Predictors of early rebleeding after endoscopic therapy in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to high-risk lesions

BACKGROUND:

In an era of increasingly shortened admissions, data regarding predictors of early rebleeding among patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) exhibiting high-risk stigmata (HRS) having undergone endoscopic hemostasis are lacking.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine predictors of early rebleeding, defined as rebleeding before completion of recommended 72 h intravenous proton pump inhibitor infusion postendoscopic hemostasis.

METHODS:

Data from a national registry of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (the REASON registry) were accessed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were sequentially performed to identify significant independent predictors among a comprehensive list of clinical and laboratory characteristics.

RESULTS:

Overall, 393 patients underwent endoscopic hemostasis for NVUGIB with HRS. Forty patients rebled ≤72 h thereafter (32.5% female, mean [± SD] age 70.2±11.8 years, 2.88±2.11 comorbidities), while 21 rebled later (38.1% female, mean 70.5±14.1 years of age, 2.62±2.06 comorbidities). Hematemesis or bright red blood per nasogastric tube aspirate was identified as the sole independent significant predictor of early rebleeding versus later among both NVUGIB and, more specifically, patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (OR 7.94 [95% CI 1.80 to 35.01]; P<0.01, and OR 8.41 [95% CI 1.54 to 46.10]; P=0.014, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

When attempting to determine the optimal duration of pharmacotherapy and timing of discharge for patients following endoscopic hemostasis for NVUGIB with HRS, it is noteworthy that individuals who present with hematemesis or bright red blood per nasogastric tube aspirate are at particularly high risk for rebleeding within the first 72 h.     

Adherence to guidelines: A national audit of the management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The REASON registry

OBJECTIVES:

To assess process of care in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) using a national cohort, and to identify predictors of adherence to ‘best practice’ standards.

METHODS:

Consecutive charts of patients hospitalized for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding across 21 Canadian hospitals were reviewed. Data regarding initial presentation, endoscopic management and outcomes were collected. Results were compared with ‘best practice’ using established guidelines on NVUGIB. Adherence was quantified and independent predictors were evaluated using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS:

Overall, 2020 patients (89.4% NVUGIB, variceal in 10.6%) were included (mean [± SD] age 66.3±16.4 years; 38.4% female). Endoscopy was performed in 1612 patients: 1533 with NVUGIB had endoscopic lesions (63.1% ulcers; high-risk stigmata in 47.8%). Early endoscopy was performed in 65.6% and an assistant was present in 83.5%. Only 64.5% of patients with high-risk stigmata received endoscopic hemostasis; 9.8% of patients exhibiting low-risk stigmata also did. Intravenous proton pump inhibitor was administered after endoscopic hemostasis in 95.7%. Rebleeding and mortality rates were 10.5% and 9.4%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that low American Society of Anesthesiologists score patients had fewer assistants present during endoscopy (OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.48 to 0.83), a hemoglobin level <70 g/L predicted inappropriate high-dose intravenous proton pump inhibitor use in patients with low-risk stigmata, and endoscopies performed during regular hours were associated with longer delays from presentation (OR 0.33 [95% CI 0.24 to 0.47]).

CONCLUSION:

There was variability between the process of care and ‘best practice’ in NVUGIB. Certain patient and situational characteristics may influence guideline adherence. Dissemination initiatives must identify and focus on such considerations to improve quality of care.     

Why do mortality rates for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding differ around the world? A systematic review of cohort studies

BACKGROUND:

Discrepancies exist in reported mortality rates of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB).

OBJECTIVE:

To perform a systematic review assessing possible reasons for these disparate findings and to more reliably compare them.

METHODS:

The MEDLINE, EMBASE and ISI Web of Knowledge databases were searched for studies reporting mortality rates in NVUGIB involving adults and published in English. To ensure robust and contemporary estimates, studies spanning 1996 to January 2011 that included more than 1000 patients were selected.

RESULTS:

Eighteen of 3077 studies were selected. Ten studies used administrative databases and the remaining eight used registries. The mortality rates reported in these studies ranged from 1.1% in Japan to 11% in Denmark. There were variations in reported mortality rates among countries and also within countries. Reasons for these disparities included a spectrum of quality in reporting as well as heterogeneous definitions of case ascertainment, differing patient populations with regard to severity of presentation and associated comorbidities, varying durations of follow-up and different health care system-related practices.

CONCLUSIONS:

Wide differences in reported NVUGIB mortality rates are attributable to differences in adopted methodologies and populations studied. More uniform standards in reporting are needed; only then can true observed variations enable a better understanding of causes of death and pave the way to improved patient outcomes.     

Acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding—experience of a tertiary care center in southern India

Background and Aim

Over the last few decades, epidemiologic studies from the West have shown changing trends in etiology and clinical outcomes in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleed (NVUGIB). There are limited data from India on the current status of NVUGIB. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the etiological profile and outcomes of patients with NVUGIB at our center.

Methods

We prospectively studied all patients (≥15 years) who presented with NVUGIB over a period of 1 year. The clinical and laboratory data, details of endoscopy, and course in hospital were systematically recorded. Outcome measures assessed were rebleeding rate, surgery, and mortality.

Results

Two hundred and fourteen patients (age, ≥15 years) presented to us with NVUGIB during the study period. The mean age was 49.9?±?16.8 years and 73.8 % were males. Peptic ulcer was the commonest cause (32.2 %) of NVUGIB. About one third of patients required endoscopic therapy. Rebleeding occurred in 8.9 % patients, surgery was required in 3.7 %, and mortality rate was 5.1 %. Rebleeding and mortality were significantly higher among inpatients developing acute NVUGIB compared to those presenting directly to the emergency room.

Conclusions

Peptic ulcer was the most common cause of NVUGIB. Outcomes (rebleed, surgery, and mortality) at our center appear similar to those currently being reported from the West.     

Acetylsalicylic acid use in patients with acute myocardial infarction and peptic ulcer bleeding

BACKGROUND:

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) but is also a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease (PUD) bleeding.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the factors associated with continued ASA use in patients with AMI who develop PUD bleeding.

METHODS:

AMI patients who developed PUD bleeding during the same hospitalization at two tertiary care hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, between January 1999 and December 2006, were evaluated retrospectively. Multivariate analysis was used to determine predictors of the primary outcome of continued ASA use during PUD bleeding.

RESULTS:

A total of 102 patients were analyzed. Thirty-eight patients (37%) were continued on ASA, while 64 (63%) had ASA discontinued during their hospitalization. On multivariate regression analysis, significant predictors of continued ASA use included low-risk ulcer stigmata on endoscopy (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 10.2; P=0.01) and AMI requiring coronary intervention (OR 8.2; 95% CI 2.1 to 32.1; P=0.002). The mean (± SD) blood transfusion requirement was 3.9±3.6 units. The 30-day rebleeding and mortality rates were 14% and 14%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The continued use of ASA during AMI and PUD bleeding was variable. However, patients with low-risk ulcers and those who received coronary intervention were more likely to have ASA continued during PUD bleeding. Further studies evaluating the gastrointestinal risk of immediate ASA use in AMI with acute PUD bleeding are required.     

Barriers to the implementation of practice guidelines in managing patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A qualitative approach

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE:

Guidelines for the management of patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) are inconsistently applied by health care providers, potentially resulting in suboptimal care and patient outcomes. A needs assessment was performed to assess health care providers’ barriers to the implementation of these guidelines in Canada.

METHODS:

Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted by trained research personnel with 22 selectively sampled health care professionals actively treating and managing NVUGIB patients, including emergency room physicians (ER), intensivists (ICU), gastroenterologists (GI), gastroenterology nurses and hospital administrators. Participants were chosen from a representative sample of six Canadian community- and academic-based hospitals that participated in a national Canadian audit on the management of NVUGIB.

RESULTS:

Participants reported substantive gaps in the implementation of NVUGIB guidelines that included the following: lack of knowledge of the specifics of the NVUGIB guidelines (ER, ICU, nurses); limited belief in the value of guidelines, especially in areas where evidence is lacking (ER, ICU); limited belief in the value of available tools to support implementation of guidelines (GI); lack of knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of health care professions and disciplines, and lack of effective collaboration skills (ER, ICU and GI); variability of knowledge and skills of health care professionals within professions (eg, variability of nurses’ knowledge and skills in endoscopic procedures); and perceived overuse of intravenous proton pump inhibitor treatment, with limited concern regarding cost or side effect implications (all participants).

CONCLUSIONS:

In the present study population, ER, ICU and nurses did not adhere to NVUGIB guidelines because they were neither aware of nor familiar with them, whereas the GI lack of adherence to NVUGIB guidelines was influenced more by attitudinal and contextual barriers. These findings can guide the design of multifaceted educational and behavioural interventions when attempting to effectively disseminate existing guidelines, and for guideline implementation into practice.     

Endoscopic management of gastric variceal bleeding with cyanoacrylate glue injection: safety and efficacy in a Canadian population

BACKGROUND:

Gastric variceal bleeding (GVB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with portal hypertension. Endoscopic band ligation and standard sclerotherapy have been used but have significant limitations. Decompression through transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion has been shown to be effective. Gastric variceal injection therapy with a commercially available cyanoacrylate glue is less invasive than transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion and has recently been shown to be effective for acute hemostasis.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the immediate and long-term outcomes of cyanoacrylate glue injection therapy for GVB.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients treated with cyanoacrylate injection for GVB at two tertiary care hospitals over a period of six years. The outcomes assessed included complications, acute hemostasis, rebleeding rate and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS:

Thirty-seven patients (60% men) underwent cyanoacrylate glue injections for GVB. The median follow-up period was 14 months and included 29 patients (eight were lost to follow-up). Initial hemostasis was achieved in 35 patients (95%). No significant complications from cyanoacrylate injection were observed. Early rebleeding was rare (8%) and late rebleeding occurred in only 28% of patients. The all-cause mortality rate was 28.6% during the median follow-up period.

CONCLUSION:

The data suggest that cyanoacrylate injection therapy is safe and effective for the prevention of short- and long-term bleeding from gastric varices. Furthermore, although these patients had significant comorbid disease, survival in the follow-up time period was greater than 70%.     

Time to endoscopy and outcomes in upper gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies show that immediate endoscopies do not affect outcomes in patients; however, endoscopic interventions have evolved. The present retrospective review of endoscopies performed at a large teaching hospital assessed the timing of endoscopy with respect to the morbidity and mortality of UGIB.

METHODS

Diagnostic billing codes were used to assess all inpatients of gastroenterologists at the University Hospital of the London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, from July 2004 to June 2006, using a centralized data recording system. Time to endoscopy (within 6 h, 6 h to 24 h and beyond 24 h) were compared for the outcomes of mortality, need for surgery and transfusion requirements.

RESULTS

From July 2004 to June 2006, there were 502 upper endoscopies performed for the indication of suspected UGIB and 375 for overt acute nonvariceal UGIB. Approximately 10% of cases revealed variceal bleeding. When comparing endoscopy within 6 h with endoscopy at 6 h to 24 h, there were no significant differences in mortality, need for surgery (OR 3.6 and 2.8, respectively, compared with endoscopy beyond 24 h) or transfusion requirements. Even when assessing the group that received endoscopic hemostasis, time to endoscopy was not associated with better outcomes. Multivariate analysis did not demonstrate any advantages for early endoscopy (less than 6 h) compared with endoscopy within 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding can be effectively managed with endoscopy within 24 h.     

Indicators of safety compromise in gastrointestinal endoscopy

INTRODUCTION:

The importance of quality indicators has become increasingly recognized in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patient safety requires the identification and monitoring of occurrences associated with harm or the potential for harm. The identification of relevant indicators of safety compromise is, therefore, a critical element that is key to the effective implementation of endoscopy quality improvement programs.

OBJECTIVE:

To identify key indicators of safety compromise in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

METHODS:

The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology Safety and Quality Indicators in Endoscopy Consensus Group was formed to address issues of quality in endoscopy. A subcommittee was formed to identify key safety indicators. A systematic literature review was undertaken, and articles pertinent to safety in endoscopy were identified and reviewed. All complications and measures used to document safety were recorded. From this, a preliminary list of 16 indicators was compiled and presented to the 35-person consensus group during a three-day meeting. A revised list of 20 items was subsequently put to the consensus group for vote for inclusion on the final list of safety indicators. Items were retained only if the consensus group highly agreed on their importance.

RESULTS:

A total of 19 indicators of safety compromise were retained and grouped into the three following categories: medication-related – the need for CPR, use of reversal agents, hypoxia, hypotension, hypertension, sedation doses in patients older than 70 years of age, allergic reactions and laryngospasm/bronchospasm; procedure-related early – perforation, immediate postpolypectomy bleeding, need for hospital admission or transfer to emergency department from the gastroenterology unit, instrument impaction, severe persistent abdominal pain requiring evaluation proven to not be perforation; and procedure-related delayed – death within 30 days of procedure, 14-day unplanned hospitalization, 14-day unplanned contact with a health provider, gastrointestinal bleeding within 14 days of procedure, infection or symptomatic metabolic complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

The 19 indicators of safety compromise in endoscopy, identified by a rigorous, evidence-based consensus process, provide clear outcomes to be recorded by all facilities as part of their continuing quality improvement programs.     

Prophylactic application of levosimendan in cardiac surgical patients with severe left ventricle dysfunction

BACKGROUND:

Levosimendan improves myocardial contractility, and increases systemic, pulmonary and coronary vasodilation. The present study investigates the perioperative hemodynamic effects of a prophylactic infusion of levosimendan in high-risk cardiac surgery patients with severe left ventricle dysfunction, and compares short-term clinical outcomes with a historical control group in which dobutamine and milrinone were used.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A retrospective, observational study was performed in 10 adult patients with EuroSCOREs greater than six and severe left ventricle dysfunction. In the study group, prophylactic levosimendan infusion was started after the induction of general anesthesia (bolus 24 μg/kg over 10 min; continuous infusion 0.1 μg/kg/min over the next 24 h). The historical control group (12 patients) was treated with dobutamine and milrinone. The hemodynamic measurements were performed at eight predetermined time points. Short-term clinical outcomes recorded in both groups were the length of intensive care unit stay, the need for dialysis, the length of hospital stay, predicted mortality (logistic EuroSCORE) and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS:

Hemodynamic measurements performed in the study group revealed an increase in cardiac index 30 min after levosimendan infusion was started. Cardiac performance was sufficient throughout the entire perioperative period. The length of intensive care unit stay was not different between the groups, but the length of hospital stay (10.4±5.0 versus 26.6±17.6 days; P=0.01) and 30-day mortality (0% versus 41.7%; P=0.04) were significantly lower in levosimendan-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Levosimendan seemed to be an effective choice for preventing left ventricle failure in high-risk cardiac surgical patients with severe left ventricle dysfunction compared with patients receiving dobutamine and milrinone.     

Summary of guidelines for infection prevention and control for flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy

BACKGROUND:

High-quality processes to ensure infection prevention and control in the delivery of safe endoscopy services are essential. In 2010, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) developed a Canadian guideline for the reprocessing of flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy equipment.

METHODS:

The CAG Endoscopy Committee carefully reviewed the 2010 guidelines and prepared an executive summary.

RESULTS:

Key elements relevant to infection prevention and control for flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy were highlighted for each of the recommendations included in the 2010 document. The 2010 guidelines consist of seven sections, including administrative recommendations, as well as recommendations for endoscopy and endoscopy decontamination equipment, reprocessing endoscopes and accessories, endoscopy unit design, quality management, outbreak investigation and management, and classic and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

DISCUSSION:

The recommendations for infection prevention and control for flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy are intended for all individuals with responsibility for endoscopes in all settings where endoscopy is performed.     

Timing of rebleeding in high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding after successful hemostasis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND:

Peptic ulcer rebleeding (PUR) usually occurs within three days following endoscopic hemostasis. However, recent data have increasingly suggested delayed rebleeding.

OBJECTIVE:

To better characterize the timing of PUR (Forrest Ia to IIb) following initially successful endoscopic hemostasis.

METHODS:

An exhaustive literature search (1989 to 2013), with cross-referencing, was performed to identify pertinent randomized controlled trial (RCT) arms. Patients receiving high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) infusion following successful modern-day endoscopic hemostasis were included. A sensitivity analysis included any patients receiving PPI doses >40 mg daily. The main outcome measure was 30-day rebleeding, while weighted mean averages at t = three, seven, 14 and 28 to 30 days are also reported.

RESULTS:

Of 756 citations, six RCTs were included (561 patients; 58.5% to 89.5% male; 55.3 to 67.5 years of age). Among patients receiving high-dose PPI (five RCTs [393 patients]), 11.5% (95% CI 8.4% to 14.7%) experienced rebleeding, 55.6% (95% CI 41.1% to 70.1%) rebled within three days, 20% (95% CI 8.3% to 31.7%) between four and seven days, 17.8% (95% CI 6.6% to 28.9%) at eight to 14 days, and 6.7% (95% CI 0% to 14%) at 15 to 28 to 30 days. Using the relaxed lower PPI dosing threshold, similar respective rates were 14.4% (95% CI 11.5% to 17.3%) overall, with interval rates of 39.5% (95% CI 28.9% to 50.15%), 34.6% (95% CI 24.2% to 44.9%), 19.7% (95% CI 11% to 28.4%) and 6.2% (95% CI 0.95% to 11.5%). Qualitative review of patient characteristics, limited by small sample size, possible bias and study heterogeneity, suggested increased patient comorbidity and postendoscopic use of lower PPI dosing may predict delayed rebleeding.

CONCLUSION:

In patients with high-risk PUR undergoing successful endoscopic hemostasis, most rebled within three days, with many experiencing later rebleeding. Additional research is needed to better predict such an outcome.     

Predictive factors for colonic diverticular rebleeding: a retrospective analysis of the clinical and colonoscopic features of 111 patients

Background/Aims

Colonic diverticular bleeding can stop spontaneously or be stopped by endoscopic hemostasis. We analyzed the clinical and colonoscopic features of patients with colonic diverticular bleeding to establish the predictive factors for rebleeding.

Methods

A total of 111 patients (median age, 72 years) with colonic diverticular bleeding in Aso Iizuka Hospital between April 2007 and July 2010 were enrolled. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity, medication, location of bleeding, colonoscopic findings and hemostatic methods were analyzed retrospectively from the hospital records.

Results

The most common sites of bleeding were the ascending (39.6%) and sigmoid (29.7%) colon. Overt rebleeding occurred in 30 patients (27.0%). Spontaneous hemostasis was seen in 81 patients (73.0%), and endoscopic hemostatic treatment was performed in 30 patients. The BMI in the patients with colonic diverticular rebleeding was significantly higher than in patients without rebleeding. Colonoscopic findings of actively bleeding or nonbleeding visible vessels in the responsible diverticula were more frequent in the group with rebleeding.

Conclusions

A higher BMI and colonoscopic findings of actively bleeding or nonbleeding visible vessels can be used as predictive factors for colonic diverticular rebleeding. Patients with such findings should be carefully followed up after hemostasis of the initial colonic diverticular bleeding.     

Mortality after a cholecystectomy: a population-based study

Background

The trade-off between the benefits of surgery for gallstone disease for a large population and the risk of lethal outcome in a small minority requires knowledge of the overall mortality.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2010, 47 912 cholecystectomies for gallstone disease were registered in the Swedish Register for Cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (GallRiks). By linkage to the Swedish Death Register, the 30-day mortality after surgery was determined. The age- and sex-standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was estimated by dividing the observed mortality with the expected mortality rate in the Swedish general population 2007. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was estimated by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes retrieved from the National Patient Register.

Results

Within 30 days after surgery, 72 (0.15%) patients died. The 30-day mortality was close [SMR = 2.58; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.02–3.25] to that of the Swedish general population. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, predictors of 30-day mortality were age >70 years [odds ratio (OR) 7.04, CI: 2.23–22.26], CCI > 2 (OR 1.93, CI: 1.06–3.51), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) > 2 (OR 13.28, CI: 4.64–38.02), acute surgery (OR 10.05, CI:2.41–41.95), open surgical approach (OR 2.20, CI: 1.55–4.69) and peri-operative complications (OR 3.27, CI: 1.74–6.15).

Discussion

Mortality after cholecystectomy is low. Co-morbidity and peri-operative complications may, however, increase mortality substantially. The increased mortality risk associated with open cholecystectomy could be explained by confounding factors influencing the decision to perform open surgery.     

Quantitative culture of endotracheal aspirate and BAL fluid samples in the management of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE:

To compare 28-day mortality rates and clinical outcomes in ICU patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia according to the diagnostic strategy used.

METHODS:

This was a prospective randomized clinical trial. Of the 73 patients included in the study, 36 and 37 were randomized to undergo BAL or endotracheal aspiration (EA), respectively. Antibiotic therapy was based on guidelines and was adjusted according to the results of quantitative cultures.

RESULTS:

The 28-day mortality rate was similar in the BAL and EA groups (25.0% and 37.8%, respectively; p = 0.353). There were no differences between the groups regarding the duration of mechanical ventilation, antibiotic therapy, secondary complications, VAP recurrence, or length of ICU and hospital stay. Initial antibiotic therapy was deemed appropriate in 28 (77.8%) and 30 (83.3%) of the patients in the BAL and EA groups, respectively (p = 0.551). The 28-day mortality rate was not associated with the appropriateness of initial therapy in the BAL and EA groups (appropriate therapy: 35.7% vs. 43.3%; p = 0.553; and inappropriate therapy: 62.5% vs. 50.0%; p = 1.000). Previous use of antibiotics did not affect the culture yield in the EA or BAL group (p = 0.130 and p = 0.484, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

In the context of this study, the management of VAP patients, based on the results of quantitative endotracheal aspirate cultures, led to similar clinical outcomes to those obtained with the results of quantitative BAL fluid cultures.     

Intravenous pantoprazole as an adjuvant therapy following successful endoscopic treatment for peptic ulcer bleeding

BACKGROUND:

Several studies have suggested that proton pump inhibitors are efficacious in preventing rebleeding when administered immediately after endoscopic treatments. However, there are limited clinical outcome data on the use of intravenous pantoprazole.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous pantoprazole after successful endoscopic treatment for peptic ulcer bleeding using evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS:

The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and several Chinese databases up to July 2008 were searched. RCTs that compared the relative effectiveness of intravenous pantoprazole with placebo, H₂ receptor antagonist or other agents for patients with peptic ulcer bleeding who were pretreated with successful endoscopic therapies were retrieved.

RESULTS:

Five RCTs comprising a total of 821 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. Overall, there were significant differences in ulcer rebleeding (RR 0.31; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.53; pooled rates were 4.7% for pantoprazole and 15.0% for control), surgical intervention (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.83; pooled rates were 1.4% in pantoprazole group versus 6.5% in control) and total length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference −1.53; 95% CI −1.91 to −1.16), but not on mortality (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.81; pooled mortality rates were 1.9% for pantoprazole versus 2.8% for control) and blood transfusion requirements (weighted mean difference −0.53; 95% CI for random effects −1.04 to −0.02) when compared with control treatments. A series of subgroup analyses supported the results from the main analysis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Intravenous administration of pantoprazole after endoscopic therapy for peptic ulcer bleeding reduces rates of ulcer rebleeding, surgical intervention and overall duration of hospital stay, but not mortality and blood transfusion requirements compared with placebo, H₂ receptor antagonist or somatostatin.     

Functional Status Outperforms Comorbidities in Predicting Acute Care Readmissions in Medically Complex Patients

Objective

To examine functional status versus medical comorbidities as predictors of acute care readmissions in medically complex patients.

Design

Retrospective database study.

Setting

U.S. inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Participants

Subjects included 120,957 patients in the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation admitted to inpatient rehabilitation facilities under the medically complex impairment group code between 2002 and 2011.

Interventions

A Basic Model based on gender and functional status was developed using logistic regression to predict the odds of 3-, 7-, and 30-day readmission from inpatient rehabilitation facilities to acute care hospitals. Functional status was measured by the FIM^® motor score. The Basic Model was compared to six other predictive models—three Basic Plus Models that added a comorbidity measure to the Basic Model and three Gender-Comorbidity Models that included only gender and a comorbidity measure. The three comorbidity measures used were the Elixhauser index, Deyo-Charlson index, and Medicare comorbidity tier system. The c-statistic was the primary measure of model performance.

Main Outcome Measures

We investigated 3-, 7-, and 30-day readmission to acute care hospitals from inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Results

Basic Model c-statistics predicting 3-, 7-, and 30-day readmissions were 0.69, 0.64, and 0.65, respectively. The best-performing Basic Plus Model (Basic+Elixhauser) c-statistics were only 0.02 better than the Basic Model, and the best-performing Gender-Comorbidity Model (Gender+Elixhauser) c-statistics were more than 0.07 worse than the Basic Model.

Conclusions

Readmission models based on functional status consistently outperform models based on medical comorbidities. There is opportunity to improve current national readmission risk models to more accurately predict readmissions by incorporating functional data.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11606-015-3350-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.KEY WORDS: functional status, care transitions, statistical modeling, risk assessment, outcomes     

Performance of Surgical Risk Scores to Predict Mortality after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background

Predicting mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains a challenge.

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of 5 risk scores for cardiac surgery in predicting the 30-day mortality among patients of the Brazilian Registry of TAVI.

Methods

The Brazilian Multicenter Registry prospectively enrolled 418 patients undergoing TAVI in 18 centers between 2008 and 2013. The 30-day mortality risk was calculated using the following surgical scores: the logistic EuroSCORE I (ESI), EuroSCORE II (ESII), Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score, Ambler score (AS) and Guaragna score (GS). The performance of the risk scores was evaluated in terms of their calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow test) and discrimination [area under the receiver–operating characteristic curve (AUC)].

Results

The mean age was 81.5 ± 7.7 years. The CoreValve (Medtronic) was used in 86.1% of the cohort, and the transfemoral approach was used in 96.2%. The observed 30-day mortality was 9.1%. The 30-day mortality predicted by the scores was as follows: ESI, 20.2 ± 13.8%; ESII, 6.5 ± 13.8%; STS score, 14.7 ± 4.4%; AS, 7.0 ± 3.8%; GS, 17.3 ± 10.8%. Using AUC, none of the tested scores could accurately predict the 30-day mortality. AUC for the scores was as follows: 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49 to 0.68, p = 0.09] for ESI; 0.54 (95% CI: 0.44 to 0.64, p = 0.42) for ESII; 0.57 (95% CI: 0.47 to 0.67, p = 0.16) for AS; 0.48 (95% IC: 0.38 to 0.57, p = 0.68) for STS score; and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.42 to 0.62, p = 0.64) for GS. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test indicated acceptable calibration for all scores (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

In this real world Brazilian registry, the surgical risk scores were inaccurate in predicting mortality after TAVI. Risk models specifically developed for TAVI are required.     

A survey of the practice of after-hours and emergency endoscopy in Canada

OBJECTIVE:

To determine staffing and practice patterns for after-hours endoscopy service in Canada

METHODS:

A link to a web-based survey was sent by e-mail to all clinical members of the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology in February 2011. A priori, it was planned to compare variations in practice among gastroenterologists (GIs) performing endoscopy in different regions of Canada, between pediatric and adult GIs, and between university and community hospitals.

RESULTS:

Of 422 potential respondents, 168 (40%) responded. Of the 139 adult GIs, 61% performed after-hours endoscopy in the endoscopy suite where daytime procedures were performed, 62% had a trained endoscopy nurse available for all procedures, 38% had access to propofol sedation, 12% reprocessed the endoscopes themselves or with the help of a resident, 4% had out-of-hospital patients come directly to their endoscopy suite and 53% were highly satisfied. The adult endoscopists practising at community hospitals were more likely to have an anesthetist attend the procedure. Regional differences were noted, with more involvement of anesthetists (13%) and availability of propofol (50%) in Ontario, more frequent reprocessing of endoscopes in the central reprocessing units in British Columbia (78%) and almost universal availability of a trained endoscopy nurse (96%) with concomitant higher endoscopist satisfaction (84% highly satisfied) in Alberta.

CONCLUSIONS:

More than one-third of surveyed endoscopists across the country do not have a trained endoscopy nurse to assist in after-hours endoscopy – the time period when urgent patients often present and typically require therapeutic endoscopic interventions. There are significant regional differences in the practice of after-hours endoscopy in Canada.