Econometric analysis of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and meteorological factors in South Asia.

The pandemic has affected almost 74 million people worldwide as of 17 December 2020. This is the first study that attempts to examine the nexus between the confirmed COVID-19 cases, deaths, meteorological factors, and the air pollutant namely PM2.5 in six South Asian countries, from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020, using the advanced econometric techniques that are robust to heterogeneity across nations. Our findings confirm (1) a strong cross-sectional dependence and significant correlation between COVID-19 cases, deaths, meteorological factors, and air pollutant; (2) long-term relationship between all the meteorological variables, air pollutant, and COVID-19 death cases; (3) temperature, air pressure, and humidity exhibit a significant impact on the COVID-19 confirmed cases, while COVID-19 confirmed cases and air pollutant PM2.5 have a statistically significant impact on the COVID-19 death cases. In this way, the conclusion that high temperature and high humidity increase the transmission of the COVID-19 infections can also be applied to the regions with greater transmission rates, where the minimum temperature is mostly over 21 °C and humidity ranges around 80% for months. From the findings, it is evident that majority of the meteorological factors and air pollutant PM2.5 exhibit significant negative and positive effects on the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and death cases in the six countries under study. Air pollutant PM 2.5 provides more particle surface for the virus to stick and get transported longer distances. Hence, higher particulate pollution levels in the air increase COVID-19 transmission in these six South Asian countries. This information is vital for the government and public health authorities in formulating relevant policies. The study contributes both practically and theoretically to the concerned field of pandemic management.

First-Line Vasopressor and Mortality Rates in ED Patients with Acute Drug Overdose.

INTRODUCTION: While emergency department (ED) visits for acute drug overdose are at an all-time high, the importance of vasopressors to treat circulatory shock in this patient population remains unclear. This study investigated the association between first-line vasopressor and mortality, for both push-dose and infusion, in this patient population. METHODS: From a prospective cohort of consecutive ED patients with drug overdose at two urban teaching centers over 5 years, we performed a secondary data analysis of patients with circulatory shock, defined as hypotension requiring either vasopressors, high-dose insulin euglycemia therapy, or both. The first-line vasopressor (push-dose and infusion) was analyzed for associations with the primary outcome (in-hospital mortality) and secondary outcomes (24-hour mortality, ICU LOS). Subgroup analysis of beta-/calcium-channel blocker overdose was performed to evaluate impact of antidotal therapies. Data analysis included multivariable regression. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients with circulatory shock were analyzed, in whom there was 20% 24-hour mortality, 42% in-hospital mortality, 730-minute mean vasopressor duration, and 53.4-hour median ICU LOS. On multivariable analysis, there was significantly decreased adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality with first-line push-dose phenylephrine (aOR 0.06, CI 0.01-0.55), and significantly increased adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality with first-line push-dose epinephrine (aOR 60.8, CI 6.1-608). Of the first-line infusions, norepinephrine had the lowest odds of in-hospital mortality (aOR 0.80, CI 0.2-3.1). CONCLUSIONS: In ED patients with undifferentiated drug overdose and circulatory shock, the first-line vasopressor is associated with in-hospital mortality. First-line push-dose phenylephrine was associated with the lowest odds of in-hospital mortality. Future randomized studies are warranted for validation.

Choice of resuscitative fluids and mortality in emergency department patients with sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: Balanced resuscitative fluids (BF) have been associated with decreased incidence of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis in sepsis. We hypothesized that higher proportions of BF during resuscitation would thus be associated with improved mortality in Emergency Department (ED) patients with sepsis. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of adult ED patients who presented with sepsis to a large, urban teaching hospital over one year. The choice of resuscitation fluid in the first 2days of hospitalization was defined as either normal saline (NS) or balanced fluids (BF; Lactated Ringer's or Isolyte). The primary study outcome was in-hospital mortality, which was analyzed with multivariable logistic regression based on the proportion of BF received during the initial ED resuscitation. RESULTS: Of 149 patients screened, 33 were excluded, leaving 115 for analysis, of whom 18 died (16% overall mortality). Sixty-one (53%) patients received BF and NS, 6 (5%) patients received BF exclusively, while 48 (42%) patients received NS only. The mean number of liters administered was 5.4, and the mean percentage of BF administered was 29%. In univariate analysis, a higher proportion of BF was associated with lower odds of mortality (OR 0.973 [95% CI 0.961-0.986], p=0.00003). This association held true in multivariable models controlling for comorbidities and admission lactate level. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the proportion of BF during the initial ED resuscitation in septic patients was associated with a significant reduction in mortality. This association provides the necessary rationale for future randomized clinical trials of BF resuscitation in sepsis.

Urban Bicyclist Trauma: Characterizing the Injuries, Consequent Surgeries, and Essential Sub-Specialties Providing Care.

In the United States in 2013, nearly 500,000 bicyclists were injured and required emergency department care. The objectives of this study were to describe the types of injuries which urban bicyclists sustain, to analyze the number and type of surgeries required, and to better delineate the services providing care. This is an observational study of injured bicyclists presenting to a Level I trauma center between February 2012 and August 2014. Most data were collected within 24 hours of injury and included demographics, narrative description of the incident, results of initial imaging studies, Injury Severity Score, admission status, length of stay, surgical procedure, and admitting and discharging service. A total of 706 injured bicyclists were included in the study, and 187 bicyclists (26.4%) required hospital admission. Of those admitted, 69 (36.8%) required surgery. There was no difference in gender between those who required surgery and those who did not (P = 0.781). Those who required surgery were older (mean age 39.1 vs 34.1, P = 0.003). Patients requiring surgery had higher Abbreviated Injury Scores for head (P ≤ 0.001), face (P ≤ 0.001), abdomen (P = 0.012), and extremity (P ≤ 0.001) and higher mean Injury Severity Scores (12.6 vs 3.7, P < 0.001). Sixty-nine patients required surgery and were brought to the operating room 82 times for 89 distinct procedures. Lower extremity injuries were the reason for 43 (48.3%) procedures, upper extremity injuries for 14 (15.7%), and facial injuries for 15 (16.9%). Orthopedic surgery performed 50 (56.2%) procedures, followed by plastic surgery (15 procedures; 16.8%). Trauma surgeons performed five (5.6%) procedures in four patients. The majority of admitted patients were admitted and discharged by the trauma service (70.1%, 56.7%, respectively) followed by the orthopedics service (13.9%, 19.8%, respectively). Injured bicyclists represent a unique subset of trauma patients. Orthopedic surgeons are most commonly involved in their operative management and rarely are the operative skills of a general traumatologist required. From a resource perspective, it is more efficient to direct the inpatient care of bicyclists with single-system trauma to the appropriate surgical subspecialty service soon after appropriate initial evaluation and treatment by the trauma service.

The safety of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy among diabetic patients.

AIMS: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a commonly performed bariatric procedure. Although bariatric surgery is becoming increasingly recognized as a treatment option for diabetes, there remain concerns about the operative risks faced by diabetic patients. This study's objective was to determine the safety of bariatric surgery in diabetic patients, specifically the type 2 diabetic (T2DM) population. METHODS: Patients over 18 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 who underwent LSG in 2012 in the ACS-NSQIP database were identified. Emergency cases were excluded from analysis. Data included patient demographics, comorbidities, length of stay, and 30-day complications. The primary outcome was 30-day overall complication rate, and secondary outcomes included major complications and reoperation rates. RESULTS: There were 6399 LSG in the NSQIP database in 2012. Three hundred and twenty-two patients were excluded for BMI < 35, and 15 cases were deemed emergencies and excluded. Of the 6062 LSG who met the study criteria, 4726 (78 %) of patients were non-diabetic, 941 (15.5 %) had T2DM, and 395 (6.5 %) had T1DM. T2DM patients were more likely to be male (28.9 vs. 19.3 %, p < 0.001), were older (47.6 years vs. 42.5 years, p < 0.001), and had a higher BMI (46.4 vs. 45.7 kg/m2, p = 0.027) compared with non-diabetics. The overall 30-day complication rate did not differ between groups (6.5 % T2DM vs. 5.6 % non-diabetic, p = 0.292). After controlling for possible confounders, T2DM remained at no increased risk of 30-day complications (OR 1.16, 95 % CI 0.87-1.55, p = 0.301). In sub-analyses of specific complications, T2DM had a slightly higher rate of blood transfusions (1.8 vs. 1.0 %, p = 0.037). Other postoperative complications did not differ between groups. The 30-day complication rate for type 1 diabetics was greater than for T2DM (9.9 vs. 6.5 %, p = 0.031) and non-diabetics (9.9 vs. 5.6 %, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe procedure for type 2 diabetics with regard to early postoperative complications.

Long-term outcomes after biliopancreatic diversion with and without duodenal switch: 2-, 5-, and 10-year data.

BACKGROUND: There are minimal long-term data on biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without duodenal switch (BPD/DS). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term weight loss, co-morbidity remission, complications, and quality of life after BPD and BPD/DS. SETTING: An academic, university hospital in the United States. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent BPD or BPD/DS between 1999 and 2011. Outcomes included weight loss measures at 2, 5, and 10-15 years postoperatively; co-morbidity remission; long-term complications; nutritional deficiencies; and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: One hundred patients underwent BPD (34%) or BPD/DS (64%). Mean preoperative body mass index (BMI) was 50.2 kg/m2. Mean follow up was 8.2 years (range: 1-15 yr) with 72% of eligible patients in active follow up at 10-15 years postoperatively. Excess weight loss (EWL) was 65.1% at 2 years, 63.8% at 5 years, and 67.9% at 10-15 years. Approximately 10% higher %EWL was achieved for those with preoperative BMI<50 kg/m2 versus≥50 kg/m2 and patients who underwent BPD/DS versus BPD. Although co-morbidities improved, 37% of patients developed long-term complications requiring surgery. There were no 30-day mortalities; however, there was one mortality from severe malnutrition. Nutritional deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins, anemia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism were common. Overall, 94% of patients reported satisfaction with their choice of surgery. CONCLUSION: This clinical experience supports the long-term positive safety profile and efficacy of BPD and BPD/DS at a single U.S. center. Higher levels of excess weight loss are achieved by patients with a lower preoperative BMI and BPD/DS. Although nutritional deficiencies and postoperative complications are common, patient satisfaction remains high.

Alcohol use by urban bicyclists is associated with more severe injury, greater hospital resource use, and higher mortality.

Alcohol use is a risk factor for severe injury in pedestrians struck by motor vehicles. Our objective was to investigate alcohol use by bicyclists and its effects on riding behaviors, medical management, injury severity, and mortality within a congested urban setting. A hospital-based, observational study of injured bicyclists presenting to a Level I regional trauma center in New York City was conducted. Data were collected prospectively from 2012 to 2014 by interviewing all bicyclists presenting within 24 h of injury and supplemented with medical record review. Variables included demographic characteristics, scene-related data, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), computed tomography (CT) scans, and clinical outcomes. Alcohol use at the time of injury was determined by history or blood alcohol level (BAL) >0.01 g/dL. Of 689 bicyclists, 585 (84.9%) were male with a mean age of 35.2. One hundred four (15.1%) bicyclists had consumed alcohol prior to injury. Alcohol use was inversely associated with helmet use (16.5% [9.9-25.1] vs. 43.2% [39.1-47.3]). Alcohol-consuming bicyclists were more likely to fall from their bicycles (42.0% [32.2-52.3] vs. 24.2% [20.8-27.9]) and less likely to be injured by collision with a motor vehicle (52.0% [41.7-62.1] vs. 67.5% [63.5-71.3]). 80% of alcohol-consuming bicyclists underwent CT imaging at presentation compared with 51.5% of non-users. Mortality was higher among injured bicyclists who had used alcohol (2.9% [0.6-8.2] vs. 0.0% [0.0-0.6]). Adjusted multivariable analysis revealed that alcohol use was independently associated with more severe injury (Adjusted Odds Ratio 2.27, p = 0.001, 95% Confidence Interval 1.40-3.68). Within a dense urban environment, alcohol use by bicyclists was associated with more severe injury, greater hospital resource use, and higher mortality. As bicycling continues to increase in popularity internationally, it is important to heighten awareness about the risks and consequences of bicycling while under the influence of alcohol.

The utility of radiological upper gastrointestinal series and clinical indicators in detecting leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) often presents after hospital discharge, making timely diagnosis difficult. This study evaluates the utility of radiological upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series and clinical indicators in detecting leak after LSG. METHODS: A retrospective case-controlled study of 1762 patients who underwent LSG from 2006 to 2014 was performed. All patients with radiographically confirmed leaks were included. Controls consisted of patients who underwent LSG without leak, selected using a 10:1 case-match. Data included baseline patient characteristics, surgical characteristics, and UGI series results. Clinical indicators including vital signs, SIRS criteria, and pain score were compared between patients who developed leak and controls. RESULTS: Of 1762 LSG operations, 20 (1.1 %) patients developed leaks and were compared with 200 case-matched controls. Three patients developed leak during their index admission [mean = 1.3 days, range (1, 2)], while the majority (n = 17) were discharged and developed symptoms at a mean of 17.1 days [range (4, 63)] postoperatively. Patients diagnosed with leak were similar to controls in baseline and surgical characteristics. Contrast extravasation on routine postoperative UGI identified two patients with early leaks, but was negative in the remainder (89 %). Patients with both early and delayed leaks demonstrated significant clinical abnormalities at the time of leak presentation, prior to confirmatory radiographic study. In multiple regression analysis, independent clinical factors associated with leak included fever [OR 16.6, 95 % CI (4.04, 68.10), p < 0.0001], SIRS criteria [OR 7.0, 95 % CI (1.47, 33.26), p = 0.014], and pain score ≥9 [OR 19.1, 95 % CI (1.38, 263.87), p = 0.028]. CONCLUSIONS: Contrast extravasation on routine postoperative radiological UGI series may detect early leaks after LSG, but the vast majority of leaks demonstrate normal results and present 2-3 weeks after discharge. Therefore, clinical indicators (specifically fever, SIRS criteria, and pain score) are the most useful factors to raise concern for leaks prior to confirmatory radiographic study and may be used as criteria to selectively obtain UGI studies after LSG.

Thirty-Day Readmission After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy­a Predictable Event?

BACKGROUND: Thirty-day readmission post-bariatric surgery is used as a metric for surgical quality and patient care. We sought to examine factors driving 30-day readmissions after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: We reviewed 1257 LSG performed between March 2012 and June 2014. Readmitted and nonreadmitted patients were compared in their demographics, medical histories, and index hospitalizations. Multivariable regression was used to identify risk factors for readmission. RESULTS: Forty-five (3.6 %) patients required 30-day readmissions. Forty-seven percent were readmitted with malaise (emesis, dehydration, abdominal pain) and 42 % with technical complications (leak, bleed, mesenteric vein thrombosis). Factors independently associated with 30-day readmission include index admission length of stay (LOS) ≥3 days (OR 2.54, CI = [1.19, 5.40]), intraoperative drain placement (OR 3.11, CI = [1.58, 6.13]), postoperative complications (OR 8.21, CI = [2.33, 28.97]), and pain at discharge (OR 8.49, CI = [2.37, 30.44]). Patients requiring 30-day readmissions were 72 times more likely to have additional readmissions by 6 months (OR 72.4, CI = [15.8, 330.5]). CONCLUSIONS: The 30-day readmission rate after LSG is 3.6 %, with near equal contributions from malaise and technical complications. LOS, postoperative complications, drain placement, and pain score can aid in identifying patients at increased risk for 30-day readmissions. Patients should be educated on postoperative hydration and pain management, so readmissions can be limited to technical complications requiring acute inpatient management.

Intraoperative leak testing has no correlation with leak after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Staple line leak is a serious complication of sleeve gastrectomy. Intraoperative methylene blue and air leak tests are routinely used to evaluate for leak; however, the utility of these tests is controversial. We hypothesize that the practice of routine intraoperative leak testing is unnecessary during sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed using a prospectively collected database of seven bariatric surgeons from two institutions. All patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy from March 2012 to November 2014 were included. The performance of intraoperative leak testing and the type of test (air or methylene blue) were based on surgeon preference. Data obtained included BMI, demographics, comorbidity, presence of intraoperative leak test, result of test, and type of test. The primary outcome was leak rate between the leak test (LT) and no leak test (NLT) groups. SAS version 9.4 was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1550 sleeve gastrectomies were included; most were laparoscopic (99.8%), except for one converted and two open cases. Routine intraoperative leak tests were performed in 1329 (85.7%) cases, while 221 (14.3%) did not have LTs. Of the 1329 cases with LTs, there were no positive intraoperative results. Fifteen (1%) patients developed leaks, with no difference in leak rate between the LT and NLT groups (1 vs. 1%, p = 0.999). After adjusting for baseline differences between the groups with a propensity analysis, the observed lack of association between leak and intraoperative leak test remained. In this cohort, leaks presented at a mean of 17.3 days postoperatively (range 1-67 days). Two patients with staple line leaks underwent repeat intraoperative leak testing at leak presentation, and the tests remained negative. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative leak testing has no correlation with leak due to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and is not predictive of the later development of staple line leak.

Previous weight loss as a predictor of weight loss outcomes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

INTRODUCTION: Weight loss after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) can be influenced by a variety of factors. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the maximum amount of previous weight loss with diet and exercise, prior to evaluation for bariatric surgery, is predictive of postoperative weight loss success among primary LAGB patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed from a prospectively collected database at a single institution. Inclusion criteria consisted of age ≥18 years, initial body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m(2), intake information on the maximum weight loss at any time prior to referral to our bariatric practice, and at least 2 years of postoperative follow-up. Patients with prior bariatric surgery were excluded. Outcomes included mean % excess weight loss (EWL), percent that achieved weight loss success (%EWL ≥ 40), and percent with suboptimal weight loss (%EWL < 20) at 2 years post-LAGB. RESULTS: In the study, 462 primary LAGB patients were included. Mean previous weight loss was 29.7 lb (SD 27.6, range 0-175). These patients were divided into four previous weight loss groups (0, 1-20, 21-50, >50 lb) for analysis. In adjusted multivariate analyses, patients with >50 lb of maximum previous weight loss had a significantly higher mean %EWL, (p < 0.0001) and %BMIL (p < 0.0001), were more likely to reach weight loss success (≥40 % EWL, p = 0.047), and were less likely to experience suboptimal weight loss (<20 % EWL, p = 0.027) at 2 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Previous weight loss appears to be a significant predictor of weight loss after LAGB. With multiple options for weight loss surgery, this study helps elucidate which patients may be more likely to achieve greater weight loss with the LAGB, allowing clinicians to appropriately counsel patients preoperatively.

The Effect of Sharrows, Painted Bicycle Lanes and Physically Protected Paths on the Severity of Bicycle Injuries Caused by Motor Vehicles.

We conducted individual and ecologic analyses of prospectively collected data from 839 injured bicyclists who collided with motorized vehicles and presented to Bellevue Hospital, an urban Level-1 trauma center in New York City, from December 2008 to August 2014. Variables included demographics, scene information, rider behaviors, bicycle route availability, and whether the collision occurred before the road segment was converted to a bicycle route. We used negative binomial modeling to assess the risk of injury occurrence following bicycle path or lane implementation. We dichotomized U.S. National Trauma Data Bank Injury Severity Scores (ISS) into none/mild (0-8) versus moderate, severe, or critical (>8) and used adjusted multivariable logistic regression to model the association of ISS with collision proximity to sharrows (i.e., bicycle lanes designated for sharing with cars), painted bicycle lanes, or physically protected paths. Negative binomial modeling of monthly counts, while adjusting for pedestrian activity, revealed that physically protected paths were associated with 23% fewer injuries. Painted bicycle lanes reduced injury risk by nearly 90% (IDR 0.09, 95% CI 0.02-0.33). Holding all else equal, compared to no bicycle route, a bicycle injury nearby sharrows was nearly twice as likely to be moderate, severe, or critical (adjusted odds ratio 1.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91-4.15). Painted bicycle lanes and physically protected paths were 1.52 (95% CI 0.85-2.71) and 1.66 (95% CI 0.85-3.22) times as likely to be associated with more than mild injury respectively.

Drawing the Curtain Back on Injured Commercial Bicyclists.

OBJECTIVES: We determined the demographic characteristics, behaviors, injuries, and outcomes of commercial bicyclists who were injured while navigating New York City's (NYC's) central business district. METHODS: Our study involved a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from a level 1 regional trauma center in 2008 to 2014 of bicyclists struck by motor vehicles. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of 819 injured bicyclists, 284 (34.7%) were working. Commercial bicyclists included 24.4% to 45.1% of injured bicyclists annually. Injured commercial bicyclists were more likely Latino (56.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 50.7, 62.8 vs 22.7%; 95% CI = 19.2, 26.5). Commercial bicyclists were less likely to be distracted by electronic devices (5.0%; 95% CI = 2.7, 8.2 vs 12.7%; 95% CI = 9.9, 15.9) or to have consumed alcohol (0.7%; 95% CI = 0.9, 2.5 vs 9.5%; 95% CI = 7.2, 12.3). Commercial and noncommercial bicyclists did not differ in helmet use (38.4%; 95% CI = 32.7, 44.4 vs 30.8%; 95% CI = 26.9, 34.9). Injury severity scores were less severe in commercial bicyclists (odds ratio = 0.412; 95% CI = 0.235, 0.723). CONCLUSIONS: Commercial bicyclists represent a unique cohort of vulnerable roadway users. In NYC, minorities, especially Latinos, should be targeted for safety education programs.

Bicycle helmets are highly protective against traumatic brain injury within a dense urban setting.

BACKGROUND: New York City (NYC) has made significant roadway infrastructure improvements, initiated a bicycle share program, and enacted Vision Zero, an action plan to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries. The objective of this study was to examine whether bicycle helmets offer a protective advantage against traumatic brain injury (TBI) within a contemporary dense urban setting with a commitment to road safety. METHODS: A prospective observational study of injured bicyclists presenting to a Level I trauma centre was performed. All bicyclists arriving within 24 h of injury were included. Data were collected between February, 2012 and August, 2014 and included demographics, imaging studies (e.g. computed tomography (CT)), injury patterns, and outcomes including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Injury Severity Score. RESULTS: Of 699 patients, 273 (39.1%) were wearing helmets at the time of injury. Helmeted bicyclists were more likely to have a GCS of 15 (96.3% [95% Confidence Interval (CI), 93.3-98.2] vs. 87.6 [95% CI, 84.1-90.6]) at presentation. Helmeted bicyclists underwent fewer head CTs (40.3% [95% CI, 34.4-46.4] vs. 52.8% [95% CI, 48.0-57.6]) and were less likely to sustain intracranial injury (6.3% [95% CI, 2.6-12.5] vs. 19.7% [14.7-25.6]), including skull fracture (0.9% [95% CI, 0.0-4.9] vs. 15.3% [95% CI, 10.8-20.7]) and subdural hematoma (0.0% [95% CI, 0.0-3.2] vs. 8.1% [95% CI, 4.9-12.5]). Helmeted bicyclists were significantly less likely to sustain significant TBI, i.e. Head AIS ≥3 (2.6% [95% CI: 0.7-4.5] vs.10.6% [7.6-12.5]). Four patients underwent craniotomy while three died; all were un-helmeted. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that helmeted bicyclists were 72% less likely to sustain TBI compared with un-helmeted bicyclists (Adjusted Odds Ratio 0.28, 95% CI 0.12-0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Despite substantial road safety measures in NYC, the protective impact of simple bicycle helmets in the event of a crash remains significant. A re-assessment of helmet laws for urban bicyclists is advisable to most effectively translate Vision Zero from a political action plan to public safety reality.

Readmission after pancreatic resection is not an appropriate measure of quality.

BACKGROUND: Hospital readmission has been proposed as a metric for quality of medical and surgical care. We examined our institutional experience with readmission after pancreatic resection, and assessed factors predictive of readmission. METHODS: We reviewed 787 pancreatic resections performed at a single institution between 2006 and 2010. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships between preoperative and postoperative characteristics and readmission. Reasons for hospital readmission were examined in detail. RESULTS: We found the 30-day readmission rate after pancreatic resection to be 11.6 %. In univariate analysis, young age, pancreaticoduodenectomy versus other operations, open versus laparoscopic technique, fistula formation, the need for reoperation, and any complication during the index hospitalization were predictive of readmission. In multivariate analysis, only young age and postoperative complication were predictive of readmission. Vascular resection, postoperative ICU care, length of stay, and discharge disposition were not associated with readmission. The most common reasons for readmission were leaks, fistulas, abscesses, and wound infections (45.1 %), delayed gastric emptying (12.1 %), venous thrombosis (7.7 %), and GI bleeding (7.7 %). CONCLUSIONS: We found the vast majority of readmissions after pancreatic resection were to manage complications related to the operation and were not due to poor coordination of care or poor discharge planning. Because evidence-based measures to prevent these surgical complications do not exist, we cannot support the use of readmission rates themselves as a quality indicator after pancreatic surgery.