Hypertension is the major predictor of poor outcomes among inpatients with COVID-19 infection in the UK: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases on inpatient mortality from COVID-19, and its relationship to ethnicity and social deprivation.DesignRetrospective, single-centre observational studySettingBirmingham, UK.Participants907 hospitalised patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from a multi-ethnic community, admitted between 1 March 2020 and 31 May 2020.Main outcome measuresThe primary analysis was an evaluation of cardiovascular conditions and diabetes in relation to ethnicity and social deprivation, with the end-point of inpatient death or death within 30 days of discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate HRs while adjusting for confounders.Results361/907 (39.8%) died in hospital or within 30 days of discharge. The presence of diabetes and hypertension together appears to confer the greatest mortality risk (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.80 to 4.21; p<0.001) compared with either condition alone. Age >65 years (OR 3.32; 95% CI 2.15 to 5.11), male sex (OR 2.04; 95% CI 1.47 to 2.82), hypertension (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.61) and cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.31 to 2.68) were independently associated with increased risk of death. The mortality risk did not differ between the quintiles of deprivation. High-sensitivity troponin I was the best predictor of mortality among biomarkers (OR 4.43; 95% CI 3.10 to 7.10). Angiotensin-receptor blockers (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.96) and ACE inhibitors (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.97) were not associated with adverse outcome. The Charlson Index of Comorbidity scores were significantly higher in non-survivors.ConclusionsThe combined prevalence of hypertension and diabetes appears to confer the greatest risk, where diabetes may have a modulating effect. Hypertension and cerebrovascular disease had a significant impact on inpatient mortality. Social deprivation and ethnicity did not have any effect once the patient was in hospital.

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Routine use of immunosuppressants is associated with mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19

Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety ◽

10.1177/2042098620985690 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 204209862098569

Author(s):

Phyo K. Myint ◽

Ben Carter ◽

Fenella Barlow-Pay ◽

Roxanna Short ◽

Alice G. Einarsson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Attention ◽

Close Monitoring ◽

Plain Language ◽

Discharge Data ◽

Specific Patient ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Hospitalised Patients ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

Background: Whilst there is literature on the impact of SARS viruses in the severely immunosuppressed, less is known about the link between routine immunosuppressant use and outcome in COVID-19. Consequently, guidelines on their use vary depending on specific patient populations. Methods: The study population was drawn from the COPE Study (COVID-19 in Older People), a multicentre observational cohort study, across the UK and Italy. Data were collected between 27 February and 28 April 2020 by trained data-collectors and included all unselected consecutive admissions with COVID-19. Load (name/number of medications) and dosage of immunosuppressant were collected along with other covariate data. Primary outcome was time-to-mortality from the date of admission (or) date of diagnosis, if diagnosis was five or more days after admission. Secondary outcomes were Day-14 mortality and time-to-discharge. Data were analysed with mixed-effects, Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models using non-users of immunosuppressants as the reference group. Results: In total 1184 patients were eligible for inclusion. The median (IQR) age was 74 (62–83), 676 (57%) were male, and 299 (25.3%) died in hospital (total person follow-up 15,540 days). Most patients exhibited at least one comorbidity, and 113 (~10%) were on immunosuppressants. Any immunosuppressant use was associated with increased mortality: aHR 1.87, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.69 (time to mortality) and aOR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.01–2.88 (14-day mortality). There also appeared to be a dose–response relationship. Conclusion: Despite possible indication bias, until further evidence emerges we recommend adhering to public health measures, a low threshold to seek medical advice and close monitoring of symptoms in those who take immunosuppressants routinely regardless of their indication. However, it should be noted that the inability to control for the underlying condition requiring immunosuppressants is a major limitation, and hence caution should be exercised in interpretation of the results. Plain Language Summary Regular Use of Immune Suppressing Drugs is Associated with Increased Risk of Death in Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19 Background: We do not have much information on how the COVID-19 virus affects patients who use immunosuppressants, drugs which inhibit or reduce the activity of the immune system. There are various conflicting views on whether immune-suppressing drugs are beneficial or detrimental in patients with the disease. Methods: This study collected data from 10 hospitals in the UK and one in Italy between February and April 2020 in order to identify any association between the regular use of immunosuppressant medicines and survival in patients who were admitted to hospital with COVID-19. Results: 1184 patients were included in the study, and 10% of them were using immunosuppressants. Any immunosuppressant use was associated with increased risk of death, and the risk appeared to increase if the dose of the medicine was higher. Conclusion: We therefore recommend that patients who take immunosuppressant medicines routinely should carefully adhere to social distancing measures, and seek medical attention early during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Association of the patterns of use of medications with mortality of COVID-19 infection: a hospital-based observational study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050051 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. e050051

Author(s):

Arthur W Wallace ◽

Piera M Cirillo ◽

James C Ryan ◽

Nickilou Y Krigbaum ◽

Anusha Badathala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Propensity Score ◽

Observational Study ◽

Ace Inhibitors ◽

Proportional Hazards ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Hospitalised Patients ◽

Increased Risk

ObjectivesSARS-CoV-2 enters cells using the ACE2 receptor. Medications that affect ACE2 expression or function such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and ACE inhibitors (ACE-I) and metformin have the potential to counter the dysregulation of ACE2 by the virus and protect against viral injury. Here, we describe COVID-19 survival associated with ACE-I, ARB and metformin use.DesignThis is a hospital-based observational study of patients with COVID-19 infection using logistic regression with correction for pre-existing conditions and propensity score weighted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate associations between medication use and mortality.SettingMedical record data from the US Veterans Affairs (VA) were used to identify patients with a reverse transcription PCR diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, to classify patterns of ACE inhibitors (ACE-I), ARB, beta blockers, metformin, famotidine and remdesivir use, and, to capture mortality.Participants9532 hospitalised patients with COVID-19 infection followed for 60 days were analysed.Outcome measureDeath from any cause within 60 days of COVID-19 diagnosis was examined.ResultsDiscontinuation of ACE-I was associated with increased risk of death (OR: 1.4; 95% CI 1.2–1.7). Initiating (OR: 0.3; 95% CI 0.2–0.5) or continuous (OR: 0.6; 95% CI 0.5–0.7) ACE-I was associated with reduced risk of death. ARB and metformin associations were similar in direction and magnitude and also statistically significant. Results were unchanged when accounting for pre-existing morbidity and propensity score adjustment.ConclusionsRecent randomised clinical trials support the safety of continuing ACE-I and ARB treatment in patients with COVID-19 where indicated. Our study extends these findings to suggest a possible COVID-19 survival benefit for continuing or initiating ACE-I, ARB and metformin medications. Randomised trials are appropriate to confirm or refute the therapeutic potential for ACE-I, ARBs and metformin.

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MO349IMPACT OF EARLY FLUID ADMINISTRATION ON INPATIENT MORTALITY AND ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 DISEASE

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation ◽

10.1093/ndt/gfab082.003 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Heidy Hendra ◽

Dinesha Sudusinghe ◽

James Greenan-Barrett ◽

Melissa Chowdhury ◽

David Mathew ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Demographic Data ◽

Fluid Management ◽

Fluid Administration ◽

Clinical Severity ◽

Inpatient Mortality ◽

Icu Admission ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Early Fluid ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background and Aims Initial WHO guidance advised cautious fluid administration for patients with COVID-19 due to concern about the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, as the pandemic unfolded it became apparent that patients who were admitted to hospital had high rates of AKI and this initiated a change in local clinical guidelines during early April 2020. We aimed to ascertain the impact of judicious intravenous fluid use on mortality, length of hospitalisation and AKI. Method An observational cohort study of 158 adults admitted with confirmed SARS-Cov-2 between 18th March and 9th May 2020 was conducted in a teaching hospital and designated centre for infectious diseases, London, UK. Key clinical and demographic data collected included clinical severity markers on admission, biochemical and haematological parameters as well as radiological findings. Primary outcomes were inpatient mortality, mortality at 6-weeks post discharge, length of hospitalisation and intensive care (ICU) admission. We also measured requirement for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) and AKI recovery rate at discharge. Using tests of difference, we compared key outcomes between patients treated with varying fluid regimens and then identified risk factors for AKI and mortality using multivariate logistic regression with results expressed as odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The median age was 74.4 (IQR 59.90 - 84.35) years, 66% were male, 53% white with hypertension and diabetes being the commonest co-morbidities. The median duration of illness prior to admission was 7 days (IQR 2 – 10) with respiratory symptoms and fever most prevalent. The people who presented with AKI on admission were more likely to receive fluids (34% vs 15%, p=0.02). 118 patients (75%) received fluids within 24-hours of admission with no difference in volume administered after local guidance change (p=0.78). Comparing patients receiving fluids with those who did not, we observed no difference in mortality (p=0.97), duration of hospital stays (p=0.26) or requirement for ICU admission (p=0.70). 18% died as an inpatient, and 52 patients were either admitted with or developed AKI. Of these 52 patients, 43 received fluids and 9 did not with no difference in KRT requirement (p=0.34), mortality (p=0.50) or AKI recovery (p=0.63). Peak AKI stage was greater among participants who received fluids though stage of AKI at presentation was also greater (p=0.04). Mortality rate in patients with an AKI is higher compared to overall inpatient mortality (31% vs 18%). Of the 36 patients with AKI who were discharged home, 25 patients (69.4%) had renal recovery by the time of discharge. Increasing age and clinical severity on admission were associated with higher mortality (see Figure 1). Older age was associated with 34 - 53 times higher risk of death compared with those aged ≤ 65 years (age 76 - 85 years: OR 34.26, 95% CI: 3.94 - 297.48, p=0.001; age > 85 years: OR 53.07, 95% CI: 5.23 - 539.03, p=0.001). Patients with NEWS2 >4 on admission has 5-fold increased risk of death than those with a score ≤4 (OR 5.26, 95% CI: 1.32 - 20.92). Black ethnicity was associated with a 16-fold increased risk of developing AKI (OR 15.86, 95% CI: 1.67 - 150.99). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of fluid management on inpatient mortality as well as on renal-associated outcomes of COVID-19 admission. Fluid administration regimen did not have an impact on mortality, length of hospitalisation or ICU admission, nor did it affect renal outcomes. Given the high rates of AKI and KRT in COVID-19 disease, early fluid administration is likely to be an important cornerstone of future management. Further adequately powered prospective studies are required to identify whether early fluid administration can reduce renal injury.

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The impact of healthcare associated infections on mortality and length of stay in Singapore—A time-varying analysis

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2020.304 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (11) ◽

pp. 1315-1320

Author(s):

Yiying Cai ◽

Jamie Jay-May Lo ◽

Indumathi Venkatachalam ◽

Andrea L. Kwa ◽

Paul A. Tambyah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Mortality Risk ◽

Excess Mortality ◽

Healthcare Associated Infections ◽

Time Varying ◽

Multistate Model ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Healthcare Associated ◽

The Impact

AbstractObjective:Methods that include the time-varying nature of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) avoid biases when estimating increased risk of death and excess length of stay. We determined the excess mortality risk and length of stay associated with HAIs among inpatients in Singapore using a multistate model that accommodates the timing of key events.Design:Analysis of existing prospective cohort study data.Setting:Seven public acute-care hospitals in Singapore.Patients:Inpatients reviewed in a HAI point-prevalence survey (PPS) conducted between June 2015 and February 2016.Methods:We modeled each patient’s admission over time using 4 states: susceptible with no HAI, infected, died, and discharged alive. We estimated the excess mortality risk and length of stay associated with HAIs, with adjustment for the baseline characteristics between the groups for mortality risk.Results:We included 4,428 patients, of whom 469 had ≥1 HAI. Using a multistate model, the expected excess length of stay due to any HAI was 1.68 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.21 days). Surgical site infections were associated with the longest excess length of stay of 4.68 days (95% CI, 2.60–6.76 days). After adjusting for baseline differences, HAIs were associated with increased hazards of in-hospital mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.09–1.65) and decreased hazards in being discharged (aHR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.67–0.84).Conclusions:HAIs are associated with increased length of hospital stay and mortality in hospitalized patients. Avoiding nosocomial infections can improve patient outcomes and free valuable bed days.

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The impact of COVID-19 on adjusted mortality risk in care homes for older adults in Wales, UK: a retrospective population-based cohort study for mortality in 2016–2020

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afaa207 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Joe Hollinghurst ◽

Jane Lyons ◽

Richard Fry ◽

Ashley Akbari ◽

Mike Gravenor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Mortality Risk ◽

Care Home ◽

Care Homes ◽

Mortality Data ◽

Survival Curves ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background mortality in care homes has had a prominent focus during the COVID-19 outbreak. Care homes are particularly vulnerable to the spread of infectious diseases, which may lead to increased mortality risk. Multiple and interconnected challenges face the care home sector in the prevention and management of outbreaks of COVID-19, including adequate supply of personal protective equipment, staff shortages and insufficient or lack of timely COVID-19 testing. Aim to analyse the mortality of older care home residents in Wales during COVID-19 lockdown and compare this across the population of Wales and the previous 4 years. Study Design and Setting we used anonymised electronic health records and administrative data from the secure anonymised information linkage databank to create a cross-sectional cohort study. We anonymously linked data for Welsh residents to mortality data up to the 14th June 2020. Methods we calculated survival curves and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for the risk of mortality. We adjusted HRs for age, gender, social economic status and prior health conditions. Results survival curves show an increased proportion of deaths between 23rd March and 14th June 2020 in care homes for older people, with an adjusted HR of 1.72 (1.55, 1.90) compared with 2016. Compared with the general population in 2016–2019, adjusted care home mortality HRs for older adults rose from 2.15 (2.11, 2.20) in 2016–2019 to 2.94 (2.81, 3.08) in 2020. Conclusions the survival curves and increased HRs show a significantly increased risk of death in the 2020 study periods.

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Zinc Depletion Increases Readmission in Older Patients: An Example of Interactions Between Nutrition and Disease

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831/a000275 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 87 (1-2) ◽

pp. 10-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Salah Gariballa ◽

Awad Alessa

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Older Patients ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Prognostic Indicators ◽

Hospitalised Patients ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

The Impact ◽

Poor Nutrition

Abstract. Background: ill health may lead to poor nutrition and poor nutrition to ill health, so identifying priorities for management still remains a challenge. The aim of this report is to present data on the impact of plasma zinc (Zn) depletion on important health outcomes after adjusting for other poor prognostic indicators in hospitalised patients. Methods: Hospitalised acutely ill older patients who were part of a large randomised controlled trial had their nutritional status assessed using anthropometric, hematological and biochemical data. Plasma Zn concentrations were measured at baseline, 6 weeks and at 6 months using inductively- coupled plasma spectroscopy method. Other clinical outcome measures of health were also measured. Results: A total of 345 patients assessed at baseline, 133 at 6 weeks and 163 at 6 months. At baseline 254 (74%) patients had a plasma Zn concentration below 10.71 μmol/L indicating biochemical depletion. The figures at 6 weeks and 6 months were 86 (65%) and 114 (70%) patients respectively. After adjusting for age, co-morbidity, nutritional status and tissue inflammation measured using CRP, only muscle mass and serum albumin showed significant and independent effects on plasma Zn concentrations. The risk of non-elective readmission in the 6-months follow up period was significantly lower in patients with normal Zn concentrations compared with those diagnosed with Zn depletion (adjusted hazard ratio 0.62 (95% CI: 0.38 to 0.99), p = 0.047. Conclusions: Zn depletion is common and associated with increased risk of readmission in acutely-ill older patients, however, the influence of underlying comorbidity on these results can not excluded.

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Association between Intraoperative Blood Transfusion and Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery

Anesthesiology ◽

10.1097/aln.0b013e3182054d06 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 114 (2) ◽

pp. 283-292 ◽

Cited By ~ 312

Author(s):

Laurent G. Glance ◽

Andrew W. Dick ◽

Dana B. Mukamel ◽

Fergal J. Fleming ◽

Raymond A. Zollo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Transfusion ◽

Noncardiac Surgery ◽

Pulmonary Complications ◽

Wound Complications ◽

Severe Anemia ◽

Thromboembolic Complications ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Background The impact of intraoperative erythrocyte transfusion on outcomes of anemic patients undergoing noncardiac surgery has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was to examine the association between blood transfusion and mortality and morbidity in patients with severe anemia (hematocrit less than 30%) who are exposed to one or two units of erythrocytes intraoperatively. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of the association of blood transfusion and 30-day mortality and 30-day morbidity in 10,100 patients undergoing general, vascular, or orthopedic surgery. We estimated separate multivariate logistic regression models for 30-day mortality and for 30-day complications. Results Intraoperative blood transfusion was associated with an increased risk of death (odds ratio [OR], 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.62). Patients receiving an intraoperative transfusion were more likely to have pulmonary, septic, wound, or thromboembolic complications, compared with patients not receiving an intraoperative transfusion. Compared with patients who were not transfused, patients receiving one or two units of erythrocytes were more likely to have pulmonary complications (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.48-2.09), sepsis (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.21-1.68), thromboembolic complications (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.32-2.38), and wound complications (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.47-2.37). Conclusions Intraoperative blood transfusion is associated with a higher risk of mortality and morbidity in surgical patients with severe anemia. It is unknown whether this association is due to the adverse effects of blood transfusion or is, instead, the result of increased blood loss in the patients receiving blood.

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Cross-sectional observational study of epidemiology of COVID-19 and clinical outcomes of hospitalised patients in North West London during March and April 2020

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044384 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e044384

Author(s):

Guduru Gopal Rao ◽

Alexander Allen ◽

Padmasayee Papineni ◽

Liyang Wang ◽

Charlotte Anderson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Severe Infection ◽

Older Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

North West ◽

Icu Admission ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Hospitalised Patients ◽

Increased Risk

ObjectiveThe aim of this paper is to describe evolution, epidemiology and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in subjects tested at or admitted to hospitals in North West London.DesignObservational cohort study.SettingLondon North West Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH).ParticipantsPatients tested and/or admitted for COVID-19 at LNWH during March and April 2020Main outcome measuresDescriptive and analytical epidemiology of demographic and clinical outcomes (intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation and mortality) of those who tested positive for COVID-19.ResultsThe outbreak began in the first week of March 2020 and reached a peak by the end of March and first week of April. In the study period, 6183 tests were performed in on 4981 people. Of the 2086 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases, 1901 were admitted to hospital. Older age group, men and those of black or Asian minority ethnic (BAME) group were predominantly affected (p<0.05). These groups also had more severe infection resulting in ICU admission and need for mechanical ventilation (p<0.05). However, in a multivariate analysis, only increasing age was independently associated with increased risk of death (p<0.05). Mortality rate was 26.9% in hospitalised patients.ConclusionThe findings confirm that men, BAME and older population were most commonly and severely affected groups. Only older age was independently associated with mortality.

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Mortality and high risk of major adverse events in patients with COVID-19 and history of cardiovascular disease

Open Heart ◽

10.1136/openhrt-2020-001526 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. e001526

Author(s):

Elena Tessitore ◽

David Carballo ◽

Antoine Poncet ◽

Nils Perrin ◽

Cedric Follonier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hospital Mortality ◽

Male Gender ◽

Hospital Death ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Adverse Cardiovascular Event ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Hospitalised Patients ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of

ObjectiveHistory of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) may influence the prognosis of patients hospitalised for COVID-19. We investigated whether patients with previous CVD have increased risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) when hospitalised for COVID-19.MethodsWe included 839 patients with COVID-19 hospitalised at the University Hospitals of Geneva. Demographic characteristics, medical history, laboratory values, ECG at admission and medications at admission were collected based on electronic medical records. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality or MACE.ResultsMedian age was 67 years, 453 (54%) were males and 277 (33%) had history of CVD. In total, 152 (18%) died and 687 (82%) were discharged, including 72 (9%) who survived a MACE. Patients with previous CVD were more at risk of composite outcomes 141/277 (51%) compared with those without CVD 83/562 (15%) (OR=6.0 (95% CI 4.3 to 8.4), p<0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that history of CVD remained an independent risk factor of in-hospital death or MACE (OR=2.4; (95% CI 1.6 to 3.5)), as did age (OR for a 10-year increase=2.2 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.6)), male gender (OR=1.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.3)), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR=2.1 (95% CI 1.0 to 4.2)) and lung infiltration associated with COVID-19 at CT scan (OR=1.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 3.0)). History of CVD (OR=2.9 (95% CI 1.7 to 5)), age (OR=2.5 (95% CI 2.0 to 3.2)), male gender (OR=1.6 (95% CI 0.98 to 2.6)) and elevated C reactive protein (CRP) levels on admission (OR for a 10 mg/L increase=1.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.2)) were independent risk factors for mortality.ConclusionHistory of CVD is associated with higher in-hospital mortality and MACE in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Other factors associated with higher in-hospital mortality are older age, male sex and elevated CRP on admission.

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Gastrostomy Tubes Placed in Children With Neurologic Impairment: Associated Morbidity and Mortality

Journal of Child Neurology ◽

10.1177/08830738211000179 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 088307382110001

Author(s):

Jody L. Lin ◽

Joseph Rigdon ◽

Keith Van Haren ◽

MyMy Buu ◽

Olga Saynina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Severe Pneumonia ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Tube Placement ◽

Composite Outcome ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Cox Proportional Hazard ◽

Neurologic Impairment ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Impact

Background: Gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placement for children with neurologic impairment with dysphagia has been suggested for pneumonia prevention. However, prior studies demonstrated an association between G-tube placement and increased risk of pneumonia. We evaluate the association between timing of G-tube placement and death or severe pneumonia in children with neurologic impairment. Methods: We included all children enrolled in California Children’s Services between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2014, with neurologic impairment and 1 pneumonia hospitalization. Prior to analysis, children with new G-tubes and those without were 1:2 propensity score matched on sociodemographics, medical complexity, and severity of index hospitalization. We used a time-varying Cox proportional hazard model for subsequent death or composite outcome of death or severe pneumonia to compare those with new G-tubes vs those without, adjusting for covariates described above. Results: A total of 2490 children met eligibility criteria, of whom 219 (9%) died and 789 (32%) had severe pneumonia. Compared to children without G-tubes, children with new G-tubes had decreased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39-0.55) but increased risk of the composite outcome (HR 1.21, CI 1.14-1.27). Sensitivity analyses using varied time criteria for definitions of G-tube and outcome found that more recent G-tube placement had greater associated risk reduction for death but increased risk of severe pneumonia. Conclusion: Recent G-tube placement is associated with reduced risk of death but increased risk of severe pneumonia. Decisions to place G-tubes for pulmonary indications in children with neurologic impairment should weigh the impact of severe pneumonia on quality of life.

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