Subarachnoid Extension Predicts Lobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage Expansion

Background and Purpose— We investigated whether subarachnoid extension (SAHE) of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with hematoma expansion (HE). Methods— Retrospective analysis of patients with primary spontaneous ICH admitted at 3 academic hospitals in Italy. The study population was divided into a development and a replication cohort. SAHE was rated on baseline noncontrast computed tomography by investigators blinded to clinical data. The main outcome of interest was HE, defined as ICH growth >33% mL and/or >6 mL. Predictors of HE were explored with multivariable logistic regression stratified by ICH location (lobar versus nonlobar). Results— A total of 360 and 192 patients were included in the development and replication cohort, respectively. SAHE was identified with good interrater reliability ( K =0.82), and its frequency was 27.8% in the development and 24.5% in the replication cohort. In univariate analysis, HE was more common in patients with SAHE (52.0% versus 27.3%; P <0.001). When controlling for confounders in logistic regression, SAHE was an independent predictor of lobar HE (odds ratio, 6.00 [95% CI, 2.16–16.64]; P =0.001) whereas there was no association with HE in nonlobar ICH (odds ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.17–1.84]; P =0.334). The increased risk of HE in lobar ICH with SAHE was confirmed in the replication cohort (odds ratio, 3.46 [95% CI, 1.07–11.20]; P =0.038). Conclusions— SAHE predicts HE in lobar ICH. This may improve the stratification of HE risk in clinical practice or future trials targeting HE. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and characterize the underlying biological mechanisms.

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Liver fibrosis indices associated with substantial hematoma expansion in Chinese patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage

BMC Neurology ◽

10.1186/s12883-021-02494-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Huan Wang ◽

Jiongxing Wu ◽

Xue Yang ◽

Junfeng Liu ◽

Wendan Tao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Chinese Population ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Hematoma Expansion ◽

West China Hospital ◽

West China ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background Whether liver fibrosis is associated with increased risk for substantial hematoma expansion (HE) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is still uncertain. We evaluated the association between various liver fibrosis indices and substantial HE in a Chinese population with primary ICH. Methods Primary ICH patients admitted to West China Hospital within 24 h of onset between January 2015 and June 2018 were consecutively enrolled. Six liver fibrosis indices were calculated, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-platelet ratio index (APRI), AST/alanine aminotransferase ratio-platelet ratio index (AARPRI), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), modified fibrosis-4 (mFIB-4), fibrosis quotient (FibroQ) and Forns index. Substantial HE was defined as an increase of more than 33% or 6 mL from baseline ICH volume. The association of each fibrosis index with substantial HE was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results Of 436 patients enrolled, about 85% showed largely normal results on standard hepatic assays and coagulation parameters. Substantial HE occurred in 115 (26.4%) patients. After adjustment, AARPRI (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00-1.57) and FIB-4 (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02-1.30) were independently associated with substantial HE in ICH patients within 24 h of onset, respectively. In ICH patients within 6 h of onset, each of the following indices was independently associated with substantial HE: APRI (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.30-5,36), AARPRI (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.09-2.21), FIB-4 (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08-1.68), mFIB-4 (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18), FibroQ (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.16) and Forns index (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.10-1.69). Conclusions Liver fibrosis indices are independently associated with higher risk of substantial HE in Chinese patients with primary ICH, which suggesting that subclinical liver fibrosis could be routinely assessed in such patients to identify those at high risk of substantial HE.

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Obstructive Sleep Apnea as a Risk Factor for Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.120.033342 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jacqueline H. Geer ◽

Guido J. Falcone ◽

Kevin N. Vanent ◽

Audrey C. Leasure ◽

Daniel Woo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Sleep Apnea ◽

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Berlin Questionnaire ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Increased Risk

Background and Purpose: To determine whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk, we assessed premorbid OSA exposure of patients with nontraumatic ICH and matched controls. Methods: Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage is a multicenter, case-control study evaluating risk factors for ICH that recruited 3000 cases with ICH and 3000 controls. OSA status was ascertained using the Berlin Questionnaire as a surrogate for premorbid OSA. We performed logistic regression analyses to evaluate the association between OSA and ICH. Results: Two thousand and sixty-four (71%) cases and 1516 (52%) controls were classified as having OSA by the Berlin Questionnaire. Cases with OSA were significantly more likely to be male and have hypertension, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and higher body mass index compared with those without OSA. OSA was more common among cases compared with controls (71% versus 52%, odds ratio, 2.28 [95% CI, 2.05–2.55]). In a multivariable logistic regression model, OSA was associated with increased risk for ICH (odds ratio, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.29–1.67]). Conclusions: OSA is a risk factor for ICH.

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Abstract W P257: Predictors of the CT Angiography Spot Sign in Deep and Lobar Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.wp257 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Farid Radmanesh ◽

Guido J Falcone ◽

Christopher D Anderson ◽

Thomas W Battey ◽

Alison M Ayres ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Ct Angiography ◽

Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy ◽

Symptom Onset ◽

Hematoma Expansion ◽

Amyloid Angiopathy ◽

Spot Sign ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Cerebral Amyloid

Objectives: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients with CT angiography (CTA) spot sign are at increased risk of hematoma expansion and poor outcome. Since ICH is often the acute manifestation of a chronic cerebral vasculopathy, we investigated whether different clinical or imaging characteristics predict spot sign presence in patients with different underlying vasculopathies. Using ICH location as a surrogate for hypertension-related ICH and cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related ICH, we identified risk factors associated with spot sign. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospective cohort of consecutive spontaneous ICH patients with available CTA. Spot sign presence was ascertained by two independent readers blinded to clinical data. We assessed potential predictors of spot sign be performing uni- and multivariable logistic regression, analyzing deep and lobar ICH separately. RESULTS: 649 patients were eligible, 291 (45%) deep and 358 (55%) lobar ICH. Median time from symptom onset to CTA was 4.5 (IQR 5.2) and 5.7 (IQR 7.4) hours in patients with deep and lobar ICH, respectively. At least one spot sign was present in 76 (26%) deep and 103 (29%) lobar ICH patients. In mutivariable logistic regression, independent predictors of spot sign in deep ICH were warfarin (OR 2.82 [95%CI 1.06-7.57]; p=0.03), time from symptom onset to CTA (OR 0.9 [95%CI 0.81-0.97]; p=0.02), and baseline ICH volume (OR 1.27 [95%CI 1.14-1.43]; p=2.5E-5; per 10 mL increase). Predictors of spot sign in lobar ICH were preexisting dementia (OR 2.7 [95%CI 1.15-6.43]; p=0.02), warfarin (OR 4.01 [95%CI 1.78-9.29]; p=0.009), and baseline ICH volume (OR 1.27 [95%CI 1.17-1.39]; p=5.4E-8; per 10 mL increase). As expected, spot sign presence was a strong predictor of hematoma expansion in both deep (OR 3.52 [95%CI 1.72-7.2]; p=0.0005) and lobar ICH (OR 6.53 [95%CI 3.23-13.44]; p=2.2E-7). CONCLUSIONS: The most potent associations with spot sign are shared by deep and lobar ICH, suggesting that ICH caused by different vasculopathic processes share biological features. The relationship between preexisting dementia and spot sign in lobar ICH, but not deep ICH, suggests that ICH occurring in the context of more advanced cerebral amyloid angiopathy may be more likely to have prolonged bleeding.

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Liver Fibrosis Indices Associated with Substantial Hematoma Expansion in Chinese Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage

10.21203/rs.3.rs-666991/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Huan Wang ◽

Jiongxing Wu ◽

Xue Yang ◽

Junfeng Liu ◽

Wendan Tao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Liver Fibrosis ◽

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Chinese Population ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Hematoma Expansion ◽

West China Hospital ◽

West China ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background: Whether liver fibrosis is associated with increased risk for substantial hematoma expansion (HE) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is still uncertain. We evaluated the association between various liver fibrosis indices and substantial HE in a Chinese population with primary ICH.Methods: Primary ICH patients admitted to West China Hospital within 24 hours of onset between January 2015 and June 2018 were consecutively enrolled. Six liver fibrosis indices were calculated, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-platelet ratio index (APRI), AST/alanine aminotransferase ratio-platelet ratio index (AARPRI), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), modified fibrosis-4 (mFIB-4), fibrosis quotient (FibroQ) and Forns index. Substantial HE was defined as an increase of more than 33% or 6 mL from baseline ICH volume. The association of each fibrosis index with substantial HE was analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: Of 436 patients enrolled, about 85% showed largely normal results on standard hepatic assays and coagulation parameters. Substantial HE occurred in 115 (26.4%) patients. After adjustment, AARPRI (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00-1.57) and FIB-4 (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02-1.30) were independently associated with substantial HE in ICH patients within 24h of onset, respectively. In ICH patients within 6h of onset, each of the following indices was independently associated with substantial HE: APRI (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.30-5,34), AARPRI (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.09-2.22), FIB-4 (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08-1.69), mFIB-4 (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18), FibroQ (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.16) and Forns index (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.10-1.69). Conclusions: Liver fibrosis indices are independently associated with higher risk of substantial HE in Chinese patients with primary ICH, which suggesting that subclinical liver fibrosis could be routinely assessed in such patients to identify those at high risk of substantial HE.

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Heterogeneity Signs on Noncontrast Computed Tomography Predict Hematoma Expansion after Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2018/6038193 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Danfeng Zhang ◽

Jigang Chen ◽

Qiang Xue ◽

Bingying Du ◽

Ya Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Hematoma Expansion ◽

Random Effects Model ◽

Poor Outcome ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Noncontrast Computed Tomography ◽

Swirl Sign

Background and Purpose. Hematoma expansion (HE) is related to clinical deterioration after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) signs are indicated as predictors for HE but with inconsistent conclusions. We aim to clarify the correlations of NCCT heterogeneity signs with HE by meta-analysis of related studies. Methods. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched for eligible studies exploring the relationships between NCCT heterogeneity signs (hypodensity, mixed density, swirl sign, blend sign, and black hole sign) and HE. Poor outcome and mortality were considered as secondary outcomes. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were selected as the effect size and combined using random effects model. Results. Fourteen studies were included, involving 3240 participants and 435 HEs. The summary results suggested statistically significant correlations of heterogeneity signs with HE (OR, 5.17; 95% CI, 3.72–7.19, P<0.001), poor outcome (OR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.98–6.54, P<0.001), and mortality (OR, 4.64; 95%, 2.96–7.27, P<0.001). Conclusions. Our findings suggested that hematoma heterogeneity signs on NCCT were positively associated with the increased risk of HE, poor outcome, and mortality rate in ICH.

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Abstract 3729: Delayed Hematoma Expansion Occurs After ICH: Observations from the Safety of Pioglitazone for Hematoma Resolution in INtraCerebral Hemorrhage (SHRINC) trial

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.43.suppl_1.a3729 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Navdeep S Sangha ◽

Farhaan Vahidy ◽

Mallikarjunarao Kasam ◽

Mohammed Rahbar ◽

Bursaw Andrew ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Prospective Study ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Hematoma Expansion ◽

Hematoma Growth ◽

Secondary Objective ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Background and Purpose Early hematoma expansion (EHE) has been described in the first 48 hours. SHRINC is a phase 2 prospective safety trial whose primary objective is to assess the safety of pioglitazone (PIO) when administered to patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) compared to standard care. A secondary objective is to characterize the changes in hematoma resolution and expansion over time. This prospective study addresses the natural history, clinical impact, and associated risk factors of late hematoma expansion (LEX) by serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after SICH. Methods SHRINC aims to enroll 78 subjects between the ages of 18-80 with a SICH of ≥ 5 ml. This analysis includes the first 42 patients enrolled. Four subjects were excluded because they did not have an MRI after day 2. A baseline CTH was performed followed by an MRI within 24 hours of symptom onset. Hematoma volume (Hv) was measured on FLAIR sequences using a previously published semi-automated range of interest method. LEX was defined as an increase in Hv > 0.5 ml after the 48 hour MRI. Factors associated with LEX were evaluated with logistic regression. Longitudinal analyses were used for measurements taken over the follow up period. Results: Ten (26.3%) of 38 subjects displayed LEX. Eight subjects had LEX between day 2 to 14, and 4 between days 14 to 28. The median initial Hv was 16.1cc in LEX patients and 24.1cc in those without expansion (NEX) (p=0.23). Lower platelet counts (p=0.04) and BUN levels (p=0.03) were associated with LEX in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis suggested that those with higher BUN levels were less likely to have LEX (OR=0.81; 95%CI 0.65-0.99). Blood pressure and EHE (13.2%) were not associated with LEX. There was no difference in neurological worsening (NIHSS increase ≥ 4), 6 month mRS or death between LEX and NEX. Conclusion: This is the first prospective study to address LEX with serial MRIs. LEX occurs between day 2 to 14 and day 14 to 28. Elevated BUN levels may decrease the likelihood of LEX. A limitation of our study is that the effect of PIO on LEX could not be evaluated because SHRINC is a blinded trial. Further studies will assess the pathophysiology of LEX and its potential implications in clinical trials evaluating hematoma growth and resolution.

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Retrospective analysis of risk factors of hypotensive bradycardic events during shoulder arthroscopic surgery under interscalene blockade in the sitting position

Korean Journal of Anesthesiology ◽

10.4097/kja.20035 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 73 (6) ◽

pp. 542-549

Author(s):

Taeha Ryu ◽

Baek Jin Kim ◽

Seong Jun Woo ◽

So Young Lee ◽

Jung A Lim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Arthroscopic Surgery ◽

Sitting Position ◽

Past Medical History ◽

Frequent Adverse Event ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

Independent Risk Factors

Background: Hypotensive bradycardic events (HBEs) are a frequent adverse event in patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery under interscalene block (ISB) in the sitting position. This retrospective study was conducted to investigate the independent risk factors of HBEs in shoulder arthroscopic surgery under ISB in the sitting position. Methods: A total of 2549 patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery under ISB and had complete clinical data were included in the study. The 357 patients who developed HBEs were included in the HBEs group, and the remaining 2192 in the non-HBEs group. The potential risk factors for HBEs, such as age, sex, past medical history, anesthetic characteristics, and intraoperative medications were collected and compared between the groups. Statistically significant variables were included in a logistic regression model to further evaluate the independent risk factors for HBEs in shoulder arthroscopic surgery under ISB. Results: The incidence of HBEs was 14.0% (357/2549). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the intraoperative use of hydralazine (odds ratio [OR] 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9–6.3), propofol (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3–3.6), and dexmedetomidine (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.9–7.8) before HBEs were independent risk factors for HBEs in patients who received shoulder arthroscopic surgery under ISB. Conclusions: The intraoperative use of antihypertensives such as hydralazine and sedatives such as propofol or dexmedetomidine leads to increased risk of HBEs during shoulder arthroscopic surgery under ISB in the sitting position.

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Clinical Factors Associated with the Diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/0194599816685696 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 156 (3) ◽

pp. 484-488 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Erdem Eren ◽

Toygar Kalkan ◽

Seçil Arslanoğlu ◽

Mustafa Özmen ◽

Kazım Önal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Nasal Mucosa ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Significant Difference ◽

History Of

Objective To determine the predictive value of nasal endoscopic findings and symptoms in the diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Study Design A cross-sectional study. Setting A tertiary university hospital. Subjects and Methods A total of 116 adults were enrolled in the study: 19 patients with GPA, 29 patients with other rheumatic diseases, and 68 healthy volunteers. All patients were examined with a flexible endoscope, and nasal endoscopic images were recorded and evaluated blindly. The medical history of each patient was taken by a physician blinded to the patient’s diagnosis. Results Univariate analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in rhinorrhea ( P = .002), postnasal drip ( P = .015), epistaxis ( P < .001), and saddle nose ( P = .017). However, binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only history of epistaxis ( P = .012; odds ratio, 5.6) was statistically significant in predicting GPA. Univariate analysis showed a statistically significant difference in nasal secretion ( P = .028), nasal septal perforation ( P < .017), nasal crusting ( P < .001), nasal adhesion ( P < .001), nasal granuloma ( P = .017), and hemorrhagic fragile nasal mucosa ( P < .001). A binary logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only hemorrhagic fragile nasal mucosa ( P < .001; odds ratio, 52.9) was a statistically significant predictor of GPA. Conclusions Given the results of this study, we believe that hemorrhagic fragile nasal mucosa and history of recurrent epistaxis may put patients at risk for GPA and should be investigated accordingly.

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Logistic regression model to predict acute uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis

Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England ◽

10.1308/rcsann.2018.0152 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 101 (2) ◽

pp. 107-118 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

MMR Eddama ◽

KC Fragkos ◽

S Renshaw ◽

M Aldridge ◽

G Bough ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Web Application ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Complicated Appendicitis ◽

Regression Equation ◽

Normal Appendix ◽

Uncomplicated Appendicitis ◽

Logistic Regression Equation

Introduction While patients with acute uncomplicated appendicitis may be treated conservatively, those who suffer from complicated appendicitis require surgery. We describe a logistic regression equation to calculate the likelihood of acute uncomplicated appendicitis and complicated appendicitis in patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected acute appendicitis. Materials and methods A cohort of 895 patients who underwent appendicectomy were analysed retrospectively. Depending on the final histology, patients were divided into three groups; normal appendix, acute uncomplicated appendicitis and complicated appendicitis. Normal appendix was considered the reference category, while acute uncomplicated appendicitis and complicated appendicitis were the nominal categories. Multivariate and univariate regression models were undertaken to detect independent variables with significant odds ratio that can predict acute uncomplicated appendicitis and complicated appendicitis. Subsequently, a logistic regression equation was generated to produce the likelihood acute uncomplicated appendicitis and complicated appendicitis. Results Pathological diagnosis of normal appendix, acute uncomplicated appendicitis and complicated appendicitis was identified in 188 (21%), 525 (59%) and 182 patients (20%), respectively. The odds ratio from a univariate analysis to predict complicated appendicitis for age, female gender, log2 white cell count, log2 C-reactive protein and log2 bilirubin were 1.02 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.01, 1.04), 2.37 (95% CI 1.51, 3.70), 9.74 (95% CI 5.41, 17.5), 1.57 (95% CI 1.40, 1.74), 2.08 (95% CI 1.56, 2.76), respectively. For the same variable, similar odds ratios were demonstrated in a multivariate analysis to predict complicated appendicitis and univariate and multivariate analysis to predict acute uncomplicated appendicitis. Conclusions The likelihood of acute uncomplicated appendicitis and complicated appendicitis can be calculated by using the reported predictive equations integrated into a web application at www.appendistat.com. This will enable clinicians to determine the probability of appendicitis and the need for urgent surgery in case of complicated appendicitis.

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Exceeding Pitch Count Recommendations In Youth Baseball Increases The Elbow Injuries

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967118s00126 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽

pp. 2325967118S0012

Author(s):

Tetsuya Matsuura ◽

Toshiyuki Iwame ◽

Koichi Sairyo

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

The United States ◽

Injury Incidence ◽

Elbow Pain ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Youth Baseball ◽

Elbow Injuries

Objectives: With the incidence of Little League elbow increasing, pitch limit recommendations for preventing throwing injuries have been developed in the United States and Japan. In 1995, the Japanese Society of Clinical Sports Medicine announced limits of 50 pitches per day and 200 pitches per week to prevent throwing injuries in younger than 12 years old. However the relationship between pitch limit recommendation and elbow injuries among pitchers has not been adequately studied. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between pitch counts and elbow injuries in youth pitchers. Methods: A total of 149 pitchers without prior elbow pain were observed prospectively for 1 season to study injury incidence in relation to specific risk factors. Average age was 10.1 years (range, 7-11 years). One year later, all pitchers were examined by questionnaire. Subjects were asked whether they had experienced any episodes of elbow pain during the season. The questionnaire was also used to gather data on pitch counts per day and per week, age, number of training days per week, and number of games per year. We investigated the following risk factors for elbow injury: pitch counts, age, position, number of training days per week, and number of games per year. Data were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models and presented as odds ratio (OR) and profile likelihood 95% confidence interval (CI) values. The likelihood-ratio test was also performed. A two-tailed P value of less than .05 was considered significant. All analysis was done in the SAS software package (version 8.2). Results: Of the 149 subjects, 66 (44.3%) reported episodes of pain in the throwing elbow during the season. 1. Analysis for pitch count per day Univariate analysis showed that elbow pain was significantly associated with more than 50 pitches per day. Multivariate analysis showed that more than 50 pitches per day (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.22-4.94), and more than 70 games per year (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.24-5.02) were risk factors significantly associated with elbow pain. Age and number of training days per week were not significantly associated with elbow pain. 1. Analysis for pitch count per week Univariate analysis showed that elbow pain was significantly associated with more than 200 pitches per week. Multivariate analysis showed that more than 200 pitches per week (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.03-4.10), and more than 70 games per year (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.22-4.87) were risk factors significantly associated with elbow pain. Age was not significantly associated with elbow pain. Conclusion: A total of 44.3% of youth baseball pitchers had elbow pain during the season. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that elbow pain was associated with more than 50 pitches per day, more than 200 pitches per week, and more than 70 games per year. Previous studies have revealed the risk factor with the strongest association to injury is pitcher. Our data suggest that compliance with pitch limit recommendations including limits of 50 pitches per day and 200 pitches per week may be protective against elbow injuries. Those who played more than 70 games per year had a notably increased risk of injury. With increasing demand on youth pitchers to play more, there is less time for repair of bony and soft tissues in the elbow. In conclusion, among youth pitchers, limits of 50 pitches per day, 200 pitches per week, and limits of 70 games per year may protect elbow injuries.

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