scholarly journals Determinants of brain tumor malpractice litigation outcome and indemnity payments: a 29-year nationwide analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. E21
Author(s):  
Oliver Y. Tang ◽  
Davis A. Hartnett ◽  
Sarah B. Hays ◽  
Sohail Syed ◽  
Alan H. Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Medical Malpractice ◽  
Multivariate Regression ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Severe Disability ◽  
Medical Outcome ◽  
Malpractice Litigation ◽  
Favorable Case ◽  
Case Outcome

OBJECTIVEMedical malpractice litigation is a significant challenge in neurosurgery, with more than 25% of a neurosurgeon’s career on average spent with an open malpractice claim. While earlier research has elucidated characteristics of litigation related to brain tumor treatment, factors impacting outcome and indemnity payment amount are incompletely understood.METHODSThe authors identified all medical malpractice cases related to brain tumors from 1988 to 2017 in VerdictSearch, a database of 200,000 cases from all 50 states. The outcome for each case was dichotomized from the perspective of the defendant physician as favorable (defendant victory) or unfavorable (plaintiff victory or settlement). Indemnity payments were recorded for cases that resulted in settlement or plaintiff victory. Univariate regression was used to assess the association between case characteristics and case outcome as well as indemnity payment amount. Subsequently, significant variables were used to generate multivariate models for each outcome. Statistical significance was maintained at p < 0.05.RESULTSA total of 113 cases were analyzed, resulting most commonly in defendant (physician) victory (46.9%), followed by settlement and plaintiff victory (both 26.5%). The most common specialty of the primary defendant was neurosurgery (35.4%), and the most common allegation was improper diagnosis (59.3%). Indemnity payments totaled $191,621,392, with neurosurgical defendants accounting for $109,000,314 (56.9%). The average payments for cases with a plaintiff victory ($3,333,654) and for settlements ($3,051,832) did not significantly differ (p = 0.941). The highest rates of unfavorable outcomes were observed among radiologists (63.6%) and neurosurgeons (57.5%) (p = 0.042). On multivariate regression, severe disability was associated with a lower odds of favorable case outcome (OR 0.21, p = 0.023), while older plaintiff age (> 65 years) predicted higher odds of favorable outcome (OR 5.75, p = 0.047). For 60 cases resulting in indemnity payment, higher payments were associated on univariate analysis with neurosurgeon defendants (β-coefficient = 2.33, p = 0.017), whether the plaintiff underwent surgery (β-coefficient = 2.11, p = 0.012), and the plaintiff experiencing severe disability (β-coefficient = 4.30, p = 0.005). Following multivariate regression, only medical outcome was predictive of increased indemnity payments, including moderate disability (β-coefficient = 4.98, p = 0.007), severe disability (β-coefficient = 6.96, p = 0.001), and death (β-coefficient = 3.23, p = 0.027).CONCLUSIONSNeurosurgeons were the most common defendants for brain tumor malpractice litigation, averaging more than $3 million per claim paid. Older plaintiff age was associated with case outcome in favor of the physician. Additionally, medical outcome was predictive of both case outcome and indemnity payment amount.

The integrated interventional radiology match: a bibliometric analysis of matched first-year residents

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishnu Chandra ◽  
Neil Jain ◽  
Pratik Shukla ◽  
Ethan Wajswol ◽  
Sohail Contractor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interventional Radiology ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Impact Factors ◽  
Index Number ◽  
Research Information ◽  
H Index ◽  
Scopus Database ◽  
Journal Impact

Objectives: The integrated interventional radiology (IR) residency has only been established relatively recently as compared to other specialties. Although some preliminary information is available based on survey data five, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis documenting the importance of the quantity and quality of research in applying to an integrated-IR program currently exists. As the first bibliometric analysis of matched IR residents, the data obtained from this study fills a gap in the literature. Materials and Methods: A list of matched residents from the 2018 integrated-IR match were identified by contacting program directors. The Scopus database was used to search for resident research information, including total publications, first-author publications, radiology-related publications, and h-indices. Each matriculating program was categorized into one of five tiers based on the average faculty Hirsch index (h-index). Results: Sixty-three programs and 117 matched residents were identified and reviewed on the Scopus database. For the 2018 cycle, 274 total publications were produced by matched applicants, with a mean of 2.34 ± 0.41 publication per matched applicant. The average h-index for matched applicants was 0.96 ± 0.13. On univariate analysis, the number of radiology-related publications, highest journal impact factor, and h-index were all associated with an increased likelihood of matching into a higher tier program (P < 0.05). Other research variables displayed no statistical significance. All applicants with PhDs matched into tier one programs. Conclusions: Research serves as an important element in successfully matching into an integrated-IR residency. h-index, number of radiology-related manuscripts, and highest journal impact factors are all positively associated with matching into a higher tier program.

Predictors of Faster Decline of Residual Renal Function in Taiwanese Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 191-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Te Liao ◽  
Chih-Chung Shiao ◽  
Jenq-Wen Huang ◽  
Kuan-Yu Hung ◽  
Hsueh-Fang Chuang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Renal Function ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Residual Renal Function ◽  
Measure Data ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Artery Disease

⋄ Objective Loss of residual renal function (RRF) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is a powerful predictor of mortality. The present study was conducted to determine the predictors of faster decline of RRF in PD patients in Taiwan. ⋄ Methods The study enrolled 270 patients starting PD between January 1996 and December 2005 in a single hospital in Taiwan. We calculated RRF as the mean of the sum of 24-hour urea and creatinine clearance. The slope of the decline of residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was the main outcome measure. Data on demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment parameters; episodes of peritonitis; and hypotensive events were analyzed by Student t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and chi-square, as appropriate. All variables with statistical significance were included in a multivariate linear regression model to select the best predictors ( p < 0.05) for faster decline of residual GFR. ⋄ Results All patients commencing PD during the study period were followed for 39.4 ± 24.0 months (median: 35.5 months). The average annual rate of decline of residual GFR was 1.377 ± 1.47 mL/min/m2. On multivariate analysis, presence of diabetes mellitus ( p < 0.001), higher baseline residual GFR ( p < 0.001), hypotensive events ( p = 0.001), use of diuretics ( p = 0.002), and episodes of peritonitis ( p = 0.043) independently predicted faster decline of residual GFR. Male sex, old age, larger body mass index, and presence of coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure were also risk factors on univariate analysis. ⋄ Conclusions Our results suggested that diabetes mellitus, higher baseline residual GFR, hypotensive events, and use of diuretics are independently associated with faster decline of residual GFR in PD patients in Taiwan.

scholarly journals EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PEDIATRIC CARTILAGE RESTORATION PROCEDURES IN THE UNITED STATES: INSURANCE AND GEOGRAPHY PLAY A ROLE

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0024
Author(s):  
Tyler B. Hall ◽  
Max J. Hyman ◽  
Neeraj M. Patel
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Private Insurance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Database ◽  
The West ◽  
Cartilage Restoration ◽  
Common Diagnosis

Background: A number of surgical options are available for sizeable articular cartilage lesions of the knee. These include osteochondral autograft (OAU) or allograft (OAL) transfer, or autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). In the pediatric population, there is little data on the patients undergoing these procedures or evidence to support one technique over another, which may lead to variation in preferred practice. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the epidemiology of children and adolescents undergoing OAU, OAL, and ACI in the United States, with attention to variation along the lines of demographic and geographic factors. Methods: The Pediatric Health Information System, a national database consisting of 49 children’s hospitals, was queried for all patients undergoing OAU, OAL, and ACI between 2012 and 2018. Demographic information was collected for each subject. United States Census guidelines were used to categorize hospitals geographically into regions. Univariate analysis was followed by purposeful entry multivariate regression to adjust for confounding factors. Results: A total of 809 subjects with a mean age of 15.4±2.4 years were included in the analysis. Of these, 393 (48.6%) underwent OAL, 339 (41.9%) underwent OAU, and 77 (9.5%) underwent ACI. The most common diagnosis at the time of surgery was osteochondritis dissecans in 360 patients (44.5%) followed by an associated cruciate ligament injury in 126 (15.6%) and patellar instability in 98 (12.1%). After adjusting for confounders in a multivariate model, ACI was more 3.4 times more likely to be performed in patients with private insurance than those that were publicly insured (95% CI 1.5-7.5, p=0.002). Furthermore, a patient in this Northeast was 29.3 times more likely to undergo ACI than in the West (95% CI 4.0-217.4, p=0.001). OAU was performed most frequently in the West and Midwest (52.4% and 51.8% of the time, respectively; p<0.001). Univariate analysis also revealed differences along the lines of race, but these findings did not maintain statistical significance in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: In the United States, there is substantial variation in the procedures performed for cartilage restoration in children and adolescents. Though ACI is the least commonly selected operation overall, it is significantly more likely to be performed on patients with private insurance and those in the Northeast. OAU is the most commonly performed procedure in the West and Midwest.

scholarly journals Outcomes of Medical Malpractice Litigation Against US Physicians

2012 ◽  
Vol 172 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anupam B. Jena ◽  
Amitabh Chandra ◽  
Darius Lakdawalla ◽  
Seth Seabury
Keyword(s):  
Medical Malpractice ◽  
Malpractice Litigation

Serum adipokines in patients with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis alone and their correlation with disease activity

2012 ◽  
Vol 72 (12) ◽  
pp. 1956-1961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihi Eder ◽  
Jai Jayakar ◽  
Remy Pollock ◽  
Fawnda Pellett ◽  
Arane Thavaneswaran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psoriatic Arthritis ◽  
Multivariate Regression ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Joint Inflammation ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Factor Α

ObjectiveTo compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the levels of related biomarkers in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis without arthritis (PsC).MethodsThis study compared patients with PsA and patients with PsC. The presence of MetS was determined. Serum levels of insulin, adiponectin and leptin were measured. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. HOMA-IR, adiponectin and leptin were log-transformed. Continuous variables were compared using the t test and the χ2 test was used for discrete variables. Multivariate regression models were used to investigate the association of MetS and adiponectin with PsA compared to PsC after adjusting for potential confounding variables.Results203 PsA and 155 PsC patients were analysed. The prevalence of MetS was higher in PsA patients compared to those with PsC. However, this did not reach statistical significance (36.5% vs 27.1%, p=0.056). The levels of adipokines were significantly higher in PsA compared to PsC: adiponectin (8.8±5.2 vs 7.4±4.5 log (µg/ml), p=0.009) and leptin in women (3.1±0.8 vs 2.8±0.8, log (ng/ml), p=0.04). HOMA-IR was also higher in PsA (0.97±0.63 vs 0.68±0.81, p<0.001). No difference was observed in leptin levels in men. In multivariate regression analysis, PsA (p=0.04) and the psoriasis area and severity index score (p=0.02) were associated with MetS. Adiponectin was significantly associated with PsA (p=0.005), the use of anti-tumour necrosis factor α therapy (p=0.03) and active joint count (p=0.001).ConclusionsMetS and related adipokines correlated with an increased burden of skin and joint inflammation.

Medical Malpractice Litigation: Do the British Have a Better Remedy?

1986 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 433-463
Author(s):  
Frances H. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Great Britain ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Medical Malpractice ◽  
Medical Service ◽  
Institutional Factors ◽  
Malpractice Litigation ◽  
American System ◽  
Malpractice Claims ◽  
Medical Malpractice Claims

AbstractMedical malpractice claims are filed nearly ten times more frequently in America than they are in Great Britain. British patients generally adopt a less adversarial stance toward medical malpractice than do American patients. This Article examines the British malpractice system, as compared with the American system, and explores the differences between the two, in terms of costs and fees, liability rules, statutory provisions, and judicial attitudes toward malpractice litigation. The Article also discusses British social and institutional factors, such as the “taint” of litigation and the National Health Service, and evaluates how these factors affect British malpractice litigation. The Article presents the alternative forums available to British patients in seeking satisfaction for their medical service complaints. The Article concludes with an evaluation of how these factors achieve the three societal objectives of malpractice litigation: reparation, emotional vindication and deterrence.

MO775CONTROL OF BONE DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AS A PREDICTOR OF PRIMARY PERMEABILITY AFTER THE CREATION OF THE VASCULAR ACCESS

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Guillermo Piccone Saponara ◽  
Maria Paz Castro Fernández ◽  
Nancy Giovanna Uribe Heredia ◽  
Agustin Carreno ◽  
Sara Anaya Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiplatelet Therapy ◽  
Vascular Access ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Primary Patency ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Phosphorus ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Phosphorus Levels

Abstract Background and Aims Clinical practice guidelines recommend an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as the preferred vascular access for hemodialysis. Patency of the arteriovenous access is important for effective hemodialysis. However, maintaining the patency of the AVF remains a challenge. We determined those independent prognostic factors for the patency of the AVF at the time of its creation. Method Cross-sectional study; We include all AVFs performed at the HGUCR in the last 2 decades. Demographic variables (age, sex), etiology of CKD and associated comorbidity were collected. We determine the factors involved in the primary patency of AVFs. Statistical analysis with SPSS 25.0. Categorical variables are expressed as percentages and are compared using the Chi2 test. Quantitative variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation and the Mann Whitney Student-T/U was used to compare them. Statistical significance for a value of p &lt;0.05. Results 622 AVFs performed in 482 patients were reviewed. 86.8% were autologous. The mean age was 65.4±14 years; 66.6% were male. The most frequent etiologies of CKD were diabetic nephropathy (30.2%), unknown (18%), and glomerulonephritis (16.6%). 91.2% had arterial hypertension (HBP) and diabetes mellitus (DM) 47.9%. 48.7% received antiplatelet therapy and 15.6% anticoagulation prior to the creation of the AVF. 27% presented primary failure. The univariate analysis showed statistical significance for the qualitative variables HTA (p=0.002), treatment with statins (p&lt;0.01) and antiplatelet (p&lt;0.01), and for the quantitative variables fibrinogen (p=0.048), serum phosphorus (p=0.001), CRP (p=0.004), triglycerides (p=0.05), ferritin (p=0.006) and age (p=0.05). When performing a multivariate analysis using logistic regression, HTA (OR: 0.46 95% CI 0.22-0.95 p = 0.036), high phosphorus levels (OR: 1.22 95% CI 1.08-1, 49 p = 0.004) and statin treatment (OR: 0.58 95% CI 0.36-0.96 p = 0.004) are predictors of primary VA failure. Conclusion In our study, HTA and antiplatelet therapy prior to the creation of the VA behave as protective factors for primary failure, with high phosphorus levels being an independent factor for primary failure of AVFs.

Abstract 16884: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Guided by Spatiotemporal Electrogram Dispersion

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Liu ◽  
Arismendy Nunez-Garcia ◽  
Cao Tran ◽  
Michael Wu
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Atrial Tachycardia ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
External Validation ◽  
Posterior Wall ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) guided by spatiotemporal dispersion (SD) of electrograms has been proposed as an ablation strategy to treat patients with persistent AF. However, external validation of this technique is lacking. Here we report a single center experience using ablation by SD. Hypothesis: Targeting regions with SD is associated with a high rate of termination and favorable freedom from AF among patients with persistent AF. Methods: Patients with persistent AF who underwent SD from November 2018 to January 2020 were included in this study. All patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in addition to targeting areas of SD. Lesions on areas of electrogram dispersion were anchored to the PVI or to mitral or posterior wall lines where appropriate. EKG, Holter, event monitors or device interrogations were obtained at 3 and 6 months to assess for arrhythmia recurrence. Results: 44 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The patients had a mean age of 69±8 years and were 68 % male. The prevalence of comorbidities was as follows: hypertension (89%), diabetes (21%), OSA (37%) and CAD (26%). Average CHADSVASC score was 2.9±1.4, LVEF was 53±11% and left atrium (LA) diameter was 5.2±1 cm. The recurrence rate of AF at 6 months was 14% whereas the recurrence of atrial tachycardia was 20%. Acute AF termination was observed in 73% of the patients. Termination to sinus occurred in 38% of the patients and the remaining terminated to atrial tachycardia which was subsequently ablated to sinus. The mean procedure duration was 240±90 minutes. Univariate analysis showed recurrence was associated with LA diameter (r=.52; p<.001). No recurrences were observed among patients with a LA diameter < 5 cm. Termination rates were higher among patients with LA diameter < 5 cm when compared to LA diameter ≥ 5 cm. However, it did not reach statistical significance (80% vs. 60%; p=.21). Conclusions: The target of electrograms with SD during AF ablation added to PVI was associated with a high termination rate and a good freedom from AF recurrence at 6 months. The ideal candidate for this procedure may be those with LA diameter < 5 cm among persistent AF. The long-term efficacy of this technique merits further studies in larger populations.

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