Preoperative Anemia Independently Predicts Significantly Increased Odds of Short-Term Complications Following Aseptic Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPreoperative anemia is an important risk factor for developing complications following revision hip (rTHA) and knee (rTKA) arthroplasty. We aim to determine the effect of anemia severity on 30-day postoperative complications following revision hip and knee arthroplasty.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program Database. All patients who underwent revision joint arthroplasty (rTJA) between 2006 to 2017 were identified and grouped based upon the hematocrit (Hct) level. Anemia was defined as Hct <36% for women and <39% for men, and further stratified into mild anemia (Hct 33% to 36% for women, Hct 33% to 39% for men), and moderate to severe anemia (Hct <33% for both men and women). Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the incidence of multiple adverse events within 30 days after TJA.ResultsA total of 8932 patients undergoing rTHA and 13,313 patients undergoing rTKA were included for analysis. On multivariate adjustment, patients undergoing rTHA with moderate to severe anemia had an increased odds of 5.437 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 4.604 to 6.421; P < .001) of developing any postoperative complication. On multivariate adjustment, patients undergoing rTKA with moderate to severe anemia had increased odds of 6.731 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 5.540 to 8.179; P < .001) of developing any postoperative complication.ConclusionThe increasing severity of anemia was associated with an increasing risk of developing any postoperative complication and death following revision hip and knee arthroplasty. There is a significant trend between diminishing preoperative hematocrit levels and increasing odds of postoperative complication.     

Perioperative blood transfusion in anemic patients undergoing elective endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair

ObjectiveAlthough blood transfusion can be lifesaving in active hemorrhage or severe anemia, it is also associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Several trials have established this risk and therefore defined a restrictive standard for transfusion, but this threshold and the risk of transfusions have not been specifically examined in vascular surgery patients. We therefore sought to assess transfusion practices and outcomes of anemic patients undergoing elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative database was queried for patients undergoing EVAR between the years 2008 and 2017. Anemic patients were included in the study and were further stratified into mild anemia, defined by a hemoglobin level of 10 to 13 g/dL in men or 10 to 12 g/dL in women, and moderate to severe anemia, defined by a hemoglobin level <10 g/dL. The primary study outcomes were in-hospital mortality and complications.ResultsAmong 27,777 EVAR patients, one-third (n = 9232) were anemic and included in the study. One-fifth (n = 1866) of anemic patients received a perioperative transfusion. Transfused patients were more likely to have a history of cardiovascular disease. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher for anemic patients who received transfusions, both in mild anemia (mortality, 3.6% vs 0.4% in no transfusion; P < .001) and in moderate to severe anemia (4.5% vs 1.3%; P < .01). Morbidity was also significantly higher, with anemic patients who received a transfusion having higher rates of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, dysrhythmias, renal complications, leg ischemia, respiratory complications, and reoperation compared with anemic patients who did not receive any transfusion. The 30-day mortality was also higher in transfused patients (P < .001). After adjustment for patients' demographics, comorbidities, and operative factors, transfusion in anemic patients was associated with a nearly 4.4-fold increased odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 4.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.72-7.05; P < .001) and 4.3-fold higher odds of any in-hospital complication (OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 3.47-5.34; P < .001). This was more pronounced among patients with mild anemia, with 5.7 times (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.78-18.0) and 4.3 times (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 3.46-5.29) the odds of in-hospital mortality and complications, respectively.ConclusionsAmong anemic patients undergoing elective EVAR, transfusion is associated with an increased risk of death and in-hospital complications, even after controlling for patients' comorbidities and operative factors. These data suggest that the restrictive use of blood transfusions might be safer in vascular surgery EVAR patients. Medical management of anemia may be warranted in these patients to reduce morbidity and mortality; however, further studies are needed to evaluate effectiveness.     

Anemia and postoperative outcomes after open and endovascular repair of intact abdominal aortic aneurysms

Objective

Anemia is associated with increased cardiac adverse events during the early postoperative period because of high physiologic stress and increased cardiac demand. The aim of this study was to assess the surgical outcomes and prognostic implications of anemia in patients undergoing repair of intact abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).

Questioning Prophylactic Antibiotic Use for Pyloromyotomy: Analysis of the Pediatric Health Information System Database

BackgroundPyloromyotomy has a low rate of wound complications, yet antibiotic prophylaxis is still given. The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was queried to determine whether prophylactic antibiotics decreased wound complications.MethodsRecords for infants with pyloric stenosis between 2016 and 2021 were extracted from the PHIS database and analyzed for demographics, comorbid conditions, and complications within 30 days of pyloromyotomy. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on complications.ResultsAmong 14,247 infants who underwent pyloromyotomy, 29.5% had antibiotic prophylaxis. These patients were more likely to have been admitted to the NICU and have chronic conditions and prematurity (p < 0.01). Antibiotic utilization varied among hospitals from 2.3 to 58.5%. Complication rates among those who received antibiotics was 1.64% versus 1.62% for those who did not. The odds for developing complications in those who received prophylaxis compared to those who did not was 1.10, (0.73, 1.41, 95%, p = 0.93) suggesting there is no effect of antibiotics on complication rates.ConclusionsThere was a wide variation among hospitals in the usage of prophylactic antibiotics for pyloromyotomy. There was no difference in complication rates whether or not patients received antibiotics. These results suggest antibiotic prophylaxis is unnecessary for pyloromyotomy.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Anemia is associated with higher mortality and morbidity after thoracic endovascular aortic repair

BackgroundIt is uncertain whether preoperative anemia is independently associated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) outcomes. Using a national vascular surgery database, we evaluated the associations between preoperative anemia and 30-day mortality, postoperative complications, and 1-year survival for patients undergoing TEVAR.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all patients in the Vascular Quality Initiative who had undergone TEVAR for aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, penetrating aortic ulcer, hematoma, or thrombus between January 2011 and December 2019. We excluded patients with a ruptured aneurysm, traumatic dissection, emergent repair, treated aorta distal to zone 5, polycythemia, transfusion of >4 U of packed red blood cells intraoperatively or postoperatively, and missing data on hemoglobin level or surgical indications. The final study cohort was dichotomized into two groups: normal/mild anemia (women, ≥10 g/dL; men, ≥12 g/dL) and moderate/severe anemia (women, <10 g/dL; male, <12 g/dL). Propensity scores by stratification were used to control for confounding in the analysis of the association between the outcomes of 30-day mortality, postoperative complications, and 1-year survival and a binary indicator variable of moderate/severe anemia vs normal/mild anemia. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests were used to compare the 1-year survival between the two groups. A Cox regression model was fitted to assess the associations between anemia and survival outcomes.ResultsA total of 3391 patients were analyzed, 958 (28.3%) of whom had had moderate/severe anemia. After adjustment for multiple clinical factors using propensity score stratification, moderate/severe anemia was associated with a 141% increased odds of 30-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-5.05; P = .019), 58% increased odds of any in-hospital complication (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.17-2.13; P = .003), 281% increased odds of intraoperative transfusion (aOR, 3.81; 95% CI, 2.68-5.53; P < .001). In addition, moderate/severe anemia was associated with significantly worse survival within the first year after TEVAR (log-rank P < .001; 1-year survival rate using Kaplan-Meier estimates, 86.4% ± 1.3% standard error vs 92.5% ± 0.6% standard error) and with an increased risk of mortality in the first postoperative year (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.16-2.82; P = .009).ConclusionsWe found that moderate or severe anemia is associated with significantly increased odds of mortality, postoperative complications, and worse 1-year survival after TEVAR. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effect of anemia correction on the outcomes of TEVAR.     

Preoperative Anemia in Primary Arthroplasty Patients—Prevalence,Influence on Outcome,and the Effect of Treatment

BackgroundThis study aims to: 1) Determine the prevalence of preoperative anemia in arthroplasty; 2) Assess whether preoperative anemia is associated with inferior outcomes; and 3) Ascertain whether optimization in a dedicated blood management program (BMP) is associated with improved outcomes.MethodsAll primary arthroplasties performed at an academic, tertiary-care, arthroplasty center between 2012 and 2017 were reviewed. Hemoglobin level obtained in the preoperative assessment clinic was recorded. Patients with anemia were then considered for further review in BMP. Outcomes included improvement in hemoglobin level post-BMP; length of stay; perioperative transfusion; 90-day readmission, complication, and reoperation rates. The effect of preoperative anemia and the effect of treatment at the BMP on outcomes were evaluated through multivariable regression analysis controlling for relevant covariates.Results17% of patients (932/5384) were found to have anemia; 115/357 patients who attended the BMP were no longer anemic. Thus, at time of operation, 15% of patients (817/5384) had anemia. Anemic patients were 4.09 times more likely (95% CI: 2.64-6.35) to require a transfusion; 1.42 times more likely (95% CI: 0.99-2.03) to sustain complications and had 19% longer (95% CI: 13%-26%) length of stay.Those who attended the BMP were less likely to receive a transfusion (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.16-0.66), suffer from postoperative complications (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.63), or require readmission compared with anemic patients not seen in the BMP (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09-0.71).ConclusionsThe prevalence of anemia in this arthroplasty cohort was 15%. Preoperative, timely, optimization of anemia should be strongly considered as it is likely to reduce “anemia-associated burden” after arthroplasty.     

Preoperative Patient Factors and Postoperative Complications as Risk Factors for New-Onset Depression Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundDepression is known to be a risk factor for complication following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), but little is known about new-onset depression (NOD) following THA. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of NOD and identify risk factors for its occurrence after THA.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of the Truven MarketScan database. Patients undergoing primary THA were identified and separated into cohorts based on the presence or not of NOD. Patients with preoperative depression or a diagnosis of fracture were excluded. Patient demographic and comorbid data were queried, and postoperative complications were collected. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was then performed to assess the association of NOD with patient-specific factors and postoperative complications.ResultsIn total, 111,838 patients undergoing THA were identified and 2517 (2.25%) patients had NOD in the first postoperative year. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative opioid use, female gender, higher Elixhauser comorbidity index, preoperative anxiety disorder, drug or alcohol use disorder, and preoperative smoking were associated with the occurrence of NOD (P ≤ .001). The following postoperative complications were associated with increased odds of NOD: prosthetic joint infection (odds ratio [OR] 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-2.34, P < .001), aseptic revision surgery (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.06-2.04, P = .019), periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.13-2.61, P = .01), and non-home discharge (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.42-1.77, P < .001).ConclusionsNOD is common following THA and there are multiple patient-specific factors and postoperative complications which increase the odds of its occurrence. Providers should use this information to identify at-risk patients so that pre-emptive prevention strategies may be employed.     

Iron Deficiency Anemia is Associated with Increased Early Postoperative Surgical and Medical Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a medical comorbidity commonly diagnosed in those undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The authors sought to evaluate IDA as a risk factor for early postoperative complications following discharge and describe the hospital resource utilization of this patient population.MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of IDA who underwent THA from 2005 to 2014 were identified in a national insurance database. The rates of postoperative medical complications and surgery-related complications, as well as hospital readmission, emergency department visits, and death were calculated. Additionally, 90-day and day of surgery cost and length of stay were calculated. IDA patients were then compared to a 4:1 matched control population without IDA using a logistic regression analysis to control for confounding factors.ResultsIn total, 98,681 patients with a preoperative diagnosis of IDA who underwent THA were identified and compared to 386,724 controls. IDA was associated with increased risk of 30-day emergency department visits (odds ratio [OR] 1.35, P < .001) and 30-day readmission (OR 1.49, P < .001). IDA was also associated with an increased 90-day medical complication rate (cerebrovascular accident OR 1.11, P = .003; urinary tract infection OR 1.14, P < .001; acute renal failure OR 1.24, P < .001; transfusion OR 1.40, P < .001), as well as 1-year periprosthetic joint infection (OR 1.27, P < .001), revision (OR 1.22, P < .001), dislocation (OR 1.25, P < .001), and fracture (OR 1.43, P < .001). Patients with IDA accrued higher hospital charges ($27,658.27 vs $16,709.18, P < .001) and lower hospital reimbursement ($5509.90 vs $3605.59, P < .001).ConclusionPatients with preoperative IDA undergoing THA are at greater risk of experiencing early postoperative complications and have greater utilization of hospital resources.     

Preoperative anemia is associated with increased radical cystectomy complications

PurposeThe impact of anemia in postoperative complications following radical cystectomy (RC) is not completely elucidated and its association with direct hospital costs has not been characterized in depth. Our goal is to determine the association between anemia, 90-day surgical complications and the expenditure attributed to preoperative anemia in patients undergoing RC.Materials and methodsWe captured all patients who underwent RC between 2003 and 2017 using the Premier Hospital Database (Premier Inc, Charlotte, NC). Patient, hospital and surgical characteristics were evaluated. Anemia was defined by a corresponding diagnostic code that was present on admission prior to RC. Unadjusted patients’ demographic characteristics with and without anemia, hospital and surgeon characteristics were compared, and multivariable regression models were developed to evaluate 90-day complications and total direct hospital costs.ResultsThe cohort included 83,470 patients that underwent RC between 2003 and 2017 and 11% were found to be anemic. On multivariable analysis, preoperative anemia more than doubled the odds of having a complication (odds ratio 2.19 (1.89–2.53)) and significantly increased the risk of major complications (odds ratio 1.51 (1.31–1.75)) at 90-days after RC. Anemic patients had significantly higher 90-days total direct costs due to higher laboratory, pharmacologic, radiology and operating room costs.ConclusionsAnemic cystectomy patients face a 50% increase in the risk of major complications within the first 90-days after surgery. This increased risk persisted after adjusting for patient, hospital and surgical factors. Our study suggests hematocrit level prior to RC may be used as a pre-exisitng condition for increased risk of surgical complications.     

Natural history and consequence of patent processus vaginalis: An interim analysis from a multi-institutional prospective observational study

BackgroundThe prevalence and natural history of patent processus vaginalis (PPV) are unknown. An interim analysis was performed of a multi-institutional, prospective, observational study in neonates undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy during which bilateral inguinal canals were evaluated.MethodsInfants under 4 months undergoing laparoscopic pyloromyotomy were enrolled at 8 children's hospitals. The presence of a PPV was evaluated and measurements recorded. Patients with a PPV are undergoing annual phone follow-up to 18 years of age. Interim analysis was performed.ResultsIn a cohort of 610 patient, 80 did not have a PPV examined, 4 had consent issues and were excluded, leaving 526 patients. Of these, 433 (82%) were male, median age 1.2 months (IQR 0.9, 1.6), median weight 3.89 kg (IQR 3.4, 4.46), and EGA 39 weeks (IQR 37, 40). There were 283 PPVs, 132 bilateral (47%), 116 right (41%), and 35 left (12%). Patients with a PPV were significantly younger (1.1 months (IQR 0.9, 1.5) vs 1.3 months (IQR 0.9, 1.7), p=0.02), weighed less (3.76kg (IQR 3.35, 4.26) vs 3.9kg (IQR 3.4, 4.5) p=0.03) and had a significantly lower EGA at birth (38 weeks (IQR 37, 40) vs 39 weeks (IQR 38, 40) p=0.003). Of 246 eligible infants, 208 (85%) responded to at least one annual follow-up. Two patients had an inguinal hernia repair for a symptomatic hernia, 49- and 51-days post pyloromyotomy. One had an orchiopexy and incidental inguinal hernia repair 120 days post pyloromyotomy; for a total of 3 (1.2%) hernia repairs. No additional hernias were identified in 116 patients with the PPV patients who have been followed for > 1 year.ConclusionsThe presence of a PPV at the time of pyloromyotomy is common but the need for hernia repair is rare within the first year of life. Continued long-term longitudinal follow-up of this cohort is needed.Level of EvidenceII     

Operative Fixation of Hip Fractures in Nonagenarians: Is It Safe?

BackgroundWith the shift in hip fracture epidemiology toward older individuals as well as the shift in demographics toward nonagenarians, it is important to understand the outcomes of treatment for these patients.MethodsGeriatric patients (≥65 years old) who underwent surgery for hip fracture were identified in the 2005-2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and stratified into 2 age groups: <90 and ≥90 years old (nonagenarians). Preoperative and procedural characteristics were compared. Multivariate regressions were used to compare risk for complications and 30-day readmissions. Risk factors for serious adverse events (SAEs) and 30-day mortality in nonagenarians were characterized.ResultsThis study included 51,327 <90 year olds and 15,798 nonagenarians. Overall rate of SAEs in nonagenarians was 19.89% while in <90 year olds was 14.80%. Multivariate analysis revealed higher risk for blood transfusion (relative risk [RR] = 1.21), death (RR = 1.74), pneumonia (RR = 1.24), and cardiac complications (RR = 1.33) in nonagenarians (all P < .001). Risk factors for SAEs in nonagenarians include American Society of Anesthesiologists ≥3, dependent functional status, admitted from nursing home/chronic/intermediate care, preoperative hypoalbuminemia, and male gender (all P < .05), but not time to surgery (P > .05). In fact, increased time to surgery in nonagenarians was associated with lower risk of 30-day mortality (RR = 0.90, P = .048).ConclusionOverall complication risk after hip fracture fixation in nonagenarians remains relatively low but higher than their younger counterparts. Interestingly, since time to surgery was not associated with adverse outcomes in nonagenarians, the commonly accepted 48-hour operative window may not be critical to this population. Additional time for preoperative medical optimization in this vulnerable population appears prudent.     

How Does Preoperative Anemia Impact Clinical Outcomes Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty?: Experience From Colombia

BackgroundAnemia is a common condition and a known risk factor for complications after primary total hip arthroplasty. Few studies have evaluated this topic in Latin American countries where this problem can be more important. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of preoperative anemia in 30-day complications after primary total hip arthroplasty.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study involving patients who had a primary total hip arthroplasty aged more than 18 years and did not have any type of malignancy. Two hundred thirty six patients were divided into 2 groups: 58 who had anemia and 178 who did not have anemia. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between anemia as a risk factor for blood transfusions, extended lengths of stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions.ResultsA higher proportion of patients in the anemia group required blood transfusions (24.1% versus 7.3%, < 0.001), ICU admission (39.7% versus 11.2%, P ≤ .001), and a hospital stay of more than 5 days (37.9% versus 11.8%, < .001). Preoperative anemia was identified as a risk factor for requiring transfusions (Odds ratio 3.82, Confidence Interval 95%: 1.47-9.94, P = .006) and ICU admission (Odds ratio 2.48, Confidence interval 95%: 1.11-5.50, P = .026).ConclusionPreoperative anemia proved to be a risk factor for requiring blood transfusions and ICU admission. Treating this potentially modifiable risk factor can improve patient morbidity and mortality, while positively impacting healthcare costs, reducing the need for postsurgical services such as ICU management, and extended hospitalizations.     

Clinical significance of iron deficiency among candidates for metabolic surgery

BackgroundIron deficiency (ID), a known complication after metabolic surgery, is common among preoperative patients in the presence of inflammation. Evidence is now accumulating that preoperative ID may adversely affect perioperative outcomes.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between preoperative iron status and the risk of postoperative severe anemia. In addition, this study investigates the relationship between preoperative iron status and length of surgical staySettingA large regional tertiary health system.MethodsAmong patients who underwent metabolic surgery between 2004 and 2020, 5171 patients had a full iron nutritional assessment prior to surgery. Study patients were divided into multiple smaller groups (10 female groups and 7 male groups) on the basis of levels of serum ferritin and Transferrin Saturation (T Sat) < or ≥20%. Study patients were followed after surgery and the time to the development of severe anemia (hemoglobin < 8 gm/dL) was recorded. Hospital length of stay (LOS) was analyzed in relation to preoperative iron status.ResultsLower ferritin levels were associated with older age in males (P = .0001) and younger age in females (P < .0001). For males, after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), and year of surgery, surgical LOS was prolonged in those with T Sat <20% (P = .0041). For females the time until the development of severe anemia was associated with baseline iron status (P < .0001).ConclusionsMale preoperative patients for metabolic surgery with T Sat <20% are at risk for increased surgical LOS. Females with low ferritin levels consistent with ID are at increased risk for the development of postoperative severe anemia.     

Time Trends and Risk Factors for 30-Day Adverse Events in Black Patients Undergoing Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundIncreased adverse events (AEs) have been reported among black patients undergoing joint arthroplasty, but little is known about their persistence and risk factors. The purpose of this study is (1) to examine recent annual trends in 30-day outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and (2) to develop a preoperative risk stratification model in this racial minority.MethodsThe American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for all black/African American patients who underwent primary TKA between 2011 and 2017. Time trends in demographic variables, comorbid conditions, perioperative characteristics, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmissions, reoperations, medical complications, surgical complications, and mortality were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for development of 30-day AEs.ResultsIn total, 19,496 black patients were analyzed. Between 2011 and 2017, there have been improved comorbidity profiles (P < .02), decreased LOS (P < .001), and lower rates of AEs (P < .001). Significant risk factors for developing AEs were male gender, tobacco smoking, American Society of Anesthesiologists score >2, dependent functional status, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metastatic cancer, dyspnea, chronic kidney disease, bilateral TKA, and operative time >100 minutes.ConclusionThere have been significant improvements in the annual trends of LOS and 30-day outcomes among black patients undergoing primary TKA in recent years. A predictive model for 30-day AEs was developed to help guide risk stratification and optimization of modifiable factors, namely anemia, tobacco smoking, bilateral surgery, and operative time.     

Preoperative anemia is associated with mortality after carotid endarterectomy in symptomatic patients

Objective

Preoperative anemia and blood transfusions are associated with worse outcomes after surgery. However, the impact of preoperative anemia and transfusions on outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is unknown.

The impact of anemia on microsurgical breast reconstruction complications and outcomes

Introduction: Appropriate and adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to a free flap is paramount to viability and success. We present a comprehensive examination of perioperative anemia, determining its prevalence and effect on complications and outcomes in autologous breast reconstruction. Methods: We analyzed all autologous free flap breast reconstruction at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 2005 to 2011 with regards to anemia (hemoglobin (Hgb) <12 g dL^?1). Anemic patients were compared to those with Hgb > 12 g dL^?1 at preoperative and postoperative timepoints. Complications were analyzed relative to HgB levels and the incidence of anemia. Subgroups were analyzed based on worsening degrees of anemia. Results: Overall, 839 patients were included in the analysis with an 18.3% incidence of preoperative anemia. No significant differences were noted in outcomes of these patients relative to their anemic state, although a higher percent did receive a blood transfusion (18% of anemic patients vs. 6% of nonanemic patients, P < 0.0001). There was a significant incidence of postoperative anemia (93.4%). A subgroup analysis demonstrated that worsening postoperative anemia was significantly related to preoperative HgB (P < 0.0001), bilateral cases (P < 0.0001), immediate reconstructions (P < 0.0001), increased estimated blood loss (P = 0.0001), and higher rates of intraoperative fluid administration (P = 0.025). A higher incidence of medical complications was observed in cohorts with HgB < 10 (P = 0.018). Conclusions: Anemia affects a significant portion of breast reconstruction patients. While preoperative anemia is not associated with increased risk of flap related complications, postoperative anemia may be associated with an increased risk of medical complications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:261–270, 2014.     

Factors Predicting Over-Time Weight Increase After Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Study

BackgroundPost-transplantation weight control is important for long-term outcomes; however, few reports have examined postoperative weight change. This study aimed to identify perioperative factors contributing to post-transplantation weight change.MethodsTwenty-nine patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2015 and 2019 with an overall survival of >3 years were analyzed.ResultsThe median age, model for end-stage liver disease score, and preoperative body mass index (BMI) of the recipients were 57, 25, and 23.7, respectively. Although all but one recipient lost weight, the percentage of recipients who gained weight increased to 55% (1 month), 72% (6 months), and 83% (12 months). Among perioperative factors, recipient age ≤50 years and BMI ≤25 were identified as risk factors for weight gain within 12 months (P < .05), and patients with age ≤50 years or BMI ≤25 recipients gained weight more rapidly (P < .05). The recovery time of serum albumin level ≥4.0 mg/dL was not statistically different between the 2 groups. The weight change during the first 3 years after discharge was represented by an approximately straight line, with 18 and 11 recipients showing a positive and negative slope, respectively. Body mass index ≤23 was identified as a risk factor for a positive slope of weight gain (P <.05).ConclusionsAlthough postoperative weight gain implies recovery after transplantation, recipients with a lower preoperative BMI should strictly manage body weight as they may be at higher risk of rapid weight increase.     

Impact of operative time on short-term adverse events following total shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundPrevious investigations have identified patient demographics and procedural characteristics, including operative time, as risk factors for adverse events following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). However, many of these risk factors are unmodifiable by physicians. Extended operative time is a partially modifiable variable that has not been fully investigated in its contribution to the incidence of postoperative complications after TSA. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a 15-min increase in operative time is an independent predictor of adverse events occurring within 30 days following TSA.Methods10,424 TSAs from 2015 to 2017 were queried from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Bivariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression was performed to investigate the association between a 15-min increase in operative time and the likelihood of developing short-term postoperative adverse events. The statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Software version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The level of significance was set at p<0.05.ResultsMultivariate analysis, adjusting for all significantly associated demographics, comorbidities, and procedural characteristics, revealed that a 15-min increase in operative time was associated with an increased likelihood of anemia requiring transfusion, pulmonary embolism, acute renal failure, unplanned reoperation, extended length of stay (≥3 days), and any adverse event within 30 days of TSA (all p<0.05). Higher BMI, younger age, male sex, general anesthesia, and preoperative anemic status predicted longer operative duration.ConclusionA 15-min increase in operative time is a significant risk factor for postoperative complications, unplanned reoperation, and extended length of stay within 30 days of TSA.Level of EvidenceLevel III; Retrospective Cohort Design using Large Database; Treatment Study     

Prolonged Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation (PPMV) in children undergoing abdominal operations: An analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database

BackgroundProlonged postoperative mechanical ventilation (PPMV) increases length of stay, hospitalization costs, and postoperative complications. Independent risk factors associated with PPMV are not well-known for children.MethodWe identified children (<18 years) in the ACS NSQIP-P database who underwent a general surgical abdominal operation. We excluded children with preoperative ventilator dependence and mortality within 48 h of surgery. PPMV was defined as cumulative postoperative mechanical ventilation exceeding 72 h. A multivariable logistic regression model identified independent predictors of PPMV.ResultsWe identified 108,392 children who underwent a general surgical abdominal operation in the ACS NSQIP-P database from 2012 to 2017. We randomly divided the population into a derivation cohort of 75,874(70%) and a validation cohort of 32,518(30%). In the derivation cohort, we identified PPMV in 1,643(2.2%). In the multivariable model, the strongest independent predictor of PPMV was neonatal age (OR:20.66; 95%CI:16.44–25.97). Other independent risk factors for PPMV were preoperative inotropic support (OR:10.56; 95%CI:7.56–14.77), an operative time longer than 150 min (OR:4.30; 95%CI:3.72–4.52), and an American Society of Anesthesiologists classification >3 (OR:12.16; 95%CI:10.75–13.75).ConclusionIndependent preoperative risk factors for PPMV in children undergoing a general surgical operation were neonatal age, preoperative ionotropic support, duration of operation, and ASA classification >3.     

Abnormally High,as Well as Low,Preoperative Platelet Counts Correlate With Adverse Outcomes and Readmissions After Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundLaboratory studies are routinely performed as a part of the preoperative workup for a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The ramifications of abnormal preoperative platelet counts remain uncharacterized in large, multicenter patient populations.MethodsPatients who underwent elective primary TKA were identified in the 2011-2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Risk of 30-day postoperative complications was calculated as a function of preoperative platelet counts. Patients were characterized as having a normal platelet count, abnormally low platelet count, and abnormally high platelet count based on relative risk calculations. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to associate abnormal platelet counts with patient demographics, operative variables, 30-day postoperative complications, and readmissions.ResultsIn total, 140,073 patients who underwent elective TKA were identified. Using the relative risk threshold of 1.5 for any adverse event, abnormally low and abnormally high platelet count thresholds were set at ≤116,000/mL and ≥492,000/mL, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed low platelet counts to be associated with higher rates of any, major, and minor adverse events and longer length of stay. Analogously, high platelet counts were associated with higher rates of any and minor adverse events and longer length of stay.ConclusionThe present study employed a large patient sample size and showed that elective TKA patients with abnormally high, as well as low, platelet counts are at increased risk of postoperative adverse outcomes. Focused attention needs to be paid to TKA patients with preoperative abnormal platelet counts for optimization and postoperative care.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective comparative study.