Predictors of Functional Recovery in Patients Admitted to Geriatric Postacute Rehabilitation

Objective

To examine characteristics associated with functional recovery in older patients undergoing postacute rehabilitation.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Postacute rehabilitation facility.

Participants

Patients (N=2754) aged ≥65 years admitted over a 4-year period.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measure

Functional status was assessed at admission and again at discharge. Functional recovery was defined as achieving at least 30% improvement on the Barthel Index score from admission compared with the maximum possible room for improvement.

Results

Patients who achieved functional recovery (70.3%) were younger and were more likely to be women, live alone, and be without any formal home care before admission, and they had fewer chronic diseases (all P<.01). They also had better cognitive status and a higher Barthel Index score both at admission (mean ± SD, 63.3±18.0 vs 59.6±24.7) and at discharge (mean ± SD, 86.8±10.4 vs 62.2±22.9) (all P<.001). In multivariate analysis, patients <75 years of age (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–1.98; P=.003), women (adjusted OR=1.24; 95% CI, 1.01–1.52; P=.045), patients living alone (adjusted OR=1.61; 95% CI, 1.31–1.98; P<.001), and patients without in-home help prior to admission (adjusted OR=1.39; 95% CI, 1.15–1.69; P=.001) remained at increased odds of functional recovery. In addition, compared with those with moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score <18), patients with mild-to-moderate impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination score 19–23) and those cognitively intact also had increased odds of functional recovery (adjusted OR=1.56; 95% CI, 1.13–2.15; P=.007; adjusted OR=2.21; 95% CI, 1.67–2.93; P<.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Apart from sociodemographic characteristics, cognition is the strongest factor that identifies older patients more likely to improve during postacute rehabilitation. Further study needs to determine how to best adapt rehabilitation processes to better meet the specific needs of this population and optimize their outcome.     

Does the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act Affect Emergency Department Use?

Background

Emergency departments (EDs) face increasing patient volumes and economic pressures. These problems have been attributed to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).

Study objective

To determine whether modifying EMTALA might reduce ED use.

Methods

We surveyed ED patients to assess their knowledge of hospitals’ obligations to treat all patients regardless of insurance and to determine whether knowledge is associated with ED use.

Results

Among 4136 study subjects, 72% reported awareness of the law. Sixty-one percent of subjects were moderate ED users (≥ 1 additional ED visit in 12 months). Moderate users more often knew the law (74% vs. 70%, p = 0.005). Multivariate regression showed that factors associated with moderate use were: awareness of EMTALA (odds ratio [OR] 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.67), adult patient (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.69–2.22), and government insurance (OR 2.67; 95% CI 2.30–3.08) or uninsured (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.42–2.08). Only 8% of subjects were high-frequency users (≥5 visits). High-frequency users were more often aware of EMTALA (78% vs. 72%, p = 0.02). Covariates associated with high frequency were EMTALA awareness (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.28–2.24), adult patient (OR 2.59; 95% CI 2.00–3.36), and government insurance (OR 3.73; 95% CI 2.76–5.06) or uninsured (OR 3.77; 95% CI 2.65–5.35).

Conclusion

Many patients know that the law requires hospitals to provide care. This knowledge is associated with more frequent ED use. EMTALA changes might reduce ED use, but broader policy implications should be considered.     

Prognostic implication of initial coagulopathy in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Objective

We sought to investigate the prognostic implication of early coagulopathy represented by initial DIC score in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

OHCA registry was analyzed to identify patients with ROSC without recent use of anticoagulant between 2008 and 2011. Patients were assessed for prehosptial factors, initial laboratory results and therapeutic hypothermia. Outcome variables were survival discharge, 6-month CPC and survival duration within the first week after ROSC. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used for both univariable and multivariable analysis.

Results

Among 273 eligible patients, initial DIC score was available in 252 (92.3%). Higher DIC score was associated with increased inhospital death (odds ratio [OR], 1.89 per unit; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48–2.41) and unfavorable long-term outcome (6-month CPC 3–5; OR, 2.21 per unit; 95% CI, 1.60–3.05). The adjusted ORs for both outcomes were 1.61 (95% CI, 1.17–2.22) and 1.84 (95% CI, 1.26–2.67), respectively. We categorized DIC score in five groups as <3, 3, 4, 5 and >5 and analyzed differential mortality risk using Cox proportional hazards model. Compared with reference group (DIC score < 3), the adjusted HR for early mortality in each remaining group was 1.96 (95% CI, 1.13–3.40), 2.26 (95% CI, 1.27–4.02), 2.77 (95% CI, 1.58–4.85) and 4.29 (95% CI, 2.22–8.30), respectively (p-trend < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic of DIC score for prediction of unfavorable long-term outcome was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.69–0.88).

Conclusion

Increased initial DIC score in OHCA was an independent predictor for poor outcomes and early mortality risk.     

The impact of severe acidemia on neurologic outcome of cardiac arrest survivors undergoing therapeutic hypothermia

Introduction

Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) has become a standard of care in improving neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest (CA) survivors. Previous studies have defined severe acidemia as plasma pH < 7.20. We investigated the influence of severe acidemia at the time of initiation of TH on neurological outcome in CA survivors.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 196 consecutive CA survivors (out-of-hospital CA and in-hospital CA) who underwent TH with endovascular cooling between January 2007 and October 2012. Arterial blood gas drawn prior to initiation of TH was utilized to measure pH in all patients. Shockable and non-shockable CA patients were divided into two sub-groups based on pH (pH < 7.2 and pH ≥ 7.2). The primary end-point was measured using the Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale prior to discharge from the hospital: good (CPC 1 and 2) and poor (CPC 3 to 5) neurologic outcome.

Results

Sixty-two percent of shockable CA patients with pH ≥ 7.20 had good neurological outcome as compared to 34% patients with pH < 7.20. Shockable CA patients with pH ≥ 7.20 were 3.3 times more likely to have better neurological outcome when compared to those with pH <7.20 [p = 0.013, OR 3.3, 95% CI (1.28–8.45)]. In comparison, non-shockable CA patients with p ≥ 7.20 did not have a significantly different neurological outcome as compared to those with pH < 7.20 [p = 0.97, OR 1.02, 95% CI (0.31–3.3)].

Conclusion

Presence of severe acidemia at initiation of TH in shockable CA survivors is significantly associated with poor neurological outcomes. This effect was not observed in the non-shockable CA survivors.     

Prognostic value of electrographic postanoxic status epilepticus in comatose cardiac-arrest survivors in the therapeutic hypothermia era

Background

The independent prognostic significance of postanoxic status epilepticus (PSE) has not been evaluated prospectively since the introduction of therapeutic hypothermia. We studied 1-year functional outcomes and their determinants in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest (CA), with special attention to PSE.

Methods

106 comatose CA survivors admitted to the intensive care unit in 2005–2010 were included in a prospective observational study. The main outcome measure was a Cerebral Performance Category scale (CPC) of 1 or 2 (favorable outcome) 1 year after CA.

Results

CA occurred out-of-hospital in 89 (84%) patients and was witnessed from onset in 94 (89%). Median times were 6 min (IQR, 0–11) from CA to first-responder arrival and 23 min (14–40) from collapse to return of spontaneous circulation. PSE was diagnosed in 33 (31%) patients at a median of 39 h (4–49) after CA. PSE was refractory in 24 (22%) cases and malignant in 19 (20%). After 1 year, 31 (29.3%) patients had favorable outcomes including 2 (6.44%) with PSE. Factors independently associated with poor outcome (CPC ≥ 3) were PSE (odds ratio [OR], 14.28; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.77–50.0; P = 0.001), time to restoration of spontaneous circulation (OR, 1.04/min; 95% CI, 1–1.07; P = 0.035), and LOD score on day 1 (OR, 1.28/point; 95% CI, 1.08–1.54; P = 0.003).

Conclusion

PSE strongly and independently predicts a poor outcome in comatose CA survivors receiving therapeutic hypothermia, but some patients with PSE survive with good functional outcomes. PSE alone is not sufficient to predict failure to awaken after CA in the era of therapeutic hypothermia.     

Functional Status Impairment Is Associated With Unplanned Readmissions

Objective

To determine whether functional status on admission to a Comprehensive Integrated Inpatient Rehabilitation Program (CIIRP) is associated with unplanned readmission to acute care.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic hospital-based CIIRP.

Participants

Consecutive patients (N=1515) admitted to a CIIRP between January 2009 and June 2012.

Interventions

Patients' functional status, the primary exposure variable, was assessed using tertiles of the total FIM score at CIIRP admission, with secondary analyses using the FIM motor and cognitive domains. A propensity score, consisting of 25 relevant clinical and demographic variables, was used to adjust for confounding in the analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Readmission to acute care was categorized as (1) readmission before planned discharge from the CIIRP, (2) readmission within 30 days of discharge from the CIIRP, and (3) total readmissions from both groups, with total readmissions being the a priori primary outcome.

Results

Among the 1515 patients, there were 347 total readmissions. Total readmissions were significantly associated with FIM scores, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the lowest and middle FIM tertiles versus the highest tertile (AOR=2.6; 95% CI, 1.9–3.7; P<.001 and AOR=1.7; 95% CI, 1.2–2.4; P=.002, respectively). There were similar findings for secondary analyses of readmission before planned discharge from the CIIRP (AOR=3.5; 95% CI, 2.2–5.8; P<.001 and AOR=2.1; 95% CI, 1.3–3.5l P=.002, respectively), and a weaker association for readmissions after discharge from the CIIRP (AOR=1.6; 95% CI, 1.0–2.4; P=.047 and AOR=1.3; 95% CI, 0.8–1.9; P=.28, respectively). The FIM motor domain score was more strongly associated with readmissions than the FIM cognitive score.

Conclusions

Functional status on admission to the CIIRP is strongly associated with readmission to acute care, particularly for motor aspects of functional status and readmission before planned discharge from the CIIRP. Efforts to reduce hospital readmissions should consider patient functional status as an important and potentially modifiable risk factor.     

Fluticasone/Formoterol Combination Therapy Compared With Monotherapy in Adolescent and Adult Patients With Mild to Moderate Asthma

Objectives

This study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of a new asthma therapy combining fluticasone propionate and formoterol fumarate (fluticasone/formoterol)*, administered twice daily (BID) via a single aerosol inhaler, compared with fluticasone propionate (fluticasone) or formoterol fumarate (formoterol) administered alone, in patients with mild to moderate asthma.

Methods

Patients aged ≥12 years were evenly randomized to 12 weeks of treatment with fluticasone/formoterol (100/10 µg BID), fluticasone (100 µg BID), or formoterol (10 µg BID), in this multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, study. The 2 coprimary end points were: (1) change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) from morning predose at baseline to predose at week 12 for the comparison of the combination product with formoterol alone; and (2) change in FEV₁ from morning predose at baseline to 2 hours postdose at week 12 for the comparison of the combination product with fluticasone alone. The secondary objective was to demonstrate the efficacy of fluticasone/formoterol using other pulmonary function tests and clinical end points. Tolerability was assessed based on adverse events, clinical laboratory tests and vital sign evaluations.

Results

Statistically significant differences were demonstrated for the 2 coprimary end points. Fluticasone/formoterol combination therapy showed significantly greater improvements from baseline to end of study in the change in predose FEV₁ compared with formoterol (least squares [LS] mean treatment difference, 0.118 L [95% CI, 0.034–0.201; P = 0.006]) and the change in predose compared with 2 hours postdose FEV₁ versus fluticasone (LS mean treatment difference, 0.122 L [95% CI, 0.040–0.204; P = 0.004]). Statistical analyses of the secondary efficacy endpoints revealed that evaluations of lung function, asthma exacerbations, asthma symptoms, rescue medication use and asthma control were supportive overall of the superior efficacy of fluticasone/formoterol combination therapy compared with its individual components; were supportive overall of the efficacy of fluticasone/formoterol combination therapy compared with its individual components. Since the secondary endpoints were analyzed using the sequential gatekeeper approach, only the mean change from baseline to final week in morning peak expiratory flow rate between the combination-therapy and formoterol groups returned statistically significant results (least squares mean difference, 20.05 [95% CI, 7.631-32.472; P = 0.002]). The fluticasone/formoterol combination therapy had a good tolerability profile over the 12-week treatment period.

Conclusions

Fluticasone/formoterol had a good tolerability profile and showed statistically superior efficacy for the two co-primary endpoints compared to fluticasone or formoterol, in adolescents and adults with mild to moderate asthma. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00394199.     

Effects of Kinesio Taping on Venous Symptoms,Bioelectrical Activity of the Gastrocnemius Muscle,Range of Ankle Motion,and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women With Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To assess the efficacy of Kinesio taping (KT) on venous symptoms, quality of life, severity, pain, edema, range of ankle motion (ROAM), and peripheral muscle myoelectrical activity in lower limbs of postmenopausal women with mild chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Design

Double-blinded randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation.

Setting

Clinical setting.

Participants

Consecutive postmenopausal women (N=123; age range, 62–67y) with early-stage CVI. None of the participants withdrew because of adverse effects.

Intervention

Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group for standardized KT application for external gastrocnemius (EG) and internal gastrocnemius (IG) muscle enhancement and ankle function correction or a placebo control group for sham KT application. Both interventions were performed 3 times a week during a 4-week period.

Main Outcome Measures

Venous symptoms, CVI severity, pain, leg volume, gastrocnemius electromyographic data, ROAM, and quality of life were recorded at baseline and after treatment.

Results

The experimental group evidenced significant improvements in pain distribution, venous claudication, swelling, heaviness, muscle cramps, pruritus, and CVI severity score (P≤.042). Both groups reported significant reductions in pain (experimental group: 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6 to 2.1; control group: 95% CI, −0.2 to 0.3). There were no significant changes in either group in quality of life, leg volume, or ROAM. The experimental group showed significant improvements in root mean square signals (right leg: EG 95% CI, 2.99–5.84; IG 95% CI, 1.02–3.42; left leg: EG 95% CI, 3.00–6.25; IG 95% CI, 3.29–5.3) and peak maximum contraction (right leg: EG 95% CI, 4.8–22.7; IG 95% CI, 2.67–24.62; left leg: EG 95% CI, 2.37–20.44; IG 95% CI, 2.55–25.53), which were not changed in controls.

Conclusions

KT may reduce venous symptoms, pain, and their severity and enhance gastrocnemius muscle activity, but its effects on quality of life, edema, and ROAM remain uncertain. KT may have a placebo effect on venous pain.     

Efficacy of Addition of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to Standardized Physical Therapy in Subacute Spinal Spasticity: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To study the immediate and short-term efficacy of adding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to standardized physical therapy on subacute spasticity within 6 months of spinal cord injury.

Design

Randomized controlled trial for 3 weeks.

Setting

A university hospital.

Participants

Subjects (N=16) with clinically determined spasticity were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=8) or the control group (n=8).

Intervention

Sixty-minute sessions of TENS over the bilateral common peroneal nerves before 30 minutes of physical therapy for the experimental group and 30 minutes of physical therapy alone for the control group. All patients in both groups had access to standardized rehabilitation care.

Main Outcome Measures

The composite spasticity score, which included 3 subscores (ankle jerk, muscle tone, and ankle clonus scores), was used as the primary end point to assess plantar flexor spasticity. These subscores were designated as secondary end points. Serial evaluations were made at baseline before study entry and immediately after the first and last sessions in both groups.

Results

On analysis for immediate effects, there was a significant reduction only in the composite spasticity score (mean difference, 1.75; 99% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–3.03; P=.002) in the experimental group, but no significant reduction was observed in all outcome variables in the control group. A significant difference in the composite spasticity score (1.63; 99% CI, 0.14–3.11; P=.006) was observed between the 2 groups. After 15 sessions of treatment, a significant reduction was determined in the composite spasticity score (2.75; 99% CI, 1.31–4.19; P<.001), the muscle tone score (1.75; 99% CI, 0.16–3.34; P=.006), and the ankle clonus score (0.75; 99% CI, 0.18–1.32; P=.003) in the experimental group, whereas none of the outcome variables revealed a significant reduction in the control group. The between-group difference was significant only for the composite spasticity score (2.13; 99% CI, 0.59–3.66; P=.001) and the muscle tone score (1.50; 99% CI, 0.15–2.85; P=.005) after 15 intervention sessions.

Conclusion

Addition of TENS to standardized physical therapy had synergistically antispastic action, providing more effective reduction of clinical spasticity.     

Chemotherapy-Related Neuropathic Symptoms and Functional Impairment in Adult Survivors of Extracranial Solid Tumors of Childhood: Results From the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study

Objectives

To ascertain prevalence of peripheral sensory and motor neuropathy, and to evaluate impairments in relation to function.

Design

St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study, a clinical follow-up study designed to evaluate adverse late effects in adult survivors of childhood cancer.

Setting

A children's research hospital.

Participants

Eligibility required treatment for an extracranial solid malignancy between 1962 and 2002, age ≥18 years, ≥10 years postdiagnosis, and no history of cranial radiation. Survivors (N=531) were included in the evaluation with a median age of 32 years and a median time from diagnosis of 25 years.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary exposure measures were cumulative doses of vinca-alkaloid and platinum-based chemotherapies. Survivors with scores ≥1 on the sensory subscale of the Modified Total Neuropathy Score were classified with prevalent sensory impairment. Those with sex-specific z scores of ≤−1.3 for dorsiflexion strength were classified with prevalent motor impairment. Participants completed the 6-minute walk test (endurance), the Timed Up & Go test (mobility), and the Sensory Organization Test (balance).

Results

The prevalence of sensory and motor impairment was 20% and 17.5%, respectively. Vinca-alkaloid exposure was associated with an increased risk of motor impairment (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–2.64) without evidence for a dose response. Platinum exposure was associated with increased risk of sensory impairment (adjusted OR=1.62; 95% CI, .97–2.72) without evidence of a dose response. Sensory impairment was associated with poor endurance (OR=1.99; 95% CI, .99–4.0) and mobility (OR=1.65; 95% CI, .96–2.83).

Conclusions

Vincristine and cisplatin exposure may increase risk for long-term motor and sensory impairment, respectively. Survivors with sensory impairment are at increased risk for functional performance limitations.     

Changes and their prognostic implications in the abbreviated Vitalpac™ early warning score (ViEWS) after admission to hospital of 18,853 acutely ill medical patients

Background

The best performing early warning score is Vitalpac™ Early Warning Score (ViEWS). However, it is not known how often, to what extent and over what time frame any early warning scores change, and what the implications of these changes are.

Setting

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center, Ontario, Canada.

Methods

The changes in the first three complete sets of the six variables required to retrospectively calculate the abbreviated version of ViEWS (that did not include mental status) after admission to hospital of 18,853 acutely ill medical patients, and their relationship to subsequent in-hospital mortality were examined.

Results

In the 10.4 SD 20.1 (median 5.0) hours between admission and the second recording the score changed in only 5.9% of patients and these changes were of no prognostic value. By the time of the third recording 34.9 SD 21.7 (median 30.0) hours after admission a change in score was clearly associated with a corresponding change in in-hospital mortality (e.g. for patients with an initial score of 5 an increase between the first and third recording of ≥4 points was associated with an increased mortality (OR 6.5 95% CI 2.3–15.9, p < 0.00001), whereas a reduction of ≤−4 points was associated with a reduced mortality (OR 0.4 95% CI 0.2–0.9, p 0.03)).

Conclusion

After a median interval of 30 h both the initial abbreviated ViEWS recording and subsequent changes in it both predict clinical outcome. It remains to be determined what interventions during this time frame will improve patient outcomes.     

Pulmonary embolectomy in high-risk acute pulmonary embolism: The effectiveness of a comprehensive therapeutic algorithm including extracorporeal life support

Objectives

To investigate the effectiveness of a comprehensive therapeutic algorithm including extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in high-risk acute pulmonary embolism (aPE) treated with pulmonary embolectomy.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 25 consecutive patients of aPE treated with pulmonary embolectomy in a single institution between June 2005 and July 2012. All patients had high-risk aPE identified by computed tomographic angiography and were not suitable for thrombolytic therapy. High-risk aPE here was defined as aPE with (1) hemodynamic instability, (2) a pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI) ≥ 0.5, (3) a diameter ratio of right ventricle-to-left ventricle (RV-to-LV) ≥ 1.0, or (4) right heart thrombi. Once the eligibility was confirmed, a 3-staged therapeutic algorithm was adopted to perform an aggressive preoperative resuscitation, an expeditious pulmonary embolectomy with multidisciplinary postoperative care, and a thorough surveillance for recurrence.

Results

Among the 25 patients, 24 had a PAOI ≥ 0.5 and 23 had a RV-to-LV diameter ratio ≥ 1.0. Four patients had right heart thrombi. Sixteen patients developed preoperative instability requiring inotropic and/or mechanical support. Eight in the 16 had a preoperative cardiac arrest (CA) and six of these were bridged to surgery on ECLS. Three in the 6 patients weaned ECLS after surgery and survived to discharge. The overall in-hospital mortality was 20% (n = 5). A preoperative CA (Odds ratio [OR]: 16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–185.4, p = 0.027, c-index: 0.80) and a postoperative requirement of ECLS (OR: 36, 95% CI: 2.1–501.3, p = 0.008, c-index: 0.85) was the pre- and postoperative predictor of in-hospital mortality. No late deaths or re-admission for recurrence were found during a median follow-up of 19 months (interquartile range: 8–29).

Conclusion

Pulmonary embolectomy was an effective intervention of high-risk aPE. However, the occurrence of preoperative CA still carried a high mortality in spite of the assistance of ECLS.     

Predicting Peripheral Venous Access Difficulty in the Emergency Department Using Body Mass Index and a Clinical Evaluation of Venous Accessibility

Background

Peripheral venous (PV) cannulation, one of the most common technical procedures in Emergency Medicine, may prove challenging, even to experienced Emergency Department (ED) staff. Morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40) has been reported as a risk factor for PV access failure in the operating room.

Objectives

We investigated PV access difficulty in the ED, across BMI categories, focusing on patient-related predicting factors.

Methods

Prospective, observational study including adult patients requiring PV lines. Operators were skilled nurses and physicians. PV accessibility was clinically evaluated before all cannulation attempts, using vein visibility and palpability. Patient and PV placement characteristics were recorded. Primary outcome was failure at first attempt. Outcome frequency and comparisons between groups were examined. Predictors of difficult cannulation were explored using logistic regression. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

PV lines were placed in 563 consecutive patients (53 ± 23 years, BMI: 26 ± 7 kg/m²), with a success rate of 98.6%, and a mean attempt of 1.3 ± 0.7 (range 1–7). Failure at the first attempt was recorded in 21% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.6–24.4). Independent risk factors were: a BMI ≥ 30 (odds ratio [OR] 1.98, 95% CI 1.09–3.60), a BMI < 18.5 (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.07–4.66), an unfavorable (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.02–2.69), and very unfavorable clinical assessment of PV accessibility (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.15–4.93).

Conclusion

Obesity, underweight, an unfavorable, and a very unfavorable clinical evaluation of PV accessibility are independent risk factors for difficult PV access. Early recognition of patients at risk could help in planning alternative approaches for achieving rapid PV access.     

Predictors of Functional Outcomes After Simple Decompression for Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow: A Multicenter Study by the SUN Study Group

Objective

To identify predictors of surgical outcome for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE).

Design

Prospective cohort followed for 1 year.

Setting

Clinics.

Participants

Patients diagnosed with UNE (N=55).

Intervention

All subjects had simple decompression surgery.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was patient-reported outcomes, such as overall hand function through the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ). Predictors included age, duration of symptoms, disease severity, and motor conduction velocity across the elbow.

Results

Multiple regression models with change in the overall MHQ score as the dependent variable showed that at 3 months postoperative time, patients with <3 months duration of symptoms showed 12 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9–23.5) greater improvement in MHQ scores than those with ≥3 months symptom duration. Less than 3 months of symptoms was again associated with 13 points (95% CI, 2.9–24) greater improvement in MHQ scores at 6 months postoperative, but it was no longer associated with better outcomes at 12 months. A worse baseline MHQ score was associated with significant improvement in MHQ scores at 3 months (coefficient, −0.38; 95% CI, −.67 to −.09), and baseline MHQ score was the only significant predictor of 12 month MHQ scores (coefficient, −.40; 95% CI, −.79 to −.01).

Conclusions

Subjects with <3 months of symptoms and worse baseline MHQ scores showed significantly greater improvement in functional outcomes as reported by the MHQ. However, duration of symptoms was only predictive at 3 or 6 months because most patients recovered within 3 to 6 months after surgery.     

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of a Hydrochlorothiazide to Chlorthalidone Medication Change in Veterans With Hypertension

Background

There are few data available examining the clinical impact of switching patients from hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to chlorthalidone for blood pressure management.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to compare within-patient clinic blood pressure readings, serum electrolyte levels, and renal function markers before and after a medication change from HCTZ to chlorthalidone in a veteran population.

Methods

This was a retrospective, pre- and postmeasure, self-controlled study. Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System patients switched from HCTZ to chlorthalidone between January 1, 2001, and January 31, 2012, who had at least 1 follow-up clinic blood pressure reading recorded between 2 and 8 weeks from the date of the medication change were included in the study. Mean pre- and postmeasure values for systolic and diastolic clinic blood pressures, serum potassium, serum sodium, serum calcium, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were compared by using a 2-tailed, paired t test with a significance level (α) of 0.05.

Results

Of the 40 patients included in the study 95% were male, 65% were white, and the mean age was 64.9 (10.8) years. Both mean systolic (–15.8 mm Hg [95% CI, 8.9 to 22.6], P < 0.0001) and mean diastolic (–4.2 mm Hg [95% CI, 1.5 to 6.9], P = 0.0035) blood pressures showed statistically and clinically significant reductions after the medication change. A statistically significant decrease in mean sodium (–1.1 mmol/L [95% CI, 0.4 to 1.9], P = 0.003) and an increase in mean serum creatinine (0.06 mg/dL [95% CI, –0.09 to –0.02], P = 0.002) was observed; however, these changes may not be viewed as clinically significant by many practitioners. No statistically significant changes were observed in any of the other outcomes examined. Most patients (38 of 40) were taking at least 1 additional antihypertensive agent; 73% of patients were using ≥3 antihypertensive agents at the time of the medication change.

Conclusions

In patients with hypertension already taking HCTZ, switching to chlorthalidone seems to further reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressures without any clinically significant changes in renal function or electrolyte levels.     

Subjective dysphagia in older care home residents: A cross-sectional,multi-centre point prevalence measurement

Background

Dysphagia has been found to be strongly associated with aspiration pneumonia in frail older people. Aspiration pneumonia is causing high hospitalization rates, morbidity, and often death. Better insight in the prevalence of (subjective) dysphagia in frail older people may improve its early recognition and treatment.

Objective

First, to assess the prevalence of subjective dysphagia in care home residents in the Netherlands. Second, to assess the associations of subjective dysphagia with potential risk factors of dysphagia.

Design

Retrospective data-analysis of a cross-sectional, multi-centre point prevalence measurement.

Setting

119 care homes in the Netherlands.

Participants

Data of 8119 care home residents aged 65 years or older were included and analyzed.

Methods

Subjective dysphagia was assessed by a resident's response to a dichotomous question with regard to experiencing swallowing problems. If a resident was not able to respond (e.g. residents with dementia or aphasia), the question was answered by the ward care provider, or the resident's file was consulted for registered swallowing complaints and/or dysphagia. Several residents’ data were collected: gender, age, (number of) diseases, the presence of malnutrition, the Care Dependency Scale score, and the body mass index.

Results

Subjective dysphagia was found in 751 (9%) residents. A final model for subjective dysphagia after multivariate backward stepwise regression analysis revealed eight significant variables: age (B −0.022), Care Dependency Scale score (B −0.985), ‘malnutrition’ (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.31–1.90), ‘comorbidity’ (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01–1.14), and the disease clusters ‘dementia’ (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.45–0.66), ‘nervous system disorder’ (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.20–1.99), ‘cardiovascular disease’ (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.67–0.99) and ‘cerebrovascular disease/hemiparesis’ (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.45–2.10).

Conclusion

It seems justified to conclude that subjective dysphagia is a relevant care problem in older care home residents in the Netherlands. Care Dependency Scale score, ‘malnutrition’, and the disease clusters ‘dementia’, ‘nervous system disorder’, and ‘cerebrovascular disease/hemiparesis’ were associated with the presence of subjective dysphagia in this study. Age, ‘comorbidity’ and ‘cardiovascular disease’ showed very small influence.     

Successful Discharge of Children with Gastroenteritis Requiring Intravenous Rehydration

Background

Emergency Department (ED) revisits are very common in children with gastroenteritis administered intravenous rehydration.

Study Objectives

To determine if bicarbonate values are associated with ED revisits in children with gastroenteritis.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data, which included children >3 months of age with gastroenteritis treated with intravenous rehydration. Regression analysis was employed to determine whether, among discharged children, bicarbonate independently predicts revisits within 7 days (primary outcome) and successful discharge (secondary outcome). The latter composite outcome measure was defined as discharge at the index visit and the absence of a revisit requiring intravenous rehydration.

Results

Of 226 potentially eligible children, 174 were discharged and were included in the primary outcome analysis. Of the eligible children, 18% (30/174) had a revisit that was predicted by a higher baseline bicarbonate (odds ratio [OR] 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–1.3; p = 0.03), absence of a primary care provider (OR 7.8; 95% CI 1.2–51.0; p = 0.03), and ondansetron administration (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.0–5.5; p = 0.05). Bicarbonate was not associated with successful discharge. Negatively associated independent predictors of successful discharge were volume of intravenous fluids administered (OR 0.84/10 mL/kg increase; 95% CI 0.76–0.93; p < 0.001), and baseline clinical dehydration score (OR 0.75/unit increase; 95% CI 0.58–0.97; p < 0.001). Revisits requiring intravenous rehydration and hospitalization were associated with higher bicarbonate values (21.2 ± 4.6 mEq, p = 0.001, and 22.3 ± 5.0 mEq/L, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Lower serum bicarbonate values at the time of intravenous rehydration are not associated with unfavorable outcomes after discharge.     

Clinical and Epidemiologic Characteristics as Predictors of Treatment Failures in Uncomplicated Skin Abscesses Within Seven Days After Incision and Drainage

Background

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is now the leading cause of superficial abscesses seen in the Emergency Department.

Study Objectives

Our primary aim was to determine if an association exists between three predictor variables (abscess size, cellulitis size, and MRSA culture) and treatment failure within 7 days after incision and drainage in adults. Our secondary aim was to determine if an association exists between two clinical features (abscess size and size of surrounding cellulitis) and eventual MRSA diagnosis by culture.

Methods

Logistic regression models were used to examine clinical variables as predictors of treatment failure within 7 days after incision and drainage and MRSA by wound culture.

Results

Of 212 study participants, 190 patients were analyzed and 22 were lost to follow-up. Patients who grew MRSA, compared to those who did not, were more likely to fail treatment (31% to 10%, respectively; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8–31%). The failure rates for abscesses ≥ 5 cm and < 5 cm were 26% and 22%, respectively (95% CI −11–26%). The failure rates for cellulitis ≥ 5 cm and < 5 cm were 27% and 16%, respectively (95% CI −2–22%). Larger abscesses were no more likely to grow MRSA than smaller abscesses (55% vs. 53%, respectively; 95% CI −22–23%). The patients with larger-diameter cellulitis demonstrated a slightly higher rate of MRSA-positive culture results compared to patients with smaller-diameter cellulitis (61% vs. 46%, respectively; 95% CI −0.3–30%), but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Cellulitis and abscess size do not predict treatment failures within 7 days, nor do they predict which patients will have MRSA. MRSA-positive patients are more likely to fail treatment within 7 days of incision and drainage.     

Blood pH is a Useful Indicator for Initiation of Therapeutic Hypothermia in the Early Phase of Resuscitation after Comatose Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Study

Background

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is one of the key treatments after cardiac arrest (CA). Selection of post-CA patients for TH remains problematic, as there are no clinically validated tools to determine who might benefit from the therapy.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate retrospectively whether laboratory findings or other patient data obtained during the early phase of hospital admission could be correlated with neurological outcome after TH in comatose survivors of CA.

Methods

Medical charts of witnessed CA patients admitted between June 2003 and July 2009 who were treated with TH were reviewed retrospectively. The subjects were grouped based on their cerebral performance category (CPC) 6 months after CA, as either good recovery (GR) for CPC 1–2 or non-good recovery (non-GR) for CPC 3–5. The following well-known determinants of outcome obtained during the early phase of hospital admission were evaluated: age, gender, body mass index, cardiac origin, presence of ventricular fibrillation (VF), time from collapse to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, time from collapse to return of spontaneous circulation, body temperature, arterial blood gases, and blood test results.

Results

We analyzed a total of 50 (25 GR and 25 non-GR) patients. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that initial heart rhythm and pH levels were significantly higher in the GR group than in the non-GR group (ventricular tachycardia/VF rate: p = 0.055, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.768–84.272, odds ratio [OR] 8.047; pH: 7.155 ± 0.139 vs. 6.895 ± 0.100, respectively, p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.838–25.827; OR 6.89).

Conclusion

These results imply that in addition to initial heart rhythm, pH level may be a good candidate for neurological outcome predictor even though previous research has found no correlation between initial pH value and neurological outcome.     

The Role of Prehospital Electrocardiograms in the Recognition of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarctions and Reperfusion Times

Background

Clinical outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are related to reperfusion times. Given the benefit of early recognition of STEMI and resulting ability to decrease reperfusion times and improve mortality, current prehospital recommendations are to obtain electrocardiograms (ECGs) in patients with concern for acute coronary syndrome.

Objectives

We sought to determine the effect of wireless transmission of prehospital ECGs on STEMI recognition and reperfusion times. We hypothesized decreased reperfusion times in patients in whom prehospital ECGs were obtained.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational study of patients who presented to our suburban, tertiary care, teaching hospital emergency department with STEMI on a prehospital ECG.

Results

Ninety-nine patients underwent reperfusion therapy. Patients with prehospital ECGs had a mean time to angioplasty suite of 43 min (95% confidence interval [CI] 31–54). Compared to patients with no prehospital ECG, mean time to angioplasty suite was 49 min (95% CI 41–57), p = 0.035. Patients with prehospital STEMI identification and catheterization laboratory activation had a mean time to angioplasty suite of 33 min (95% CI 25–41), p = 0.007. Patients with prehospital ECGs had a mean door-to-balloon time of 66 min (95% CI 53–79), whereas the control group had a mean door-to-balloon time of 79 min (95% CI 67–90), p = 0.024. Patients with prehospital STEMI identification and catheterization laboratory activation had a mean door-to-balloon time of 58 min (95% CI 48–68), p = 0.018.

Conclusions

Prehospital STEMI identification allows for prompt catheterization laboratory activation, leading to decreased reperfusion times.