Could hyponatremia be a marker of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery? A single center analysis of 1,106 patients over 5 years

Purpose

The aim of this study is to define the significance of hyponatremia as a marker of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery.

Methods

All anastomoses in colorectal surgery performed at a single institution between July 2007 and July 2012 (n?=?1,106) were retrospectively identified. Serum sodium levels and leukocyte values measured when an anastomotic leak was diagnosed by CT scan and/or surgical reintervention (n?=?81) were compared to the values preferably on postoperative day 5 in the absence of an anastomotic leak (n?=?1,025).

Results

The leak rate in anastomoses of the rectum was 9.0 %, while the leak rate of the other anastomoses was 5.4 %. Mean serum sodium level was 138.8 mmol/l in the group with an anastomotic leak and 140.5 mmol/l in the group without. Hyponatremia (<136 mmol/l) was present in 23 % of patients in the group with an anastomotic leak and in 15 % in the group without (p?<?0.001). In multivariate analysis, leukocytes and serum sodium level remained as significant markers of an anastomotic leak. As a marker of an anastomotic leak, hyponatremia had a specificity of 93 % and a sensitivity of 23 %, while the presence of either leukocytosis or hyponatremia had a sensitivity of 68 %, a specificity of 75 %, a positive predictive value of 18 %, and a negative predictive value of 97 %.

Conclusions

Hyponatremia could be a specific and relevant marker of anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery. If hyponatremia and leukocytosis are present after colorectal surgery, anastomotic leakage should be suspected and a CT scan with rectal contrast dye is recommended.     

Hyponatremia and mortality among very elderly residents in a geriatric health service facility

Introduction

Hyponatremia is common among elderly patients. This study aimed to examine the prognostic value of hyponatremia among elderly residents in a geriatric facility.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the association between serum sodium levels and mortality among 118 residents (82% female, mean age 85.5 years) in a single geriatric health service facility. We defined hyponatremia as Na?<?135 mEq/L. On the basis of single measurements of serum sodium at periodic examinations, the patients were divided into hyponatremia and non-hyponatremia groups. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the effect of hyponatremia on mortality from May 2005 to April 2007.

Results

Thirty-three patients (28%) had hyponatremia. Over a 1-year follow-up period, the cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in patients with hyponatremia than in those without hyponatremia. In a multivariate analysis, including traditional risk factors for death, hyponatremia was associated with an increased mortality risk (adjusted hazard ratio 2.73; 95% confidence interval 1.01–5.16; p?=?0.047).

Conclusions

Hyponatremia is common and is a predictor of mortality in the near future among very elderly residents of a geriatric facility.

     

Safety and efficacy of desmopressin for the treatment of nocturia in elderly patients: a cohort study

Purpose

Desmopressin is used widely to treat nocturnal polyuria (NP), but there is concern of hyponatremia especially in elderly patients. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long-term desmopressin treatment in elderly patients with NP.

Methods

Patients who were ≥65 years old with NP were analyzed. All patients were started on 0.1 mg desmopressin, and the dose was escalated to 0.2 mg depending on patient symptoms. All patients were educated the mechanism of desmopressin. The voiding diary and serum sodium levels were evaluated at baseline, 3–7 days after starting treatment and every 3–6 months. Safety was evaluated by hyponatremia, hyponatremic symptoms and other adverse drug events. The mean changes in number of nocturia and nocturnal urine volume (NUV) were evaluated for efficacy.

Results

A total of 68 patients were included. The mean age was 72.6 (66–85) years. The mean night-time frequency was 3.0 ± 1.8 day, and the mean serum sodium level was 141.2 ± 2.1 mEq/L at baseline. The mean follow-up period was 27.9 months. The mean decrease in serum sodium level was 1.3 ± 3.4 mEq/L at the last follow-up (p = 0.003). Hyponatremia incidence was 4.4 %, and all patients recovered by stopping medication. Severe adverse events were not observed. The mean night-time frequency had decreased by 2.1, and the NUV had decreased by 374.2 ± 261.3 mL at the last follow-up (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Desmopressin at doses below 0.2 mg is safe and effective in elderly patients with NP if patients are well informed and are closely followed up.     

Hyponatremia,a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures in women

Summary

Hyponatremia has been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. We found an increased hazard ratio of major osteoporotic fractures adjusted for potential confounders, including osteoporosis and medication. A reduced BMD was not sufficiently explaining the association. Our data indicate that hyponatremia should be considered a risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures.

Introduction

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in clinical practice and could be a risk factor for both osteoporosis and fractures. Mild hyponatremia has traditionally been regarded as a benign and asymptomatic condition; however, data from large population and animal studies have led to a reappraisal of this view. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of hyponatremia with osteoporosis and major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) in women.

Methods

This is a historical cohort study with fracture follow-up. The study consisted of 5610 patients with available serum sodium and a bone density measurement. Information on potential risk factor was obtained through a questionnaire. Additional information on medication, comorbidities, and fractures was obtained through national registries.

Results

Hyponatremia was associated with significant lower T-scores at total hip and a borderline significant lower T-score at femoral neck in the multivariate analysis. No association was found between hyponatremia and the lumbar spine T-score. Hyponatremia was associated with an increased hazard ratio of sustaining a MOF in the period from 6 months prior to 12 months after serum sodium measurement. Finally, data showed a relationship with increasing serum sodium and an increasing T-score estimate and a decreasing hazard ratio of MOF.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that hyponatremia in women increases the risk of osteoporosis and MOF. The increased risk of MOF was independent of osteoporosis.

     

Characterization of intensive care unit acquired hyponatremia and hypernatremia following cardiac surgery

Purpose

Although intensive care unit (ICU) acquired sodium disturbances are common in critically ill patients, few studies have examined sodium disturbances in patients following cardiac surgery. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of ICU-acquired hyponatremia and hypernatremia in patients following cardiac surgery.

Methods

We identified 6,727 adults (≥18 yr) who were admitted consecutively to a regional cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2006 and were documented as having normal serum sodium levels (133 to 145 mmol·L^?1) during the first day of ICU admission. ICU-acquired hyponatremia and hypernatremia were defined as a change in serum sodium concentration to <133 mmol·L^?1 or >145 mmol·L^?1, respectively, following ICU day one.

Results

A first episode of ICU-acquired hyponatremia and hypernatremia developed in 785 (12%) and 242 (4%) patients, respectively, (95% confidence interval [CI] 11-12% and 95% CI 3-4%, respectively), with a respective incidence density of 4.2 and 1.3 patients per 100 days of ICU admission (95% CI 4.0-4.5 and 95% CI 1.2-1.5). The incidence of ICU-acquired sodium disturbances varied according to the patients’ demographic and clinical variables for both hyponatremia (age, diabetes, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE II] score, mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, serum glucose level, and serum potassium level) and hypernatremia (APACHE II score, mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay prior to ICU admission, length of ICU stay, serum glucose level, and serum potassium level). Compared with patients with normal serum sodium levels, hospital mortality was increased in patients with ICU-acquired hyponatremia (1.6% vs 10%, respectively; P < 0.001) and ICU-acquired hypernatremia (1.6% vs 14%, respectively; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

ICU-acquired hyponatremia and hypernatremia are common complications in critically ill patients following cardiac surgery. They are associated with patient demographic and clinical characteristics and an increased risk of hospital mortality.     

Preoperative factors associated with red blood cell transfusion in hip fracture patients

Introduction

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a frequently used treatment in patients admitted with a fractured hip, but the use remains an area of much debate. The aim of this study was to determine preoperative factors associated with the risk of receiving a red blood cell transfusion in hip fracture patients.

Method

The study included 986 consecutive hip fracture patients (aged 60 years or above). The patients were identified from a database of all hip fracture patients admitted to Bispebjerg University Hospital. Data for the database are collected via chart review and data extraction from the hospitals laboratory system, public registries and from the Capital Region Blood Bank Database.

Results

Overall transfusion rate was 58.7 %. The univariate analyses showed that transfusion rate was higher among women (p = 0.004), older patients (p < 0.0001), patients with high ASA scores (p < 0.0001), patients with more severe fractures (p < 0.0001), patients with lower admission haemoglobin levels (p < 0.0001), patients not admitted from own home (p = 0.02) and patients taking aspirin (p = 0.007) or other platelet inhibitors (p = 0.01) on admission. In the multivariate analysis, increasing age, ASA ≥3, being admitted from own home, extracapsular fractures, decreasing admission haemoglobin and use of platelet inhibitors were all significantly associated with the risk of receiving a RBC transfusion.

Conclusion

Several readily available preoperative factors in the form of age, residence, ASA, admission haemoglobin, medication and type of fracture were independently associated with the likelihood of receiving a red blood cell transfusion in patients admitted with a fractured hip.     

An evidence-based warfarin management protocol reduces surgical delay in hip fracture patients

Background

Up to 4 % of patients presenting with a hip fracture may be on warfarin at admission. There is little consensus on the timing, dosage or route of vitamin K administration. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a locally developed, evidence-based protocol for perioperative warfarin management on the admission-to-operation time (AOT) in hip fracture patients.

Materials and methods

Clinical and demographic data were collected prospectively for hip fracture patients who were on warfarin at the time of admission (post-protocol group) and compared to a historical control group of patients who were on warfarin before implementation of the protocol (pre-protocol group). Univariate analysis was undertaken to identify any significant differences between the two groups.

Results

Twenty-seven patients in the pre-protocol group (27/616, 4.4 %) and 40 patients in the post-protocol group (4.7 %, 40/855) were on warfarin at admission. There was a significant reduction in the median AOT from 73 h (IQR 46–105) to 37.7 h (IQR 28–45) after implementation of the warfarin protocol (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients operated on within 48 h of admission increased from 30 % (8/27) in the pre-protocol group to 80 % (32/40) in the post-protocol group (p < 0.001). No significant differences in hospital length of stay (p = 0.77) or the postoperative warfarin recommencement time (p = 0.90) were noted between the two groups.

Conclusion

Implementation of a perioperative warfarin management protocol can expedite surgery in hip fracture patients, but did not reduce hospital stay in our cohort, possibly because of a delay in recommencing warfarin in these patients postoperatively.

Level of evidence

Level III.     

Charlson Comorbidity Indices and In-hospital Deaths in Patients with Hip Fractures

Background

The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and its modifications are comorbidity-based measures that predict mortality. It was developed for patients without trauma and inconsistently predicted mortality and adverse events in several previous studies of patients with trauma.

Purpose

We therefore (1) determined whether the three different CCIs were predictors for in-hospital deaths in patients with hip fractures, (2) verified if the CCI mortality prediction had changed with time, (3) evaluated other predictors of in-hospital death in patients with hip fractures, and (4) determined if the CCI has predicted in-hospital adverse events.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a nationwide probability sample survey, the National Hospital Discharge Survey. More than 6 million adult patients with hip fractures and their associated comorbidities were scored by the original 1987 CCI, the 1994 age-adjusted CCI, and the 2011 updated, reweighted CCI. The three mortality indices’ predictive values and predictors of in-hospital adverse events were compared.

Results

For patients with hip fractures, all three CCI variations predicted in-hospital mortality. The receiver operating curves (ROC) of the models were less than 0.68, but they improved when we used statistical models that included age, sex, concomitant injuries, and other comorbidities not contained in the CCI models (ROC > 0.74). The age-adjusted CCI accuracy was slightly better than the other two CCIs. Adverse events during hospital stays were associated with a higher CCI, pertrochanteric fracture (versus transcervical), abdominal, chest, or head trauma, atrial fibrillation, multiple fractures, female sex, and longer hospital stays; however, the accuracy of this model was poor (ROC = 0.65).

Conclusions

While all three CCI variations predicted in-hospital mortality in patients with hip fractures, other factors may be of value in patients with trauma.     

Clinical manifestations of acute appendicitis in hemodialysis patients

Purpose

Acute appendicitis has been suggested to be more aggravated in hemodialysis (HD) patients in comparison to non-HD patients but only scanty evidence demonstrates the conditions.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was done for HD and non-HD patients with a discharge diagnosis of acute appendicitis in a single medical center.

Results

Patients with acute appendicitis on HD (n = 11), and non-HD (n = 40) were enrolled. The patients in the HD group, demonstrated older age, less leukocytosis, shorter preoperative diagnostic delay, but with no improvement of perforation rate and poor prognosis such as longer hospital stay and higher morbidity rate in comparison to the non-HD group. The differences between the HD and non-HD group still existed even with an age- and gender-matched non-HD group. A higher C-reactive protein level was a helpful index in early diagnosis and predicting the possibility of perforation. Hyponatremia was an important prognostic factor associated with a longer preoperative delay, longer hospital stay and higher morbidity rate in the HD group.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of AA in HD patients was earlier than in non-HD patients. HD patients with AA had atypical presentations and a poor prognosis especially those that presented with hyponatremia and a perforated appendicitis. Higher C-reactive protein was associated with the development of perforated appendicitis in HD patients.     

The impact of early diagnostic laparoscopy on the prognosis of patients with suspected acute mesenteric ischemia

Purpose

To assess the impact of early diagnostic laparoscopy in patients with suspected acute mesenteric ischemia in whom other diagnostic studies are inconclusive or unavailable.

Methods

The medical records of patients who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy with a preoperative diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia between January 2008 and January 2012 were reviewed. The patients who had a preoperative diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia based on computed tomography or angiography were excluded. Outcome variables were the time between admission and diagnostic laparoscopy, overall revascularization rate, successful revascularization rate, and in-hospital mortality rate.

Results

Fifty-three patients were included in the study. Twelve patients (22.6 %) had negative diagnostic laparoscopy. In 43 patients (77.4 %) who were found to have acute mesenteric ischemia at diagnostic laparoscopy, the mean time between admission and diagnostic laparoscopy, overall revascularization rate, successful revascularization rate, and in-hospital mortality rate were 10.2 h, 32.5 %, 13.9 %, and 74.4 %, respectively. The mean time between admission and diagnostic laparoscopy was significantly shorter in patients who underwent successful revascularization, and in those who survived with or without developing short bowel syndrome.

Conclusions

Diagnostic laparoscopy is a safe and reliable diagnostic tool that can have a positive impact on the prognosis of patients with suspected acute mesenteric ischemia if carried out in a timely manner when radiological diagnostic studies are inconclusive or unavailable.     

Clinical features, outcome and cost of hyponatremia-associated admission and hospitalization in elderly and very elderly patients: a single-center experience in Turkey

Purpose

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder in hospitalized patients. Clinical features, outcome and cost of hyponatremia-associated admission and hospitalization in elderly and very elderly patients are not well known.

Methods

Elderly (>64 years) patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) and hospitalized between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2010, were evaluated. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium level below 135 mmol/L. Hyponatremic patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 150, 65–74 years old) and group 2 (n = 103, >74 years old).

Results

A total of 4,960 patients above 65 years of age admitted to ED and hospitalized were included. Prevalence of ED in group 1 and group 2 was 4.1 % (150/3,651) and 7.8 % (103/1,309), respectively (p < 0.001). Vomiting and diarrhea were the most important complaints. A total of 111 (43.8 %) patients were being treated with renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockers. Mortality, morbidity and hospital cost increased in parallel to decrease in serum Na⁺ level and increase in age. Group 2 subjects had not only higher intensive care need (p < 0.01) and mortality rates (p < 0.01), but also higher hospital cost burden (p < 0.05) compared to group 1. Alzheimer’s disease was one of the most common co-morbidity in patients, particularly in group 2 (5.3 % vs. 21.3 %, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Hyponatremia-associated hospitalization is an important and potentially lethal condition in elderly and very elderly patients. Clinicians should be careful when prescribing RAS blockers and diuretics in elderly patients.     

Significance of Serum Potassium Level Monitoring during the Course of Post-Operative Rehabilitation in Patients with Hypokalemia

Objective

Our objective was to evaluate the significance of pre-hospital and post-operative serum potassium level monitoring and hypokalemia intervention in laparotomy patients with hypokalemia.

Method

A total of 118 laparotomy patients with hypokalemia were randomly divided into an intervention group (N = 60) and a control group (N = 58). Blood samples were collected for measurement of potassium levels at various time points (pre-admission, admission, 24 h and 48 h post-operation) for both groups. Hypokalemia interventions were administered to patients in the intervention group in the pre-admission period and the post-operative period. Visceral dynamics were assessed after laparotomy in both groups.

Result

Average serum potassium levels at admission, time period of drinking, and time of first bowel sound after laparotomy differed significantly (p < 0.001) between the two groups. Average serum potassium levels, first time of defecation, urination, and ambulation at 24 h and 48 h post-operation differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the two groups.

Conclusion

An optimal pathway of serum potassium monitoring not only saves limited ward space but also allows for early correction of hypokalemia in patients undergoing laparotomy.     

Acute kidney injury and its association with in-hospital mortality among children with acute infections

Background

We investigated prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) at hospitalization and its association with in-hospital mortality among Ugandan children hospitalized with common acute infections, and predictors of mortality among AKI children.

Methods

We enrolled 2,055 children hospitalized with primary diagnoses of acute gastroenteritis, malaria, or pneumonia. Serum creatinine, albumin, electrolytes, hemoglobin, and urine protein were obtained on admission. Participants were assessed for AKI based on serum creatinine levels. Demographic and clinical data were obtained using a primary care provider survey and medical chart review. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 278 (13.5 %) of children had AKI on admission; for 76.2 %, AKI was stage 2 (98/278) or stage 3 (114/278) defined as serum creatinine >2- or 3-fold above normal upper limit for age, respectively. AKI prevalence was particularly high in gastroenteritis (28.6 %) and underweight children (20.7 %). Twenty-five percent of children with AKI died during hospitalization, compared to 9.9 % with no AKI (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.5 (95 % CI, 2.2–5.5)). In-hospital mortality risk did not differ by AKI stage. Predictors of in-hospital mortality among AKI children included primary diagnosis of pneumonia, aOR 4.5 (95 % CI, 1.8–11.2); proteinuria, aOR = 2.1 (95 % CI, 1.0–4.9) and positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, aOR 5.0 (95 % CI, 2.0–12.9).

Conclusions

Among children hospitalized with gastroenteritis, malaria, or pneumonia, AKI at admission was common and associated with high in-hospital mortality.     

Pelvic fractures in the Netherlands: epidemiology,characteristics and risk factors for in-hospital mortality in the older and younger population

Purpose

To examine nationwide epidemiology of pelvic fractures in the Netherlands and to compare characteristics and outcome of older versus younger patients as well as predictors for in-hospital mortality.

Methods

Retrospective review of pelvic fracture patients admitted to all Dutch hospitals (2008–2012) utilizing National Trauma Registry. Average annual incidence of (minor and major) pelvic fractures was calculated for the population. Older (≥ 65 years) and younger (< 65 years) patients were compared. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for in-hospital mortality.

Results

Of 11,879 pelvic fracture patients (61.8%, ≥ 65 years), annual incidence of pelvic fractures in older versus younger population was 57.9 versus 6.4 per 100,000 persons. Older patients had lower ISS (7.1 (SD 6.9) vs 15.4 (SD 13.4)) and less frequently had severe associated injuries (15.6 vs 43.5%), an admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤ 90 mmHg (1.6 vs 4.1%) or Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) ≤ 12 (2.0 vs 13.3%) (all, p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality was equal in older and younger patients (5.3 vs 4.8%: p = 0.28). In both subgroups, greatest independent predictors for in-hospital mortality were GCS ≤ 12, ISS ≥ 16, and SBP ≤ 90 mmHg and in all patients age ≥ 65 (OR 6.59 (5.12–8.48): p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The annual incidence of (both minor and major) pelvic fractures in the older population was substantially higher than in the younger population. Elderly patients had a disproportionately high in-hospital mortality rate considering they were less severely injured. Among other factors, age was the greatest independent predictor for in-hospital mortality in all pelvic fracture patients.

     

Operative delay and mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture: an observational study

Background

Hip fracture is the third cause of death among the elderly and appears to be increasingly frequent. We analysed the influence of the major variables in hip fracture management in relation to 30-day mortality.

Materials and methods

The records of all patients with isolated hip fracture treated at a regional trauma centre from January 1995 to September 2008 were reviewed. Data on demographics, comorbidities, operative delay, complications, functional status at discharge and mortality were collected and subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The cohort included 1,199 patients; the mortality rate was 11.7 %. Surgery was performed within 48 h of injury in 17.7 % and after more than 48 h in 82.3 %; the mortality rate was 9.27 % in the former and 10.4 % in the latter patients; however, at variance with previous reports, operative delay was not associated with a worse outcome in patients with comorbidities.

Conclusions

Our data support the policy envisaging fracture repair within 48 h in stable patients and delayed surgery (>48 h) in those with comorbidity conditions requiring stabilization.     

An in-hospital mortality equation for mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units

Objective

To develop an equation model of in-hospital mortality for mechanically ventilated patients in adult intensive care using administrative data for the purpose of retrospective performance comparison among intensive care units (ICUs).

Design

Two models were developed using the split-half method, in which one test dataset and two validation datasets were used to develop and validate the prediction model, respectively. Nine candidate variables (demographics: age; gender; clinical factors hospital admission course; primary diagnosis; reason for ICU entry; Charlson score; number of organ failures; procedures and therapies administered at any time during ICU admission: renal replacement therapy; pressors/vasoconstrictors) were used for developing the equation model.

Setting

In acute-care teaching hospitals in Japan: 282 ICUs in 2008, 310 ICUs in 2009, and 364 ICUs in 2010.

Participants

Mechanically ventilated adult patients discharged from an ICU from July 1 to December 31 in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Main Outcome Measures: The test dataset consisted of 5,807 patients in 2008, and the validation datasets consisted of 10,610 patients in 2009 and 7,576 patients in 2010. Two models were developed: Model 1 (using independent variables of demographics and clinical factors), Model 2 (using procedures and therapies administered at any time during ICU admission in addition to the variables in Model 1). Using the test dataset, 8 variables (except for gender) were included in multiple logistic regression analysis with in-hospital mortality as the dependent variable, and the mortality prediction equation was constructed. Coefficients from the equation were then tested in the validation model.

Results

Hosmer–Lemeshow χ ² are values for the test dataset in Model 1 and Model 2, and were 11.9 (P = 0.15) and 15.6 (P = 0.05), respectively; C-statistics for the test dataset in Model 1and Model 2 were 0.70 and 0.78, respectively. In-hospital mortality prediction for the validation datasets showed low and moderate accuracy in Model 1 and Model 2, respectively.

Conclusions

Model 2 may potentially serve as an alternative model for predicting mortality in mechanically ventilated patients, who have so far required physiological data for the accurate prediction of outcomes. Model 2 may facilitate the comparative evaluation of in-hospital mortality in multicenter analyses based on administrative data for mechanically ventilated patients.     

Predictors of early and late outcome after total arch replacement for atherosclerotic aortic arch aneurysm

Objectives

This study aimed to identify predictors of early and late outcome after total arch replacement (TAR) for atherosclerotic aortic arch aneurysm.

Methods

TAR with separate arch vessel grafting and selective cerebral perfusion was performed in 130 patients. The median age at operation was 72.9 ± 6.1 years (57–86 years). Emergency operation was performed in 9 patients (6.9 %) and the frozen elephant trunk technique was used in 51 patients (39.2 %).

Results

The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.8 %. Chronic renal failure (CRF) was identified as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (p = 0.0001). Permanent neurological dysfunction occurred in nine patients (6.9 %). Clot or atheroma in the aneurysm (p = 0.01) and the duration of selective cerebral perfusion (p = 0.011) were identified as independent predictors of permanent neurological dysfunction. Long-term survival rates were 82.0 % at 3 years, 70.0 % at 5 years, and 52.4 % at 8 years postoperatively. CRF (p = 0.0190), age (p = 0.0147), and permanent neurological dysfunction (p = 0.0048) were identified as independent predictors of long-term mortality.

Conclusions

Prevention of permanent neurological dysfunction is crucial for long-term survival after TAR. Older patients with renal dysfunction may have reduced long-term survival after TAR.     

Achieving hip fracture surgery within 36 hours: an investigation of risk factors to surgical delay and recommendations for practice

Background

The UK hip fracture best practice tariff (BPT) aims to deliver hip fracture surgery within 36 h of admission. Ensuring that delays are reserved for conditions which compromise survival, but are responsive to medical optimisation, would help to achieve this target. We aimed to identify medical risk factors of surgical delay, and assess their impact on mortality.

Materials and methods

Prospectively collected patient data was obtained from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD). Medical determinants of surgical delay were identified and analysed using a multivariate regression analysis. The mortality risk associated with each factor contributing to surgical delay was then calculated.

Results

A total 1361 patients underwent hip fracture surgery, of which 537 patients (39.5 %) received surgery within 36 h of admission. Following multivariate analyses, only hyponatraemia was deduced to be a significant risk factor for delay RR = 1.24 (95 % CI 1.06–1.44). However, following a validated propensity score matching process, a Pearson chi-square test failed to demonstrate a statistical difference in mortality incidence between the hypo- and normonatraemic patients [χ ² (1, N = 512) = 0.10, p = 0.757].

Conclusions

Hip fracture surgery should not be delayed in the presence of non-severe and isolated hyponatraemia. Instead, surgical delay may only be warranted in the presence of medical conditions which contribute to mortality and are optimisable.

Level of evidence

III