Patient characteristics of smokers undergoing lumbar spine surgery: an analysis from the Quality Outcomes Database

OBJECTIVEIn this analysis the authors compare the characteristics of smokers to nonsmokers using demographic, socioeconomic, and comorbidity variables. They also investigate which of these characteristics are most strongly associated with smoking status. Finally, the authors investigate whether the association between known patient risk factors and disability outcome is differentially modified by patient smoking status for those who have undergone surgery for lumbar degeneration.METHODSA total of 7547 patients undergoing degenerative lumbar surgery were entered into a prospective multicenter registry (Quality Outcomes Database [QOD]). A retrospective analysis of the prospectively collected data was conducted. Patients were dichotomized as smokers (current smokers) and nonsmokers. Multivariable logistic regression analysis fitted for patient smoking status and subsequent measurement of variable importance was performed to identify the strongest patient characteristics associated with smoking status. Multivariable linear regression models fitted for 12-month Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores in subsets of smokers and nonsmokers was performed to investigate whether differential effects of risk factors by smoking status might be present.RESULTSIn total, 18% (n = 1365) of patients were smokers and 82% (n = 6182) were nonsmokers. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the factors significantly associated with patients’ smoking status were sex (p < 0.0001), age (p < 0.0001), body mass index (p < 0.0001), educational status (p < 0.0001), insurance status (p < 0.001), and employment/occupation (p = 0.0024). Patients with diabetes had lowers odds of being a smoker (p = 0.0008), while patients with coronary artery disease had greater odds of being a smoker (p = 0.044). Patients’ propensity for smoking was also significantly associated with higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (p < 0.0001), anterior-alone surgical approach (p = 0.018), greater number of levels (p = 0.0246), decompression only (p = 0.0001), and higher baseline ODI score (p < 0.0001). In a multivariable proportional odds logistic regression model, the adjusted odds ratio of risk factors and direction of improvement in 12-month ODI scores remained similar between the subsets of smokers and nonsmokers.CONCLUSIONSUsing a large, national, multiinstitutional registry, the authors described the profile of patients who undergo lumbar spine surgery and its association with their smoking status. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers were younger, male, nondiabetic, nonobese patients presenting with leg pain more so than back pain, with higher ASA classes, higher disability, less education, more likely to be unemployed, and with Medicaid/uninsured insurance status. Smoking status did not affect the association between these risk factors and 12-month ODI outcome, suggesting that interventions for modifiable risk factors are equally efficacious between smokers and nonsmokers.

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An analysis from the Quality Outcomes Database, Part 1. Disability, quality of life, and pain outcomes following lumbar spine surgery: predicting likely individual patient outcomes for shared decision-making

Journal of Neurosurgery Spine ◽

10.3171/2016.11.spine16526 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (4) ◽

pp. 357-369 ◽

Cited By ~ 54

Author(s):

Matthew J. McGirt ◽

Mohamad Bydon ◽

Kristin R. Archer ◽

Clinton J. Devin ◽

Silky Chotai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Lumbar Spine ◽

Predictive Model ◽

Spine Surgery ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Lumbar Spine Surgery ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Quality Outcomes ◽

Pain Outcomes ◽

History Of

OBJECTIVEQuality and outcomes registry platforms lie at the center of many emerging evidence-driven reform models. Specifically, clinical registry data are progressively informing health care decision-making. In this analysis, the authors used data from a national prospective outcomes registry (the Quality Outcomes Database) to develop a predictive model for 12-month postoperative pain, disability, and quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery.METHODSIncluded in this analysis were 7618 patients who had completed 12 months of follow-up. The authors prospectively assessed baseline and 12-month patient-reported outcomes (PROs) via telephone interviews. The PROs assessed were those ascertained using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EQ-5D, and numeric rating scale (NRS) for back pain (BP) and leg pain (LP). Variables analyzed for the predictive model included age, gender, body mass index, race, education level, history of prior surgery, smoking status, comorbid conditions, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, symptom duration, indication for surgery, number of levels surgically treated, history of fusion surgery, surgical approach, receipt of workers’ compensation, liability insurance, insurance status, and ambulatory ability. To create a predictive model, each 12-month PRO was treated as an ordinal dependent variable and a separate proportional-odds ordinal logistic regression model was fitted for each PRO.RESULTSThere was a significant improvement in all PROs (p < 0.0001) at 12 months following lumbar spine surgery. The most important predictors of overall disability, QOL, and pain outcomes following lumbar spine surgery were employment status, baseline NRS-BP scores, psychological distress, baseline ODI scores, level of education, workers’ compensation status, symptom duration, race, baseline NRS-LP scores, ASA score, age, predominant symptom, smoking status, and insurance status. The prediction discrimination of the 4 separate novel predictive models was good, with a c-index of 0.69 for ODI, 0.69 for EQ-5D, 0.67 for NRS-BP, and 0.64 for NRS-LP (i.e., good concordance between predicted outcomes and observed outcomes).CONCLUSIONSThis study found that preoperative patient-specific factors derived from a prospective national outcomes registry significantly influence PRO measures of treatment effectiveness at 12 months after lumbar surgery. Novel predictive models constructed with these data hold the potential to improve surgical effectiveness and the overall value of spine surgery by optimizing patient selection and identifying important modifiable factors before a surgery even takes place. Furthermore, these models can advance patient-focused care when used as shared decision-making tools during preoperative patient counseling.

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Pre-existing interstitial lung abnormalities are risk factors for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced interstitial lung disease in non-NSCLC cancers.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.e15171 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e15171-e15171

Author(s):

Kiyofumi Shimoji ◽

Takeshi Masuda ◽

Yu Nakanishi ◽

Kakuhiro Yamaguchi ◽

Shinjiro Sakamoto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Interstitial Lung Disease ◽

Lung Disease ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Independent Risk Factor ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Significant Difference

e15171 Background: Immune check point inhibitor (ICI) induced interstitial lung disease (ICI-ILD) is a clinically serious and life-threatening toxicity. Pre-existing ILD has been reported to be a risk factor for ICI-ILD in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, we have previously reported that interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) is also a risk factor for the ICI-ILD. Therefore, we investigated whether any patient characteristics, including ILA, were risk factors for ICI-ILD in patients with non-NSCLC cancers. Methods: Head and neck cancer, malignant melanoma, oral cavity cancer, renal cell carcinoma or gastric cancer patients who received anti PD-1 antibody (Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab) at Hiroshima University Hospital from December 2015 to May 2019 were enrolled. Information on patient characteristics before anti-PD-1 antibody administration, including chest CT findings and laboratory data, were obtained. Results: Two hundred patients were enrolled, and 20 (10%) developed ICI-ILD. Grade1 was observed in 15 patients, grade2 in 3, and grade3 and 5 in 1. There was no significant difference in the background factors between patients with and without ICI-ILD. On the other hand, the proportion of patients with ILA was significantly higher in the patients with ICI-ILD than those without (P < 0.01). Furthermore, univariate logistic regression analysis revealed ILA was the risk factor for ICI-ILD (p < 0.01), and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GGA or reticulation in ILA was an independent risk factor for ICI-ILD (p = 0.016, 0.011). Conclusions: Pre-existing ILA is a risk factor for ICI-ILD, and GGA or reticulation in ILA is an independent risk factor for ICI-ILD in patients with non-NSCLC cancers. Therefore, we should pay more attention to the development of ICI-ILD in patients with ILA, especially GGA or reticulation.

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Outcomes of cancer patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.e18101 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e18101-e18101

Author(s):

Achuta Kumar Guddati ◽

Gagan Kumar ◽

Iuliana Shapira ◽

Parijat Saurav Joy

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy ◽

Primary Diagnosis ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Solid Organ ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression

e18101 Background: Chemotherapy induced cardiomyopathy is an important complication of some chemotherapeutic agents. The stress of a cancer diagnosis and ongoing chemotherapy may contribute to cardiac morbidity in these patients. The burden of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TCP) in cancer patients is unknown. The incidence of TCP and related outcomes in cancer patients was investigated in this study. Methods: The 2007-2013 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was analyzed for patients with a prior and new diagnosis of TCP with and without malignancy. Risk factors for mortality were adjusted for associated conditions by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: From 2007 through 2013, an estimated 122,750 adults were admitted with a diagnosis of TCP. In 2013, the incidence of admissions in US of patients with coexisting TCP and malignancy was 1.13%. Admissions in 34,957 patients were for a primary diagnosis of TCP with 91.7% females; overall, 665 (2.1%) had solid organ cancer, 237 (0.74%) had hematological malignancy and 354 (1.11%) had metastatic cancer. Patients admitted for TCP with coexisting malignancy had a significantly higher mortality (13.8% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.0001), length of stay (7 vs. 4 days, p < 0.0001) and total charges ($29291 vs. $ 36231, p < 0.0001), compared to those with no malignancy. In patients with a primary diagnosis of TCP and without any underlying malignancy, males had a higher mortality (4.02% vs. 1.03%, p < 0.0001) whereas there was no gender difference in mortality in those with coexisting malignancy (6.25% vs 6.45%, p = 0.965). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, risk factors associated with mortality were solid cancer (OR 3.43, p = 0.008), stroke (OR 18.33, p < 0.0001), venous thromboembolic disease (OR 4.52, p = 0.004), malnutrition (OR 2.41, p = 0.006) and heart failure (OR 1.918, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Outcomes are significantly worse in patients with TCP and solid malignancy. Hence, this patient population must be regarded as high-risk and early diagnostic consideration for TCP is warranted. Early intervention may help lower mortality, decrease resource utilization and reduce the health care costs in these patients.

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Puppy acquisition: factors associated with acquiring a puppy under eight weeks of age and without viewing the mother

Veterinary Record ◽

10.1136/vr.105789 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 187 (3) ◽

pp. 112-112 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rachel H Kinsman ◽

Rachel A Casey ◽

Toby G Knowles ◽

Séverine Tasker ◽

Michelle S Lord ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Maternal Care ◽

Later Life ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Annual Income ◽

Prospective Data ◽

Kennel Club ◽

Factors Associated

BackgroundPuppy acquisition decisions may impact upon the health and behaviour of these dogs in later life. It is widely recommended by welfare organisations and veterinary bodies that puppies should not leave maternal care until at least eight weeks (56 days) of age, and that when acquiring a puppy it should be viewed with its mother.MethodsOwner-reported prospective data were used to explore risk factors for puppy acquisition age, and whether the mother was viewed during acquisition, within a cohort of dog owners participating in an ongoing longitudinal project.ResultsA quarter (461/1844) of puppies were acquired under eight weeks of age and 8.1 per cent were obtained without viewing the mother (n=149). Only 1.6 per cent of puppies were obtained under eight weeks of age and without the mother being seen (n=30). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that owners who intended their puppy to be a working dog, visited their puppy prior to acquisition, and/or obtained a puppy of unknown breed composition had increased odds of acquiring a puppy under eight weeks of age. The odds also increased as the number of dogs in the household increased but decreased as annual income rose. Owners who visited their puppy prior to acquisition, obtained a Kennel Club registered puppy, viewed the puppy’s father, and/or collected their puppy from the breeder’s home had decreased odds of acquiring a puppy without viewing the mother.ConclusionTargeting interventions towards identified owners who are more likely to acquire a puppy against current recommendations could help reduce these types of acquisitions.

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Elevated De Ritis Ratio as a Predictor for Acute Kidney Injury after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11090836 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 836

Author(s):

Jun-Young Park ◽

Jihion Yu ◽

Jun Hyuk Hong ◽

Bumjin Lim ◽

Youngdo Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Acute Kidney Injury ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Roc Curve ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Retropubic Prostatectomy

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is related to mortality and morbidity. The De Ritis ratio, calculated by dividing the aspartate aminotransferase by the alanine aminotransferase, is used as a prognostic indicator. We evaluated risk factors for AKI after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). This retrospective study included patients who performed RRP. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted. Other postoperative outcomes were also evaluated. Among the 1415 patients, 77 (5.4%) had AKI postoperatively. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that estimated glomerular filtration rate, albumin level, and the De Ritis ratio at postoperative day 1 were risk factors for AKI. The area under the ROC curve of the De Ritis ratio at postoperative day 1 was 0.801 (cutoff = 1.2). Multivariable-adjusted analysis revealed that the De Ritis ratio at ≥1.2 was significantly related to AKI (odds ratio = 8.637, p < 0.001). Postoperative AKI was associated with longer hospitalization duration (11 ± 5 days vs. 10 ± 4 days, p = 0.002). These results collectively show that an elevated De Ritis ratio at postoperative day 1 is associated with AKI after RRP in patients with prostate cancer.

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Risk factors for stillbirth among pregnant women infected with syphilis from 2010–2016, Zhejiang Province, China

10.21203/rs.2.16820/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Cuicui Duan ◽

Xiao-hui Zhang ◽

Shan-shan Li ◽

Wei Wu ◽

Li-qian Qiu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Zhejiang Province ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Adequate Treatment ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression ◽

Latent Syphilis

Abstract Background: Syphilis infection is one of the most common maternal factors related to stillbirth. The study aims to determine the risk factors for stillbirth among pregnant women infected with syphilis. Methods : This was a retrospective study. Data on stillbirth and gestational syphilis were extracted from the PMTCT program database 2010–2016 in Zhejiang Province. A total of 8724 pregnancy women infected with syphilis were included. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the associations between gestational syphilis and stillbirth. Results : The stillbirth rate among pregnant women infected with syphilis was 1.74% (152/8724) in Zhejiang Province, China, from 2010–2016. Compared with live birth, stillbirth was significantly associated with lower maternal age, not being married, lower gravidity, previous history of syphilis, non-latent syphilis stage, and higher maternal serum titer for syphilis, inadequate treatment for syphilis, and later first antenatal care visit. With multivariable logistic regression analysis, non-latent syphilis (adjusted OR=2.03; 95% CI 1.17–3.53) and maternal titers over 1:4 (adjusted OR=1.78; 95% CI 1.25–2.53) were risk factors for stillbirth. Adequate treatment was the only protective factor for stillbirth (adjusted OR=0.16; 95% CI 0.10–0.25). Conclusions : Adequate treatment is effective in reducing the incidence of stillbirths among pregnant women infected with syphilis, and this is particularly important in women diagnosed with high RPR titer (under 1:4). Keywords: risk factors, syphilis, stillbirth, pregnant, syphilis stage, RPR

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Prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection among children in Kuichong Subdistrict of Shenzhen City, China

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.8878 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. e8878

Author(s):

Jingjing Hu ◽

Xiangyu Wang ◽

Eng Guan Chua ◽

Yongsheng He ◽

Qing Shu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Helicobacter Pylori ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Young Children ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Shenzhen City ◽

H Pylori ◽

Feed Temperature

Background Helicobacter pylori infection is a significant burden to the public health in China as it can lead to various gastric diseases including peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Since most infections occurred during childhood, it is therefore necessary to understand the prevalence and risk determinants of this bacterial infection in children. Herewith, we conducted a cross-sectional study in the Kuichong Subdistrict of Shenzhen City to assess the prevalence and risk factors of H. pylori infection among children. Methods From September 2018 to October 2018, 1,355 children aged 6–12 years from four primary schools in the Kuichong Subdistrict of Shenzhen City were recruited. These children were screened for H. pylori infection using the 13C-urea breath test. In addition, parents were requested to fill out a standardized questionnaire. The chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for H. pylori. Results Among 1,355 children recruited in this study, 226 (16.7%; 95% CI [14.7–18.7]) were positive of H. pylori infection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified six factors significantly associated with H. pylori infection children including parent(s) with tertiary education level (OR: 0.64; 95% CI [0.46–0.89]), testing bottle feed temperature using the mouth (OR: 1.79; 95% CI [1.19–2.68]), sharing of cutlery between the feeding person and young children during meals (OR: 1.84; 95% CI [1.22–2.78]), eating fruit after peeling (OR: 2.56; 95% CI [1.4–4.71]), frequent dining out (OR: 3.13; 95% CI [1.46–6.68]) and snacking (OR: 1.43; 95% CI [1.01–2.01]). Conclusions Overall, better educated parent(s) played a protective role against the acquisition of H. pylori infection in children. Testing bottle feed temperature using the mouth, cutlery sharing between the feeding person and young children, and snacking posed a lower but significant risk for H. pylori infection. Only eating peeled fruits and frequent dining out were associated with greater infection risks.

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Disease burden and prognostic factors for clinical failure in elderly community acquired pneumonia patients

10.21203/rs.3.rs-21428/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Xiudi Han ◽

Xuedong Liu ◽

Liang Chen ◽

Yimin Wang ◽

Hui Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Pleural Effusion ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Clinical Failure

Abstract Background: The study was to evaluate initial antimicrobial regimen and clinical outcomes and to explore risk factors for clinical failure (CF) in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: 3,011 hospitalized elderly patients were enrolled from 13 national teaching hospitals between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 initiated by the CAP-China network. Risk factors for CF were screened by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The incidence of CF in elderly CAP patients was 13.1%. CF patients were older, longer hospital stays and higher treatment costs than clinical success (CS) patients. The CF patients were more prone to present hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, hypoproteinemia, pleural effusion, respiratory failure and cardiovascular events. Inappropriate initial antimicrobial regimens in CF group were significantly higher than CS group. Undertreatment, CURB-65, PH<7.3, PaO 2 /FiO 2 < 200 mmHg, sodium <130 mmol/L, healthcare-associated pneumonia, white blood cells >10000/mm 3 , pleural effusion and congestive heart failure were independent risk factors for CF in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Male and bronchiectasis were protective factors. Conclusions: Discordant therapy was a cause of CF. Early accurate detection and management of prevention to potential causes is likely to improve clinical outcomes in elderly patients CAP. Trial registration : A Retrospective Study on Hospitalized Patients With Community-acquired Pneumonia in China (CAP-China) (RSCAP-China), NCT02489578. Registered 16 March 2015, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0005E5S&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0000GWC&ts=2&cx=1bnotb

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Disease burden and prognostic factors for clinical failure in elderly community acquired pneumonia patients

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-020-05362-3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiudi Han ◽

◽

Xuedong Liu ◽

Liang Chen ◽

Yimin Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Pleural Effusion ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Clinical Failure

Abstract Background The study was to evaluate initial antimicrobial regimen and clinical outcomes and to explore risk factors for clinical failure (CF) in elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods 3011 hospitalized elderly patients were enrolled from 13 national teaching hospitals between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 initiated by the CAP-China network. Risk factors for CF were screened by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results The incidence of CF in elderly CAP patients was 13.1%. CF patients were older, longer hospital stays and higher treatment costs than clinical success (CS) patients. The CF patients were more prone to present hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, hypoproteinemia, pleural effusion, respiratory failure and cardiovascular events. Inappropriate initial antimicrobial regimens in CF group were significantly higher than CS group. Undertreatment, CURB-65, PH < 7.3, PaO2/FiO2 < 200 mmHg, sodium < 130 mmol/L, healthcare-associated pneumonia, white blood cells > 10,000/mm3, pleural effusion and congestive heart failure were independent risk factors for CF in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Male and bronchiectasis were protective factors. Conclusions Discordant therapy was a cause of CF. Early accurate detection and management of prevention to potential causes is likely to improve clinical outcomes in elderly patients CAP. Trial registration A Retrospective Study on Hospitalized Patients With Community-acquired Pneumonia in China (CAP-China) (RSCAP-China), NCT02489578. Registered 16 March 2015, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0005E5S&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0000GWC&ts=2&cx=1bnotb

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Enlarged subarachnoid space on cranial ultrasound in preterm infants: Neurodevelopmental implication

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-019-55604-x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sook Kyung Yum ◽

Soo Ah Im ◽

Yu Mi Seo ◽

In Kyung Sung

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Subarachnoid Space ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Cranial Ultrasound ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Equivalent Age

AbstractThe role of enlarged subarachnoid space (ESS) in preterm infants has not been described in concrete. We aimed to evaluate whether ESS should be considered a risk factor potentially associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in prematurity. Electronic medical records of 197 preterm infants (median 32.1 weeks' gestation) including cranial ultrasound (cUS) images, head circumferences, and Korean Developmental Screening Tests for Infants and Children (K-DST) results at 18–24 months corrected age were reviewed. The clinical characteristics and K-DST results were compared in infants with and without ESS (sinocortical width > 3.5 mm). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential risk factors associated with positive K-DST results. At a median corrected age of 39.0 weeks, 81/197 (41.1%) infants presented ESS. A significantly greater percent of infants in the ESS group screened positive on the K-DST than in the no ESS group (27.2% vs 12.1%, p = 0.007). Within the ESS group, micro-/macrocephaly at term-equivalent age was not different with regard to the K-DST results. From the multivariable logistic regression analysis, gestational age (p = 0.016, OR = 0.855, 95% CI = 0.753–0.971) and ESS (p = 0.019, OR = 1.310, 95% CI = 1.046–1.641) were two significant risk factors associated with positive K-DST results. ESS identified on cUS at term-equivalent age in preterm infants is associated with possible developmental delays. Macrocephaly at term-equivalent age does not guarantee a benign prognosis. Future studies are required to verify ESS as a potential marker for neurodevelopmental delay in preterm infants.

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