Predictors of mortality after craniotomy for geriatric traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: With a sustained increase in the proportion of elderly trauma patients, geriatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant source of morbidity, mortality and resource utilization. The aim of our study was to assess the predictors of mortality in geriatric TBI patients who underwent craniotomy. METHODS: We performed a 4-year analysis of ACS-TQIP database (2016-2019) and included all geriatric trauma patients (≥65y) with isolated severe TBI who underwent craniotomy. We calculated 11- point modified frailty index (mFI) for patients. Our primary and secondary outcomes were mortality and unfavorable outcome, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of outcomes. Patients with mFI ≥ 0.25 were defined as Frail, whereas patient with mFI of 0.08 or higher (<0.25) were identified as pre-frail; Non-frail patients were identified as mFI of <0.08. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 20,303 patients. The mortality rate was 17.7 % (3,587 patients). Having ≥ 2 concomitant types of intra-cranial hemorrhage (OR = 2.251, p < 0.001), and pre-hospital anticoagulant use (OR = 1.306, p < 0.001) increased the risks of mortality. Frailty, as a continuous variable, was not considered as a risk factor for mortality (p = 0.058) but after categorization, it was shown that compared to non-frails, patients with pre-frailty (OR = 1.946, p = 0.011) and frailty (OR = 1.786, p = 0.026) had increased risks of mortality. Higher mFI (OR = 4.841), age (OR = 1.034), ISS (OR = 1.052), having ≥ 2 concomitant types of intra-cranial hemorrhage (OR = 1.758), and use of anticoagulants (OR = 1.117) were significant risk factors for unfavorable outcomes (p < 0.001, for all). CONCLUSIONS: Having more than two types of intra-cranial hemorrhage and pre-hospital anticoagulant use were significant risk factors for mortality. The study's findings also suggest that frailty may not be a sufficient predictor of mortality after craniotomy in geriatric patients with TBI. However, frailty still affects the discharge disposition and favorable outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III retrospective study.

The Association Between Low Preoperative Phosphate Levels and Postliver Surgery Outcomes- a Single Center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has demonstrated the impact of postoperative phosphate levels on liver regeneration and outcomes after liver resection surgeries, a potential predictor for regenerative success and liver failure. However, little is known about the association between low preoperative serum phosphate levels and outcomes in liver resections. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of liver resections performed at our institution. Patients were categorized based on preoperative phosphate levels (low versus normal). Our primary outcome measure was posthepatectomy liver failure. RESULTS: A total of 265 cases met the study criteria. 71 patients (26.7%) had low preoperative phosphate levels. The incidence of posthepatectomy liver failure was higher in the low preoperative phosphate group (19.2% versus 12.4%). However, after propensity score matching, rates of posthepatectomy liver failure were similar between low and normal preoperative phosphate cohorts (13% versus 14%, P = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Low preoperative phosphate levels were not associated with worse postoperative outcomes in this study. Further studies are warranted to investigate this association and its relevance as a clinical prognostic factor for postoperative liver failure.

Is there a need for fresh frozen plasma and platelet transfusion in trauma patients receiving submassive transfusion?

Background: Blood transfusions have become a vital intervention in trauma care. There are limited data on the safety and effectiveness of submassive transfusion (SMT), that is defined as receiving less than 10 units packed red blood cells (PRBCs) in the first 24 hours. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and platelet transfusions in patients undergoing SMT. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort, reviewing the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database spanning 3 years (2016 to 2018). Adult patients aged 18 years and older who had received at least 1 unit of PRBC within 24 hours were included in the study. We used a multivariate regression model to analyze the cut-off units of combined resuscitation (CR) (which included PRBCs along with at least one unit of FFP and/or platelets) that leads to survival improvement. Patients were then stratified into two groups: those who received PRBC alone and those who received CR. Propensity score matching was performed in a 1:1 ratio. Results: The study included 85 234 patients. Based on the multivariate regression model, transfusion of more than 3 units of PRBC with at least 1 unit of FFP and/or platelets demonstrated improved mortality compared with PRBC alone. Among 66 319 patients requiring SMT and >3 units of PRBCs, 25 978 received PRBC alone, and 40 341 received CR. After propensity matching, 4215 patients were included in each group. Patients administered CR had a lower rate of complications (15% vs 26%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (3% vs 5%) and acute kidney injury (8% vs 11%). Rates of sepsis and venous thromboembolism were similar between the two groups. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that patients receiving 4 to 7 units of PRBC alone had significantly higher ORs for mortality than those receiving CR. Conclusion: Trauma patients requiring more than 3 units of PRBCs who received CR with FFP and platelets experienced improved survival and reduced complications. Level of evidence: Level III retrospective study.

Does the Surgical Approach Affect the Incidence of Post-Hepatectomy Liver Failure in Cirrhotic Patients? An Analysis of the NSQIP Database.

Background: The association between surgical approach and post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in cirrhotic patients is poorly understood. We hypothesize that patients will have similar rates of liver failure regardless of whether they undergo minimally invasive liver resection (MILR) or open liver resection (OLR) in major liver resections. In contrast, there will be lower rates of PHLF in patients undergoing minor hepatectomy via the MILR approach.Methods: Propensity score matching was used to analyze regression by matching the MILR to the OLR cohort. Patient demographics from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, including race, age, gender, and ethnicity, were matched. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, renal failure, dyspnea, dialysis dependence, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (>ASA III) were among the preoperative patient characteristics subject to matching. PHLF (Grade A vs B. vs C) was our primary outcome measure.Results: A total of 2129 cirrhotic patients were included in the study. In the minor hepatectomy group, patients undergoing an OLR were more likely to get discharged to a facility (7.0% vs 4.4%; P = .03), had greater hospital length of stay (5 vs 3 days; P = .02), and had a greater need for invasive postoperative interventions (10.7% vs 4.6%; P < .01). They were also noted to have higher rates of organ space superficial surgical infections (SSIs) (7.3% vs 3.7%; P = .003), Clostridium difficile infection (.9% vs .1%; P = .05), renal insufficiency (2.1% vs .1%; P < .01), unplanned intubations (3.1% vs 1.4%; P = .03), and Grade C liver failure (2.3% vs .9%; P = .03).Conclusion: A higher incidence of PHLF grade C was found in patients undergoing OLR in the minor hepatectomy group. Therefore, in cirrhotic patients who can tolerate minimally invasive approaches, MILR should be offered to prevent postoperative complications as part of their optimization plan.

Trends and disparities in access to minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (midp): an eight-year analysis from the national cancer database.

Laparoscopic and robotic approaches to distal pancreatectomy are becoming the standard of care. The aim of our study was to evaluate the trends of utilization and disparities in access to minimally invasive approaches in distal pancreatectomy. We queried the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and analyzed all the patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy from 2010 to 2017. Patients were divided into groups of those with open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) and those with laparoscopic or robotic distal pancreatectomy (MIDP = minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy). Our outcome measures were trends of MIDP and disparities in access to MIDP. Cochran Armitage trend analysis and multivariate regression analysis were used to evaluate outcomes. A total of 13,537 patients with distal pancreatectomy were identified in the NCDB from 2010 to 2017. 7548 (55.8%) underwent ODP, while 5989 (44.2%) underwent MIDP. The MIDP rates increased from 25% in 2010 to 52% in 2017 (p < 0.01). On regression analysis, when controlled for age, gender, diagnosis, tumor size, grade, staging, and chemoradiotherapy, African American patients were 30% less likely to undergo MIDP than White (OR 0.7, 95% CI [0.5-0.8], p < 0.01). Similarly, Hispanic patients were 25% less likely to undergo MIDP than non-Hispanic patients OR 0.75, 95% CI [0.6-0.9], p = 0.02). Compared to Medicare/private insured patients, uninsured patients were 50% less likely to undergo MIDP (OR 0.5, 95% CI [0.4-0.7], p < 0.01). Based on the medium household income, compared to patients in the fourth quartile, patients in the third quartile OR 0.9, 95% CI [0.3-0.9], p = 0.03). Second OR 0.8, 95%CI [0.5-0.9], p < 0.01), first quartile OR 0.7, 95% CI [0.5-0.8], p < 0.01) were less likely to undergo MIPD as well. Utilization of MIDP has increased from one in every four patients in 2010 to every other patient in 2017. However, African Americans, Hispanics, the uninsured, and those from low-income quartiles are less likely to undergo MIDP. Efforts should be made to ensure access to minimally invasive approches are available to minorities.

Effect of conditions being present at time of surgery (PATOS) on outcomes in liver surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Information about condition(s) being present at time of surgery (PATOS) in the American College of Surgeons (ASC) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database can influence the postoperative complication rates after liver surgeries. Here, we compare the postoperative complication rates with and without taking condition(s) being PATOS into account. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the ACS NSQIP Participant User Files (PUFs) from 2015 through 2019. We analyzed rates of eight different postoperative complications: superficial surgical site infection (SSI), deep SSI, organ space SSI, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, ventilator, sepsis, and septic shock. In addition, we calculated the percent change in event rates after taking into account whether a condition is PATOS. RESULTS: Of the 22,463 patients in the ACS NSQIP PUFs for liver surgery, 334 (1.49%) had one or more conditions PATOS. The percentages of patients with PATOS events ranged from 2.03% for superficial SSI to 14.74% for sepsis. For all complications, event rates declined when taking condition(s) PATOS into account. From 2015 through 2019, the observed-to-expected ratios for most complications remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Whether a condition is PATOS is important in reporting postoperative complication rates for patients undergoing liver surgery. When taking whether a condition is PATOS into account, we demonstrated an overall decrease in event rates across all eight postoperative complications.

Outcomes in elderly patients undergoing hepatic resection compared to ablative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatic resection is an excellent option in the care of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Elderly patients often forego hepatic resection in favor of liver-directed ablative therapies due to the increased likelihood of adverse postoperative outcomes due to age. We sought to determine long-term outcomes in patients who underwent hepatic resection compared to liver-directed ablative therapy in this patient population. METHODS: We queried the National Cancer Database for elderly patients (≥70 years) diagnosed with HCC between 2004 and 2018. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) computed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: A total of 10 032 patients were included in this analysis. On unadjusted analysis (p < 0.001) as well as multivariable analysis (hazard ratio: 0.65, 95% confidence interval: 0.57-0.73), hepatic resection was associated with improved OS. The protective association between hepatic resection and OS persisted after 1:1 propensity score matching. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic resection is associated with improved survival for well-selected elderly patients with HCC. While age is often thought of as influencing the decision to offer surgery, our study, in combination with others, demonstrates that it should not. Instead, other objective indicators of performance and functional status may be considered.

Effect of Present at Time of Surgery (PATOS) on Outcomes in Pancreatic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: While there is some data available on the importance of accounting for the effect of present at time of surgery (PATOS) when estimating unadjusted postoperative complication rates, little is known about the impact of PATOS on outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery specifically. By taking PATOS into account, we hypothesized that unadjusted, observed postoperative complication rates might be reduced, with these reductions being different across outcomes; however, we expected fewer differences in risk-adjusted results, i.e., observed to expected ratios (O/E ratios). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the ACS NSQIP Participant Use Files (PUFs) from 2015 to 2019. PATOS data were analyzed for the 8 postoperative complications of superficial, deep, and organ space surgical site infection; pneumonia; urinary tract infection; ventilator dependence; sepsis; and septic shock. Postoperative complication rates were compared by ignoring PATOS vs. taking PATOS into account. RESULTS: Of the 31,919 patients in the ACS NSQIP PUFs who underwent pancreatic surgery, 1120 (3.51%) patients had one or more PATOS conditions. The event rates after taking PATOS into account declined for all outcomes-superficial surgical site infection (SSI) rates reduced by 2.56%, deep SSI rates reduced by 4.28%, organ space SSI rates reduced by 9.31%, pneumonia rates reduced by 2.91%, urinary tract infection rates declined by 4.69%, and septic shock rates declined by 9.27%. CONCLUSION: Our paper highlights that accounting for PATOS is important for estimating unadjusted postoperative complication rates in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. Risk adjustment is essential to any attempt at quality assessment and benchmarking. Failure to account for PATOS may penalize surgeons who care for the sickest and most complicated patients and subsequently encourage cherry-picking of less risky patients and procedures.

Association between chronic steroids and outcomes in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Chronic steroid use has been associated with increased postoperative complication; however, the association between chronic steroids and hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery through all aspects of disease etiologies and types of surgery performed remains an area of active research. Therefore, this study analyzed the association of chronic steroids use with outcomes after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data Files for hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeries performed between 2015 and 2019 were analyzed for chronic steroid use and postoperative adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 54,382 patients underwent hepatobiliary or pancreatic surgery during the study period, of which 1672 (3.1%) were on chronic steroids. In patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, steroid use was associated with higher rates of pneumonia (odds ratio [OR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.2-2.2), unplanned intubation (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-2.3), readmission (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.3-2.4), intraoperative or postoperative transfusions (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.3), being more likely to remain on a ventilator for greater than 48 h (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.9), and greater mortality (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-3.1) when compared to those, not on chronic steroids. In patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery, chronic steroid use was associated with higher rates of sepsis (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-2.9), unplanned intubation (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2-2.7), intraoperative or postoperative transfusions (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-2.3), and readmission (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.9). There was no difference in pancreatic fistula rates or post-hepatectomy liver failure rates after pancreatic and hepatobiliary resections, respectively. CONCLUSION: Chronic steroids use was associated with higher rates of poor outcomes both perioperatively and postoperatively in pancreatic and hepatobiliary surgery. These results will allow clinicians to be better equipped to counsel patients on surgery's increased risks and establish various perioperative protocols for chronic steroid users.

Frailty Predicts Loss of Independence After Liver Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Loss of independence (LOI) is a significant concern in patients undergoing liver surgery. Although the risks of morbidity and mortality have been well studied, there is a dearth of data regarding the risk of LOI. Therefore, this study aimed to assess predictors of LOI after liver surgery. METHODS: This study utilized the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data from 2015 to 2018 from a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing liver resections. LOI was defined as the change from preoperative functional independence to the postoperative discharge requirement in a post-care facility. Frailty was defined using the modified frailty index-5 (mFI-5). RESULTS: A total of 22,463 patients underwent hepatectomy via the NSQIP during the study period. In total, 22,067 participants were included in the analysis. A total of 4.7% of patients had LOI after surgery and were discharged to a rehabilitation center or nursing facility. mFI-1 was an independent predictor of LOI (OR:2.2 [1.9-4.3]). However, the odds for LOI were higher (OR:5.1[2.5-8.2]) in patients with mFI ≥ 2. CONCLUSION: LOI is an important outcome of liver surgery. Frailty is a predictor of LOI and should be used as a guide to inform patients about the potential outcomes.

Early tracheostomy in patients with cervical spine injury reduces morbidity and improves resource utilization.

BACKGROUND: Aim of our study is to analyze the impact of Early Tracheostomy (ET) in patients with cervical-spine (C-spine) injuries. METHODS: We analyzed seven-year (2010-2016) ACS-TQIP databank and included all non-TBI trauma patients diagnosed with c-spine injuries. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the timing of tracheostomy (Early; ≤7days: Late; >7days). Outcomes were complications, hospital and ICU stay. Regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: We included 1139 patients. Mean age was 47 ± 12, median ISS was 18 [12-28], and median C-spine AIS was 4 [3-5]. 24.5% of the patients received ET. On regression analysis, patients who received ET had lower overall-complications (OR:0.57) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (OR:0.61). ET was associated with shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and hospital and ICU stay. There was no difference in mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: Early tracheostomy in patients with C-spine injuries was associated with lower rates of ventilator-associated-pneumonia, shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU and hospital stay.

Predicting the need for tracheostomy in trauma patients without severe head injury.

BACKGROUND: Early tracheostomy is recommended in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, predicting the timing of tracheostomy in trauma patients without severe TBI can be challenging. METHODS: A one year retrospective analysis of all trauma patients who were admitted to intensive Care Unit for > 7 days was performed, using the ACS-TQIP database. Univariate and Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the appropriate weight of each factor in determining the eventual need for early tracheostomy. RESULTS: A total of 21,663 trauma patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. Overall, tracheostomy was performed in 18.3% of patients. On multivariate regression analysis age >70, flail chest, major operative intervention, ventilator days >5 days and underlying COPD were independently associated with need of tracheostomy. Based on these data, we developed a scoring system to predict risk for requiring tracheostomy. CONCLUSION: Age >70, presence of flail chest, need for major operative intervention, ventilator days >5 and underlying COPD are independent predictors of need for tracheostomy in trauma patients without severe TBI.

Metabolic Syndrome Exponentially Increases the Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Operative Diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined as the cluster: hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Operative diverticulitis in the setting of MS can be challenging to manage. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of MS on outcomes in operative acute diverticulitis patients. METHODS: We analyzed the (2012-2015) NSQIP database. We identified acute diverticulitis patients who underwent surgery. MS was defined as follows: body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2, hypertension, and diabetes. Our primary outcome measure was the occurrence of any adverse events (complications, 30-d readmission, and mortality). Secondary outcome measures were complications, hospital length of stay, 30-d readmission, and mortality. Regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 4572 patients were identified. Mean BMI was 29 ± 10 kg/m2. 14.6% (275) of obese patients had metabolic syndrome. Adverse events were higher in patients with MS (odds ratio [OR], 8.1; P < 0.001) versus the obese group and the obese and hypertensive group. Patients with MS had higher odds of reintubation (OR 1.9; P = 0.03), >48 h ventilator dependence (OR 3.5; P = 0.01), myocardial infarction (OR 2.3; P = 0.03), and superficial or deep surgical-site infections (OR 2.1; P = 0.01) compared with patients with no MS. MS patients had a longer length of stay (ß = 1.23; P = 0.02), higher 30-d readmissions (OR 1.7; P < 0.01), and mortality (OR 2.1; P < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of metabolic syndrome for predicting adverse outcomes was 0.797, which was higher than the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for BMI (0.58), hypertension (0.51), or diabetes (0.64) alone. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse events in patients with MS after surgery for diverticulitis are higher than obesity, hypertension, or diabetes alone. Patients with MS have longer recovery, and higher rates of complications, readmissions, and mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Prognostic.

Pre-hospital shock index correlates with transfusion, resource utilization and mortality; The role of patient first vitals.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to evaluate if pre-hospital shock index (SI) can predict transfusion requirements, resource utilization and mortality in trauma patients. METHODS: We performed a 2-year analysis of all adult trauma patients in the TQIP database. Shock index was calculated by dividing heart-rate over systolic blood pressure. Patients were divided into two groups pre-hospital SI ≤ 1 and prehospital SI > 1. Regression and ROC curve analyses were performed. RESULTS: 144951 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 45 ±â€¯34 years, 61% were male, 84.7% had blunt injuries and median ISS was 13 [9-17]. Overall 9.1% of the patients had a pre-hospital SI > 1. Patients with pre-hospital SI > 1 had higher likelihood of requiring massive transfusion (25% vs. 0.012%, p < 0.02), interventional-radiology intervention (6.2% vs. 1%,p < 0.001) or operative intervention (14.7% vs. 2%,p < 0.001) compared to SI ≤ 1. Similarly, patients with SI > 1 had higher mortality (12.3% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001) and were more likely to be discharged to Rehab/SNF (34.6% vs. 21.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-hospital SI predicts trauma-center resource utilization and can guide patient triage and trauma resource recruitment.

Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate is associated with improved survival in trauma-related hemorrhage: A nationwide propensity-matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Post-traumatic hemorrhage is the most common preventable cause of death in trauma. Numerous small single-center studies have shown the superiority of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4-PCC) along with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) over FFP alone in resuscitation of trauma patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate outcomes of severely injured trauma patients who received 4-PCC + FFP compared to FPP alone. METHODS: Two-year (2015-2016) analysis of the American College of Surgeons-Trauma Quality Improvement Program database. All adult (age ≥18 years) trauma patients who received 4-PCC + FFP or FFP alone were included. We excluded patients who were on preinjury anticoagulants. Patients were stratified into two groups: 4-PCC + FFP versus FFP alone and were matched in a 1:1 ratio using propensity score matching for demographics, vitals, injury parameters, comorbidities, and level of trauma centers. Outcome measures were packed red blood cells, plasma and platelets transfused, complications, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 468 patients (4-PCC + FFP, 234; FFP alone, 234) were matched. Mean age was 50 ± 21 years; 70% were males; median injury severity score was 27 [20-36], and 86% had blunt injuries. Four-PCC + FFP was associated with a decreased requirement for packed red blood cells (6 units vs. 10 units; p = 0.02) and FFP (3 units vs. 6 units; p = 0.01) transfusion compared to FFP alone. Patients who received 4-PCC + FFP had a lower mortality (17.5% vs. 27.7%, p = 0.01) and lower rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome (1.3% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.04) and acute kidney injury (2.1% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.01). There was no difference in the rates of deep venous thrombosis (p = 0.11) and pulmonary embolism (p = 0.33), adverse discharge disposition (p = 0.21), and platelets transfusion (p = 0.72) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the use of 4-PCC as an adjunct to FFP is associated with improved survival and reduction in transfusion requirements compared to FFP alone in resuscitation of severely injured trauma patients. Further studies are required to evaluate the role of addition of PCC to the massive transfusion protocol. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic studies, level III.

Is There a Need for Platelet Transfusion After Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients on P2Y12 Inhibitors?

BACKGROUND: A significant portion of patients sustaining traumatic brain injury (TBI) are on antiplatelet medications. The reversal of P2Y12 agents after intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. The aim of our study is to evaluate outcomes after TBI in patients who are on preinjury P2Y12 inhibitors and received a platelet transfusion. METHODS: We analyzed our prospectively maintained TBI database from 2013 to 2016 and included all patients with isolated ICH who were on P2Y12 inhibitors (Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, Ticagrelor). Regression analysis was performed adjusting for demographics and injury parameters. Outcome measures included progression of ICH, adverse discharge disposition (skilled nursing facility), and mortality. RESULTS: A total 243 patients with ICH on preinjury P2Y12 inhibitor met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Mean age was 55 ± 18 y, 58% were males and 60% were white and median injury severity score was 13 [9-18]. 73.6% received platelet transfusion after admission. The median packs of platelet transfusion were 1 [1-2] units. After controlling for confounders, patients who received platelet transfusion had a lower rate of progression (OR: 0.68, P = 0.01) and decreased rate of neurosurgical intervention (OR: 0.80, P = 0.03). Overall mortality was 12.3%. Patients on P2Y12 inhibitors who received platelet transfusion had lower odds of discharge to a skilled nursing facility (OR: 0.75, P = 0.02) and mortality (OR: 0.85, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Platelet transfusion after isolated traumatic ICH in patients on P2Y12 inhibitors is associated with improved outcomes. Platelet transfusion was associated with decreased risk of progression of ICH, neurosurgical intervention, and mortality. Further randomized studies to validate the use of platelet transfusion and define the optimal dose in patients on P2Y12 inhibitors are warranted.

Can Sarcopenia Quantified by Computed Tomography Scan Predict Adverse Outcomes in Emergency General Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia (a decline of skeletal muscle mass) has been identified as a predictor of poor postoperative outcomes. The impact of sarcopenia in emergency general surgery (EGS) remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between sarcopenia and outcomes after EGS. METHODS: A 3-y (2012-15) review of all EGS patients aged ≥45 y was presented to our institution. Patients who underwent computer tomography-abdomen were included. Sarcopenia was defined as the lowest sex-specific quartile of total psoas index (computer tomography-measured psoas area normalized for body surface area). Patients were divided into sarcopenic (SA) and nonsarcopenic. Primary outcome measures were in-hospital complications, hospital-length of stay [h-LOS], intensive care unit-length of stay, adverse discharge disposition, and in-hospital mortality. Our secondary outcome measures were 30-d complications, readmissions, and mortality. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-two patients undergoing EGS were included. Mean age was 58 ± 8.7 y, and 60% were males. Hundred thirteen patients were categorized as SA. Compared to nonsarcopenic, SA patients had higher rates of minor complications (28% versus 17%, P = 0.01), longer hospital-length of stay (7d versus 5d, P = 0.02), and were more likely to be discharged to skilled nursing facility/Rehab (35% versus 17%, P = 0.01). There was no difference between the two groups regarding major complications, intensive care unit-length of stay, mortality, and 30-d outcomes. On regression analysis, sarcopenia was an independent predictor of minor complications (OR 1.8 [1.6-3.7]) and discharge to rehab/SNIF (OR: 1.9 [1.5-3.2]). However, there was no association with major complications, mortality, 30-d complications, readmissions, and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is an independent predictor of minor postoperative complications, prolonged hospital-length of stay, and an adverse discharge disposition in patients undergoing EGS. Identifying SA EGS patients will improve both resource allocation and discussion about the patient's prognosis between physicians, patients, and their families.

Recurring emergency general surgery: Characterizing a vulnerable population.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist for long-term outcomes after emergency general surgeries (EGSs) in the United States. This study aimed to characterize the incidence of inpatient readmissions and additional operations within 6 months of an EGS procedure. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, we identified adults (≥18 years old) undergoing one of seven common EGS procedures (appendectomies, cholecystectomies, small bowel resections, large bowel resections, control of gastrointestinal [GI] ulcers and bleeding, peritoneal adhesiolysis, and exploratory laparotomies) who were discharged alive in the 2010-2015 National Readmissions Database. Outcomes included the rates of all-cause inpatient readmissions and of undergoing a second EGS procedure, both within 6 months. Multivariable logistic regression models identified risk factors of reoperation, adjusting for patient, clinical, and hospital factors. RESULTS: Of 706,678 patients undergoing an EGS procedure 131,291 (18.6%) had an inpatient readmission within 6 months. Among those readmitted, 15,178 (11.6%) underwent a second EGS procedure, occurring at a median of 45 days (interquartile range, 15-95). After adjustment, notable predictors of reoperation included male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.06 [95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.10]); private, nonprofit hospitals (aOR, 1.09 [1.02-1.17]); private, investor-owned hospitals (aOR, 1.09 [1.00-1.85]); discharge to short-term hospital (aOR, 1.35 [1.04-1.74]); discharge with home health care (aOR, 1.19 [1.13-1.25]); and index procedure of control of GI ulcer and bleeding (aOR, 9.38 [8.75-10.05]), laparotomy (aOR, 7.62 [6.92-8.40]), or large bowel resection (aOR, 6.94 [6.44-7.47]). CONCLUSION: One fifth of patients undergoing an EGS procedure had an inpatient readmission within 6 months, where one in nine of those underwent a second EGS procedure. As half of all second EGS procedures occurred within 6 weeks of the index procedure, identifying patients with the highest health care needs (index procedure type and discharge needs) may identify patients at risk for subsequent reoperation in nonemergency settings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiological, level III.