Hospital characteristics associated with post-discharge suicide of severely depressed patients

PURPOSE: To explore risk factors, such as characteristics of psychiatrist, patient and hospital at index hospitalization, associated with depressed patients who committed suicide within 3 months of discharge using a case-control design. METHODS: By linking the Taiwanese nationwide mortality database and the National Health Insurance dataset, all hospitalized patients with major depression who committed suicide within a 90-day period post-discharge during the years 2002-2004 were selected as a study cohort (n=85). We randomly selected 425 cases (five for every case in the study cohort) that were matched with the study cohort in terms of age, gender and date of discharge as a control cohort. Cox proportional hazard regression was carried out to compute the adjusted 90-day survival rate after adjusting for other factors. RESULTS: The majority of suicide occurred 30 days after discharge from hospitals, with a mean of 29.9 days. The adjusted hazard for committing suicide after hospital discharge for patients who left on their own initiative was 2.85 times (95% CI=1.387-5.856, p=0.004) greater than for those who were discharged with doctors' approval. Furthermore, the adjusted hazard for patients who were discharged from medical centers was higher than for patients discharged from regional hospitals, by a multiple of 3.38 (95% CI=1.421-8.055, p=0.006). LIMITATIONS: Some patient-specific predictors of post-discharge suicide, such as suicidal ideation prior to admission, recent life events and social relationships with close relatives were not available. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, in addition to patient characteristics, hospital characteristics also constitute important risk factors for suicide within 90 days of discharge for depressed patients.     

Risk factors influencing the occurrence of injuries in koreans requiring hospitalization

PURPOSE: This study focused on local communities and the factors influencing injuries requiring hospital admission that affect the quality of life for Koreans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used data collected from 4,400 households during the 2001 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A stratified multistage probability sampling method was applied and the final sample included 7,924 subjects over 20 years old who had completed the questionnaire regarding factors influencing injuries requiring hospital admission. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk factors influencing injuries. RESULTS: The incidence of injuries requiring hospital admission in Koreans was higher in men than in women at 2.3% (95% CI: 1.8-2.8) and 1.7% (95% CI: 1.3-2.1), respectively. Statistically significant factors affecting the occurrence of injuries requiring hospital admission were marital status (OR: 2.60, 95% CI: 2.22- 5.56), state of health (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43-0.92), frequency of heavy drinking (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.01-3.79), normal physical activities (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.07-2.65), and sleep (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.01-2.35). CONCLUSION: The results of this study can be used to develop measures to prevent fatal injuries and be used as basic data for community health programs.     

Current psychiatric morbidity, aggression/impulsivity, and personality dimensions in child and adolescent suicide: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate psychiatric risk factors for child and adolescent suicide, and to determine the association between impulsive-aggressive and other personality traits, and suicide completion in this population. METHOD: Psychiatric diagnoses, impulsive-aggressive and other personality traits were assessed in 55 child and adolescent suicide victims and 55 community controls using semi-structured proxy-based interviews and questionnaires. RESULTS: The most significant psychiatric risk factors associated with child and adolescent suicide were depressive disorders (OR=48.414, 95% CI 6.247-375.185), substance/alcohol abuse disorder (OR=5.365, 95% CI 1.434-20.076), and disruptive disorders (OR=13.643, 95% CI 2.292-23.16). Additionally, suicide victims showed higher scores on lifetime aggression/impulsivity, and harm avoidance. However, after logistic regression, the only independent significant predictors of suicide in this age group were the presence of depressive disorders (Adjusted OR (AOR)=39.652, 95% CI 4.501-349.345), substance/alcohol abuse disorders (AOR=7.325, 95% CI 1.127-47.62), and disruptive disorders (AOR=6.464, 95% CI 1.422-29.38). LIMITATIONS: Relatively small sample size, and cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the existence of a particular clinical profile of children and adolescents at high risk for suicide. Additionally, our results reinforce the need for improved understanding of the interrelationships between stressors, depression, substance/alcohol abuse disorders, disruptive disorders and personality traits/dimensions in youth suicidal behavior.     

Suicides and serious suicide attempts: two populations or one?

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the extent to which populations of suicides and attempted suicides are similar, or different. This paper compares suicides and serious suicide attempts in terms of known risk factors for suicidal behaviour. METHODS: Using case-control methodology, risk factors for suicidal behaviour were examined in 202 individuals who died by suicide, 275 individuals who made medically serious suicide attempts and 984 randomly selected control subjects. Based on data from significant others, measures used spanned sociodemographic factors, childhood experiences, psychiatric morbidity and psychiatric history, exposure to recent stressful life events and social interaction. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression identified the following risk factors that were common to suicide and serious suicide attempts: current mood disorder; previous suicide attempts; prior outpatient psychiatric treatment; admission to psychiatric hospital within the previous year; low income; a lack of formal educational qualifications; exposure to recent stressful interpersonal, legal and work-related life events. Suicides and suicide attempts were distinguished in the following ways: suicides were more likely to be male (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1, 3.2); older (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.02, 1.04); and to have a current diagnosis of non-affective psychosis (OR = 8.5, 95% CI 2.0, 35.9). Suicide attempts were more likely than suicides to have a current diagnosis of anxiety disorder (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.6, 7.8) and to be socially isolated (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.2, 3.5). These findings were confirmed by discriminant function analysis, which identified two functions that described the three subject groups: the first function discriminated the two suicide groups from control subjects on a dimension corresponding to risk factors for suicide; the second function discriminated suicide from suicide attempt subjects on a series of factors including gender, non-affective psychosis and anxiety disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Suicides and medically serious suicide attempts are two overlapping populations that share common psychiatric diagnostic and history features, but are distinguished by gender and patterning of psychiatric disorder.     

网络成瘾患者抑郁状况及相关因素调查

目的:了解网络成瘾(Internet Addiction,IAD)患者的抑郁状况及相关影响因素,为IAD患者的治疗提供参考。方法:采用自制的一般资料问卷、抑郁自评量表(Self-Rating Depression Scale,SDS)、家庭功能量表(家庭支持APGAR问卷)对住院治疗的107名IAD患者进行测评,分析IAD患者抑郁的危险因素。结果:IAD患者的抑郁发生率为61.68%,远高于正常群体(χ~2=85.48,P0.001);Logistic回归分析显示,家庭功能严重障碍(P=0.007,OR=5.231,95%CI=1.943~9.887)、非自愿入院治疗(P=0.011,OR=3.112,95%CI=1.764~8.113)、单亲家庭(P=0.032,OR=2.213,95%CI=1.210~6.399)为IAD患者抑郁的显著危险因子;家庭功能良好(P=0.001,OR=0.317,95%CI=0.172~0.857)为IAD患者抑郁的显著保护因子。结论:多数IAD患者存在严重的抑郁情绪;家庭支持状况差、非自愿入院治疗及单亲家庭的患者抑郁状况更差;良好的家庭功能状况有助于抑郁状况的改善。     

HIV-positive injection drug users who leave the hospital against medical advice: the mitigating role of methadone and social support

BACKGROUND: Leaving the hospital against medical advice has been associated with increased morbidity and readmission. Factors associated with the risk of leaving against medical advice among HIV/AIDS patients or injection drug users have not been examined in detail. OBJECTIVES: To examine the clinical and social factors associated with leaving against medical advice (AMA) from a specialized HIV/AIDS ward among patients who reported a history of injection drug use. METHODS: All patients with a history of injection drug use admitted to the HIV/AIDS ward at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia (the largest specialized HIV/AIDS hospital ward in Canada) between April 1997 and October 2000 were reviewed retrospectively. A multivariate logistic regression model utilizing a generalized estimating equation algorithm identified factors associated with leaving the hospital AMA. RESULTS: Of the 1056 hospital admissions to the HIV/AIDS ward by patients with a history of injection drug use, 263 (24.9%) resulted in leaving the hospital AMA. Independent positive predictors of leaving AMA included recent injection drug use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.41-3.07) and aboriginal ethnicity (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.05-2.28). Discharge AMA was also more likely to occur on weekends (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.49-3.48) and on days when social assistance payments were issued (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.70-5.10). Factors that independently reduced the odds of hospital discharge AMA included in-hospital methadone use (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32-0.76), social support (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.21-0.51), and older age (per 10-year increment, AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.43-0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Among HIV-positive patients with a history of injection drug use, the odds of leaving the hospital AMA were reduced for subjects who received inpatient methadone treatment, were of older age, or had social supports. Addiction treatment and interventions that enhance social supports in marginalized populations at risk for hospital discharge AMA should be further explored.     

Risk factors of multidrug resistance in nosocomial bacteremia due to Acinetobacter baumannii: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acinetobacter baumannii is an important nosocomial pathogen. Bacteremia caused by multidrug-resistant A. baumannii (MDRAB) leads to higher mortality and medical cost compared with non-MDRAB bacteremia. We aimed to identify risk factors of multidrug resistance in A. baumannii bacteremia. METHODS: A matched case-control study was conducted to compare the differences in risk factors of patients with MDRAB and non-MDRAB bacteremia. RESULTS: Sixty three patients with MDRAB bacteremia and 63 matched patients with non-MDRAB bacteremia were identified from hospital and laboratory records of the period 1996 to 2002. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified four independent risk factors associated with multidrug resistance in A. baumannii bacteremic patients: previous colonization with A. baumannii (odds ratio [OR], 7.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-30.6; p=0.002), antecedent antimicrobial therapy (OR, 6.10; 95% CI, 1.2-29.9; p=0.026) the number of recently prescribed antibiotics (OR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.0-1.8; p=0.026), and recent invasive procedures (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 1.6-11.1; p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, patients with MDRAB bacteremia had earlier A. baumannii colonization, greater previous exposure to antimicrobial agents and recent invasive procedures. The results of this study demonstrate a rationale for the development of effective interventions to minimize the impact of MDRAB.     

Risk factors for suicide in China's youth: a case-control study

BACKGROUND: Suicide is the most common cause of death among youth in China. METHOD: A case-control psychological autopsy study in 23 geographically representative disease surveillance points around China collected information from family members and close associates of 114 persons aged 15-24 years who died by suicide (cases) and 91 who died of other injuries (controls). RESULTS: Among the 114 suicides 61% were female, 88% lived in rural villages, 70% died by ingesting pesticides (most commonly stored in the home), 24% previously attempted suicide, and 45% met criteria of a mental illness at the time of death. Multivariate logistic regression identified several independent risk factors: severe life events within 2 days before death (OR 31.8, 95% CI 2.6-390.6), presence of any depressive symptoms within 2 weeks of death (OR 21.1, 95% CI 4.6-97.2), low quality of life in the month before death (OR 9.7, 95% CI 2.8-34.1), and acute stress at time of death (moderate: OR 3.1, 95% CI 0.8-11.9; high: OR 9.1, 95% CI 1.2-66.8). A significant interaction between mental illness at time of death and gender indicated that diagnosis was an important predictor of suicide in males (OR 14.0, 95% CI 2.6-76.5) but not in females (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.0-3.6). Prior suicide attempt was related to suicide in the univariate analysis (OR 57.5) but could not be included in the multivariate model because no controls had made prior attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide prevention efforts for youth in China must focus on restricting access to pesticides, early recognition and management of depressive symptoms and mental illnesses, improving resiliency, and enhancing quality of life.     

A case-control study of 92 cases of in-patient suicides

BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients committed suicide while receiving in-patient treatment in psychiatric hospitals. Most previous studies on psychiatric in-patient suicides were conducted in the West. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and identify risk factors of suicides occurring during psychiatric in-patient care in Hong Kong. METHOD: The case record data of suicide cases (Coroner's verdicts of suicides and undetermined deaths) from all public psychiatric hospitals in the entire region within a 3 years' period (N=93) were compared with matched controls. RESULTS: In-patient suicide rate was 269/100,000 admissions. Majority had schizophrenia. Suicide usually occurred after the first month of admission, during leave, and by jump from heights. There were little case-control differences in treatment received. Multiple conditional logistic regression found 5 risk factors: previous history of deliberate self-harm (OR=4.60, 95% CI=1.57-13.5); admitted because of suicidal behaviour (OR=3.92, 95% CI=1.3-11.9); depressive symptoms at time of suicide (OR=8.53, 95% CI=1.4-52); away without leave at anytime during index admission (OR=17, 95% CI=1.76-163); and extrapyramidal side effects/akathisia at time of suicide (OR=10.8, 95% CI=1.75-66.7). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective case record review depended on non-standardized and variable quality of case notes entry. Matching for hospitals in this study would make the comparison between hospitals impossible. Although this is the second largest case-control study of psychiatric in-patient suicide, the estimated power suggested subtle risk factors would be missed. CONCLUSION: Majority of in-patient suicides occurred at a time of perceived low risk. A high sensitivity to the risk of suicide and vigorous treatment of depressive symptoms were indicated. The care processes during the index admission could bear strong influences on the risk of in-patient suicides.     

北京地区40家综合医院住院病人自杀意念和自杀未遂的调查

目的:了解北京地区综合医院住院病人自杀意念、自杀未遂的出现率及其危险因素。方法:采用自制抑郁筛选量表在随机抽取的北京40家各级综合医院中调查了2914例年龄>15岁的住院病人,了解他们自杀意念、自杀未遂发生情况及相关因素,并通过多因素logistic模型发现其危险因素。结果:2914例患者中,187人(6·42%;95%CI为5·58%~7·64%)有过自杀意念,其危险因素排列为:近一年感到绝望的频率高(OR=9·2,95%CI为6·5~12·9)、亲属有过自杀行为(4·3,2·3~8·3)、调查当时有重性抑郁发作(2·7,1·7~4·3)、熟人有过自杀行为(2·0,1·3~2·9)、年龄<55岁(1·7,1·2~2·3)、女性(1·5,1·1~2·1)。2914例患者中,25人(0·86%;95%CI为0·56%~1·26%)有过自杀未遂,其危险因素排列为:目前有重性抑郁发作(OR=5·6,95%CI为2·1~15·1)、亲属有过自杀行为(5·1,1·4~18·9)、近一年感到绝望频率高(4·7,1·9~11·9)、年龄<55岁(3·6,1·4~9·3)、女性(3·6,1·4~9·3)。结论:伴有抑郁症状的综合医院住院病人应视为自杀高危人群,需投入更多的关注。根据其自杀意念、自杀未遂的危险因素,应在综合医院制定和执行有针对性的自杀预防计划。     

Rates and characteristics of intensive care unit admissions and intubations among asthma-related hospitalizations.

BACKGROUND: A life-threatening attack of asthma that leads to intensive care unit (ICU) admission, intubation, or both identifies patients at high risk of subsequent morbidity and mortality and represents a major cost burden. OBJECTIVE: To assess the rates, characteristics, and costs of ICU admissions and intubations among asthma-related hospitalizations. METHODS: This analysis was performed using a database of 215 hospitals representing more than 3 million annual inpatient visits. Asthma-related hospital admissions were identified by a primary diagnosis code for asthma during 2000. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for predictors of ICU admission, intubation, and in-hospital mortality. Ordinary least squares regression was used to estimate adjusted mean costs and length of stay. RESULTS: Of 29,430 admissions with a primary diagnosis of asthma, 10.1% were admitted to the ICU and 2.1% were intubated. The risk of in-hospital death was significantly greater in patients who were intubated but not admitted to the ICU (OR, 96.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 50.24-184.20), those who were admitted to the ICU and intubated (OR, 62.69; 95% CI, 38.17-102.96), and patients with more severe comorbidities (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.38-1.70). On average, intubated patients stayed in the hospital 4.5 days longer and incurred more than $11,000 in additional costs; patients admitted to the ICU stayed 1 day longer and accounted for $3,000 in additional costs vs standard admissions. CONCLUSIONS: The inpatient mortality, morbidity, and cost burden of life-threatening asthma in the United States is considerable. This study characterizes patients with asthma at risk of ICU admissions and intubations. Appropriate recognition and treatment are needed to prevent these severe and potentially life-threatening events.     

Retrospective study of outcome in patients treated for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

Objective: To investigate whether a change in current treatment practice for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia from flucloxacillin and aminoglycoside to flucloxacillin and fusidic acid was associated with any changes in outcome.
Method: A retrospective analysis was carried out of 316 episodes of S. aureus bacteremia diagnosed and treated in a tertiary hospital complex between 1983 and 1993. Outcomes considered were (1) death related to the infection and (2) relapse following cessation of antibiotic therapy.
Results: Mortality related to infection, which occurred in 24% of patients, was unrelated to treatment with the combination of flucloxacillin and fusidic acid; however, increasing age was a significant risk factor (OR per decade = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.18-1.55), and increasing duration of treatment (OR per week of treatment = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.52-0.77), use of flucloxacillin (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.14-0.64), presence of an intravascular device (OR = 0.39,95% CI = 0.20-0.78) and presence of a skin lesion (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.26-0.99) were significant protective factors. The only factor significantly related to relapse, which occurred in 11% of patients, was treatment with the combination of flucloxacillin and fusidic acid (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.12-0.85). There was approximately a 70% reduction in the risk of relapse if this combination was used.
Conclusions: This retrospective analysis suggests a clinically important protective effect of fusidic acid against relapse in patients with S. aureus bacteremia. Although the results were adjusted for potential confounding factors, the possibility of bias remains. There is a need for a prospective randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of flucloxacillin and fusidic acid for treating S. aureus bacteremia.     

Poverty, violence and depression during pregnancy: a survey of mothers attending a public hospital in Brazil

BACKGROUND: Depression in women is associated with social deprivation and violence. We describe the prevalence and risk factors for depression during pregnancy, in particular the association with poverty and violence, in a Brazilian setting. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey of women in the third trimester of pregnancy attending a public hospital maternity clinic from August 2003 to July 2004 in Rio de Janeiro. Participants were interviewed about their sociodemographic status, obstetric and medical conditions, substance use, stressful life events, and social support. Depression was diagnosed through the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). RESULTS: A total of 230 of 240 eligible women consented to participate. The 12-month prevalence of depression was 19.1% (95% CI 14.4-24.9). On multivariate analyses, having been educated beyond primary school was protective (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-0.9). Risk factors were: being divorced or widowed (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.3-18.3); a history of depression before pregnancy (OR 7.9, 95% CI 3.1-20.5); loss of an intimate relationship (OR 8.4, 95% CI 3.3-21.4), experienced financial difficulties (OR 6.6, 95% CI 2.5-17.2) and having been exposed to violence in the previous year (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.5-11.8). CONCLUSIONS: Depression is common during pregnancy and is associated with indicators of socio-economic deprivation, violence and the loss of an intimate relationship, and with a previous history of depression. Psychosocial interventions and appropriate social policies need to be implemented in this population to reduce the burden of maternal depression.     

Life events and psychosocial factors in elderly suicides--a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Stressful life events, such as family conflicts, separation, bereavement, somatic illness and financial problems are common antecedents of suicide. Studies on suicide among younger persons dominate the literature, despite the fact that a large proportion of suicides occur among elderly persons. METHODS: The occurrence of stressful life events was investigated among elderly suicide cases and population controls. The study was conducted in the southwestern part of Sweden and included 85 persons (46 males and 39 females) 65 years and above who had committed suicide from January 1994 to May 1996. Population controls (84 males and 69 females) were randomly selected. Interviews were carried out with the controls and with informants for the suicide cases. Questions on sociodemographic background, mental and somatic health status, and life events (0-6, 7-12 and 13-24 months preceding suicide/interview) were included in the interviews. RESULTS: Somatic illness, family discord and financial trouble were significant risk factors during all three time periods. Other risk factors were mental disorder, lower education, feelings of loneliness and previous suicide in the family. Factors associated with a decreased risk included active participation in organizations and having a hobby. Variables that remained in the multivariate logistic regression model were mental disorder (men, odds ratio (OR) = 62.4, 95% CI 17.9-217.5; women, OR = 55.9, 95% CI 14.1-222.3) and family discord (men, OR = 10.0. 95% CI 1.7-59.8; women, OR = 9.2, 95% CI 1.9-44.8). CONCLUSIONS: Mental disorder and family discord were the two major risk factors for suicide among elderly men and women.     

Incidence of postoperative hypothermia and its risk factors in adults undergoing orthopedic surgery under brachial plexus block: A retrospective cohort study

Postoperative hypothermia increases patient mortality and morbidity. However, the incidence of, and risk factors for, postoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing surgery under brachial plexus block (BPB) as the primary method of anesthesia remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, postoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing surgery under BPB. We retrospectively analyzed 660 patients aged ≥ 19 years who underwent orthopedic surgery under BPB in our hospital between October 2014 and October 2019. Postoperative hypothermia was defined as a tympanic membrane temperature < 36 °C when the patient arrived in the post-anesthesia care unit. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for postoperative hypothermia. Postoperative hypothermia was observed in 40.6% (268/660) of patients. Independent risk factors for postoperative hypothermia were lower baseline core temperature before anesthesia (odds ratio [OR] 0.355; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.185-0.682), alcohol abuse (OR 2.658; 95% CI 1.105-6.398), arthroscopic shoulder surgery (OR 2.007; 95% CI 1.428-2.820), use of fentanyl (OR 1.486; 95% CI 1.059-2.087), combined use of midazolam and dexmedetomidine (OR 1.816; 95% CI 1.268-2.599), a larger volume of intravenous fluid (OR 1.001; 95% CI 1.000-1.002), and longer duration of surgery (OR 1.010; 95% CI 1.004-1.017). Postoperative hypothermia is common in adult patients undergoing orthopedic surgery under BPB. The risk factors identified in this study should be considered to avoid postoperative hypothermia in these patients.     

Risk factors for Clostridium difficile toxin-positive diarrhea: a population-based prospective case–control study

Increased incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) is of major concern. However, by minimizing known risk factors, the incidence can be decreased. The aim of this investigation was to calculate the incidence and assess risk factors for CDI in our population. A 1-year prospective population-based nationwide study in Iceland of CDIs was carried out. For risk factor evaluation, each case was matched with two age- and sex-matched controls that tested negative for C. difficile toxin. A total of 128 CDIs were identified. The crude incidence was 54 cases annually per 100,000 population >18?years of age. Incidence increased exponentially with older age (319 per 100,000 population >86?years of age). Community-acquired origin was 27?%. Independent risk factors included: dicloxacillin (odds ratio [OR]: 7.55, 95?% confidence interval [CI]: 1.89-30.1), clindamycin (OR: 6.09, 95?% CI: 2.23-16.61), ceftriaxone (OR: 4.28, 95?% CI: 1.59-11.49), living in a retirement home (OR: 3.9, 95?% CI: 1.69-9.16), recent hospital stay (OR: 2.3, 95?% CI: 1.37-3.87). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were used by 60/111 (54?%) versus 91/222 (41?%) (p?=?0.026) and ciprofloxacin 19/111 (17?%) versus 19/222 (9?%) (p?=?0.027) for cases and controls, respectively. In all, 75?% of primary CDIs treated with metronidazole recovered from one course of treatment. CDI was mostly found among elderly patients. The most commonly identified risk factors were broad-spectrum antibiotics and recent contact with health care institutions. PPI use was significantly more prevalent among CDI patients.     

Clinical characteristics of bacteraemia caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in the era of CTX-M-type and KPC-type β-lactamases

Clin Microbiol Infect 2012; 18: 887-893 ABSTRACT: A multicentre, case-control study was conducted to assess risk factors and patient outcomes of bacteraemia caused by Enterobacteriaceae producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases (KPCs). One hundred and five and 20 patients with bacteraemia caused by ESBL-producing and KPC-producing organisms were matched to controls who had bacteraemia caused by non-ESBL/KPC-producing organisms, respectively. Independent risk factors for ESBL production included admission from a nursing home (OR 4.64; 95% CI 2.64-8.16), chronic renal failure (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.11-3.92), the presence of a gastrostomy tube (OR 3.36; 95% CI 1.38-8.18), length of hospital stay before infection (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03), transplant receipt (OR 2.48; 95% CI 1.24-4.95), and receipt of antibiotics with Gram-negative activity in the preceding 30 days (OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.00-3.08). Twenty-eight-day crude mortality rates for patients infected with ESBL-producing or KPC-producing organisms and controls were 29.1% (34/117) and 19.5% (53/272), respectively (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.04-2.80). On multivariate analysis, inadequate empirical therapy (OR 2.26; 95% CI 1.18-4.34), onset of bacteraemia while in the intensive-care unit (OR 2.74; 95% CI 1.47-5.11), Apache II score (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.12-1.23) and malignancy (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.31-5.41) were independent risk factors for mortality. CTX-M was the most common ESBL type in Escherichia coli, whereas SHV predominated in Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp.     

Use of the Suicide Status Form-II to investigate correlates of suicide risk factors in psychiatrically hospitalized children and adolescents

Background

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the United States for youth 12–17 years or age. Acute psychiatric hospitalization represents a clear worst point clinically and acute suicide risk is the most common reason for psychiatric admission. We sought to determine factors associated with differences in individual suicide risk assessment for children and adolescents during acute psychiatric admission.

Methods

Study participants were 1153 youth consecutively admitted to an inpatient psychiatry unit who completed a self-administered Suicide Status Form (SSF) within 24 h of admission. Additional information on suicide risk factors was obtained through medical chart abstraction.

Results

Females reported significantly greater psychological pain, stress, hopelessness, and self-hate on the SSF and were significantly more likely to have made a suicide attempt just prior to the index hospital admission (OR=1.59, SE=0.29; CI=1.12–2.26), report a family history of suicide (OR=2.02, SE=0.33; CI=1.47–2.78), and had experienced a greater number of inpatient psychiatry admissions related to suicidal ideation (RR=1.33, SE=0.13; CI=1.10–1.61). High school aged youth and those with a primary diagnosis of depression displayed consistently elevated SSF scores and risk factors for suicide compared to comparison groups.

Limitations

Diagnosis was determined through chart abstraction. Responses to access to firearm question had missing data for 46% of the total sample.

Conclusions

Systematic administration of a suicide-specific measure at admission may help clinicians improve identification of suicide risk factors in youth in inpatient psychiatry settings.     

Higher-risk periods for suicide among VA patients receiving depression treatment: prioritizing suicide prevention efforts

BackgroundHealth systems with limited resources may have the greatest impact on suicide if their prevention efforts target the highest-risk treatment groups during the highest-risk periods. To date, few health systems have carefully segmented their depression treatment populations by level of risk and prioritized prevention efforts on this basis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 887,859 VA patients receiving depression treatment between 4/1/1999 and 9/30/2004. We calculated suicide rates for five sequential 12-week periods following treatment events that health systems could readily identify: psychiatric hospitalizations, new antidepressant starts (> 6 months without fills), “other” antidepressant starts, and dose changes. Using piecewise exponential models, we examined whether rates differed across time-periods. We also examined whether suicide rates differed by age-group in these periods.ResultsOver all time-periods, the suicide rate was 114/100,000 person-years (95% CI; 108, 120). In the first 12-week periods, suicide rates were: 568/100,000 p-y (95% CI; 493, 651) following psychiatric hospitalizations; 210/100,000 p-y (95% CI; 187, 236) following new antidepressant starts; 193/100,000 p-y (95% CI; 167, 222) following other starts; and 154/100,000 p-y (95% CI; 133, 177) following dose changes. Suicide rates remained above the base rate for 48 weeks following hospital discharge and 12 weeks following antidepressant events. Adults aged 61–80 years were at highest risk in the first 12-week periods.ConclusionsTo have the greatest impact on suicide, health systems should prioritize prevention efforts following psychiatric hospitalizations. If resources allow, closer monitoring may also be warranted in the first 12 weeks following antidepressant starts, across all age-groups.