Comorbidity, Racial, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty at High Versus Low-Volume Centers.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to compare the epidemiologic and demographic profiles and inpatient postoperative complication and economic outcomes of patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty of the hip and knee (TJA) at high-volume centers (HVCs) versus low-volume centers (LVCs) using a large national registry. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used data from the National Inpatient Sample from 2006 to the third quarter of 2015. Discharges representing patients aged 40 years or older receiving a primary total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty were included. Patients were stratified into those undergoing their procedure at HVCs versus LVCs. Epidemiologic, demographic, and inpatient postoperative complications and economic outcomes were comparatively analyzed between groups. RESULTS: A total of 7,694,331 TJAs were conducted at HVCs while 1,044,358 were conducted at LVCs. Patients at LVCs were more likely to be female, be Hispanic, be non-Hispanic Black, and use Medicare and Medicaid than patients at HVCs. Of the 29 Elixhauser comorbidities examined, 14 were markedly higher at LVCs while 11 were markedly higher at HVCs. Patients who underwent TJA at LVCs were more likely to develop cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, hematoma/seroma, wound dehiscence, and postoperative infection complications and were more likely to die during hospitalization. Patients at HVCs were more likely to develop postoperative anemia. Length of stay and total charges were higher at LVCs compared with HVCs. DISCUSSION: There are notable differences in the demographics, epidemiologic characteristics, and inpatient outcomes of patients undergoing TJA at HVCs versus LVCs. Attention should be directed to identifying and applying the specific resources, processes, and practices that improve outcomes at HVCs while referral practices and centralization efforts should be mindful to not worsen already existing disparities.

Frailty Among Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Recipients: Epidemiology and Propensity Score-weighted Analysis of Effect on In-hospital Postoperative Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most successful and frequently performed procedures in the United States. The number of these procedures is projected to continue growing rapidly in the coming years, and with it comes the demand for more sophisticated perioperative risk and complication assessment. This study examines the effect of frailty on postoperative inpatient complications and hospital resource utilization after TJA. METHODS: Discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample were used to identify all patients aged 50 years or older who underwent TJA between 2006 and 2015. Nonelective admissions and hip fractures were excluded. Patients were stratified into two groups with and without concomitant ICD-9 diagnostic criteria that qualified them has having frailty. An analysis comparing the 2 groups' epidemiology, medical comorbidities, and propensity score-weighted postoperative clinical and economic outcomes was done. RESULTS: A total of 7,854,890 TJAs were included in this analysis, with 136,516 meeting the criteria for frailty and 7,718,374 being nonfrail. Among these patients, the average age was 67.3 years and the female distribution was 61.1%. Frail patients were found to have markedly higher rates of all but two individual comorbidities constituting the Modified Elixhauser Profile compared with nonfrail patients. Compared with the control group, frail patients were found to have increased risk of any postoperative complication, central nervous system complications, hematoma/seroma, wound dehiscence, infection, and postoperative anemia. Frail patients also had longer length of stay, higher discharge to rehabilitation facilities, and higher hospital charges. DISCUSSION: Patients with frailty undergoing TJA procedures are at a markedly higher risk for developing postoperative complications and worse hospital economic outcomes. As this patient population continues to increase, it is imperative for clinicians to use their risk factors in optimizing their perioperative care and support.

The Impact of Morbid Obesity on In-hospital Outcomes after Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

INTRODUCTION: There remain limited data on the effect of obesity on in-hospital outcomes after revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). METHODS: Discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample were used to identify patients undergoing rTHA from 2006 to 2015. Propensity score analysis was done to analyze the effects of obesity and morbid obesity on in-hospital economic and complication outcomes after rTHA. RESULTS: The estimated 460,297 rTHAs were done during the study period. Obese patients were more likely to suffer from any complication than not obese patients (41.44% versus 39.41%, P = 0.0085), and morbidly obese patients were more likely to suffer from any complication than obese patients (47.22% versus 41.44%, P < 0.0001). Obesity was associated with increased risk of postoperative anemia compared with not obese patients, while morbid obesity was associated with increased risk of postoperative anemia, hematoma/seroma, wound dehiscence, and postoperative infection (P < 0.05). Morbidly obese patients also had a significantly greater average length of stay (6.40 days) than obese (5.23 days) and not obese (5.37 days) patients (P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Although both obesity and morbid obesity are associated with higher risk of in-hospital postoperative complications after rTHA, morbid obesity is a larger risk factor and is associated with a longer length of stay.

Cost-Effectiveness of Routine Type and Screens in Select Endonasal Skull Base Surgeries.

Objective The study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of obtaining preoperative type and screens (T/S) for common endonasal skull base procedures, and determine patient and hospital factors associated with receiving blood transfusions. Study Design Retrospective database analysis of the 2006 to 2015 National (nationwide) Inpatient Sample and cost-effectiveness analysis. Main Outcome Measures Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with transfusions. A cost-effectiveness analysis was then performed to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of obtaining preoperative T/S to prevent an emergency-release transfusion (ERT), with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $1,500. Results A total of 93,105 cases were identified with an overall transfusion rate of 1.89%. On multivariate modeling, statistically significant factors associated with transfusion included nonelective admission (odds ratio [OR]: 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.78-3.02), anemia (OR: 4.42; 95% CI: 3.35-5.83), coagulopathy (OR: 4.72; 95% CI: 2.94-7.57), diabetes (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14-1.84), liver disease (OR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.27-4.43), pulmonary circulation disorders (OR: 3.28; 95% CI: 1.71-6.29), and metastatic cancer (OR: 5.85; 95% CI: 2.63-13.0; p < 0.01 for all). The ICER of preoperative T/S was $3,576 per ERT prevented. One-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the risk of transfusion should exceed 4.12% to justify preoperative T/S. Conclusion Routine preoperative T/S does not represent a cost-effective practice for these surgeries using nationally representative data. A selective T/S policy for high-risk patients may reduce costs.

The Impact of Month on Joint Arthroplasty In-Hospital Outcomes: The December Effect.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of month of the year on postsurgical outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to specifically analyze for a December effect. Material and methods: The National Inpatient Sample was used to identify all patients older than 40 years undergoing primary TKA and THA between 2006 and 2015. Patients were stratified based on the month of the year of surgery. In-hospital complication, disposition, and economic outcomes were comparatively analyzed. Results: There were statistically significant differences in outcomes based on month of the year. When comparing December to the other months, both TKA and THA patients had significantly lower rates of any complication, postoperative anemia, and genitourinary complications, while there were significantly higher rates of home than rehab discharge and shorter average length of stay in December. THA patients additionally had significantly lower rates of cardiac and respiratory complications during December. Conclusion: Postoperative outcomes are significantly associated with the month in which arthroplasty is performed. This study provides evidence of a positive "December effect" of improved in-hospital complications and economic outcomes for surgeries performed in December. Future research should direct attention to the impact that social factors may have on outcomes after elective surgical procedures and how these factors may be translated to other months.

Cannabis Use Disorder in the Setting of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Understanding the Epidemiology, Demographic Characteristics, and Inpatient Postoperative Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Cannabis use is expected to increase in the context of its decriminalization and legalization in several states. The purpose of this study was to report on the epidemiologic and demographic characteristics and inpatient postoperative outcomes of patients with cannabis use disorder (CUD) undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample registry was used to identify patients undergoing THA between 2006 and 2015. Patients were stratified into groups with and without CUD. Epidemiology, comorbidity, and outcomes data were comparatively analyzed between these two groups. RESULTS: A total of 2,838,742 THAs were performed during the study period. The prevalence of CUD significantly increased from 0.10% in 2006 to 0.39% in 2015 (P < 0.0001). Patients with CUD were significantly younger, more likely to be male, had higher rates of Medicaid insurance and were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black and less likely to be non-Hispanic White when compared with the control group. When comparing patients with and without CUD, there was no significant difference in the composite any complication variable and no significant difference in seven of eight individual in-hospital complications assessed, with the exception being higher genitourinary complications in the CUD group. There were no significant differences in discharge disposition or length of stay. DISCUSSION: Although CUD is significantly associated with various demographic, comorbidity, and hospital characteristics, it is not significantly associated with in-hospital complications, discharge disposition, and length of stay outcomes in the immediate in-hospital, postoperative period. It is critical for clinicians and public health professionals to understand the characteristics and expected inpatient outcomes of this evolving population of patients with CUD undergoing THA, particularly in the context of widespread legalization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Epidemiology of Obese Patients Undergoing Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: Understanding Demographics, Comorbidities, and Propensity Weighted Analysis of Inpatient Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a public health epidemic that is projected to grow in coming years. Observational data on the epidemiologic profile and immediate postoperative outcomes of obesity and morbid obesity after revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) are limited. METHODS: Discharge data from the National Inpatient Sample was used to identify patients who underwent rTKA from 2006 to 2015. Patients were stratified into morbidly obese, obese, and not obese control cohorts. An analysis was performed to compare etiology of revision, demographic and medical comorbidity profiles, and immediate in-hospital economic and complication outcomes after rTKA. RESULTS: An estimated 605,603 rTKAs were included in this analysis. Morbidly obese and obese patients were at significantly higher risk for any complication than not obese patients. Patients with obesity were associated with an increased risk of postoperative anemia but a lower risk of peripheral vascular disease and gastrointestinal, and hematoma/seroma complications compared with not obese patients. Patients with morbid obesity were associated with an increased risk of any, hematoma/seroma, wound dehiscence, postoperative infection, pulmonary embolism, and postoperative anemia complications and a lower risk of gastrointestinal complications when compared with not obese patients. Morbidly obese patients had a significantly longer length of stay than both obese and not obese patients, while no significant difference in length of stay was observed between obese and not obese patients. DISCUSSION: Morbidly obese patients are at higher odds for worse postoperative medical and economic outcomes compared with those with obesity after rTKA. As the number of patients with obesity and morbid obesity continues to rise, these risk factors should be considered in preoperative discussions and perioperative protocol optimization.

Cardiac Injury Patterns and Inpatient Outcomes Among Patients Admitted With COVID-19.

Although certain risk factors have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients admitted with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the impact of cardiac injury and high-sensitivity troponin-I (hs-cTnI) concentrations are not well described. In this large retrospective longitudinal cohort study, we analyzed the cases of 1,044 consecutively admitted patients with COVID-19 from March 9 until April 15. Cardiac injury was defined by hs-cTnI concentration >99th percentile. Patient characteristics, laboratory data, and outcomes were described in patients with cardiac injury and different hs-cTnI cut-offs. The primary outcome was mortality, and the secondary outcomes were length of stay, need for intensive care unit care or mechanical ventilation, and their different composites. The final analyzed cohort included 1,020 patients. The median age was 63 years, 511 (50% patients were female, and 403 (40% were white. 390 (38%) patients had cardiac injury on presentation. These patients were older (median age 70 years), had a higher cardiovascular disease burden, in addition to higher serum concentrations of inflammatory markers. They also exhibited an increased risk for our primary and secondary outcomes, with the risk increasing with higher hs-cTnI concentrations. Peak hs-cTnI concentrations continued to be significantly associated with mortality after a multivariate regression controlling for comorbid conditions, inflammatory markers, acute kidney injury, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Within the same multivariate regression model, presenting hs-cTnI concentrations were not significantly associated with outcomes, and undetectable hs-cTnI concentrations on presentation did not completely rule out the risk for mechanical ventilation or death. In conclusion, cardiac injury was common in patients admitted with COVID-19. The extent of cardiac injury and peak hs-cTnI concentrations were associated with worse outcomes.

Assessing Preoperative Risk Factors With Sex Disparities in Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients and Financial Outcomes From the National Inpatient Sample Database.

INTRODUCTION: Disparities in the healthcare system imply potential risks for vulnerable groups whose needs are not appropriately met. Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is successful in treating end-stage arthritis, resulting in increased demand for the procedure, however remains underused in both sexes, especially in women. Although multiple studies assessed the differences in postoperative morbidities between sexes, there remains a lack in understanding patients' preoperative clinical profile and nonclinical demographics. The aim of this study is to provide a population-based epidemiologic assessment of preoperative risk factors and sex disparities and assess differences in outcomes following TJA. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample database from 2006 to 2011 was analyzed. Patients who underwent primary total knee and hip arthroplasty were identified and stratified into two cohorts of male and female, and demographic data and comorbidities were collected. Postoperative complications, length of stay, total charges, and discharge destination were measured for matched cohorts. RESULTS: Female patients present for TJAs at an older average age, are less likely to present with AIDS, alcohol abuse, coagulopathy, congestive heart failure, drug abuse, liver disease, peripheral vascular disease, and renal failure, and are more likely to present with anemia, autoimmune disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, obesity, and valvular disease. Postoperatively, the average length of stay for female patients was markedly higher (3.52 versus 3.39) and a lower percentage went home (59% versus 73%). Overall, female patients experience greater odds of any complication while in-patient. DISCUSSION: This study highlighted sex differences in areas that could account for the underuse of the procedure in both sexes, with women affected to a greater extent. Understanding these factors will help address the unmet needs of both sexes after TJA by encouraging future studies and provider education to ensure that all patients are able to access the necessary procedures for pain relief and functional improvement.

Inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The links.

The co-occurrence of the three disease entities, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer (CRC), type 2diabetes mellitus (T2DM) along with inflammation and dismicrobism has been frequently reported. Some authors have even suggested that dysbiosis could be the link through a molecular crosstalk of multiple inflammatory loops including TGFß, NFKB, TNFα and ROS among others. This review focuses on the inflammatory process along with the role of microbiota in the pathophysiology of the three diseases. The etiology of IBD is multifactorial, and like CRC and T2DM, it is associated with a widespread and sustained GI inflammation and dismicrobism, whereby an array of pro-inflammatory mediators and other related biomolecules are up-regulated, both locally and systematically. Such a persistent or an inadequately resolved chronic inflammation may be a causative agent, in the presence other factors, leading to several pathologies such as IBD, CRC and T2DM. TGFß plays a crucial role in pancreatic ß cell malfunctioning as glucotoxicity stimulates its signaling cascade through smad 3, IL-6 and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Such a cascade could lead to macrophages and other cells recruitment, inflammation, then IBD and CRC. NFkB is also another key regulator in the crosstalk among the pathways leading to the three disease entities. It plays a major role in linking inflammation to cancer development through its ability to up regulate several inflammatory and tumor promoting cytokines like: IL-6, IL-1 α and TNF α, as well as genes like BCL2 and BCLXL. It activates JAK/STAT signaling network via STAT3 transcription factors and promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition. It also increases the risk for T2DM in obese people. In brief, NFKB is a matchmaker between inflammation, IBD, cancer and diabetes. In addition, TNFα plays a pivotal role in systemic inflammation. It is increased in the mucosa of IBD patients and has a central role in its pathogenesis. It also activates other signaling pathways like NFKB and MAPK leading to CRC. It is also overexpressed in the adipose tissues of obese patients thus linking it to T2DM, chronic inflammation and consequently CRC. On the other hand, increasing evidence suggests that dysbiosis plays a role in initiating, maintaining and determining the severity of IBD. Actually, among its functions, it modulates genotoxic metabolites which are able to induce CRC, a fact proven to be sustained by stool transfer from patients with CRC. Probiotics, however, may actively prevent CRC as well as IBD and results in a significant decrease in fasting glycemia in T2DM patients. In conclusion, IBD, CRC and T2DM are commonly occurring interrelated clinical problems. They share a common basis influenced by an inflammatory process, an imbalance in intestinal microbiota, and a crosstalk between various signaling pathways. Would probiotics interrupt the crosstalk or orient it in the physiological direction?

Dismicrobism in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer: changes in response of colocytes.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of 10%-15% developing colorectal cancer (CRC) that is a common disease of high economic costs in developed countries. The CRC has been increasing in recent years and its mortality rates are very high. Multiple biological and biochemical factors are responsible for the onset and progression of this pathology. Moreover, it appears absolutely necessary to investigate the environmental factors favoring the onset of CRC and the promotion of colonic health. The gut microflora, or microbiota, has an extensive diversity both quantitatively and qualitatively. In utero, the intestine of the mammalian fetus is sterile. At birth, the intestinal microbiota is acquired by ingesting maternal anal or vaginal organisms, ultimately developing into a stable community, with marked variations in microbial composition between individuals. The development of IBD is often associated with qualitative and quantitative disorders of the intestinal microbial flora (dysbiosis). The healthy human gut harbours about 10 different bacterial species distributed in colony forming units which colonize the gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal microbiota plays a fundamental role in health and in the progression of diseases such as IBD and CRC. In healthy subjects, the main control of intestinal bacterial colonization occurs through gastric acidity but other factors such as endoluminal temperature, competition between different bacterial strains, peristalsis and drugs can influence the intestinal microenvironment. The microbiota exerts diverse physiological functions to include: growth inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, synthesis of compounds useful for the trophism of colonic mucosa, regulation of intestinal lymphoid tissue and synthesis of amino acids. Furthermore, mucus seems to play an important role in protecting the intestinal mucosa and maintaining its integrity. Changes in the microbiota composition are mainly influenced by diet and age, as well as genetic factors. Increasing evidence indicates that dysbiosis favors the production of genotoxins and metabolites associated with carcinogenesis and induces dysregulation of the immune response which promotes and sustains inflammation in IBD leading to carcinogenesis. A disequilibrium in gut microflora composition leads to the specific activation of gut associated lymphoid tissue. The associated chronic inflammatory process associated increases the risk of developing CRC. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two major IBDs characterized by an early onset and extraintestinal manifestations, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The pathogenesis of both diseases is complex and not yet fully known. However, it is widely accepted that an inappropriate immune response to microbial flora can play a pivotal role in IBD pathogenesis.