scholarly journals Variation in hospital admission in febrile children evaluated at the Emergency Department (ED) in Europe: PERFORM, a multicentre prospective observational study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0244810
Author(s):  
Dorine M. Borensztajn ◽  
Nienke N. Hagedoorn ◽  
Irene Rivero Calle ◽  
Ian K. Maconochie ◽  
Ulrich von Both ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Tract Infections

Objectives Hospitalisation is frequently used as a marker of disease severity in observational Emergency Department (ED) studies. The comparison of ED admission rates is complex in potentially being influenced by the characteristics of the region, ED, physician and patient. We aimed to study variation in ED admission rates of febrile children, to assess whether variation could be explained by disease severity and to identify patient groups with large variation, in order to use this to reduce unnecessary health care utilization that is often due to practice variation. Design MOFICHE (Management and Outcome of Fever in children in Europe, part of the PERFORM study, www.perform2020.org), is a prospective cohort study using routinely collected data on febrile children regarding patient characteristics (age, referral, vital signs and clinical alarming signs), diagnostic tests, therapy, diagnosis and hospital admission. Setting and participants Data were collected on febrile children aged 0–18 years presenting to 12 European EDs (2017–2018). Main outcome measures We compared admission rates between EDs by using standardised admission rates after adjusting for patient characteristics and initiated tests at the ED, where standardised rates >1 demonstrate higher admission rates than expected and rates <1 indicate lower rates than expected based on the ED patient population. Results We included 38,120 children. Of those, 9.695 (25.4%) were admitted to a general ward (range EDs 5.1–54.5%). Adjusted standardised admission rates ranged between 0.6 and 1.5. The largest variation was seen in short admission rates (0.1–5.0), PICU admission rates (0.2–2.2), upper respiratory tract infections (0.4–1.7) and fever without focus (0.5–2.7). Variation was small in sepsis/meningitis (0.9–1.1). Conclusions Large variation exists in admission rates of febrile children evaluated at European EDs, however, this variation is largely reduced after correcting for patient characteristics and therefore overall admission rates seem to adequately reflect disease severity or a potential for a severe disease course. However, for certain patient groups variation remains high even after adjusting for patient characteristics.

Real-world mapping of allergy immunotherapy in the United States: The argument for improving adherence

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Stone ◽  
Karen Rance ◽  
Douglas Waddell ◽  
Mark Aagren ◽  
Eva Hammerby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Real World ◽  
Index Date ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Allergy Immunotherapy ◽  
Related Service ◽  
Tract Infections

Background: There is a dearth of real-world evidence studies focused on allergy immunotherapy (AIT) use among patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Objective: This study examined claims data of AR patients residing in the United States to assess patient characteristics and health outcomes. Methods: AR patients were identified in the IBM MarketScan database between January 1, 2014, and March 31, 2017. Patients receiving AIT were identified with relevant billing codes (earliest AIT claim for vaccine as the index date); patients without AIT were identified with claims that contained a diagnosis code for AR (earliest AR claim as the index date). All the patients were required to have continuous enrollment 12 months prior to and following their index date. AIT patients reaching 25+ injection claims were analyzed as a separate maintenance cohort. Patients were assessed for demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and health care utilization. Results: A total of 2,334,530 AR patients were included; 103,207 had at least one AIT claim, with 45,279 (43.9%) of these patients reaching maintenance. Patients who reached AIT maintenance presented higher rates of baseline comorbidities than both the full AIT cohort and the patients with no AIT claims, including asthma (34.6% versus 30.1% versus 7.5%) and upper respiratory tract infections (63.1% versus 60.3% versus 34.2%). From baseline to follow-up, maintenance AIT patients demonstrated reductions in all AR-related comorbidities assessed, along with reductions in all-cause and AR-related service utilization. Conclusion: Patients initiating AIT presented the greatest need for therapeutic intervention, as evidenced by higher allergy-related comorbidities; those who reached maintenance demonstrated improved outcomes following the initiation of therapy. Continued efforts to increase patient awareness and adherence to AIT are needed.

scholarly journals 1683. Hospital Admission Patterns in Adult Patients with Complicated Urinary Tract Infections (cUTIs): Identification of Potentially Avoidable Hospital Admissions Across United States (US) Hospitals

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S825-S826
Author(s):  
Thomas Lodise ◽  
Teena Chopra ◽  
Brian Nathanson ◽  
Katherine Sulham
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Panel Member ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Independent Contractor ◽  
Healthcare Database ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Comorbidity Index ◽  
Multi Center Study ◽  
Tract Infections

Abstract Background There is an increase in hospital admissions for cUTI in the US despite apparent reductions in the severity of admissions. However, there are scant data on cUTI hospital admission rates from the emergency department (ED) stratified by age, infection severity, and presence of comorbidities. This study described US hospitalization patterns among adults who present to the ED with a cUTI. We sought to quantify the proportion of admissions that were potentially avoidable based on presence of sepsis and associated symtpoms as well as Charlston Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores. Methods A retrospective multi-center study using data from the Premier Healthcare Database (2013-18) was performed. Inclusion criteria: (1) age ≥ 18 years, (2) primary cUTI ED/inpatient discharge diagnosis, (3) positive blood or urine culture between index ED service days -5 to +2. Transfers from acute care facilities were excluded. Based on ICD-9/10 diagnosis codes present on admission, incidence of hospital admissions were stratified by age (≥ 65 years vs. &lt; 65 years), presence of sepsis (S), sepsis symptoms but no sepsis codes (SS) (e.g., fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, leukocytosis, etc.), and CCI. Results 187,789 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) age was 59.7 (21.9), 40.4% were male, 29.4% had sepsis, 16.7% had at least 1 SS symptom (but no S), and 53.9% had no evidence of S or SS. The median [IQR] CCI was 1 [0, 3]. 119,668 out of 187,789 (63.7%) were admitted to hospital. Among inpatients, median [IQR] length of stay (LOS) and total costs were 5 [3, 7] days and $7,956 [$4,834, $13,960] USD. Incidence of hospital admissions by age, presence of S/SS, and CCI score are shown in the Table. 18.9% of admissions (22,644/119,668) occurred in patients with no S/SS and a CCI ≤ 2. Their median [IQR] LOS and total costs were 3 [2, 5] days and $5,575 [$3,607, $9,133]. Incidence of Hospital Admission by Age, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), Presence of Sepsis (S), and Presence of Sepsis Symptoms (SS) Conclusion Nearly 1 in 5 cUTI hospital admissions may be avoidable. Given the resources associated with the management of inpatients with cUTIs, these findings highlight the critical need for healthcare systems to develop well-defined criteria for hospital admission based on presence of comorbid conditions and infection severity. Preventing avoidable hospital admissions has the potential to save the healthcare system substantial costs. Disclosures Thomas Lodise, PharmD, PhD, Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Consultant) Teena Chopra, MD, MPH, Spero Therapeutics (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member) Brian Nathanson, PhD, Spero Therapeutics (Independent Contractor) Katherine Sulham, MPH, Spero Therapeutics (Independent Contractor)

scholarly journals Rapid Multiplex Testing for Upper Respiratory Pathogens in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa May ◽  
Grant Tatro ◽  
Eduard Poltavskiy ◽  
Benjamin Mooso ◽  
Simson Hon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Acute upper respiratory tract infections are a common cause of Emergency Department (ED) visits and often result in unnecessary antibiotic treatment.  Methods We conducted a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the impact of a rapid, multi-pathogen respiratory panel (RP) test versus usual care (control). Patients were eligible if they were ≥12 months old, had symptoms of upper respiratory infection or influenza like illness, and were not on antibiotics. The primary outcome was antibiotic prescription; secondary outcomes included antiviral prescription, disposition, and length of stay (ClinicalTrials.gov# NCT02957136). Results Of 191 patients enrolled, 93 (49%) received RP testing; 98 (51%) received usual care. Fifty-three (57%) RP and 7 (7%) control patients had a virus detected and reported during the ED visit (p=0.0001). Twenty (22%) RP patients and 33 (34%) usual care patients received antibiotics during the ED visit (-12% [95% CI -25%, 0.4%]; p=0.06/0.08); 9 RP patients received antibiotics despite having a virus detected. The magnitude of antibiotic reduction was greater in children (-19%) versus adults (-9%; post-hoc analysis). There was no difference in antiviral use, length of stay, or disposition. Conclusions Rapid RP testing was associated with a trend towards decreased antibiotic use, suggesting a potential benefit from more rapid viral tests in the ED. Future studies should determine if specific groups are more likely to benefit from testing and evaluate relative cost and effectiveness of broad testing, focused testing, and a combined diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship approach.

The Most Dangerous Game: A Review of Head and Neck Injuries in American Football and Rugby

2022 ◽  
pp. 194338752110734
Author(s):  
Jordan Richardson ◽  
Dani Stanbouly ◽  
Harrison Moynihan ◽  
Renée M. Reynolds ◽  
Matthew J. Recker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Predictor Variable ◽  
American Football ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Neck Injuries ◽  
Injury Surveillance System ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Increased Risk

Study Design The investigators designed and implemented a 20-year cross-sectional study using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Objective The purpose of this study is to estimate and compare hospital admission (danger) rates between rugby and football of those who presented to the emergency department with head and neck injuries after playing these sports. Methods The primary predictor variable was sport played. The primary outcome variable was danger, measured by hospital admission rates. Results Over the past 20 years, there has been a trend of decreasing incidence of injuries presenting to the emergency department in both sports. There was no difference in the rate of hospital admission when comparing football and rugby (OR, 1.2; P = .1). Male gender was associated with an increased risk of admission. Other variables associated with hospital admission included white racial group, injury taking place in the fall, being either young (15–24 years old) or senior (65 years of age and over), and being injured at school or at a sport/recreational facility. Conclusions There is no difference in danger as measured by admission rates between American football and rugby. There exists, however, several variables that are associated with admission when sustaining injury to the head and neck, when playing these two sports.

Methodological Considerations in the Assessment of Effectiveness of Homeopathic Care: A Critical Review of the EPI3 Study

Homeopathy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yola Moride
Keyword(s):  
Critical Review ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Outcome Measurements ◽  
Apparent Loss ◽  
Therapeutic Opportunity ◽  
Methodological Considerations ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background  EPI3 is an observational study of a representative sample of general practitioners (GPs) and patients in France, demonstrating that patient characteristics differ according to the prescribing preferences of their GPs for homeopathy. For selected conditions (musculoskeletal disorders, sleep disorders, anxiety/depression, upper respiratory tract infections), progression of symptoms and adverse events over follow-up in the homeopathy preference group did not significantly differ from other practice preferences, but there was a two-fold to four-fold lower usage of conventional medicines. The EPI3 study's validity was challenged due to absence of head-to-head comparison of medicines to conclude on a causal association between homeopathy and outcomes. Methods A critical review of the nine EPI3 publications was conducted, focusing on generalizability, selection bias, outcome measurements and confounding. Results The conceptual framework of EPI3 rests on a systemic construct, i.e., the homeopathic treatment concept assessed using the type of GP prescribing preference, taking into account the clinical, human and social aspects. The enrollment process enhanced the generalizability of findings. Validated instruments for outcome measurements were used for three conditions, and control of confounding was rigorous. Conclusion EPI3 was conducted according to best practices. Homeopathy prescribing preference met specific patient needs with less use of conventional medicines and without an apparent loss in therapeutic opportunity.

scholarly journals Emergency department visits for children with acute asthma: discharge instructions, parental plans, and follow-through of care—a prospective study

CJEM ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (06) ◽  
pp. 467-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pat G. Camp ◽  
Seamus P. Norton ◽  
Ran D. Goldman ◽  
Salomeh Shajari ◽  
M. Anne Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Family Doctor ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Asthma Exacerbations ◽  
Initial Care ◽  
Children With Asthma ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: Communication between emergency department (ED) staff and parents of children with asthma may play a role in asthma exacerbation management. We investigated the extent to which parents of children with asthma implement recommendations provided by the ED staff. Method: We asked questions on asthma triggers, ED care (including education and discharge recommendations), and asthma management strategies used at home shortly after the ED visit and again at 6 months. Results: A total of 148 children with asthma were recruited. Thirty-two percent of children were not on inhaled corticosteroids prior to their ED visit. Eighty percent of parents identified upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) as the primary trigger for their child’s asthma. No parent received or implemented any specific asthma strategies to reduce the impact of URTIs; 82% of parents did not receive any printed asthma education materials. Most (66%) parents received verbal instructions on how to manage their child’s future asthma exacerbations. Of those, one-third of families were told to return to the ED. Parents were rarely advised to bring their child to their family doctor in the event of a future exacerbation. At 6 months, parents continued to use the ED services for asthma exacerbations in their children, despite reporting feeling confident in managing their child’s asthma. Conclusion: Improvements are urgently needed in developing strategies to manage pediatric asthma exacerbations related to URTIs, communication with parents at discharge in acute care, and using alternate acute care services for parents who continue to rely on EDs for the initial care of mild asthma exacerbations.

scholarly journals Respiratory syncytial virus and airway microbiota -- A complex interplay and its reflection on morbidity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Rossi ◽  
Stefania Ballarini ◽  
Michela Silvestri ◽  
Oliviero Sacco ◽  
Andrew Colin
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Microbial Community Composition ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Tract Infections

The immunopathology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in the pediatric population, with severe disease being the exception. The variability of the clinical presentation is incompletely explained by host, viral and environmental factors but, in infants and young children, disease severity is certainly linked to the physiological immune immaturity. There is evidence that the maturation of the host immune response is, at least in part, promoted by the composition of the nasopharyngeal microbiome that, modulating excessive inflammation, can counteract the predisposition to develop viral respiratory infections and lower the risk of disease severity. However, interaction between the nasopharyngeal microbiota and respiratory viruses can be bidirectional. Microbial dysbiosis can drive disease pathogenesis but may also represents a reflection of the disease-induced alterations of the local milieu. Moreover, viruses like RSV, can also increase the virulence of potential pathogens in nasopharynx, which is a main reservoir of bacteria, and therefore promote their spread to the lower airways causing superinfection. Negative changes in microbial community composition in early life may constitute a heightened risk towards severe RSV respiratory infection and bacterial superinfection, whilst specific groups of microorganisms can be associated with protection. A better understanding into the potential negative and positive role of the different nasopharyngeal bacterial species in disease prevention as well as into the possible benefits of microbiome therapeutic manipulation, may improve patient outcomes.

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