Racial and ethnic differences in pediatric surgery utilization in the United States: A nationally representative cross-sectional analysis

ObjectivesChildren of minority background have reduced access to surgery. This study assessed for racial/ethnic differences in surgical utilization by location.Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of U.S. children (0–17 years of age) participating in the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS, 2015–2018). Race/ethnicity was the variable of interest. The primary outcome variables were prevalence rates of surgery defined by location of surgical procedure (inpatient, emergency department, hospital outpatient, and office). Covariates included contextual factors that may influence access to and need for healthcare services, including age, sex, insurance status, residential geographic status, usual source of care, and parental reports of child's physical and mental health. We employed multivariate logistic regression models to assess the relationship between outcomes and race/ethnicity.ResultsThe study population included 31,024 children with an overall surgical rate of 4.8%. Adjusted odds of surgery in an ambulatory location were lower for all racial/ethnic minority groups compared to non-Hispanic White counterparts (non-Hispanic Black aOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2–0.5; Hispanic aOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3–0.6; non-Hispanic Asian aOR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.0–0.5 for hospital outpatient surgery; for office-based setting, non-Hispanic Black aOR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.6; Hispanic aOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4–0.7; non-Hispanic Asian aOR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.3–0.7). No racial/ethnic differences were observed for surgical procedures in inpatient or emergency department locations.ConclusionsStaggering differences exist in pediatric surgery utilization patterns by racial/ethnic background, even after adjusting for important contextual factors (income, insurance, health status). Our findings in a nationally representative dataset may suggest systemic barriers related to racial/ethnic background for the pediatric surgical population.     

Racial/ethnic differences in bone mineral density among older women

The epidemiologic information regarding international differences in bone mineral density (BMD) in women is currently insufficient. We compared BMD in older women across five racial/ethnic groups in four countries. The femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine BMD were measured in women (aged 65–74 years) from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) (5,035 Caucasian women and 256 African American women in the US), the Tobago Women’s Health Study (116 Afro-Caribbean women), the Ms Os Hong Kong Study (794 Hong Kong Chinese women) and the Namwon Study (1,377 South Korean women). BMD was corrected according to the cross-site calibration results for all scanners. When compared with US Caucasian women, the age adjusted mean BMD measurements at the hip sites were 21–31 % higher among Tobago Afro-Caribbean women and 13–23 % higher among African American women. The total hip and spine BMD values were 4–5 % lower among Hong Kong Chinese women and 4–7 % lower among South Korean women compared to US Caucasians. The femoral neck BMD was similar in Hong Kong Chinese women, but higher among South Korean women compared to US Caucasians. Current/past estrogen use was a significant contributing factor to the difference in BMD between US versus non-US women. Differences in body weight partially explained the difference in BMD between Asian versus non-Asian women. These findings show substantial racial/ethnic differences in BMD even within African or Asian origin individuals, and highlight the contributing role of body weight and estrogen use to the geographic and racial/ethnic variation in BMD.     

Racial and ethnic differences in trends of end-stage renal disease: United States, 1995 to 2005

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority populations in the United States, whereas the prevalence of ESRD risk factors such as diabetes continues to increase. Using data from the US Renal Data System, we examined trends in ESRD incidence, including ESRD caused by diabetes or hypertension. We determined the total number of persons in the United States by race/ethnicity who began treatment during 1995 to 2005 for ESRD and for ESRD with diabetes or hypertension as the primary diagnosis. Incidence rates were calculated by using census data and age-adjusted based on the 2000 US standard population. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze trends. Overall, during 1995 to 2005, the age-adjusted ESRD incidence increased from 260.7 per million to 350.9 per million, but the rate of increase slowed from 1998 to 2005. In the 2000s, compared with the 1990s, the age-adjusted ESRD incidence has continued to increase but at a slower rate among whites and blacks and has decreased significantly among Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics. The disparity gap in ESRD incidence between minority populations and whites narrowed during 1995 to 2005. Continued interventions to reduce the prevalence of ESRD risk factors are needed to decrease ESRD incidence.     

Racial and ethnic differences in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a significant public health issue in the United States. This common and costly disease is a major cause of disability in elderly women. Although advances have been made in awareness, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, osteoporosis remains a silent and underdiagnosed disease for many women. However, osteoporosis is particularly underdiagnosed in women in racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Even though the opportunity for prevention is great, disparities in incidence, awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes exist across racial and ethnic lines.     

Racial/ethnic differences in hip and diaphyseal femur fractures

Summary

Contemporary femur fracture rates were examined in northern California women and compared by race/ethnicity. During 2006–2012, hip fracture rates declined, but diaphyseal fracture rates increased, especially in Asians. Women with diaphyseal fracture were younger and more likely to be bisphosphonate-treated. These disparities in femur fracture should be further examined.

Introduction

The epidemiology of diaphyseal femur fracture differs from proximal femur (hip) fracture, although few studies have examined demographic variations in the current era. This study examines contemporary differences in low-energy femur fracture by race/ethnicity in a large, diverse integrated health-care delivery system.

Methods

The incidence of hip and diaphyseal fracture in northern California women aged ≥50 years old during 2006–2012 was examined. Hip (femoral neck and pertrochanteric) fractures were classified by hospital diagnosis codes, while diaphyseal (subtrochanteric and femoral shaft) fractures were further adjudicated based on radiologic findings. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from health plan databases. Fracture incidence was examined over time and by race/ethnicity.

Results

There were 10,648 (97.3 %) hip and 300 (2.7 %) diaphyseal fractures among 10,493 women. The age-adjusted incidence of hip fracture fell from 281 to 240 per 100,000 women and was highest for white women. However, diaphyseal fracture rates increased over time, with a significant upward trend in Asians (9 to 27 per 100,000) who also had the highest rate of diaphyseal fracture. Women with diaphyseal fracture were younger than women with hip fracture, more likely to be of Asian race and to have received bisphosphonate drugs. Women with longer bisphosphonate treatment duration were also more likely to have a diaphyseal fracture, especially younger Asian women.

Conclusion

During 2006 to 2012, hip fracture rates declined, but diaphyseal fracture rates increased, particularly among Asian women. The association of diaphyseal fracture and bisphosphonate therapy should be further investigated with examination of fracture pattern.     

Racial and ethnic differences in the incidence and progression of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in children

Idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in pediatric and adult patients. Most children with FSGS do not respond to any form of therapy and progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). FSGS reoccurs in the transplanted kidney in approximately one third of initial transplants and in a substantially higher percentage of subsequent transplants once FSGS has recurred in an earlier transplant. Thus, FSGS is a disease with substantial morbidity. Over the past several years, the incidence of FSGS in adults and children appears to be increasing, particularly in certain racial groups and ethnic populations. Several recent studies in adult and pediatric patients suggest that the incidence of FSGS is increasing particularly in the black population. In addition, some studies have also demonstrated a more rapid progression of FSGS to ESRD in black patients compared to other ethnic groups. Racial and ethnic background is likely to have a substantial influence on the incidence and progression of FSGS in children and adults. It is likely that specific genes or a combination of genes influence the different clinical manifestations of FSGS in racial and ethnic groups. Genetic mutations in NPHS1 gene, which encodes nephrin, have been found to cause congenital nephrotic syndrome. Genetic mutations in the NPHS2 gene, which encodes podocin, recently have been shown to be strongly associated with a recessive form of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Mutations in the ACTN4 gene that encodes actinin 4 has also been associated with familial nephrotic syndrome. A role for ACE polymorphisms in the progression of FSGS has been found in some studies. Future investigations to identify polymorphisms that influence the development of FSGS, the progression of FSGS, and the response to therapy will greatly improve understanding of the pathogenesis and management of FSGS.     

The incidence of traumatic brain injury among children in the United States: differences by race

OBJECTIVE: This report summarizes the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department (ED) visits by race among children aged 0-14 years in the United States. Few other studies have reported the incidence of TBI in this population by race. METHODS: Data from 3 nationally representative sources maintained by the National Center for Health Statistics were used to report the annual numbers and rates of TBI-related deaths, hospitalizations, and ED visits during 1995-2001 by race, age, and external cause of injury. RESULTS: An estimated 475,000 TBIs occurred among children aged 0-14 each year. Rates were highest among children aged 0-4. For children aged 0-9 years, both death and hospitalization rates were significantly higher for blacks than whites for motor vehicle-traffic-related TBIs. CONCLUSION: With nearly half a million children affected each year, TBI is a serious public health problem. Variation in rates by race suggest the need to more closely examine the factors that contribute to these differences, such as the external causes of the injury and associated modifiable factors (e.g., the use of seatbelts and child safety seats).     

Late initiation of dialysis among women and ethnic minorities in the United States

The ideal timing of initiation of renal replacement (RRT) therapy has been debated. It is currently recommended that RRT be instituted once the GFR falls below 10.5 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), unless edema-free body weight is stable or increased, the normalized protein nitrogen appearance rate is 0.8 g/kg per d or greater, and there are no clinical signs or symptoms of uremia. However, the mean estimated GFR at initiation of dialysis in the United States is 7.1 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). Factors that are associated with timing of initiation of dialysis in the United States are not clear. A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the factors that are associated with late initiation of dialysis as defined by GFR at initiation of less than 5 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) among patients who began dialysis in the United States between 1995 and 1997. Data were obtained from the U.S. Renal Data System, and GFR was estimated using the formula derived from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study. Twenty-three percent of patients started dialysis late. In the multivariate analysis, women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.70), Hispanics and Asians (OR = 1.47 and 1.66, respectively, compared with Caucasians), uninsured patients (OR = 1.55 compared with private insurance), and employed patients (OR = 1.20) were more likely to start dialysis late. Patients with diabetes, cardiac disease, peripheral vascular disease, and poor functional status were less likely to start dialysis late compared with patients without these comorbid conditions. Certain nonclinical patient characteristics, notably female gender, race, and lack of insurance, are related to an increased likelihood of late initiation of dialysis. These factors may reflect reduced access to care. Additional studies are indicated to determine the potential impact of reduced access to care and whether late initiation of dialysis results in adverse clinical and economic outcomes among patients with end-stage renal disease in the United States.     

Racial and ethnic differences in kidney function decline among persons without chronic kidney disease

Whether the rate of kidney function decline before the onset of CKD differs among racial and ethnic groups remains unclear. Here, we evaluated kidney function decline and incident CKD among white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) during 5 years of follow-up. We estimated GFR using both cystatin C (eGFRcys) and creatinine (eGFRcreat). The definition of incident CKD required eGFRcys <60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) and a decline in eGFRcys ≥1 ml/min per year. Among participants with eGFRcreat >60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) at baseline, blacks had a significantly higher rate of kidney function decline than whites (0.31 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)/yr faster on average, P=0.001), even after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. Among Hispanics, Dominicans and Puerto Ricans had faster rates of decline than whites (0.55 and 0.47 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)/yr faster, respectively). Mexicans, South Americans, or other Hispanics had similar rates of decline compared to whites. We did not detect significant differences in the rates of kidney function decline among Chinese and white participants. Among those with normal or near-normal kidney function at baseline, blacks and Hispanics had the highest rates of incident CKD during follow-up. Adjustment for comorbidities attenuated some of these differences. In conclusion, the average rate of kidney function decline before the onset of CKD differs among racial and ethnic groups. Traditional risk factors do not explain these differences fully, highlighting the need to explore these disparities.     

Racial differences in the incidence of acute low back pain in United States military service members

STUDY DESIGN.: An epidemiological study. OBJECTIVE.: To determine the effect of race on the incidence of acute low back pain, resulting in a health care encounter in active duty military service members. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Although racial differences in the incidence of low back pain have been documented in previous studies, currently no consensus exists on the relative risk between these groups. METHODS.: A query was performed using the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center database for the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code for low back pain (724.20). A total of 12,399,276 person-years of data were analyzed and stratified by age, race, and sex. Incidence rates were calculated and compared using the multivariate Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS.: A total of 467,950 cases of low back pain resulted in a visit to a health care provider in our population, with an overall incidence rate of 37.74 per 1000 person-years. Asians/Pacific Islanders had the lowest incidence rate of 30.7 and blacks had the highest with 43.7. Female sex and older age were also significant risk factors but with significantly different effect sizes between racial groups. Native Americans/Alaskan Natives demonstrated the greatest effect of age on low back pain incidence rates, with a 126% increase between the youngest and oldest age groups compared with a 36% difference in whites. CONCLUSION.: Race, sex, and age were all found to be significant risk factors for acute low back pain. The highest rates were identified in blacks followed by whites, Hispanics, and American Indian/Alaskan Native, and the lowest rates were identified in Asians/Pacific Islanders. Significant differences in the effect of sex and age were identified between the different racial groups.     

Racial differences in the progression from chronic renal insufficiency to end-stage renal disease in the United States

Black Americans experience a disproportionate burden of ESRD compared with whites. Whether this is caused by the increased prevalence of chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) among blacks or by their increased progression from CRI to ESRD was investigated. A birth cohort analysis was performed using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the United States Renal Data System. It was assumed that those who developed ESRD in 1996 aged 25 to 79 yr came from the source population with CRI aged 20 to 74 yr that was sampled in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (midpoint 1991). GFR was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study equation. The prevalence of CRI (GFR 15 to 59 ml/min per 1.73 m(2)) was not different among black compared with white adults (2060 versus 2520 per 100,000; P = 0.14). For each 100 blacks with CRI in 1991, five new cases of ESRD developed in 1996, whereas only one case of ESRD developed per 100 whites with CRI (risk ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.9 to 8.4). The increased risk for blacks compared with whites was only modestly affected by adjustment for age, gender, and diabetes. Blacks with CRI had higher systolic (147 versus 136 mmHg; P = 0.001) and diastolic (82 versus 77 mmHg; P = 0.02) BP and greater albuminuria (422 versus 158 micro g urine albumin/mg urine creatinine; P = 0.01). The higher incidence of ESRD among blacks is not due to a greater prevalence of CRI among blacks. The key to understanding black-white differences in ESRD incidence lies in understanding the extreme differences in their progression from CRI to ESRD.     

Bariatric surgery practice patterns among pediatric surgeons in the United States

BackgroundMetabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in adolescents has been shown to be safe and effective, but current practice patterns are variable and poorly understood. The aim of this study is to assess current MBS practice patterns among pediatric surgeons in the United States.MethodsAmerican Pediatric Surgical Association members were surveyed on current bariatric surgery practices.ResultsFour hundred and three (40%) surgeons out of a total of 1013 pediatric surgeons responded to the survey. Only 2 respondents had additional training in MBS (0.5%). One hundred thirty-two (32.6%) report that their practice participates in metabolic and bariatric surgery, with 123 (30.4%) having a specific partner specializing in MBS. Most respondents (92%) stated that they believe high volume is associated with better outcomes with regard to MBS. Only 17 (4.2%) surgeons performed a metabolic and bariatric surgery in the last year. All routinely perform sleeve gastrectomy as their primary procedure. Most (82%) perform procedures with an additional surgeon, either another pediatric surgeon (47%) or an adult bariatric surgeon (47%). All pediatric bariatric surgeons responded that they believe high volume led to better outcomes. Adolescent MBS programs most commonly included pediatric nutritionists (94%), pediatric psychologists (94%), clinical nurses (71%), clinical coordinators (59%), pediatric endocrinologists (59%), and exercise physiologists (52%).ConclusionOnly 17 (4.2%) respondents had performed a metabolic and bariatric surgery in the past year, and few of those had additional training in MBS. Future work is necessary to better understand optimal practice patterns for adolescent metabolic and bariatric surgery.Type of studyReview article.Level of evidenceLevel III.     

Hierarchy in surgery in the United States

There are few if any hierarchical structures in American surgery. The surgical department consists of general surgery and a variable number of subspecialties. It usually has a small number of main teaching hospitals, frequently in addition to the University Hospital, a County Hospital and a Veterans Administration Hospital. The faculty consists of all physicians who have finished their specialty training and hold a teaching appointment at the university. The members of the faculty are free and independent in their clinical teaching and research activities. Each teaching hospital has chief of surgery and each academic division (i.e. general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, oncologic surgery) is also headed by a chief of this section. The chairman of the department represents the department externally and internally, is responsible for the organization and the finances of the department, the education and training of students and residents as well as quality control relating to clinical activities, research and teaching.     

Racial ethnic differences in rates and determinants of deceased donor kidney transplantation

Contemporary studies have not comprehensively compared waiting times and determinants of deceased donor kidney transplantation across all major racial ethnic groups in the Unites States. Here, we compared relative rates and determinants of waitlisting and deceased donor kidney transplantation among 503,090 nonelderly adults of different racial ethnic groups who initiated hemodialysis between1995 and 2006 with follow-up through 2008. Annual rates of deceased donor transplantation from the time of dialysis initiation were lowest in American Indians/Alaska Natives (2.4%) and blacks (2.8%), intermediate in Pacific Islanders (3.1%) and Hispanics (3.2%), and highest in whites (5.9%) and Asians (6.4%). Lower rates of deceased donor transplantation among most racial ethnic minority groups appeared primarily to reflect differences in time from waitlisting to transplantation, but this was not the result of higher rates of waitlist inactivity or removal from the waitlist. The fraction of the reduced transplant rates attributable to measured factors (e.g., demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, linguistic, and geographic factors) varied from 14% in blacks to 43% in American Indians/Alaska Natives compared with whites. In conclusion, adjusted rates of deceased donor kidney transplantation remain significantly lower among racial ethnic minorities compared with whites; generally, differences in time to waitlisting were not as pronounced as differences in time between waitlisting and transplantation. Determinants of delays in time to transplantation differed substantially by racial ethnic group. Area-based efforts targeted to address racial- and ethnic-specific delays in transplantation may help to reduce overall disparities in deceased donor kidney transplantation in the United States.