National Landscape of Unplanned 30-Day Readmission Rates for Acute Non-hemorrhagic Diverticulitis: Insight from National Readmission Database.

BACKGROUND: Early readmissions are an important indicator of the quality of care. Limited data exist describing hospital readmissions in acute diverticulitis. The study aimed to describe unplanned, 30-day readmissions among adult acute diverticulitis patients and to assess readmission predictors. METHODS: We analyzed the 2013 and 2014 United States National Readmission Database and identified acute diverticulitis admissions using administrative codes in adult patients older than 18 years of age. Our primary outcome was a 30-day, unplanned readmission rate. We used Chi-square tests, t tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for descriptive analyses and survey logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals for associations with readmissions adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: In the cohort of 364,511 hospitalizations with acute diverticulitis, as the primary diagnosis on index admission, 31,420 (8.6%) had at least one unplanned 30-day readmission. Sixty percent of the readmissions occurred within the first 2 weeks of the index admission. The most common reasons for unplanned 30-day readmission were due to diverticulitis of the colon (41.5%), postoperative infection (4.2%), septicemia (3.6%), intestinal infection due to Clostridium difficile (3%), and other digestive system complications such bleeding or fistula (2.8%). Multivariable analysis showed advance age (> 75 years), discharge against medical advice, comorbidities (renal failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, weight loss, chronic lung disease, malignancy), blood transfusion, Medicare and Medicaid insurance, and increased length of stay (> 3 days) were associated with significantly higher odds for readmission. Patients who have undergone abdominal surgery during index admission were 31% less likely to get readmitted. CONCLUSIONS: On a national level, 1 in 11 hospitalizations for acute diverticulitis was followed by unplanned readmission within 30 days with most admissions occurring in the first 2 weeks. Multiple modifiable and non-modifiable factors influencing readmission rates were noted. Further studies should examine if strategies that address these predictors can decrease readmissions.

National Trends in Incidence and Outcomes of Patients With Heart Failure Requiring Respiratory Support.

Despite increasing medical complexity in patients with heart failure (HF), there are limited data on incidence and outcomes for patients with HF needing respiratory support. This study sought to examine contemporary trends of respiratory support strategies among patients with HF. Using the National Inpatient Sample, we identified adults aged greater than 18 years hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of HF. We assessed for trends in the use of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV), length of stay, hospital costs, and in-hospital mortality. From 2002 to 2014, we identified 9,508,768 HF hospitalizations, which included 202,340 (2.13%) and 257,549 (2.71%) patients that required IMV and NIV, respectively. Over the study period, the proportion of HF patients requiring IMV significantly decreased (3.25% in 2002 to 1.56% in 2014) whereas the use of NIV significantly increased from 0.95% to 7.25% (ptrend <0.001 for both). In-hospital mortality significantly increased for IMV (31.5% in 2002 to 38.6% in 2014) recipients and decreased for patients requiring NIV (9.0% to 5.6%, ptrend <0.0001 for both). The average length of stay was nearly 7 days longer in the IMV group (12.2 days) and 2 days longer in the NIV group (6.8 days; p <0.001 for both). Hospital charges have nearly tripled for patients requiring IMV ($99,358 in 2014, ptrend <0.001) and doubled for those requiring NIV ($37,539 in 2014, ptrend <0.001). In conclusion, respiratory support strategies for patients with HF have significantly evolved with increasing use of NIV as compared with IMV. However, the in-hospital mortality associated with respiratory failure remains unacceptably high.

Emergent colectomy rates decreased while elective ileal pouch rates were stable over time: a nationwide inpatient sample study.

PURPOSE: Despite advances in biologic therapy, approximately 10-15% of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients require surgery. We aimed to (1) examine the rates of emergent colectomy and elective ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) over time among UC patients in the USA and (2) investigate disparities in surgery rates by patient demographics. METHODS: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2000 to 2014 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were admissions with a primary UC ICD-9-CM diagnosis code and age > 18. Emergent cases were defined as those admitted through the emergency room with an outcome ICD-9-CM code for subtotal colectomy. Elective IPAA cases were defined with an outcome ICD-9-CM code for IPAA, used as a surrogate measure of colectomy. Patient and hospital-level demographics were analyzed. Temporal trends of colectomy were analyzed utilizing joinpoint-regression analysis with calculation of annual percentage change (APC). RESULTS: A total of 470,708 admissions were included over the 14-year period. Emergent colectomy rate significantly declined (APC - 7.35%, p = 0.0002), while the rate of elective IPAA remained stable (APC - 0.21%, p = 0.8). Emergent colectomy rates declined similarly across all demographics, though not as marked among patients age 50 and older and Medicare patients. Elective IPAA rates were significantly lower among blacks and patients with public insurance. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a significant decline in emergent UC colectomy rates in the USA; however, the overall need for surgery appears unchanged given stable IPAA rates. This suggests a limited impact on overall surgery rates with a shift from emergent to elective procedures.

National trends of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography utilization and outcomes in decompensated cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be challenging in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC) due to increased risk of adverse events related to liver dysfunction. Limited data exist regarding its national utilization in patients with DC. We aim to determine the trends in utilization and outcomes of ERCP among patients with DC in US hospitalizations. METHODS: We identified hospitalizations undergoing ERCP (diagnostic and therapeutic) between 2000 and 2013 from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database and used validated ICD9-CM codes to identify DC hospitalizations. We utilized Cochrane-Armitage test to identify changes in trends and multivariable survey regression modeling for adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for adverse outcomes and mortality predictors. RESULTS: There were 43782 cases of ERCPs performed in DC patients during the study period. Absolute number of ERCPs performed in this population from 2000 to 2013 showed an upward trend; however, the proportion of DC patients undergoing ERCP remained stable. We noted significant decrease in utilization of diagnostic ERCP and an increase of therapeutic ERCPs (P < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in the mean length of stay for DC patients undergoing ERCP from 8.2 days in 2000 to 7.2 days in 2013 (P < 0.01) with an increase in the mean cost of hospitalization from $17053 to $19825 (P < 0.001). Mortality rates showed a downward trend from 2000 to 2013 from 13.6 to 9.6% (P < 0.01). Increasing age, Hispanic race, diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and private insurance were related to adverse discharges(P < 0.01). Increasing age, presence of hepatic encephalopathy, and sepsis were associated with higher mortality (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is an increasing trend in therapeutic ERCP utilization in DC hospitalizations nationally. There is an overall decrease in mortality in DC hospitalizations undergoing ERCP. This improvement in mortality suggests improvement in both procedural technique and peri-procedural care as well as overall decreasing mortality in cirrhosis.

Pathology of Peripheral Artery Disease in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most serious complication of peripheral artery disease (PAD). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to characterize pathology of PAD in below- and above-knee amputation specimens in patients presenting with CLI. METHODS: Peripheral arteries from 95 patients (121 amputation specimens) were examined; 75 patients had presented with CLI, and the remaining 20 had amputations performed for other reasons. The pathological characteristics were separately recorded for femoral and popliteal arteries (FEM-POP), and infrapopliteal arteries (INFRA-POP). RESULTS: A total of 299 arteries were examined. In the 239 arteries from CLI patients, atherosclerotic plaques were more frequent in FEM-POP (23 of 34, 67.6%) compared with INFRA-POP (79 of 205, 38.5%) arteries. Of these 239 arteries, 165 (69%) showed ≥70% stenosis, which was due to significant pathological intimal thickening, fibroatheroma, fibrocalcific lesions, or restenosis in 45 of 165 (27.3%), or was due to luminal thrombi with (39 of 165, 23.6%) or without (81 of 165, 49.1%) significant atherosclerotic lesions. Presence of chronic luminal thrombi was more frequently observed in arteries with insignificant atherosclerosis (OR: 16.7; p = 0.0002), more so in INFRA-POP compared with FEM-POP (OR: 2.14; p = 0.0041) arteries. Acute thrombotic occlusion was less frequently encountered in INFRA-POP than FEM-POP arteries (OR: 0.27; p = 0.0067). Medial calcification was present in 170 of 239 (71.1%) large arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombotic luminal occlusion associated with insignificant atherosclerosis is commonly observed in CLI and suggests the possibility of atherothromboembolic disease. The pathological characteristics of arteries in CLI suggest possible mechanisms of progression of PAD to CLI, especially in INFRA-POP arteries, and may support the preventive role of antithrombotic agents.

National Trends in Emergency Room Visits of Dialysis Patients for Adverse Drug Reactions.

BACKGROUND: Various medications are cleared by the kidneys, therefore patients with impaired renal function, especially dialysis patients are at risk for adverse drug events (ADEs). There are limited studies on ADEs in maintenance dialysis patients. METHODS: We utilized a nationally representative database, the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, from 2008 to 2013, to compare emergency department (ED) visits for dialysis and propensity matched non-dialysis patients. Log binomial regression was used to calculate relative risk of hospital admission and logistic regression to calculate ORs for in-hospital mortality while adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: While ED visits for ADEs decreased in both groups, they were over 10-fold higher in dialysis patients than non-dialysis patients (65.8-88.5 per 1,000 patients vs. 4.6-5.4 per 1,000 patients respectively, p < 0.001). The top medication category associated with ED visits for ADEs in dialysis patients is agents primarily affecting blood constituents, which has increased. After propensity matching, patient admission was higher in dialysis patients than non-dialysis patients, (88 vs. 76%, p < 0.001). Dialysis was associated with a 3% increase in risk of admission and 3 times the odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 3, 95% CI 2.7-2.3.3). CONCLUSIONS: ED visits for ADEs are substantially higher in dialysis patients than non-dialysis patients. In dialysis patients, ADEs associated with agents primarily affecting blood constituents are on the rise. ED visits for ADEs in dialysis patients have higher inpatient admissions and in-hospital mortality. Further studies are needed to identify and implement measures aimed at reducing ADEs in dialysis patients.

National Landscape of Unplanned 30-Day Readmissions in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

The number of patients with advanced heart failure receiving left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation has increased dramatically over the last decade. There are limited data available about the nationwide trends of complications leading to readmissions after implantation of contemporary devices. Patients who underwent LVAD implantation from January 2013 to December 2013 were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 37.66 from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Readmission Database. The top causes of unplanned 30-day readmission after LVAD implantation were determined. Survey logistic regression was used to analyze the significant predictors of readmission. In 2013, there were 2,235 patients with an LVAD implantation. Of them, 665 (29.7%) had at least 1 unplanned readmission within 30 days, out of which 289 (43.4%) occurred within 10 days after discharge. Implant complications (14.9%), congestive heart failure (11.7%), and gastrointestinal bleeding (8.4%) were the top 3 diagnoses for the first readmission and accounted for more than a third of all readmissions. Significant predictors of readmissions included a prolonged length of stay during the index admission, Medicare insurance, and discharge to short-term facility. In conclusion, despite increased experience with LVADs, unplanned readmissions within 30 days of implantation remain significantly high.

National Trends and Outcomes in Dialysis-Requiring Acute Kidney Injury in Heart Failure: 2002-2013.

BACKGROUND: Dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (D-AKI) is a serious complication in hospitalized heart failure (HF) patients. However, data on national trends are lacking after 2002. METHODS: We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2013) to identify HF hospitalizations with and without D-AKI. We analyzed trends in incidence, in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LoS), and cost. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for predictors of D-AKI and for outcomes including in-hospital mortality and adverse discharge (discharge to skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, etc). RESULTS: We identified 11,205,743 HF hospitalizations. Across 2002-2013, the incidence of D-AKI doubled from 0.51% to 1.09%. We found male sex, younger age, African-American and Hispanic race, and various comorbidities and procedures, such as sepsis and mechanical ventilation, to be independent predictors of D-AKI in HF hospitalizations. D-AKI was associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality (aOR 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.36-2.63; P < .01) and adverse discharge (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.95-2.13; P < .01). In-hospital mortality and attributable risk of mortality due to D-AKI decreased across 2002-2013. LoS and cost also decreased across this period. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of D-AKI in HF hospitalizations doubled across 2002-2013. Despite declining in-hospital mortality, LoS, and cost, D-AKI was associated with worse outcomes.

The national landscape of unplanned 30-day readmissions after total laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Examine rates of readmission after total laryngectomy and determine primary etiologies, timing, and risk factors for unplanned readmission. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for patients who underwent total laryngectomy between January 2013 and November 2013. Patient-, procedure-, admission-, and institution-level characteristics were compared for patients with and without unplanned 30-day readmission. Outcomes of interest included rates, etiology, and timing of readmission. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of 30-day readmission. RESULTS: There were 2,931 total laryngectomies performed in 2013 with an unplanned readmission rate of 17.5%. Postoperative fistula accounted for 13.7% of readmissions. The odds of readmission were elevated for patients undergoing concurrent procedures, including primary tracheoesophageal fistulization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-5.18, P = .02) and/or pedicle graft or flap procedures (aOR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.13-2.66, P = .01). Additionally, patients with comorbid coagulopathy (aOR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.13-8.22, P = .03), liver disease (aOR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.08-5.71, P = .03), and valvular heart disease (aOR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.20-8.41, P = .02) had increased risk for unplanned 30-day readmission. Private insurance and longer lengths of stay were associated with decreased odds of readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-fifth of total laryngectomy patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. Risk factors identified in this nationally representative cohort should be carefully considered during the postoperative period to reduce preventable readmissions after total laryngectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2c Laryngoscope, 1842-1850, 2018.

National Estimates of 30-Day Unplanned Readmissions of Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients on hemodialysis have high 30-day unplanned readmission rates. Using a national all-payer administrative database, we describe the epidemiology of 30-day unplanned readmissions in patients on hemodialysis, determine concordance of reasons for initial admission and readmission, and identify predictors for readmission. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: This is a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Readmission Database from the year 2013 to identify index admissions and readmission in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis. The Clinical Classification Software was used to categorize admission diagnosis into mutually exclusive clinically meaningful categories and determine concordance of reasons for admission on index hospitalizations and readmissions. Survey logistic regression was used to identify predictors of at least one readmission. RESULTS: During 2013, there were 87,302 (22%) index admissions with at least one 30-day unplanned readmission. Although patient and hospital characteristics were statistically different between those with and without readmissions, there were small absolute differences. The highest readmission rate was for acute myocardial infarction (25%), whereas the lowest readmission rate was for hypertension (20%). The primary reasons for initial hospitalization and subsequent 30-day readmission were discordant in 80% of admissions. Comorbidities that were associated with readmissions included depression (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.05 to 1.15; P<0.001), drug abuse (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.51; P<0.001), and discharge against medical advice (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.45 to 1.70; P<0.001). A group of high utilizers, which constituted 2% of the population, was responsible for 20% of all readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ESRD on hemodialysis, nearly one quarter of admissions were followed by a 30-day unplanned readmission. Most readmissions were for primary diagnoses that were different from initial hospitalization. A small proportion of patients accounted for a disproportionate number of readmissions.

Nationwide Trends in Hospital Outcomes and Utilization After Lower Limb Revascularization in Patients on Hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the temporal trends and outcomes of endovascular and surgical revascularization in a large, nationally representative sample of patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis hospitalized for peripheral artery disease (PAD). BACKGROUND: PAD is prevalent among patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is a paucity of information on trends in endovascular and surgical revascularization and post-procedure outcomes in this population. METHODS: We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002 to 2012) to identify hemodialysis patients undergoing endovascular or surgical procedures for PAD using diagnostic and procedural codes. We compared trends in amputation, post-procedure complications, mortality, length of stay, and costs between the 2 groups using trend tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 77,049 endovascular and 29,556 surgical procedures for PAD in hemodialysis patients. Trend analysis showed that endovascular procedures increased by nearly 3-fold, whereas there was a reciprocal decrease in surgical revascularization. Post-procedure complication rates were relatively stable in persons undergoing endovascular procedures but nearly doubled in those undergoing surgery. Surgery was associated with 1.8 times adjusted odds (95% confidence interval: 1.60 to 2.02) for complications and 1.6 times the adjusted odds for amputations (95% confidence interval: 1.40 to 1.75) but had similar mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.05; 95% confidence interval: 0.85 to 1.29) compared with endovascular procedures. Length of stay for endovascular procedures remained stable, whereas a decrease was seen for surgical procedures. Overall costs increased marginally for both procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of endovascular procedures have increased, whereas those of surgeries have decreased. Surgical revascularization is associated with higher odds of overall complications. Further prospective studies and clinical trials are required to analyze the relationship between the severity of PAD and the revascularization strategy chosen.

Unplanned 30-Day Readmissions after Parathyroidectomy in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Nationwide Analysis.

Objective To examine rates of readmission after parathyroidectomy in patients with chronic kidney disease and determine primary etiologies, timing, and risk factors for these unplanned readmissions. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Nationwide Readmissions Database. Subjects and Methods The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for parathyroidectomy procedures performed in patients with chronic kidney disease between January 2013 and November 2013. Patient-, admission-, and hospital-level characteristics were compared for patients with and without at least 1 unplanned 30-day readmission. Outcomes of interest included rates, etiology, and timing of readmission. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of 30-day readmission. Results There were 2756 parathyroidectomies performed in patients with chronic kidney disease with an unplanned readmission rate of 17.2%. Hypocalcemia/hungry bone syndrome accounted for 40% of readmissions. Readmissions occurred uniformly throughout the 30 days after discharge, but readmissions for hypocalcemia/hungry bone syndrome peaked in the first 10 days and decreased over time. Weight loss/malnutrition at time of parathyroidectomy and length of stay of 5 to 6 days conferred increased risk of readmission with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 3.31 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-7.05; P = .002) and 1.87 (95% CI, 1.10-3.19; P = .02), respectively. Relative to primary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroidectomies performed for secondary hyperparathyroidism (aOR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.07-5.95; P = .03) were associated with higher risk of readmission. Conclusion Postparathyroidectomy readmission rates for patients with chronic kidney disease are nearly 5 times that of the general population. Careful consideration of postoperative care and electrolyte management is crucial to minimize preventable readmissions in this vulnerable population.

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients on SGLT2 Inhibitors: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are new medications that improve cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the Food and Drug Administration has issued alerts regarding increased acute kidney injury (AKI) risk with canagliflozin and dapagliflozin. We aimed to assess the real-world risk of AKI in new SGLT2 inhibitor users in two large health care utilization cohorts of patients with T2D. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We used longitudinal data from the Mount Sinai chronic kidney disease registry and the Geisinger Health System cohort. We selected SGLT inhibitor users and nonusers (patients with T2D without SGLT2 inhibitor prescription). We determined AKI by the KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) definition (AKIKDIGO). We performed 1:1 nearest-neighbor propensity matching and calculated unadjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and adjusted HRs (aHRs; accounting for covariates poorly balanced) for AKI in primary and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: We identified 377 SGLT2 inhibitor users and 377 nonusers in the Mount Sinai cohort, of whom 3.8 and 9.7%, respectively, had an AKIKDIGO event over a median follow-up time of 14 months. The unadjusted hazards of AKIKDIGO were 60% lower in users (HR 0.4 [95% CI 0.2-0.7]; P = 0.01), which was unchanged (aHR 0.4 [95% CI 0.2-0.7]; P = 0.004) postadjustment. Similarly, we identified 1,207 SGLT2 inhibitor users and 1,207 nonusers in the Geisinger cohort, of whom 2.2 and 4.6% had an AKIKDIGO event. AKIKDIGO unadjusted hazards were lower in users (HR 0.5 [95% CI 0.3-0.8]; P < 0.01) with modest attenuation postadjustment for covariates (aHR 0.6 [95% CI 0.4-1.1]; P = 0.09). These estimates did not qualitatively change across several sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not suggest an increased risk of AKI associated with SGLT2 inhibitor use in patients with T2D in two large health systems.

Reasons for admission and predictors of national 30-day readmission rates in patients with end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: The number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on peritoneal dialysis (PD) has increased by over 30% between 2007 and 2014. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid has identified readmissions in ESRD patients to be a quality measure; however, there is a paucity of studies examining readmissions in PD patients. METHODS: Utilizing the National Readmission Database for the year 2013, we aimed to determine reasons for admission, the associated rates of unplanned readmission and independent predictors of readmissions in PD patients. RESULTS: The top 10 reasons for initial hospitalization were implant/PD catheter complications (23.22%), hypertension (5.47%), septicemia (5.18%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (5.12%), complications of surgical procedures/medical care (3.50%), fluid and electrolyte disorders (4.29%), peritonitis (3.76%), congestive heart failure (3.25%), pneumonia (2.90%) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (2.01%). The overall 30-day readmission rate was 14.6%, with the highest rates for AMI (21.8%), complications of surgical procedure/medical care (19.6%) and DM (18.4%). Concordance among the top 10 reasons for index admission and readmission was 22.6% and varied by admission diagnosis. Independent predictors of readmissions included age 35-49 years compared with 18-34 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.68; P = 0.006], female gender (aOR 1.27; 95% CI 1.12-1.44; P < 0.001), and comorbidities including liver disease (aOR 1.39; 95% CI 1.07-1.81; P = 0.01), peripheral vascular disease (aOR 1.33; 95% CI 1.14-1.56; P < 0.001) and depression (aOR 1.22; 95% CI 1.00-1.48; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the most common reasons for admission and readmissions in PD patients and several comorbidities that are predictive of readmissions. Targeted interventions towards these patients may be of benefit in reducing readmission in this growing population.

Temporal trends of dialysis requiring acute kidney injury after orthotopic cardiac and liver transplant hospitalizations.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in prevalent non-renal solid organ transplant recipients is unknown. METHODS: We assessed the epidemiology of trends in acute kidney injury (AKI) in orthotopic cardiac and liver transplant recipients in the United States. We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to evaluate the yearly incidence trends (2002 to 2013) of the primary outcome, defined as AKI requiring dialysis (AKI-D) in hospitalizations after cardiac and liver transplantation. We also evaluated the trend and impact of AKI-D on hospital mortality and adverse discharge using adjusted odds ratios (aOR). RESULTS: The proportion of hospitalizations with AKI (9.7 to 32.7% in cardiac and 8.5 to 28.1% in liver transplant hospitalizations; ptrend<0.01) and AKI-D (1.63 to 2.33% in cardiac and 1.32 to 2.65% in liver transplant hospitalizations; ptrend<0.01) increased from 2002-2013. This increase in AKI-D was explained by changes in race and increase in age and comorbidity burden of transplant hospitalizations. AKI-D was associated with increased odds of in hospital mortality (aOR 2.85; 95% CI 2.11-3.80 in cardiac and aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.55-2.59 in liver transplant hospitalizations) and adverse discharge [discharge other than home] (aOR 1.97; 95% CI 1.53-2.55 in cardiac and 1.91; 95% CI 1.57-2.30 in liver transplant hospitalizations). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the growing burden of AKI-D in non-renal solid organ transplant recipients and its devastating impact, and emphasizes the need to develop strategies to reduce the risk of AKI to improve health outcomes.

Representation and reporting of kidney disease in cerebrovascular disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Patients with kidney disease (KD) are at increased risk for cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and CVD patients with KD have worse outcomes. We aimed to determine the representation of KD patients in major randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CVD interventions. We searched MEDLINE for reports of major CVD trials published through February 9, 2017. We excluded trials that did not report mortality outcomes, enrolled fewer than 100 participants, or were subgroup, follow-up, or post-hoc analyses. Two independent reviewers performed study selection and data extraction. We included 135 RCTs randomizing 194,977 participants. KD patients were excluded in 48 (35.6%) trials, but were less likely to be excluded from trials of class I/II recommended interventions (n = 7; 15.9%; p = 0.001) and more likely to be excluded in trials with registered protocols (45.5% vs. 22.4%; p = 0.007). Exclusion was lower in trials supported by academic or governmental grants compared to industry or combined funding (21.2% vs. 42.0% and 47.8%; p = 0.033 and 0.028, respectively). Among trials excluding KD patients, 24 (50.0%) used serum creatinine, 7 (14.6%) used estimated glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance, 7 (14.6%) used renal replacement therapy, and 19 (39.6%) used non-specific kidney-related criteria. Only 4 (3.0%) trials reported baseline renal function. No trials prespecified or reported subgroup analyses by baseline renal function. Although 19 (14.1%) trials reported the incidence of acute kidney injury, no trial examined adverse event rates according to renal function. In summary, more than one third of major CVD trials excluded patients with KD, primarily based on serum creatinine or non-specific criteria, and outcomes were not stratified by renal parameters. Therefore, purposeful efforts to increase inclusion of KD patients in CVD trials and evaluate the impact of renal function on efficacy and safety are needed to improve the quality of evidence for interventions in this vulnerable population.

Predictors of Hospital Readmissions for Ulcerative Colitis in the United States: A National Database Study.

BACKGROUND: Early readmissions are important indicators of quality of care. Limited data exist describing hospital readmissions in ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to describe unplanned, 30-day readmissions among adult UC patients and to assess readmission predictors. METHODS: We analyzed the 2013 United States National Readmission Database and identified UC admissions using administrative codes in patients from 18 to 80 years of age. Our primary outcome was a 30-day, unplanned readmission rate. We used chi-square tests, t tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for descriptive analyses and survey logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations with readmissions adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Among 26,094 hospitalizations with a primary UC diagnosis, there were 2757 (10.6%) 30-day, unplanned readmissions. The most common readmission diagnoses were reasons related to UC (58%), complications of surgical procedures/medical care (5.5%), Clostridium difficile (4.8%), and septicemia (4.3%). In multivariable analysis, length of stay ≥7 days (aOR 1.54, 95% CI, 1.24-1.90), not having an endoscopy (aOR 1.20, 95% CI, 1.04-1.38), and depression (aOR 1.40, 95% CI, 1.16-1.66) were significantly associated with readmission. 58.2% of readmissions had at least one of these factors. Patients were also less likely to be admitted if they were women or had self-pay payer status. Having a colectomy did not significantly increase readmissions (aOR 1.14, 95% CI, 0.86-1.52). CONCLUSIONS: On a national level, 1 in 10 hospitalizations for UC was followed by an unplanned readmission within 30 days. Not having an endoscopy on the index hospitalization and depression were independently associated with readmissions. Further studies should examine if strategies that address these predictors can decrease readmissions.

The Effect of Depression in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients on Inpatient Hospitalization Outcomes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Depression is common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD). Although, depression is associated with mortality, the effect of depression on in-hospital outcomes has not been studied as yet. METHODS: We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample for trends and outcomes of hospitalizations with depression in patients with ESRD. RESULTS: The proportion of ESRD hospitalizations with depression doubled from 2005 to 2013 (5.01-11.78%). Hospitalized patients on HD with depression were younger (60.47 vs. 62.70 years, p < 0.0001), female (56.93 vs. 47.81%, p < 0.0001), white (44.92 vs. 34.01%, p < 0.0001), and had higher proportion of comorbidities. However, there was a statistically significant lower risk of mortality in HD patients within the top 5 reasons for admissions. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences in demographics and comorbidities for hospitalized HD patients with depression. Depression was associated with an increased rate of adverse effects in discharged patients, and decreased in-hospital mortality.

National Trends and Impact of Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Hemodialysis in Hospitalizations With Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cause for hospitalization, but there are limited data regarding acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (AKI-D) in AF hospitalizations. We aimed to assess temporal trends and outcomes in AF hospitalizations complicated by AKI-D utilizing a nationally representative database. METHODS AND RESULTS: Utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, AF hospitalizations and AKI-D were identified using diagnostic and procedure codes. Trends were analyzed overall and within subgroups and utilized multivariable logistic regression to generate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for predictors and outcomes including mortality and adverse discharge. Between 2003 and 2012, 3751 (0.11%) of 3 497 677 AF hospitalizations were complicated by AKI-D. The trend increased from 0.3/1000 hospitalizations in 2003 to 1.5/1000 hospitalizations in 2012, with higher increases in males and black patients. Temporal changes in demographics and comorbidities explained a substantial proportion but not the entire trend. Significant comorbidities associated with AKI-D included mechanical ventilation (aOR 13.12; 95% CI 9.88-17.43); sepsis (aOR 8.20; 95% CI 6.00-11.20); and liver failure (aOR 3.72; 95% CI 2.92-4.75). AKI-D was associated with higher risk of in-hospital mortality (aOR 3.54; 95% CI 2.81-4.47) and adverse discharge (aOR 4.01; 95% CI 3.12-5.17). Although percentage mortality within AKI-D decreased over the decade, attributable risk percentage mortality remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: AF hospitalizations complicated by AKI-D have quintupled over the last decade with differential increase by demographic groups. AKI-D is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Without effective AKI-D therapies, focus should be on early risk stratification and prevention to avoid this devastating complication.