Retrievable inferior vena cava filters in trauma patients: factors that influence removal rate and an argument for institutional protocols

BackgroundTrauma patients at risk for pulmonary embolism, but with contraindications for anticoagulation therapy, often have retrievable inferior vena cava filters (RIVCF) placed. This study evaluated factors associated with the recovery rate of the device (RIVCFs) with the goal of developing an institutional protocol to ensure timely removal.MethodsThis was a case-control study of 88 trauma patients who underwent RIVCF placement at a level 1 trauma center between 2006 and 2010.ResultsThe overall retrieval rate was 58%, declining from 89% in 2006 to 50% in 2009. Factors independently associated with filter nonretrieval included increasing age, increase in number of providers, comorbidity, hospital discharge from the intensive care unit, and discharge to a long-term acute care facility or skilled nursing facility. In 2010, a protocol was implemented and the retrieval rate increased to 73%.ConclusionsIn a large institution where a number of providers may be responsible for filter management, implementation of a protocol appears to improve retrieval rates.     

ED to ED transfer does not prolong emergency department stays in a rural trauma system

BackgroundIn many rural trauma systems injured patients are initially evaluated at a local hospital, and once stabilized transferred to a trauma center for definitive care. In the U.S. most trauma transfers occur as emergency department (ED) to ED transfers, however there is little evidence to guide systems in whether this is beneficial. We implemented a practice change in August 2018, changing from commonly admitting trauma transfers directly to the floor, to a protocol for ED to ED transfer for all trauma patients. We aimed to evaluate this practice change and its effects on outcomes and ED length of stay.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all trauma transfers to our Level 1 trauma center between 8/1/2017–8/30/2020. Study groups were created based on the presence of a transfer protocol: a control group with no protocol, a selective ED pitstop protocol group and a systemwide ED pitstop protocol group. We compared patient and injury factors between groups, and evaluated each group's hospital mortality, unplanned ICU admission within 24 h, need for return to radiology for imaging, and ED length of stay.Results1,987 patients were transferred during the study period. In our control group 37% of transfers were directly admitted. Implementing a selective ED pitstop decreased direct admissions to 17% and a systemwide ED pitstop decreased direct admissions to 10%. There was no difference in mortality between groups. Protocol implementation decreased unplanned ICU admissions from 2% to 1% in the selective protocol and 0.8% in the systemwide protocol, as well as decreasing the need for further diagnostic imaging (5% to 2.5% and 2%; in each group respectively). ED length of stay was not different between time periods.ConclusionsImplementing an ED pitstop protocol for trauma transfers led to decreased direct admissions, without increasing the ED length of stay, and less need for delayed imaging.     

Clinical and non-clinical factors that predict discharge disposition after a fall

BackgroundFalls can result in injuries that require rehabilitation and long-term care after hospital discharge. Identifying factors that contribute to prediction of discharge disposition is crucial for efficient resource utilization and reducing cost. Several factors may influence discharge location after hospitalization for a fall. The aim of this study was to examine clinical and non-clinical factors that may predict discharge disposition after a fall. We hypothesized that age, injury type, insurance type, and functional status would affect discharge location.MethodsThis two-year retrospective study was performed at an urban, adult level-1 trauma center. Fall patients who were discharged home or to a facility after hospital admission were included in the study. Data was obtained from the trauma registry and electronic medical records. Logistic regression modeling was used to assess independent predictors.ResultsA total of 1,121 fallers were included in the study. 621 (55.4%) were discharged home and 500 (44.6%) to inpatient rehabilitation (IRF)/skilled nursing facility (SNF). The median age was 64 years (IQR: 49–79) and 48.4% (543) were male. The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (IQR: 2.5–8). Increasing age (p < 0.001), length of stay in the ICU (p < 0.001), injury severity (p < 0.001), number of comorbidities (p = 0.038), having Medicare insurance (p = 0.025), having a fracture at any body region (p < 0.001), and ambulation status (p = 0.025) significantly increased the odds of being discharged to IRF/SNF compared to home. The removal of injury severity score and ICU length of stay from the “late/regular discharge” model, to create an “early discharge” model, decreased the accuracy of the prediction rate from 78.5% to 74.9% (p < 0.001).ConclusionA combination of demographic, clinical, social, economic, and functional factors can together predict discharge disposition after a fall. The majority of these factors can be assessed early in the hospital stay, which may facilitate a timely discharge plan and shorter stays in the hospital.     

The differential associations of preexisting conditions with trauma-related outcomes in the presence of competing risks

IntroductionPre-existing chronic conditions (PECs) pose a unique problem for the care of aging trauma populations. However, the relationships between specific conditions and outcomes after injury are relatively unknown. Evaluation of trauma patients is further complicated by their discharge to care facilities, where mortality risk remains high. Traditional approaches for evaluating in-hospital mortality do not account for the discharge of at-risk patients, which constitutes a competing risk event to death. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between 40 PECs and two clinical outcomes in the context of competing risks among older trauma patients.MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated blunt-injured patients aged 55 years and older admitted to a level I trauma centre in 2006–2012. Outcomes were hospital length of stay (HLOS) and in-hospital mortality. Survivors were classified as discharges home or discharges to care facilities. Competing risks regression was used to evaluate each PEC with in-hospital mortality, accounting for discharges to care facilities as competing events. Competing risk estimates were compared to Cox model estimates, for which all survivors to discharge were non-events. Analyses were stratified using injury-based mortality risk at a 50% cutpoint (high versus low).ResultsAmong 4653 patients, 176 died in-hospital, 3059 were discharged home, and 1418 were discharged to a care facility. Most patients (98%) were classified with a low mortality risk. Only haemophilia and coagulopathy were consistently associated with longer HLOS. In the low-risk subgroup, in-hospital mortality was most strongly associated with liver diseases, haemophilia, and coagulopathy. In the high-risk group, Parkinson's disease, depression, and cancers showed the strongest associations. Accounting for the competing event altered estimates for 12 of 19 significant conditions.ConclusionsExcess mortality among patients expected to survive their injuries may be attributable to complications resulting from PECs. Discharges to care facilities constitute a bias in the evaluation of in-hospital mortality and should be considered for the accurate calculation of risk. In conjunction with injury measures, consideration of PECs provides physicians with a foundation to plan clinical decisions in older trauma patients.     

Overall Distribution of Trauma-related Deaths in Berlin 2010: Advancement or Stagnation of German Trauma Management?

Background

Trauma is the leading cause of death among children, adolescents, and young adults. The latest data from the German Trauma Registry reveals a constant decrease in trauma mortality, indicating that 11.6?% of all trauma patients in 2010 died in hospital. Notably, trauma casualties dying before admission to hospital have not been systematically surveyed and analyzed in Germany.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study of all traumatic deaths in Berlin, recording demographic data, trauma mechanisms, and causes/localization and time of death after trauma. Inclusion criteria were all deaths following trauma from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.

Results

A total of 440 trauma fatalities were included in this study, with a mortality rate of 13/100,000 inhabitants; 78.6?% were blunt injuries, and fall from a height >3?m (32.7?%) was the leading trauma mechanism. 32.5?% died immediately, 23.9?% died within 60?min, 7.7?% died within 1–4?h, 16.8?% died within 4–48?h, 11.1?% died <1?week later, and 8?% died >1?week after trauma. The predominant causes of death were polytrauma (45.7?%), sTBI (38?%), exsanguination (9.5?%), and thoracic trauma (3.2?%). Death occurred on-scene in 58.7?% of these cases, in the intensive care unit in 33.2?%, and in 2.7?% of the cases, in the emergency department, the operating room, and the ward, respectively.

Conclusions

Polytrauma is the leading cause of death, followed by severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). The temporal analysis of traumatic death indicates a shift from the classic “trimodal” distribution to a new “bimodal” distribution. Besides advances in road safety, prevention programs and improvement in trauma management—especially the pre-hospital phase—have the potential to significantly improve the survival rate after trauma.     

Development of a unified national trauma center database, 2018

ObjectiveTrauma center certifications across the United States (U.S.) are not unified. Participation in the national trauma certification program established through the American College of Surgeons (ACS) is not universal, and many states maintain unique trauma certification systems with varying criteria. We investigated degree of similarity between the ACS national trauma certification program and state trauma certifications, then combined these distinct certifications into a unified national trauma center database.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of all non-specialty, non-federal emergency U.S. departments (EDs) open in 2018 to determine availability and levels of trauma centers. We created a “Standard” definition of trauma levels using ACS criteria as a benchmark. ACS similar trauma levels were then assigned to state levels I-III by comparing trauma receiving protocol, maximum response times, and general surgical coverage; through this process, levels across distinct systems established through different criteria were standardized.ResultsIn 2018, ACS certifications spanned 47 states and DC; 3 states did not participate in ACS (Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Washington). A distinct, non-ACS state certification system was present in 47 states and DC; 3 states had no ongoing state certification system in 2018 (Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont). Among 5,514 US EDs open in 2018, we identified 2,132 associated with adult and pediatric trauma centers (39%) holding certification (ACS, state, or both); 1,083 (51%) were certified levels I-III, and the rest (1,049, 49%) were levels IV-V. Of the 1,083 centers with any level I-III certification, 498 (46%) held ACS certification, and 1,059 (98%) held state certification. Applying ACS-similar criteria to centers with state levels I-III (n=1,059) resulted in a level change for 124 centers (12%). Using our “Standard” definition of a trauma level based on ACS criteria, our unified level I-III database included 959 (89%) adult and pediatric centers, with 24 (3%) ACS-certified only, 461 (48%) state-certified only, and 474 (49%) certified by both.ConclusionsDiscrepancies exist between ACS and state trauma certification systems. The differences in level I-III state criteria confirm discrepant standards for a given trauma “level” across the U.S. We combined these certifications into a unified national trauma center database available to researchers and the public.     

Adequacy of referral from primary care to a Department of Urology

ObjetiveTo indirectly address the adequacy of referrals from general practitioners (GP) to specialized care taking into account a previously agreed protocol on ten urological topics.Materials &; methodsThe study analyzed all referrals to the Urology department originated in 10 primary care centres (135 GPs involved) throughout a 19-month period. Adequacy of 2841 referrals was checked. The urologist judged the referral as compliant (adequate) or not compliant (inadequate) with the terms of the protocol. Compliance per primary care centres was compared. Also referral adequacy corrected per centre and clinical topic was compared. The relationship between “absolute number of referrals” and “adequate referrals” was tested using a linear regression model.Results57.2% of the referrals were inadequate. Overall, no significant differences were detected between primary care centres. Nevertheless significant differences between centres were evident in terms of referrals due to renal colic and female urinary incontinence. 70% (94/135) of the GPs complied with the protocol in, at least, 50% of the cases. A strong association between “absolute number of referrals” and “adequate referrals” was evident (r2=0.86).ConclusionsOverall compliance with the protocol was modest. While no significant differences between centres were detected in terms of adequacy of referrals certain conditions have to be locally revisited; most of the topics (particularly microhematuria) have to be revisited in every center.     

Access to specialist hospital care and injury survivability: identifying opportunities through an observational study of prehospital trauma fatalities

BackgroundOf the five million injury deaths that occur globally each year, an estimated 70% occur before the injured person reaches hospital. Although reducing the time from injury to definitive care has been shown to achieve better outcomes for patients, the relationship between injury incident location and access to specialist care has been largely unexplored.ObjectiveTo determine the number and distribution of prehospital (on-scene/en route) trauma deaths without timely access to a hospital with surgical and intensive care capabilities, overall and by estimated injury survivability.MethodsNew Zealand's Mortality Collection and Hospital Discharge dataset were used to select prehospital injury deaths in 2009-2012. These records were linked to files held by Australasia's National Coronial Information Service (NCIS) to estimate, for the trauma subset, injury survivability. Using geographical locations of injury for the prehospital trauma fatalities, time from Emergency Medical System call-out to arrival at the closest specialist hospital was estimated.ResultsOf 1,752 prehospital trauma fatalities, 14.7% (95%CI 13.0, 16.4) had potentially survivable injuries that occurred in locations without timely access (prehospital phase >60 minutes). More than half (132 of 257) of the potentially survivable prehospital trauma fatalities without timely access died as a result of a motor vehicle traffic crash. Only 10% (95%CI 5.7, 16.0) of prehospital trauma fatalities from falls were estimated to be potentially survivable and without timely access compared to 24.6% (95%CI 18.5, 31.5) of prehospital firearm fatalities. Through using geospatial techniques, “hot spot” locations of potentially survivable injuries without timely access to specialist major trauma hospitals were apparent.ConclusionApproximately 15% of prehospital trauma fatalities in New Zealand that are potentially survivable occur in locations without timely access to advanced level hospital care. Continued emphasis is required on both improving timely access to advanced trauma care, and on primary prevention of serious injuries. Decisions regarding trauma service delivery, a modifiable system-level factor, should consider the geographic distribution of locations of these injury events alongside the resident population distribution.     

Does the frailty index predict discharge disposition and length of stay at the hospital and rehabilitation facilities?

IntroductionMany geriatric hip fracture patients utilize significant healthcare resources and require an extensive recovery period after surgery. There is an increasing awareness that measuring frailty in geriatric patients may be useful in predicting mortality and perioperative complications and may be useful in helping guide treatment decisions. The primary purpose of the study is to investigate whether the frailty index predicts discharge disposition from the hospital and discharge facility and length of stay.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, patients aged 65 years and older presenting to a level 1 trauma center with a hip fracture and a calculated frailty index were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was discharge disposition. Secondary outcomes were hospital and discharge facility length of stay, 90-day hospital mortality and readmissions, and return to home.ResultsA total of 313 patients were included. The frailty index was a robust predictor of discharge to a skilled nursing facility (OR 1.440 per 0.1 point increase). Patients with a higher frailty index were at higher risk of 90-day mortality and less likely to return to home at the end of follow-up. There was a very weak correlation between the frailty index and hospital length of stay (ρ=0.30) and rehab length of stay (ρ=0.26).ConclusionThe frailty index can be used to predict discharge destination from both the hospital and rehabilitation facility, 90-day mortality, and return to home after rehabilitation. In this study, the frailty index had a very weak correlation with length of stay in the hospital and in discharge destination. The frailty index can be used to help guide medical decision making, goals of care discussions, and to determine which patients benefit from intensive rehabilitation.     

Statement of severe trauma management in France; teachings of the FIRST study

IntroductionThe blunt trauma victim management is still a matter of debate and comparing studies involving different emergency medical services and health care organization remains fictitious. Hence, the French Intensive care Recorded in Severe Trauma (FIRST) was conducted in order to describe the severe blunt trauma management in France. The present paper aimed at recalling the main results of FIRST study.MethodsThe FIRST study was based on a multicenter prospective cohort of patients aged 18 or over with severe exclusive blunt trauma requiring admission to university hospital care unit within the first 72 h and/or managed by medical-Staffed Emergency Mobile Unit (SMUR). Multiple data were collected about patient characteristics, clinical initial status, typology of trauma and the main endpoints were 30-day mortality.ResultsSixty-one percent of trauma patients were road traffic victims and 30% were domestic, sport or leisure trauma. Patients who benefited from medical pre-hospital management were globally more severely injured than those who received basic life support care by fire brigades. Therefore, they were delivered more aggressive treatment in the pre-hospital setting and the median time for their hospital admission was lengthened. However, their 30-day mortality was significantly reduced. The probability of death was also decreased when casualties were transported by SMUR helicopter directly to the university hospital. In the in-hospital setting, the performance of a whole-body computed tomography (CT) was associated with a significant reduction in the mortality risk compared with a selective CT.ConclusionThe FIRST study suggests the benefit of a medical management in the pre-hospital setting on the survival of trauma patients. The emergency physician (EP) expertise in the pre-hospital and initial hospital phases would lead to the concept of the appropriate care for the appropriate trauma patient. It also highlights the necessity to set up organized regional sectors of care and registries.     

Anforderungen an Traumanetzwerke in Niedersachsen

Background

The German Association of Trauma Surgery has developed a concept for the quality-assured care of severely injured patients; this concept includes the establishment of trauma networks. In this study, hospitals and emergency services in Lower Saxony were asked about their demands on the Hanover regional trauma network.

Materials and Methods

Trauma departments in Lower Saxony and adjoining federal states were asked to self-assess their level of trauma care. The demands of emergency services and trauma departments on the trauma network were also ascertained.

Results

Responses to the questionnaire were received from 70.2% of trauma departments and 11.5% of emergency services organizations. Of these, 46.9% of the trauma departments classified themselves as a “center of basic care”, 50.0% as a “regional trauma center”, and 3.1% as a “national trauma center”. Compared with the regional trauma centers, centers of basic care requested fast transfers of patients to a trauma center significantly more often, whereas trauma centers desired more educational activities.

Conclusion

The demands of trauma centers on a trauma network correspond with the aims formulated by the German Association of Trauma Surgery. These demands depend on the level of trauma care provided. Close cooperation with emergency services is essential to strengthen collaboration within the trauma network.     

Impact of a multidisciplinary trauma team on the outcome of acute subdural haematoma

IntroductionTo review the outcome of patients with post-traumatic acute subdural haematoma (ASDH) before and after the establishment of a hospital trauma team at a designated trauma centre.MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted on 82 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for post-traumatic ASDH. The ‘PRE’ and ‘POST’ groups included patients admitted before and after the establishment of a hospital trauma team, respectively.Injury severity was assessed by the admission Glasgow coma score, imaging findings, and the revised trauma score. Clinical outcome measures were the hospital length of stay and the Glasgow outcome score (GOS) upon hospital discharge.ResultsThe overall mortality rate was 53.7%. No significant difference was found between the PRE and POST groups. The mean length of hospital stay was also comparable between the two groups. The functional status of those who survived acute hospital care was significantly better in the POST group. Good outcome (GOS of 4 or 5) was achieved in 66.7% of the survivors in the POST group, compared with 25.0% in the PRE group (p = 0.024).ConclusionPost-traumatic ASDH carried a poor prognosis. The mortality rate and hospital length of stay of patients were not found to be reduced after the establishment of a hospital trauma team. The latter, however, was associated with significantly better functional outcome amongst survivors. Although causality cannot be established due to the multitude of factors which may have affected patient outcome, our findings nonetheless provide further support for the introduction of a multidisciplinary hospital trauma team for the optimal care of trauma patients.     

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) in a high-volume bariatric center

BackgroundThe growing demand for bariatric surgery has been accompanied by an expensive technological evolution and the need to contain healthcare costs and to increase the quality of care. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols applied to the bariatric setting can be the answer to all these different issues.ObjectivesFeasibility and safety of ERAS protocol in a single, high-volume bariatric center.SettingHumanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano MI, Italy.MethodsOur ERAS bariatric protocol is based on the following 3 steps: (1) preoperative: optimization of all co-morbidities, counseling patients and family with information and education, and shortening fasting times (clear fluids up to 2 hr and solids up to 4 hr before induction of anesthesia); (2) intraoperative: premedication, parallel team work, awake patient positioning, standardized multimodal anesthesia and analgesia, noninvasive monitoring, video-laryngoscopy in reverse Trendelenburg position, short-acting anesthetic agents, and standardized laparoscopic surgery avoiding the nasogastric tube, catheter, and drain; and (3) postoperative: analgesia, early mobilization, early oral fluid, thromboprophylaxis, discharge planning, and follow-up telephone call. Clinical pathways were established and outcomes were retrospectively collected.ResultsComparison between conventional care and ERAS protocol reveals a reduction of the length of hospital stay (from 4.7 to 2.1 d) and a low morbidity rate. From July 2015 to July 2018, a total of 2400 consecutive patients underwent primary or revisional bariatric surgery (2122 sleeve gastrectomies and 278 Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses [RYGB]). Mean body mass index was 44.9 kg/m², mean age was 41.9 years, and the male to female ratio was 1:2.5. Total mean operative time was 85 minutes, with a surgical time of 65 minutes and an anesthesiologic/patient induction time of 4 minutes. Early complication rate was 3.5% with no perioperative mortality. Mean hospital stay was 2.1 days and the rate of readmission was .9%.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that our ERAS protocol is safe, feasible, and efficient. Patient preparation and multidisciplinary/parallel team work are crucial points.     

Trauma-registry survival outcome follow up: 30 days is mandatory and appears sufficient

IntroductionThirty-day in-hospital mortality is a common outcome measure in trauma-registry research and benchmarking. However, this does not include deaths after hospital discharge before 30 days or late deaths beyond 30 days since the injury. To evaluate the reliability of this outcome measure, we assessed the timing and causes of death during the first year after major blunt trauma in patients treated at a single tertiary trauma center.MethodsWe used the Helsinki Trauma Registry to identify severely injured (NISS ≥ 16) blunt trauma patients during 2006 to 2015. The Population Register center of Finland provided the mortality data for patients and Statistics Finland provided the cause of death information from death certificates. Disease, work-related disease, medical treatment, and unknown cause of death were considered as non-trauma related deaths. We divided the 1-year study period into the following three categories: in-hospital death before 30 days (Group 1), death after discharge but within 30 days (Group 2), and death 31 to 365 days since admission (Group 3).ResultsWe included 3557 patients with a median NISS of 29. Altogether, 21.8% (776/3557) patients died during the first year since the injury. Of these non-survivors, 12.7% (450) were in Group 1, 4.0% (141) in Group 2, and 5.2% (185) in Group 3. Non-traumatic deaths not directly related to the injury increased substantially as the time from the injury increased and were 2.0% (9/450) in Group 1, 13.5% (19/141) in Group 2, and 35.7% (66/185) in Group 3.ConclusionThirty-day mortality is a proper outcome that measures survival after severe blunt trauma. However, applying only in-hospital mortality instead of actual 30-day mortality may exclude non-survivors who die at another facility before day 30. This could result in over-optimistic benchmarking results. On the other hand, extending the follow-up period beyond 30 days increases the rate of non-traumatic deaths. By combining data from different registries, it is possible to address this challenge in current trauma-registry research caused by lack of follow up.     

Extreme hyperpyrexia with cervical spinal cord injury: Survival using an external pad based hypothermia protocol

BackgroundExtreme hyperpyrexia (T > 41.5 °C [106.7 °F]) represents an unusual challenge in critical care medicine, which has historically resulted in 100% mortality when it is secondary to the thermal dysregulation seen in “quad fever.”PurposeA novel approach to this disorder, utilizing a protocol driven external cooling device for therapeutic hypothermia to reestablish normothermia, and survival is described.Patient sampleWe present the case of a 20 year old male who developed quad fever with extreme hyperpyrexia (T = 42.1 °C [107.8 °F]).ResultsHe was successfully treated, and survived utilizing an external cooling device based hypothermia protocol. The current literature on this topic is reviewed.ConclusionWhile “quad fever” has an extremely high mortality, with the success in this pilot case, early, aggressive use of an external cooling device based hypothermia protocol is advocated.     

Pediatric penetrating thoracic trauma: Examining the impact of trauma center designation and penetrating trauma volume on outcomes

IntroductionWe analyzed the impact of treating center designation and case volume of penetrating trauma on outcomes after pediatric penetrating thoracic injuries (PTI).MethodsPTI patients <18 years were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (2013–2016). Centers were categorized by type (Pediatric or Adult) and designation status (Level I, Level II, and other). Performance was calculated as the difference between observed and expected mortality and standardized using the total penetrating trauma volume per center. Expected mortality was calculated using the Trauma Mortality Prediction Model. Pearson correlation and linear mixed-effects models evaluated the association between variables and performance.ResultsWe identified 4,134 PTI patients treated at 596 trauma centers: 879 (21%) at Adult Level I, 608 (15%) at Adult Level II, 531 (13%) at Pediatric Level I, 320 (8%) at Pediatric Level II, and 1,796 (43%) at other centers. Primary injury mechanisms were firearm-related (58%) and cut/piercing (42%). Overall mortality was 16% and median predicted mortality was 3.6% (IQR: 1.5% - 11.2%). Among patients with thoracic firearm-related injuries, centers with lower penetrating case volume and total trauma care demonstrated significantly worse outcomes. Multivariable analysis revealed Adult Level I centers had superior outcomes compared with all other non-Level I centers. There was no difference in mortality between Pediatric and Adult Level I centers.DiscussionAdult Level I trauma center designation and annual case volume of penetrating thoracic trauma are associated with improved mortality after pediatric firearm-related thoracic injuries. Further study is needed to identify factors in higher volume centers that improve outcomes.Level of evidenceLevel III.     

Perioperative factors associated with Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems responses of total hip arthroplasty patients

ObjectiveTo determine perioperative treatments and events associated with Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) responses among patients who undergo total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and total knee arthroplasties (TKAs).DesignRetrospective analysis.SettingSingle tertiary care, academic, urban, level 1 trauma center.ParticipantsFinal cohort represents 301 consecutive surgical inpatients meeting criteria for evaluation by HCAHPS survey.ExposuresResponses to 4 HCAHPS questions were analyzed against perioperative treatments and events.MeasuresPositive and negative responses to HCAHPS questions.ResultsTHA patients responding affirmatively to both pain specific and general satisfaction were associated with preoperative use of chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, THA patients responding affirmatively “how often was your pain well controlled” were also associated decreased postanesthesia care unit (PACU) opioid requirement. TKA patients responding affirmatively to “what number would you use to rate this hospital” were associated with shorter PACU stays and lower final pain scores. TKA patients responding affirmatively to “would you recommend this hospital to your family” were associated with shorter lengths of stay in the hospital and in the PACU. TKA patients responding affirmatively to “How often did the hospital staff do everything to help with your pain” were not associated with any measured perioperative event. TKA patients responding affirmatively to “how often was your pain well controlled” were associated with older age, decreased use of preoperative chronic benzodiazepines, and increased use of preoperative midazolam.ConclusionsThese data suggest that chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with improved overall satisfaction and satisfaction with pain in THA patients. Furthermore, increased PACU opioid use was negatively associated satisfaction with pain management. Age, lengths of stay preadmission medications, anxiolytic medications, and PACU pain scores are associated with patient satisfaction with regards to both pain management and overall satisfaction in TKA patients.     

Beyond survival: Readmissions and late mortality in pediatric ECMO survivors

IntroductionThe objective of our study was to identify rates of readmission and late mortality in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients after discharge from their ECMO hospitalization.MethodsWe conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of children who were discharged after ECMO. Data were obtained from the State Inpatient Databases for 10 states. Time-to-event analyses were used to estimate the risk of readmission and to identify factors predictive of readmission and late mortality, including characteristics of initial hospital course and ECMO center volume.ResultsA total of 1603 pediatric ECMO patients were identified, and 42.4% of these patients died prior to discharge. Of the 924 ECMO survivors, 35.6% had an unplanned readmission, and 3% died during readmission within 1 year. The risk of readmission was significantly related to the indication for ECMO, number of complex chronic conditions, transfer status, and discharge destination (all p < 0.05). The risk of late mortality was significantly related to health insurance, transfer status, number of complex chronic conditions, and indication for ECMO (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsPediatric ECMO survivors have a high risk of hospital readmission with approximately 3% mortality during readmissions within 1 year of initial discharge.Type of StudyRetrospective Cohort StudyLevel of EvidenceLevel III     

No Changes in Patient Selection and Value-Based Metrics for Total Hip Arthroplasty After Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Bundle Implementation at a Single Center

BackgroundAlternative payment models for total hip arthroplasty (THA) were initiated by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to decrease overall healthcare cost. The associated shift of financial risk to participating institutions may negatively influence patient selection to avoid high cost of care (“cherry picking,” “lemon dropping”). This study evaluated the impact of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model on patient selection, care delivery, and hospital costs at a single care center.MethodsPatients undergoing a primary THA from 2015-2017 were stratified by insurance type (Medicare and commercial insurance) and whether care was provided before (pre-CJR) or after (post-CJR) CJR bundle implementation. Patient age, gender, and body mass index, Elixhauser comorbidities and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, were analyzed. Delivery of care variables including surgery duration, discharge disposition, length of stay, and direct hospital costs were compared pre- and post-CJR.ResultsA total of 751 THA patients (273 Medicare and 478 commercial Insurance) were evaluated pre-CJR (29%) and post-CJR (71%). Patient demographics were similar (age, gender, BMI); however, commercially insured patients had less comorbidities pre-CJR (P = .033). Medicare patient post-CJR length of stay (P = .010) was reduced with a trend toward discharge to home (P = .019). Surgical time, operating room service time, 90-day readmissions and direct hospital costs were similar pre- and post-CJR.ConclusionThere was no differential patient selection after CJR bundle implementation and value-based metrics (surgical time, operating room service time) were not affected. Patients were discharged sooner and more often to home. However, overall direct hospital expenses remained unchanged revealing that any cost savings were for insurance providers, not participating hospitals.     

Palliative Medicine Referral in Patients Undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for Acute Kidney Injury

Abstract

Background: Referral patterns for palliative medicine consultation (PMC) by intensivists for patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) have not been studied. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data on patients who received CRRT in a tertiary referral center between 1999 and 2006 to determine timeliness and effectiveness of PMC referrals and mortality rate as a surrogate for safety among patients receiving CRRT for acute kidney injury. Results: Over one-fifth (21.1%) of the 230 CRRT patients studied were referred for PMC (n = 55). PMC was requested on average after median of 15 hospital and 13 intensive care unit (ICU) days. Multivariate regression analysis revealed no association between mortality risk and PMC. Total hospital length of stay for patients who died after PMC referral was 18.5 (95% CI = 15–25) days compared with 12.5 days (95% CI = 9–17) for patients who died without PMC referral. ICU care for patients who died and received PMC was longer than for patients with no PMC [11.5 (95% CI = 9–15) days vs. 7.0 (95% CI = 6–9) days, p < 0.01]. CRRT duration was longer for patients who died and received PMC referral than for those without PMC [5.5 (95% CI = 4–8) vs. 3.0 (95% CI = 3–4) days; p < 0.01]. Conclusions: PMC was safe, but referrals were delayed and ineffective in optimizing the utilization of intensive care in patients receiving CRRT. A proactive, “triggered” referral process will likely be necessary to improve timeliness of PMC and reduce duration of non-beneficial life-sustaining therapies.