in hip fractures in both COVID-19 infected (COVID-19 +) and non-infected (COVID-19 −) patients. There were significantly increased risks of 30-day mortality (32.23% COVID-19 + death vs. 8.85% COVID-19 − death) and inpatient mortality (29.33% vs. 2.62%) among COVID-19 + patients with odds ratio (OR) of 4.84 (95% CI: 3.13 – 7.47, p < 0.001) and 15.12 (95% CI: 6.12 – 37.37, p < 0.001), respectively. The COVID-19 + patients needed more critical care admission (OR = 5.08, 95% CI: 1.49 – 17.30, p < 0.009) and they remain admitted for a longer time in hospital (mean difference = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.74 – 5.45, p < 0.001); but there was no difference in readmission rate between these 2 groups. The risks of overall complications (OR = 17.22), development of pneumonia (OR = 22.25), and acute respiratory distress syndrome/acute respiratory failure (OR = 32.96) were significantly high among COVID-19 + patients compared to COVID-19 − patients.ConclusionsThere are increased risks of the 30-day mortality, inpatient mortality and critical care admission among hip fracture patients who are COVID-19 +. The chances of developing pneumonia and acute respiratory failure are more in COVID-19 + patients than in COVID-19 ‒ patients.     

Mortality escalates in patients of proximal femoral fractures with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 studies on 4255 patients

BackgroundConcerns have been raised about the escalated mortality in patients of proximal femoral fractures (PPFs) with COVID-19. A meta-analysis to evaluate the mortality in patients with PPFs managed during the current COVID-19 pandemic was conducted.MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of all published studies were conducted with a search on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases using appropriate keywords from January 01, 2020 to January 29, 2021.Results35 relevant studies reporting 4255 patients with hip fracture in the current ongoing pandemic, out of which 692 patients were COVID-19 positive. Twenty studies reported mortality and other relevant statistics on hip fracture patients with and without COVID-19 (4123 hip fracture patients in the year 2020–21, out of which 560 had or were suspected of having COVID -19). A meta-analysis of mortality statistics in patients with and without COVID revealed increased odds of mortality among COVID patients [odds ratio (OR) 6.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) [5.09, 7.83] and meta-analysis on the subgroup of surgically treated patients also showed markedly increased mortality risk among those with COVID-19 (OR) 5.99, 95% CI [3.88,9.24].ConclusionThe mortality risk is markedly increased in hip fracture with concomitant COVID-19 as compared to those without it. This increased risk persisted in those managed surgically. It could be due to the inflammation induced by the fracture or surgery for fracture fixation, further exacerbating inflammation, leading to cytokine storm. It is imperative that such patients are informed regarding increased mortality risk during the consent and shared decision-making process.     

One Hundred Twenty-Day Mortality Rates for Hip Fracture Patients with COVID-19 Infection

BackgroundIncreased 30-day mortality rates have been reported for patients with hip fractures and a concurrent diagnosis of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection. Due to nosocomial spread of infection and the variable incubation period with the virus, follow-up past 30 days after injury is required to evaluate the true mortality amongst these patients. We aim to assess 120-day mortality rates in hip fracture patients with COVID-19 infection and compare this to hip fracture patients without COVID-19 infection presenting during the same time period.MethodsThis is a retrospective multicenter review of all patients aged ≥ 60 years admitted with a fractured neck of femur between March 5 and April 5, 2020, at nine U.K. trauma units. COVID-19 status, demographic data, comorbidities, and date of death (if applicable) were collected.ResultsData were collected for 265 hip fracture patients. Forty-six patients (17.4%) tested positive for COVID-19 infection. There were no significant differences in age or Charlson comorbidity score between those with or without COVID-19. Those with COVID-19 infection were more likely to be male (p = 0.01). Patients with COVID-19 had a 30-day mortality of 35% versus 10% in patients without (p < 0.01). One hundred twenty-day mortality was also greater in those with COVID-19 infection at 63% compared to those without at 17% (p < 0.01). Previous history of myocardial infarction was the only independent factor that showed to increase mortality rate (p = 0.03). Subgroup analysis also revealed significantly increased mortality rates at 120 days in men (27% vs. 67%), women (14% vs. 59%), and those undergoing surgery (56% vs. 30%).ConclusionsWe report a significantly increased mortality rate at 30 and 120 days after injury in an already high-risk cohort of surgical patients. With nearly half of patients being diagnosed with COVID-19 at 14 days or greater following admission, this study highlights the importance of taking appropriate measures to decrease the incidence of nosocomial infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in hip fracture patients.     

Medium-term mortality after hip fractures and COVID-19: A prospective multi-centre UK study

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused 1.4 million deaths globally and is associated with a 3–4 times increase in 30-day mortality after a fragility hip fracture with concurrent COVID-19 infection. Typically, death from COVID-19 infection occurs between 15 and 22 days after the onset of symptoms, but this period can extend up to 8 weeks. This study aimed to assess the impact of concurrent COVID-19 infection on 120-day mortality after a fragility hip fracture.MethodsA multi-centre prospective study across 10 hospitals treating 8% of the annual burden of hip fractures in England between 1st March and 30th April, 2020 was performed. Patients whose surgical treatment was payable through the National Health Service Best Practice Tariff mechanism for “fragility hip fractures” were included in the study. Patients’ 120-day mortality was assessed relative to their peri-operative COVID-19 status. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.ResultsA total of 746 patients were included in this study, of which 87 (11.7%) were COVID-19 positive. Mortality rates at 30- and 120-day were significantly higher for COVID-19 positive patients relative to COVID-19 negative patients (p < 0.001). However, mortality rates between 31 and 120-day were not significantly different (p = 0.107), 16.1% and 9.4% respectively for COVID-19 positive and negative patients, odds ratio 1.855 (95% CI 0.865–3.978).ConclusionHip fracture patients with concurrent COVID-19 infection, provided that they are alive at day-31 after injury, have no significant difference in 120-day mortality. Despite the growing awareness and concern of “long-COVID” and its widespread prevalence, this does not appear to increase medium-term mortality rates after a hip fracture.     

Hip Fracture Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to introduce a screening system for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to evaluate the overall orthopedic management in hip fracture patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, and to compare the surgical results in hip fracture patients during the COVID-19 pandemic with those of the previous year.MethodsHip fracture patients who visited emergency rooms were screened at the screening clinics before admission. The medical management was carried out with the medical staff wearing surgical masks, meticulous hand hygiene observed, and a minimum distance of 2 m between patients maintained. The demographics, operative parameters, and surgical results of patients treated during the pandemic were compared with those from the previous year.ResultsFrom January 2020 to July 21, 2020, 119 patients with hip fractures (33 men and 86 women) were admitted to our institution for surgical treatment. Five patients showed symptoms of pneumonia, but no patient was positive for COVID-19. The mortality rate during the study period was 4.2%, and none of the patients died due to COVID-19. The interval between admission and surgery and the length of hospital stay were significantly shorter (p = 0.008, p = 0.002) and the proportion of spinal anesthesia was greater in hip fracture patients during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to those from the previous year (p = 0.011).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 screening system for hip fracture patients has proven to be effective in preventing intrahospital spread of the disease. Hip fracture surgery performed during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown comparable results without any COVID-19 infection and COVID-19-related mortality.     

30-Day Mortality Rate in Hip Fractures Among the Elderly with Coexistent COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review

PurposeHip fractures in the elderly require a multi-disciplinary approach and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The current COVID-19 pandemic has affected substantially this high-risk population group. This present review was done to ascertain whether or not the pandemic has affected the 30-day mortality and outcomes of hip fracture in the elderly.Research QuestionDoes the coexistence of COVID-19 infection and hip fractures in the elderly increase the mortality rates?MethodologyA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using three databases (PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS) to compare the mortality rates between COVID-19 positive/suspect and COVID-19 negative patients. The secondary outcomes included comparison of in-hospital mortality, complication rate and length of hospital stay. Risk of bias assessment was done using the MINORS tool.ResultsThe present review included 20 studies. Primary outcome: A significantly higher 30 day mortality rate was seen in COVID-19 positive/suspect patients with an Odds ratio of 6.09 (95% CI 4.75–8.59, p < 0.00001). Secondary outcome: We observed significantly higher rates of inpatient mortality [OR 18.22, (95% CI 7.10–46.75], complication rate (OR 9.28, 95% CI 4.46–19.30), and length of hospital stay (MD: 4.96, 95% CI 2.86–7.05) in COVID-19 positive/suspect patients as compared to COVID-19 negative patients.ConclusionCOVID-19 has deteriorated the outcomes in elderly patients with hip fractures and associated with higher rates of mortality in the short term. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to contain this “pandemic within a pandemic” and improve the overall outcome to survival.     

Review of orthopaedic trauma surgery during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic – An observational cohort study in the UK

AimThis study aims to estimate the risk of acquiring medical complication or death from COVID-19 infection in patients who were admitted for orthopaedic trauma surgery during the peak and plateau of pandemic. Unlike other recently published studies, where patient-cohort included a more morbid group and cancer surgeries, we report on a group of patients who had limb surgery and were more akin to elective orthopaedic surgery.MethodsThe study included 214 patients who underwent orthopaedic trauma surgeries in the hospital between 12th March and 12th May-2020 when the pandemic was on the rise in the United Kingdom. Data was collected on demographic profile including comorbidities, ASA grade, COVID-19 testing, type of procedures and any readmissions, complications or mortality due to COVID-19.ResultsThere were 7.9% readmissions and 52.9% of it was for respiratory complications. Only one patient had positive COVID-19 test during readmission. 30-day mortality for trauma surgeries was 0% if hip fractures were excluded and 2.8% in all patients. All the mortalities were for proximal femur fracture surgeries and between ASA Grade 3 and 4 or in patients above the age of 70 years.ConclusionThis study suggests that presence of COVID-19 virus in the community and hospital did not adversely affect the outcome of orthopaedic trauma surgeries or lead to excess mortality or readmissions in patients undergoing limb trauma surgery. The findings also support resumption of elective orthopaedic surgeries with appropriate risk stratification, patient optimization and with adequate infrastructural support amidst the recovery phase of the pandemic.     

Thirty-day mortality of patients with hip fracture during COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic periods: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUNDTimely intervention in hip fracture is essential to decrease the risks of perioperative morbidity and mortality. However, limitations of the resources, risk of disease transmission and redirection of medical attention to a more severe infective health problem during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period have affected the quality of care even in a surgical emergency.AIMTo compare the 30-d mortality rate and complications of hip fracture patients treated during COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic times.METHODSThe search of electronic databases on 1^st August 2020 revealed 45 studies related to mortality of hip fracture during the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic times. After careful screening, eight studies were eligible for quantitative and qualitative analysis of data.RESULTSThe pooled data of eight studies (n = 1586) revealed no significant difference in 30-d mortality rate between the hip fracture patients treated during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods [9.63% vs 6.33%; odds ratio (OR), 0.62; 95%CI, 0.33, 1.17; P = 0.14]. Even the 30-d mortality rate was not different between COVID-19 non-infected patients who were treated during the pandemic time, and all hip fracture patients treated during the pre-pandemic period (OR, 1.03; 95%CI, 0.61, 1.75; P = 0.91). A significant difference in mortality rate was observed between COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative patients (OR, 6.99; 95%CI, 3.45, 14.16; P < 0.00001). There was no difference in the duration of hospital stay (OR, -1.52, 95%CI, -3.85, 0.81; P = 0.20), overall complications (OR, 1.62; P = 0.15) and incidence of pulmonary complications (OR, 1.46; P = 0.38) in these two-time frames. Nevertheless, the preoperative morbidity was more severe, and there was less use of general anesthesia during the pandemic time.CONCLUSIONThere was no difference in 30-d mortality rate between hip fracture patients treated during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. However, the mortality risk was higher in COVID-19 positive patients compared to COVID-19 negative patients. There was no difference in time to surgery, complications and hospitalization time between these two time periods.     

IMPACT-Global Hip Fracture Audit: Nosocomial infection,risk prediction and prognostication,minimum reporting standards and global collaborative audit: Lessons from an international multicentre study of 7,090 patients conducted in 14 nations during the COVID-19 pandemic

AimsThis international study aimed to assess: 1) the prevalence of preoperative and postoperative COVID-19 among patients with hip fracture, 2) the effect on 30-day mortality, and 3) clinical factors associated with the infection and with mortality in COVID-19-positive patients.MethodsA multicentre collaboration among 112 centres in 14 countries collected data on all patients presenting with a hip fracture between 1st March-31st May 2020. Demographics, residence, place of injury, presentation blood tests, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, time to surgery, management, ASA grade, length of stay, COVID-19 and 30-day mortality status were recorded.ResultsA total of 7090 patients were included, with a mean age of 82.2 (range 50–104) years and 4959 (69.9%) being female. Of 651 (9.2%) patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 225 (34.6%) were positive at presentation and 426 (65.4%) were positive postoperatively. Positive COVID-19 status was independently associated with male sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.38, p = 0.001), residential care (OR 2.15, p < 0.001), inpatient fall (OR 2.23, p = 0.003), cancer (OR 0.63, p = 0.009), ASA grades 4 (OR 1.59, p = 0.008) or 5 (OR 8.28, p < 0.001), and longer admission (OR 1.06 for each increasing day, p < 0.001). Patients with COVID-19 at any time had a significantly lower chance of 30-day survival versus those without COVID-19 (72.7% versus 92.6%, p < 0.001). COVID-19 was independently associated with an increased 30-day mortality risk (hazard ratio (HR) 2.83, p < 0.001). Increasing age (HR 1.03, p = 0.028), male sex (HR 2.35, p < 0.001), renal disease (HR 1.53, p = 0.017), and pulmonary disease (HR 1.45, p = 0.039) were independently associated with a higher 30-day mortality risk in patients with COVID-19 when adjusting for confounders.ConclusionThe prevalence of COVID-19 in hip fracture patients during the first wave of the pandemic was 9%, and was independently associated with a three-fold increased 30-day mortality risk. Among COVID-19-positive patients, those who were older, male, with renal or pulmonary disease had a significantly higher 30-day mortality risk.     

Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients with and without acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during the first wave of COVID-19: a systematic review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is common among patients with COVID-19. However, AKI incidence may increase when COVID-19 patients develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of AKI, need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT), and mortality rate among COVID-19 patients with and without ARDS from the first wave of COVID-19.MethodsThe databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched using relevant keywords. Only articles available in English published between December 1, 2019, and November 1, 2020, were included. Studies that included AKI in COVID-19 patients with or without ARDS were included. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models.ResultsOut of 618 studies identified and screened, 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 27,500 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were included. The overall incidence of AKI in patients with COVID-19 was 26% (95% CI 19% to 33%). The incidence of AKI was significantly higher among COVID-19 patients with ARDS than COVID-19 patients without ARDS (59% vs. 6%, p < 0.001). Comparing ARDS with non-ARDS COVID-19 cohorts, the need for KRT was also higher in ARDS cohorts (20% vs. 1%). The mortality among COVID-19 patients with AKI was significantly higher (Risk ratio = 4.46; 95% CI 3.31–6; p < 0.00001) than patients without AKI.ConclusionThis study shows that ARDS development in COVID-19-patients leads to a higher incidence of AKI and increased mortality rate. Therefore, healthcare providers should be aware of kidney dysfunction, especially among elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Early kidney function assessment and treatments are vital in COVID-19 patients with ARDS.     

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the care of fragility hip fracture patients in the United Kingdom. A case control study in a major trauma centre

IntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 is a pandemic that forced a transformation in the services provided by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. Fragility hip fractures account for over 65,000 cases per year in the elderly population. The study aims to assess the impact of the pandemic on fragility hip fractures.MethodsA retrospective data gather was performed to identify fragility hip fractures from the 23rd of March 2020 to the 13th of May 2020, and from the 23rd of March 2019 to the 13th of May 19. Two groups were formed and compared over their 30 day follow up.ResultsThe control group comprised of 97 patients, with a mean age of 82.1 years old (62–102 years) and M:F ratio of 38:59. The case group comprised of 102 patients, with a mean age of 82.3 years old (60–100 years) and a M:F ratio of 16:86. Significant differences between groups were identified for gender (p < 0.001), time to theatre (p = 0.002), length of stay (p < 0.001) and COVID-19 status (p = 0.001). In the Case group, association with mortality was found for male gender (p = 0.041), right side (p = 0.031) and COVID-19 positive test results (p = 0.011).ConclusionEarly surgical intervention is advocated wherever possible, and sufficient optimisation, prior to surgery whenever a COVID-19 positive patient is identified. A safe rehabilitation environment is paramount for recovery in this group of patients. Further studies are required to understand the effect of this pandemic on the fragility hip fractures.Level of evidenceLevel III: Retrospective case–control study.     

Elective Joint Arthroplasty Should be Delayed by One Month After COVID-19 Infection to Prevent Postoperative Complications

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether a history of recent COVID-19 infection affects the outcomes and risks of complications of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of TJA in patients who have and have not had a recent COVID-19 infection.MethodsA large national database was queried for patients undergoing total hip and total knee arthroplasty. Patients who had a diagnosis of COVID-19 within 90-days preoperatively were matched to patients who did not have a history of COVID-19 based on age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and procedure. A total of 31,453 patients undergoing TJA were identified, of which 616 (2.0%) had a preoperative diagnosis of COVID-19. Of these, 281 COVID-19 positive patients were matched with 281 patients who did not have COVID-19. The 90-day complications were compared between patients who did and did not have a diagnosis of COVID-19 at 1, 2, and 3 months preoperatively. Multivariate analyses were used to further control for potential confounders.ResultsMultivariate analysis of the matched cohorts showed that COVID-19 infection within 1 month prior to TJA was associated with an increased rate of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (odds ratio [OR]: 6.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.48-28.45, P = .010) and venous thromboembolic events (odds ratio: 8.32, confidence interval: 2.12-34.84, P = .002). COVID-19 infection within 2 and 3 months prior to TJA did not significantly affect outcomes.ConclusionCOVID-19 infection within 1 month prior to TJA significantly increases the risk of postoperative thromboembolic events; however, complication rates returned to baseline after that time point. Surgeons should consider delaying elective total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty until 1 month after a COVID-19 infection.     

Hip fracture care during the 2020 COVID-19 first-wave: a review of the outcomes of hip fracture patients at a Scottish Major Trauma Centre

Background and Purpose of the StudyThis study reviewed whether the response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affected the care for hip fracture patients at a major trauma centre in Scotland during the first-wave lock-down period.MethodsAll patients referred to Orthopaedics with a hip fracture in a major trauma centre in Scotland were captured between 14 th March and 28 th May (11 weeks) in 2020 and 2019. Patients were identified using electronic patient records. The primary outcomes are time to theatre, length of admission and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes are COVID-19 prevalence, duration of surgery, proportion of patients to theatre within 36 hours and COVID-19 positive 30-day mortality from time of surgery. 225 patients were included: 108 from 2019 and 117 from 2020.The main findings30-day mortality was 3.7% (n=4) in 2019 and 8.5% (n=10) in 2020 (p=0.142). There was no statistical difference with time to theatre (p=0.150) nor duration of theatre (p=0.450). Duration of admission was reduced from 12 days to 6.5 days (p=<0.005). 4 patients tested positive for COVID-19 during admission, one 5 days after discharge, all underwent surgical management. 30-day mortality for COVID-19 positive patients during admission was 40%. COVID-19 prevalence of patients that were tested (n=89) was 5.62%.ConclusionsThis study has shown the care of hip fracture patients has been maintained during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no statistically significant change in mortality, time to theatre, and duration of surgery, however, the patient’s admission duration was significantly less than the 2019 cohort.     

Timing of surgery for hip fractures in the elderly: A retrospective cohort study

IntroductionAlthough early surgery for elderly patients with hip fracture is recommended in existing clinical guidelines, the results of previous studies are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes of early and delayed surgery for elderly patients with hip fracture.Materials and MethodsIn this retrospective study using a national inpatient database in Japan, patients aged 65 years or older who underwent surgery for hip fracture between July 2010 and March 2014 were included. Early surgery was defined as surgery on the day or the next day of admission. Assessed outcomes included death within 30 days and hospital-acquired pneumonia.ResultsIn this cohort, 47,073 (22.5%) patients underwent surgery for hip fractures within two days of admission (early surgery group) and 161,805 (77.5%) underwent surgery for hip fractures thereafter (delayed surgery group). Early surgery was significantly associated with lower odds for hospital-acquired pneumonia (odds ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.69) and pressure ulcers (odds ratio, 0.56, 95%CI: 0.33–0.96, p = 0.035), but was not associated with 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–1.86) or pulmonary embolism (odds ratio, 1.62, 95%CI: 0.58–4.52, p = 0.357).ConclusionsThese results support current guidelines, which recommend early surgery for elderly hip fractures patients.     

Making a Joint Decision Regarding the Timing of Surgery for Elective Arthroplasty Surgery After Being Infected With COVID-19: A Systematic Review

BackgroundThe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a substantial number of patients to have their elective arthroplasty surgeries rescheduled. While it is established that patients with COVID-19 who are undergoing surgery have a significantly higher risk of experiencing postoperative complications and mortality, it is not well-known at what time after testing positive the risk of postoperative complications or mortality returns to normal.MethodsPubMed (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica dataBASE, and professional society websites were systematically reviewed on March 7, 2022 to identify studies and guidelines on the optimal timeframe to reschedule patients for elective surgery after preoperatively testing positive for COVID-19. Outcomes included postoperative complications such as mortality, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and pulmonary embolism.ResultsA total of 14 studies and professional society guidelines met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Patients with asymptomatic COVID-19 should be rescheduled 4-8 weeks after testing positive (as long as they do not develop symptoms in the interim), patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 should be rescheduled 6-8 weeks after testing positive (with complete resolution of symptoms), and patients with severe/critical COVID-19 should be rescheduled at a minimum of 12 weeks after hospital discharge (with complete resolution of symptoms).ConclusionsGiven the negative association between preoperative COVID-19 and postoperative complications, patients should have elective arthroplasty surgery rescheduled at differing timeframes based on their symptoms. In addition, a multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach to rescheduling patients is recommended. Further study is needed to examine the impact of novel COVID-19 variants and vaccination on timeframes for rescheduling surgery.     

A prospective cohort study of the safety of breast cancer surgery during COVID-19 pandemic in the West of Scotland

IntroductionIn order to minimise the risk of breast cancer patients for COVID-19 infection related morbidity and mortality prioritisation of care has utmost importance since the onset of the pandemic. However, COVID-19 related risk in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery has not been studied yet. We evaluated the safety of breast cancer surgery during COVID-19 pandemic in the West of Scotland region.MethodsA prospective cohort study of patients having breast cancer surgery was carried out in a geographical region during the first eight weeks of the hospital lockdown and outcomes were compared to the regional cancer registry data of pre-COVID-19 patients of the same units (n = 1415).Results188 operations were carried out in 179 patients. Tumour size was significantly larger in patients undergoing surgery during hospital lockdown than before (cT3-4: 16.8% vs. 7.4%; p < 0.001; pT2 – pT4: 45.5% vs. 35.6%; p = 0.002). ER negative and HER-2 positive rate was significantly higher during lockdown (ER negative: 41.3% vs. 17%, p < 0.001; HER-2 positive: 23.4% vs. 14.8%; p = 0.004). While breast conservation rate was lower during lockdown (58.6% vs. 65%; p < 0.001), level II oncoplastic conservation was significantly higher in order to reduce mastectomy rate (22.8% vs. 5.6%; p < 0.001). No immediate reconstruction was offered during lockdown. 51.2% had co-morbidity, and 7.8% developed postoperative complications in lockdown. There was no peri-operative COVID-19 infection related morbidity or mortality.Conclusionbreast cancer can be safely provided during COVID-19 pandemic in selected patients.     

Reducing unnecessary crossmatching for hip fracture patients by accounting for preoperative hemoglobin concentration

BACKGROUNDMaximum surgical blood order schedules were designed to eliminate unnecessary preoperative crossmatching prior to surgery in order to conserve blood bank resources. Most protocols recommend type and cross of 2 red blood cell (RBC) units for patients undergoing surgery for treatment of hip fracture. Preoperative hemoglobin has been identified as the strongest predictor of inpatient transfusion, but current maximum surgical blood order schedules do not consider preoperative hemoglobin values to determine the number of RBC units to prepare prior to surgery. AIMTo determine the preoperative hemoglobin level resulting in the optimal 2:1 crossmatch-to-transfusion (C:T) ratio in hip fracture surgery patients.METHODSIn 2015 a patient blood management (PBM) program was implemented at our institution mandating a single unit-per-occurrence transfusion policy and a restrictive transfusion threshold of < 7 g/dL hemoglobin in asymptomatic patients and < 8 g/dL in those with refractory symptomatic anemia or history of coronary artery disease. We identified all hip fracture patients between 2013 and 2017 and compared the preoperative hemoglobin which would predict a 2:1 C:T ratio in the pre PBM and post PBM cohorts. Prediction profiling and sensitivity analysis were performed with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTSFour hundred and ninety-eight patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between 2013 and 2017 were identified, 291 in the post PBM cohort. Transfusion requirements in the post PBM cohort were lower (51% vs 33%, P < 0.0001) than in the pre PBM cohort. The mean RBC units transfused per patient was 1.15 in the pre PBM cohort, compared to 0.66 in the post PBM cohort (P < 0.001). The 2:1 C:T ratio (inpatient transfusion probability of 50%) was predicted by a preoperative hemoglobin of 12.3 g/dL [area under the curve (AUC) 0.78 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72-0.83), Sensitivity 0.66] in the pre PBM cohort and 10.7 g/dL [AUC 0.78 (95%CI, 0.73-0.83), Sensitivity 0.88] in the post PBM cohort. A 50% probability of requiring > 1 RBC unit was predicted by 11.2g/dL [AUC 0.80 (95%CI, 0.74-0.85), Sensitivity 0.87] in the pre PBM cohort and 8.7g/dL [AUC 0.78 (95%CI, 0.73-0.83), Sensitivity 0.84] in the post-PBM cohort.CONCLUSIONThe hip fracture maximum surgical blood order schedule should consider preoperative hemoglobin in determining the number of units to type and cross prior to surgery.     

Cirugía electiva durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19): análisis de morbimortalidad y recomendaciones sobre priorización de los pacientes y medidas de seguridad

IntroductionThe spread of the SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) has required adaptation by hospitals affected by the pandemic, which has caused a reduction in elective surgical activity.MethodsRetrospective study of patients operated on in the previous month and during the peak of the pandemic. We analysed the COVID-19 infection rate, the severity of respiratory infection according to the Brescia respiratory COVID-19 severity scale, the adopted therapeutic measures and the overall postoperative complications.ResultsFrom 17^th February to 31^st March 2020, there was a progressive decrease in surgical activity, with only 213 patients operated on. This comprised 59 (27.8%) elective operations for oncological diseases, 97 (45.5%) elective operations for benign diseases and 57 (26.7%) as urgent procedures.There was a progressive increase in the rate of infection by COVID-19, with a total of 15 cases (7%). This included 10 patients (16.9%) in the elective group for oncological disease, 1 (1%) in the elective surgery group for benign disease and 4 (7%) in the urgent surgery group (p < 0.001). Five patients presented with a severe respiratory infection, of which 4 were affected by oncological disease. There were 3 deaths (1.4%), which were all due to the worsening of a respiratory infection.ConclusionsThe patients undergoing the surgical procedures showed high rates of COVID-19 infection and postoperative complications, especially the patients with oncological diseases. Local resumption of surgical activity must be based on the prioritisation of the cases to be operated on, respecting certain premises of security and optimisation of the available resources.     

Pressure Ulcers and Prolonged Hospital Stay in Hip Fracture Patients Affected by Time-to-Surgery

Abstract Background: Hip fractures are associated with high morbidity. Pressure ulcer formation after hip surgery is often related to delayed patient mobilization. The objectives of this study were to determine whether time-to-surgery affects development of pressure ulcers postoperatively and, thus, length of hospital stay. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive hip fracture patients, aged 60 years and above, who underwent surgery between 1995 and 2001. The primary outcome was in-hospital development of pressure ulcers. The secondary outcome measure was the overall length of hospital stay. Analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders. Results: Of the 722 patients enrolled, 488 patients (68%) received surgery at 12 h after admission. Approximately 30% (n = 214) developed pressure ulcers during admission, whilst 19% of patients operated within 12 h of admission developed pressure ulcers. Time-to-surgery was an independent predictor of both development of pressure ulcers (OR = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–2.6; p = 0.008) and length of hospital stay (11.3 vs 13.3 days in the early and the late surgery group, respectively, p = 0.050). Furthermore, development of pressure ulcers was associated with prolonged postoperative hospital stay (19.5 vs 11.1 days for patients with and without pressure ulcers, respectively, p = 0.001) Interpretation: In hip fracture patients, time-to-surgery was an independent predictor of both postoperative pressure ulcer development and prolonged hospital stay. These data suggest that the implementation of an early surgery protocol following admission for hip fractures may reduce both the postoperative complications and overall hospital stay. Investigation performed at the Department of Traumatology, Maastricht University Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands.