Applying international organization for standards 9001 to create an effective surgical quality committee.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to improve surgical safety are limited by several factors and no consensus exists regarding the most effective way to improve surgical quality. The use of ISO 9001 quality standards within healthcare is recognized but has not been widely applied for improving surgical outcomes. METHODS: A surgical quality committee was created using ISO 9001:2015 standards. Quality objectives were assessed to understand how any suggested changes will be impacted due to risks and opportunities inherent in the system. RESULTS: The initial quality focus was on surgical site infections in 5 services. Change in surgical infection ratio from 2018 to 2019 showed significant improvement: coronary bypass 1.288 vs. 0.901; Colon 1.359 vs. 0.589; Hysterectomy 2.119 vs. 1.022; Knee 1.391 vs. 0.306; Hip 0 vs. 0.302. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first studies using ISO 9001 to improve surgical quality. The results indicate both acceptance and success of applying continual improvement strategies.

Peritoneal dialysis after left ventricular assist device placement.

Patients with refractory congestive heart failure may be considered for implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Renal failure after LVAD placement can occur to varying degrees from cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) or due to intrinsic renal disease. Patients with severely impaired renal function after LVAD may require renal replacement therapy (RRT) as a temporary or permanent means of support. We present a unique case of a patient who initiated peritoneal dialysis (PD) 1 year after placement of an LVAD for destination therapy (DT). One year later, PD continues to be successfully utilized by this patient for RRT. There are several proven and theoretical benefits to PD in LVAD patients. Peritoneal dialysis can provide sustained daily ultrafiltration offering greater hemodynamic stability, preservation of residual renal function, and a lower risk of systemic infection. Conversely, limitations to PD include nutritional risks due to peritoneal albumin losses, hyperglycemia, and potential limitations to successful catheter placement. Considering our patient's successful outcome and the potential benefits associated with PD, despite the limitations, we conclude that PD should strongly be considered in patients with LVADs that require RRT.

Women and ESRD: modalities, survival, unique considerations.

Women currently constitute 44.3% of prevalent patients on hemodialysis and 47% of those on peritoneal dialysis. Women on dialysis do not experience the survival benefit seen in those not on dialysis. This loss of a survival advantage is partially related to a lower cardiovascular survival benefit along with a higher noncardiovascular mortality rate compared with their male counterparts. Of particular concern is the markedly higher mortality rates seen in women less than 45 years of age on dialysis. There are several female hormonal abnormalities in the female dialysis patient that can result in menstrual irregularities, anovulation, infertility, sexual dysfunction, early menopause, accelerated bone loss, and potentially increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Although fertility is impaired in dialysis, conception occurs in 1% to 7% of women of childbearing years on dialysis. Hence, all women with a potential for pregnancy should be counseled regarding the risks of pregnancy and contraceptive options. There are specific gynecologic considerations unique to peritoneal dialysis, including hemoperitoneum, decreased fertility, and uterine prolapse. Sexual dysfunction is commonly seen in the female dialysis population and is associated with depression and a lower quality of life; however, despite the high prevalence, it is generally not assessed nor is it treated. Depression is also common in the female dialysis population. Like sexual dysfunction, depression is underdiagnosed and undertreated in this population.

Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and its predictors in nondialysis patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases systemic inflammation, which is implicated in development and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF); therefore, we hypothesized that the prevalence of AF would be increased among nondialysis patients with CKD. This study also reports independent predictors of the presence of AF in this population. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 1010 consecutive nondialysis patients with CKD from two community-based hospitals was conducted. Estimated GFRs (eGFRs) were calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors. RESULTS: Of 1010 nondialysis patients with CKD, 214 (21.2%) had AF. Patients with AF were older than patients without AF (76 +/- 11 versus 63 +/- 15 yr). The prevalence of AF among white patients (42.7%) was higher than among black patients (12.7%) or other races (5.7%). In multivariate analyses, age, white race, increasing left atrial diameter, lower systolic BP, and congestive heart failure were identified as independent predictors of the presence of AF. Although serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were elevated in our population (5.2 +/- 7.4 mg/L), levels did not correlate with the presence of AF or with eGFR. Finally, eGFR did not correlate with the presence of AF in our population. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of AF was increased in our population, and independent predictors were age, white race, increasing left atrial diameter, lower systolic BP, and congestive heart failure.