Dexamethasone Associated With Significantly Shorter Length of Hospital Stay Compared With a Prednisolone-Based Regimen in Pediatric Patients With Mild to Moderate Acute Asthma Exacerbations

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 521-527
Author(s):  
Kristin Bohannon ◽  
Ronda Machen ◽  
Carolyn Ragsdale ◽  
Eimeira Padilla-Tolentino ◽  
Patricia Cervenka

A retrospective chart review was done to evaluate the efficacy of a course of dexamethasone for pediatric patients hospitalized with a mild to moderate acute asthma exacerbation compared with a prednisone-based regimen. Patients were identified based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9 and ICD-10) discharge diagnosis codes for asthma and cross-referenced with pharmacy dispense reports during the study period of June 2011 to January 2016. Baseline characteristics were similar among the 2 groups. The median length of hospital stay in the dexamethasone and prednisolone groups were 1.31 and 1.75 days, respectively, with a hazard ratio of 2.5 (95% confidence interval - 2.1-3.1), P < .001. After accounting for significant confounding variables, the difference in length of stay remained significantly longer in the prednisolone group with a hazard ratio of 1.8 (95% confidence interval = 1.4-2.3), P < .001. A course of dexamethasone is associated with a significantly shorter length of stay for mild to moderate asthma exacerbations compared with a prednisone-based regimen.

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 324-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saam Morshed ◽  
Christopher Mikhail ◽  
Theodore Miclau III

Purpose : Appropriate timing of definitive fracture care in the setting of polytrauma remains controversial. The aim of this study is to determine whether timing of definitive fixation of femur fractures impacts subsequent length of hospital stay, a surrogate for postoperative morbidity, in patients with multi-system trauma. Methods : Secondary analysis of data from the National Trauma Data Bank (January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2004) was performed. Adult patients who: (1) had an open or closed femoral shaft fracture, (2) had an injury severity score (ISS) greater than or equal to 15, (3) and underwent definitive internal fixation were included. Time to fixation was divided into 5 time periods based on commonly used cut-off points from the literature: (1) 12 hours or less, (2) between 12 and 24 hours, (3) between 24 and 48 hours, (4) between 48 and 120 hours, and (5) more than 120 hours. Because we consider length of stay a surrogate for adverse outcome causally affected by treatment time, the outcome variable was calculated as the duration of hospitalization following definitive treatment. Time to definitive fixation and its effect on post-treatment length of hospital stay was analyzed using median regression with inverse probability of treatment-weighting (IPTW) to control for confounding factors. Results : Compared to fixation during the first 12 hours after admission, median length of hospital stay was significantly higher (2.77 days; 95% confidence interval, 0.54 to 4.72) when fixation occurred between 48 and 120 hours from admission. Among the other time intervals, only treatment between twelve to twenty-four hours after admission was shown to reduce length of stay (-0.61 days; 95% confidence interval, -1.53 to 0.42) versus the referent interval of the first 12 hours, though this result did not achieve statistical significance. In order to assess the impact of shorter recorded length of stay for deceased patients, sensitivity analysis was conducted excluding all patient that underwent definitive treatment and died. Results were nearly identical for the second analysis, showing a higher post-treatment length of stay estimated for the population treated between 48 and 120 hours versus had they been treated within the first 12 hours from admission (2.53 days, 95% confidence interval, 0.27 to 4.13). Conclusion : Delayed fixation of femoral shaft fractures in patients with multiple injuries between 2-5 days may lead to an increase in adverse outcomes as evidenced by increased median length of hospital stay. This finding supports prior clinical reports of a perilous period where a “second hit” resulting from definitive internal fixation can occur. Whether there is an optimal window for fixation during which physiologic stress of fracture fixation does not adversely lengthen hospital stay should be the subject of future prospective study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghada El Khoury ◽  
Hanine Mansour ◽  
Wissam K. Kabbara ◽  
Nibal Chamoun ◽  
Nadim Atallah ◽  
...  

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that affects 387 million people around the world. Episodes of hyperglycemia in hospitalized diabetic patients are associated with poor clinical outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, prevention of hyperglycemia is critical to decrease the length of hospital stay and to reduce complications and readmissions. Objective: The study aims to examine the prevalence of hyperglycemia and assess the correlates and management of hyperglycemia in diabetic non-critically ill patients. Methods: The study was conducted on the medical wards of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Lebanon. A retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2014 until September 2015. Diabetic patients admitted to Internal Medicine floors were identified. Descriptive analysis was first carried out, followed by a multivariable analysis to study the correlates of hyperglycemia occurrence. Results: A total of 235 medical charts were reviewed. Seventy percent of participants suffered from hyperglycemia during their hospital stay. The identified significant positive correlates for inpatient hyperglycemia, were the use of insulin sliding scale alone (OR=16.438 ± 6.765-39.941, p=0.001) and the low frequency of glucose monitoring. Measuring glucose every 8 hours (OR= 3.583 ± 1.506-8.524, p=0.004) and/or every 12 hours (OR=7.647 ± 0.704-79.231, p=0.0095) was associated with hyperglycemia. The major factor perceived by nurses as a barrier to successful hyperglycemia management was the lack of knowledge about appropriate insulin use (87.5%). Conclusion: Considerable mismanagement of hyperglycemia in diabetic non-critically ill patients exists; indicating a compelling need for the development and implementation of protocol-driven insulin order forms a comprehensive education plan on the appropriate use of insulin.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan P Scoville ◽  
Evan Joyce ◽  
Joshua Hunsaker ◽  
Jared Reese ◽  
Herschel Wilde ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been shown to decrease length of hospital stay and opioid use. OBJECTIVE To identify whether surgery for epilepsy mapping via MIS stereotactically placed electroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes decreased overall opioid use when compared with craniotomy for EEG grid placement (ECoG). METHODS Patients who underwent surgery for epilepsy mapping, either SEEG or ECoG, were identified through retrospective chart review from 2015 through 2018. The hospital stay was separated into specific time periods to distinguish opioid use immediately postoperatively, throughout the rest of the stay and at discharge. The total amount of opioids consumed during each period was calculated by transforming all types of opioids into their morphine equivalents (ME). Pain scores were also collected using a modification of the Clinically Aligned Pain Assessment (CAPA) scale. The 2 surgical groups were compared using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS The study identified 43 patients who met the inclusion criteria: 36 underwent SEEG placement and 17 underwent craniotomy grid placement. There was a statistically significant difference in median opioid consumption per hospital stay between the ECoG and the SEEG placement groups, 307.8 vs 71.5 ME, respectively (P = .0011). There was also a significant difference in CAPA scales between the 2 groups (P = .0117). CONCLUSION Opioid use is significantly lower in patients who undergo MIS epilepsy mapping via SEEG compared with those who undergo the more invasive ECoG procedure. As part of efforts to decrease the overall opioid burden, these results should be considered by patients and surgeons when deciding on surgical methods.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Khaw ◽  
S Munro ◽  
J Sturrock ◽  
H Jaretzke ◽  
S Kamarajah ◽  
...  

Abstract   Oesophageal cancer is the 11th most common cancer worldwide, with oesophagectomy remaining the mainstay curative treatment, despite significant associated morbidity and mortality. Postoperative weight loss remains a significant problem and is directly correlated to poor prognosis. Measures such as the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme and intraoperative jejunostomy feed have looked to tackle this. This study investigates the impact of these on mortality, length of hospital stay and postoperative weight loss. Methods Patients undergoing oesophagectomy between January 1st 2012—December 2014 and 28th October 2015–December 31st 2019 in a national tertiary oesophagogastric unit were included retrospectively. Variables measured included comorbidities, operation, histopathology, weights (pre- and post-operatively), length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and mortality. Pre-operative body weight was measured at elective admission, and further weights were identified from a prospectively maintained database, during further clinic appointments. Other data was collected through patient notes. Results 594 patients were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 65.9 years (13–65). Majority of cases were adenocarcinoma (63.3%), with varying stages of disease (TX-4, NX-3). Benign pathology accounted for 8.75% of cases. Mean weight loss post-oesophagectomy exceeded 10% at 6 months (SD 14.49). Majority (60.1%) of patients were discharged with feeding jejunostomy, and 5.22% of these required this feed to be restarted post-discharge. Length of stay was mean 16.5 days (SD 22.3). Complications occurred in 68.9% of patients, of which 13.8% were infection driven. Mortality occurred in 26.6% of patients, with 1.83% during hospital admission. 30-day mortality rate was 1.39%. Conclusion Failure to thrive and prolonged weight-loss following oesophagectomy can contribute to poor recovery, with associated complications and poor outcomes, including increased length of stay and mortality. Further analysis of data to investigate association between weight loss and poor outcomes for oesophagectomy patients will allow for personalised treatment of high-risk patients, in conjunction with members of the multidisciplinary team, including dieticians.


2018 ◽  
Vol 100 (7) ◽  
pp. 556-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Richards ◽  
A Glendenning ◽  
D Benson ◽  
S Alexander ◽  
S Thati

Introduction Management of hip fractures has evolved over recent years to drive better outcomes including length of hospital stay. We aimed to identify and quantify the effect that patient factors influence acute hospital and total health service length of stay. Methods A retrospective observational study based on National Hip Fracture Database data was conducted from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2015. A multiple regression analysis of 330 patients was carried out to determine independent factors that affect acute hospital and total hospital length of stay. Results American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 3 or above, Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS) less than 8 and poor mobility status were independent factors, significantly increasing length of hospital stay in our population. Acute hospital length of stay can be predicted as 8.9 days longer when AMTS less than 8, 4.2 days longer when ASA grade was 3 or above and 20.4 days longer when unable to mobilise unaided (compared with independently mobile individuals). Other factors including total hip replacement compared with hemiarthroplasty did not independently affect length of stay. Conclusions Our analysis in a representative and generalisable population illustrates the importance of identifying these three patient characteristics in hip fracture patients. When recognised and targeted with orthogeriatric support, the length of hospital stay for these patients can be reduced and overall hip fracture care improved. Screening on admission for ASA grade, AMTS and mobility status allows prediction of length of stay and tailoring of care to match needs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Serafim ◽  
Clara Santos ◽  
Marina Orlandini ◽  
Letícia Datrino ◽  
Guilherme Tavares ◽  
...  

Abstract   Esophagectomy has high morbidity and mortality, mainly due to pulmonary complications. Consequently, ventilatory support is a cornerstone in postoperative management. However, there is still no consensus on the timing for extubation. There is a fear that untimely extubation would lead to a high risk for an urgent reintubation. On the other hand, there is a risk for pulmonary damage in prolonged intubation. Thus, the present study aimed to compare early and late extubation after esophagectomy. Methods A systematic review was carried out on PubMed, Lilacs, Cochrane Library Central, and Embase, comparing early and late extubation after esophagectomy. The primary outcome was reintubation. Secondary outcomes included mortality; complications; pulmonary complications; pneumonia; anastomotic fistula; length of hospital stay; and ICU length of stay. The inclusion criteria were: a) clinical trials and cohort studies; b) adult patients (&gt; 18 years); and c) patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy. The results were summarized by risk difference and mean difference. 95% confidence interval and random model were applied. Results Four articles were selected, comprising 490 patients. Early extubation did not increase the risk for reintubation, with a risk difference of 0.01 (95%CI -0.03; 0.04). Also, there was no difference for mortality −0.01 (95%CI -0.04; 0.03); complications −0.09 (95%CI -0.22; 0.05); pulmonary complications −0.05 (95%CI -0.13; 0.03); pneumonia −0.06 (95% CI-0.18; 0.05); anastomotic fistula −0.01 (95% CI -0.09; 0.08). In addition, there was no significant mean difference for: length of hospital stay −0.10 (95%CI -0.38; 0.1); and ICU length of stay 0.00 (95%CI -0.22; 0.22). Conclusion Early extubation after esophagectomy does not increase the risk for reintubation, mortality, complications, and lenght of stay.


Author(s):  
Wesam Sourour ◽  
Valeria Sanchez ◽  
Michel Sourour ◽  
Jordan Burdine ◽  
Elizabeth Rodriguez Lien ◽  
...  

Objective This study aimed to determine if prolonged antibiotic use at birth in neonates with a negative blood culture increases the total cost of hospital stay. Study design This was a retrospective study performed at a 60-bed level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Neonates born <30 weeks of gestation or <1,500 g between 2016 and 2018 who received antibiotics were included. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to determine if clinical factors contributed to increased hospital cost or length of stay. Results In total, 190 patients met inclusion criteria with 94 infants in the prolonged antibiotic group and 96 in the control group. Prolonged antibiotic use was associated with an increase length of hospital stay of approximately 31.87 days, resulting in a $69,946 increase in total cost of hospitalization. Conclusion Prolonged antibiotics in neonates with negative blood culture were associated with significantly longer hospital length of stay and increased total cost of hospitalization. Key Points


2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela S. Volk ◽  
Stephanie A. Marton ◽  
Brittany S. Richardson ◽  
Luis Rauda ◽  
Heidi L. Schwarzwald ◽  
...  

Asthma, a chronic childhood disease, has resulted in increased emergency department (ED) visits with high costs. Many asthma ED visits are nonemergent and could be treated in outpatient clinics. Literature has concluded that a 2-day course of oral dexamethasone has comparable outcomes to a 5-day course of prednisone in the ED and hospital setting. A retrospective chart review was performed on children requiring in-house treatment with a corticosteroid (dexamethasone n = 23, prednisone n = 40) for acute asthma exacerbations at an ambulatory medical home. The rates of hospital admissions, ED visits, and symptom follow-up were similar between the 2 groups ( P > .05). The cost for a course of dexamethasone was US$1.28 versus US$16.20 for prednisolone. The average cost for an asthma exacerbation office visit was US$79.89 compared with US$3113.28 for an ED visit. A 2-day course of oral dexamethasone appears to be a promising clinical and cost-effective treatment for acute asthma exacerbations at the primary care level.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shenbaga Rajamanikam ◽  
Suzzana Argyropoulos ◽  
Reza Arsalani Zadeh

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic has affected the number of surgical admissions and the number of emergency general surgical operations performed. COVID-19 pandemic has also led to changes in how some of the acute surgical patients were managed. Aim of the study was to compare acute surgical admissions and number of emergency general surgical procedures in this period. Material and Method We retrospectively analyzed acute surgical admissions during the pandemic from 20/3/20 to 19/4/20 and compared it with acute surgical admissions during pre-COVID-19 period from 1/11/2019 to 30/11/2019. Results During the COVID-19 pandemic 97 patients were assessed and admitted by the General surgical team, during the pre COVID-19 period 205 patients were assessed and admitted by the General surgical team. The number of acute surgical admissions during COVID-19 pandemic dropped by 53%. There were 46% less emergency surgeries performed during COVID 19 pandemic period. Length of stay during and before the COVID-19pandemic were 4.1 vs 4.4 days. Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic number of acute surgical admissions and the number of emergency surgeries were fewer than during pre COVID-19 pandemic. Length of hospital stay was less during COVID-19 pandemic.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-176
Author(s):  
Siu-Wai Choi ◽  
Frankie K L Leung ◽  
Tak-Wing Lau ◽  
Gordon T C Wong

Introduction: Perioperative blood transfusion is not without risk and effort should be made to limit patients’ exposure to allogeneic blood. However, there is conflicting data regarding the impact of anaemia on postoperative recovery in patients with repaired hip fractures. It is hypothesised that for a given baseline functional status and fracture type, lower postoperative haemoglobin will increase rehabilitation time and prolong total length of hospital stay. Methods: This is a retrospective study on data collected prospectively on patients entered into the Clinical Pathway aged >65 years admitted to Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) with a fractured neck of femur during 2011–2013. Potential predictor variables were analysed with linear regression with respect to total length of stay and those that reached a significance level of 0.05 were included in further analysis. Results: 1092 patients were admitted to QMH with a suspected fractured neck of femur; data from 747 patients were analysed. The fracture sites were neck of femur (50%), intertrochanteric (48%) and subtrochanteric fracture (2%). Approximately 30% of patients received blood transfusions. Of these only the development of postoperative medical complications statistically prolonged hospital stay. No relationship was seen with haemoglobin levels cut-off above and below 10 g/dl with the result remaining non-significant down to a cut-off of above and below 8 g/dl. Discussion: This study revealed that post-surgical haemoglobin level of between 8 g/dl and 10 g/dL did not have an impact on the total length of hospital stay. The development of postoperative medical complications was the only factor that prolonged the total length of stay.


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