The Association Between Major Depressive Disorder and Outcomes in Older Veterans Hospitalized With Pneumonia

Background

Major depressive disorder (“depression”) has been identified as an independent risk factor for mortality for many comorbid conditions, including heart failure, cancer and stroke. Major depressive disorder has also been linked to immune suppression by generating a chronic inflammatory state. However, the association between major depression and pneumonia has not been examined. The aim of this study was to examine the association between depression and outcomes, including mortality and intensive care unit admission, in Veterans hospitalized with pneumonia.

Depression and Clinical Outcomes in Heart Failure: An OPTIMIZE-HF Analysis

Background

Depression is a risk factor of excessive morbidity and mortality in heart failure. We examined in-hospital treatment and postdischarge outcomes in hospitalized heart failure patients with a documented history of depression from the Organized Program to Initiate Lifesaving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure.

Methods

We identified patient factors associated with depression history and evaluated the association of depression with hospital treatments and mortality, and early postdischarge mortality, emergency care, and rehospitalization.

Results

In 48,612 patients from 259 hospitals, depression history was present in 10.6% and occurred more often in females, whites, and those with common heart failure comorbidities, including chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (36% vs 27%), anemia (27% vs 16.5%), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (20% vs 16%), and hyperlipidemia (38% vs 31%), all P <.001. Patients with depression history were less likely to receive coronary interventions and cardiac devices, all P <.01; or be referred to outpatient disease management programs, P <.001. Length of hospital stay was longer with depression history (7.0 vs 6.4 days, P <.001). In 5791 patients followed-up at 60-90 days postdischarge, those with depression history had higher mortality (8.8% vs 6.4%; P = .025). After multivariable modeling, depression history remained a predictor of length of hospital stay, P <.001 and postdischarge mortality, P = .02.

Conclusions

Depression history at heart failure hospitalization may be a predictor of prolonged length of hospital stay, less use of cardiac procedures and postdischarge disease management, and increased 60-90 day mortality. Patients with depression might represent a vulnerable group in which improved use of evidence-based treatment should be considered.     

Positive CAGE Screen Correlates with Cirrhosis in Veterans with Chronic Hepatitis C

The current study examines the relationship between problem alcohol use and severity of liver disease by self-administered questionnaires using both the CAGE questionnaire and beverage-specific quantity-frequency questions. The cohort consisted of 38 patients with cirrhosis (10 with decompensated liver disease) and 62 with mild fibrosis (stage 0–1), of comparable mean age and estimated duration of infection. Although mean alcohol consumption was similar in both groups, a positive CAGE screen (defined as two or more affirmative answers) was significantly more common among cirrhotics (OR = 5.24; 95% CI, 1.78–15.39) and tended to be associated with decompensated liver disease (OR = 13.3; 95% CI, 0.67–256) among cirrhotics. In multivariate analysis, only inflammatory grade on liver biopsy (OR = 67.7; 95% CI, 10.6–431) and positive CAGE score (OR = 8.09; 95% CI, 1.15–57.1) were independent predictors of cirrhosis. These findings suggest that the CAGE questionnaire predicts advanced liver disease better than daily or lifetime drinking measures.     

Co-morbidities and 90-day Outcomes in Hospitalized COPD Exacerbations

COPD exacerbations resulting in hospitalization are accompanied by high mortality and morbidity. The contribution of specific co-morbidities to acute outcomes is not known in detail: existing studies have used either administrative data or small clinical cohorts and have provided conflicting results. Identification of co-existent diseases that affect outcomes provides opportunities to address these conditions proactively and improve overall COPD care. Cases were identified prospectively on admission then underwent retrospective case note audit to collect data including co-morbidities on up to 60 unselected consecutive acute COPD admissions between March and May in each hospital participating in the 2008 UK National COPD audit. Outcomes recorded were death in hospital, length of stay, and death and readmission at 90 days after index admission. 232 hospitals collected data on 9716 patients, mean age 73, 50% male, mean FEV₁ 42% predicted. Prevalence of co-morbidities were associated with increased age but better FEV₁ and ex-smoker status and with worse outcomes for all four measures. Hospital mortality risk was increased with cor pulmonale, left ventricular failure, neurological conditions and non-respiratory malignancies whilst 90 day death was also increased by lung cancer and arrhythmias. Ischaemic and other heart diseases were important factors in readmission. This study demonstrates that co-morbidities adversely affect a range of short-term patient outcomes related to acute admission to hospital with exacerbations of COPD. Recognition of relevant accompanying diseases at admission provides an opportunity for specific interventions that may improve short-term prognosis.     

Opiate Prescribing in Hospitalized Older Adults: Patterns and Outcomes

Background/Objectives

Whereas opiate prescribing patterns have been well described in outpatient and emergency department settings, they have been less defined in hospitalized older adults. The objective was to describe patterns of opiate prescribing and associated outcomes in hospitalized older adults.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care facility.

Participants

Hospitalized medical patients aged 65 and older (N = 9,245; mean age 80.3, 55.2% female, 72.3% white, 90.8% non‐Hispanic).

Measurements

Opiate exposure and duration of action, concurrent use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), adverse events, discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), and 30‐day readmissions.

Results

There was no difference in sex, race, ethnicity, or Charlson Comorbidity Index between opiate exposure groups. Participants who had never received opiates had a significantly shorter mean LOS than prior and new opiate users (5.2, 6.8, 7.7 days; P < .001) and were more likely to be discharged home (88.6%, 82.8%, 82.5%; P < .001) and significantly less likely to be readmitted within 30‐days (19.6%, 25.0%, 22.3%; P < .001). Participant who had never been exposed to opiates had a significantly shorter mean LOS than those receiving short‐ and long‐acting opiates (5.2, 7.3, 8.6 days; P < .001) and were more likely to be discharged home (88.6%, 82.6%, 82.4%; P < .001) and significantly less likely to be readmitted within 30‐days (19.6%, 27.7%, 28.9%; P < .001).

Conclusion

Opiate use is widespread during hospitalization and is associated with significant negative clinical outcomes and quality metrics. There is an urgent need to develop innovative pain management alternatives to opiate use.     

Delayed Increases in Liver Cirrhosis Mortality and Frequency of Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis Following an Increment and Redistribution of Alcohol Consumption in Finland: Evidence from Mortality Statistics and Autopsy Survey Covering 8533 Cases in 1968–1988

Changes in the legal restrictions for alcohol consumption in 1969 liberated purchasing and marketing of low-alcohol beer. Subsequently, within the space of 5 years, the per capita consumption of absolute alcohol increased from 4.2 to 6.5 liters. To evaluate the possible effects of this change upon liver cirrhosis mortality as well as prevalence of liver cirrhosis in autopsy series, we surveyed mortality statistics and data from 8,533 medicolegal autopsies in 1968 through 1988. Liver cirrhosis mortality statistics revealed a highly significant (p less than 0.001) increase from 6.4 to 13.7 per 100,000 during the period, and similarly, the prevalence of liver cirrhosis in the autopsy series showed a highly significant (p less than 0.001) increase from 3.0% to 6.1%. More specifically, this increase was attributable to a highly significantly (Chi-square 15.4, p less than 0.001) increased proportion of alcoholic liver cirrhosis occurring at a younger age and almost exclusively in males. The stepwise mode of increase as well as the changes in sex and age distribution of cirrhosis since 1969 could be interpreted as an effect of distribution of consumption to a new generation of consumers. The forensic autopsy series seemed to reflect changes in per capita consumption with a shorter time lag than with mortality statistics. Additionally, only 7% of the 448 cirrhotics singled out from this material exhibited liver cirrhosis as a cause of death and were thus also included in the official mortality statistics, suggesting the greater accuracy of our forensic autopsy series.     

Disability and Treatment Outcomes for Anxiety and Depression in Older Veterans

The present study examined the impact of disability on mental health outcomes in older Veterans referred to an interdisciplinary geriatric mental health team for assessment and treatment of anxiety or depression or both. Thirty-five Veterans (age, M = 81.2 years, SD = 7.4) completed one or more psychotherapy sessions and pre- and post-treatment assessments of anxiety, depression, and disability. Pre-treatment disability did not predict anxiety or depression treatment response in hierarchical linear regression models. However, change in disability predicted both anxiety and depression treatment response. Specifically, decreased disability was associated with decreased anxiety and depression symptoms at post-treatment. Anxiety and depression treatment response also predicted change in disability such that decreased anxiety and depression symptoms were associated with less disability at post-treatment. The present study provides preliminary evidence that change in disability during treatment may have an effect on, and may also be a function of, treatment outcomes in older Veterans.     

Risk Factors for Aspiration in Community-acquired Pneumonia: Analysis of a Hospitalized UK Cohort

Background

There is a move toward finding clinically useful “phenotypes” in community-acquired pneumonia: groups of patients displaying distinct clinical characteristics, microbiology, and prognosis. Aspiration pneumonia is an intuitive clinical phenotype; however, to date there are no recognized diagnostic criteria, and data regarding outcomes in suspected aspiration are limited.

Methods

An observational study of 1348 patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia in the United Kingdom examined both short- and long-term outcomes for patients at risk of aspiration pneumonia. Patients were defined as “at risk” in the presence of chronic neurologic disorders, esophageal disorders and dysphagia, impaired conscious level, vomiting, or witnessed aspiration. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included 1-year mortality, readmissions, and recurrent pneumonia within 1 year.

Results

Some 13.8% of the cohort were classified as “at risk of aspiration.” These patients were older (median age, 74 years [interquartile range, 60-84] vs 66 years [interquartile range, 49-77]; P < .0001) and more likely to have comorbidities (chronic liver disease 11.3% vs 3.7%, P < .0001; congestive heart failure 28% vs 17.1%, P = .0004; and stroke 26.9% vs 9.5%, P < .0001). Patients at risk of aspiration pneumonia had a poorer short-term outcome (30-day mortality 17.2% vs 7.7%, P < .0001), but after adjusting for their greater severity of illness and comorbidities this difference was not significant (odds ratio 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-1.76; P = .8). However, patients with aspiration risk factors were at greater risk of poor long-term outcomes with increased 1-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.73; 95% CI, 1.15-2.58), increased risk of rehospitalization (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.21-1.91), and a strong association with recurrent admissions with pneumonia (HR, 3.13; 95% CI, 2.05-4.78) after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions

Using risk factors to identify patients at risk of aspiration pneumonia identifies a distinct clinically useful phenotype of patients with greater severity of disease and poorer long-term outcomes.     

Assisted Early Mobility for Hospitalized Older Veterans: Preliminary Data from the STRIDE Program

An important contributor to hospital‐associated disability is immobility during hospitalization. Preliminary results from STRIDE, a clinical demonstration program of supervised walking for older adults admitted to the hospital with medical illness, are reported. The STRIDE program consisted of a targeted gait and balance assessment by a physical therapist, followed by daily walks supervised by a recreation therapy assistant for the duration of the hospital stay. To examine program effectiveness, STRIDE participants (n = 92) were compared with individuals referred but not enrolled (because of refusal or because program was at capacity, n = 35). Median length of stay was 4.7 days for STRIDE participants and 5.7 days for individuals receiving usual care (P = .31). There was one inpatient fall in each group (not associated with a STRIDE walk). Overall, 92% of STRIDE participants were discharged to home (rather than a skilled nursing facility (SNF)) compared to 74% of individuals receiving usual care (P = .007). Thirty‐day emergency department visit rates and readmission rates were not significantly different between the two groups. STRIDE, a supervised walking program for hospitalized older adults, was feasible and safe, and program participants were less likely to be discharged to a SNF than a demographically similar comparison group. STRIDE is a promising interdisciplinary approach to promoting mobility and improving outcomes in hospitalized older adults.     

Effect of zinc treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Zinc is an essential trace element integral to many cellular and immune functions. Zinc deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with cirrhosis and related to disease severity.AIM To evaluate whether zinc supplementation improves clinical outcomes(disease severity and mortality) in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS This prospectively registered systematic review(PROSPERO reference: CRD42018118219) included all studies in Medline, Embase or Cochrane database with inclusion criteria of adult human studies, comparing zinc supplementation of at least 28 d with standard care or placebo in patients with cirrhosis. Mortality and clinical severity score data were extracted. Random effects meta-analyses compared mortality at 6 mo and 2 years. Risk of bias was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool.RESULTS Seven hundred and twelve articles were identified of which four were eligible. Zinc formulations and doses varied(elemental zinc 3.4-214 mg daily) for different intervention periods in patients with differing etiology and severity of cirrhosis. Two studies were considered to be at high risk of bias. There was no significant difference in 6-mo mortality between patients treated with zinc versus controls [risk ratio 0.98(0.90-1.05)]. Changes in severity scores were not reported in any study.CONCLUSION Zinc supplementation is not associated with reduced mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Findings are limited by the small number of eligible studies and significant heterogeneity in intervention and patient population.     

Impact of Race and Socioeconomic Status on Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19

BackgroundThe impact of race and socioeconomic status on clinical outcomes has not been quantified in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between patient sociodemographics and neighborhood disadvantage with frequencies of death, invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingFour hospitals in an integrated health system serving southeast Michigan.ParticipantsAdult patients admitted to the hospital with a COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction.Main MeasuresPatient sociodemographics, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes were collected. Neighborhood socioeconomic variables were obtained at the census tract level from the 2018 American Community Survey. Relationships between neighborhood median income and clinical outcomes were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models, controlling for patient age, sex, race, Charlson Comorbidity Index, obesity, smoking status, and living environment.Key ResultsBlack patients lived in significantly poorer neighborhoods than White patients (median income: $34,758 (24,531–56,095) vs. $63,317 (49,850–85,776), p < 0.001) and were more likely to have Medicaid insurance (19.4% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.001). Patients from neighborhoods with lower median income were significantly more likely to require IMV (lowest quartile: 25.4%, highest quartile: 16.0%, p < 0.001) and ICU admission (35.2%, 19.9%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, race, and comorbidities, higher neighborhood income ($10,000 increase) remained a significant negative predictor for IMV (OR: 0.95 (95% CI 0.91, 0.99), p = 0.02) and ICU admission (OR: 0.92 (95% CI 0.89, 0.96), p < 0.001).ConclusionsNeighborhood disadvantage, which is closely associated with race, is a predictor of poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19. Measures of neighborhood disadvantage should be used to inform policies that aim to reduce COVID-19 disparities in the Black community.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11606-020-06527-1.KEY WORDS: COVID-19, disparities, disadvantage, socioeconomic status, race     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病对重症监护病房患者合并呼吸机相关性肺炎病死率的影响

目的 研究慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)对重症监护病房(ICU)患者合并呼吸机相关性肺炎(VAP)病死率的影响.方法 本前瞻性研究是在我院急诊重症监护病房用一年半年时间完成的.患者选择标准为接受机械通气超过48 h并且经过微生物学标准证实罹患VAP.ICU病死率的危险因子通过单变量和多变量分析决定.结果 90例经微生物学证实的VAP患者纳入了研究.84％的VAP患者属于迟发.39％的VAP患者痰液中分离出了铜绿假单胞菌.结果显示,没有合并COPD的患者(n=63)病死率显著低于合并COPD的患者(n=27)[42.9％ vs 59.3％,P=0.038,OR(95％ CI)=1.67(1.04～6.85)].没有合并COPD的患者接受机械通气天数和ICU入住天数的中位数分别是24(16-41)d和31(17 46)d,合并COPD的患者对应是30(18-43)d和37(21-50) d(P＞0.05),没有合并COPD的患者和合并COPD患者(GOLDⅣ期)机械通气时间和ICU入住时间有显著性差异(P值分别为0.001,0.002).多变量分析显示:在VAP[3.70(1.86-7.34)]患者中,COPD[OR (95％ CI)2.52(1.34～5.1 2)]是ICU病死率的独立危险因子.结论 COPD与ICU中VAP患者病死率相关.     

纤溶活化指标变化对肝硬化患者的影响

为观察肝硬化患者外周血纤溶功能变化。分别用发色底物法、酶联免疫吸附法测定６８例肝硬化,３７例下沉人外周血的组织型纤溶酶原激活物活性（ｔ－ＰＡ：Ａ）及其抗原（ｔ－ＰＡ：Ａｇ）,纤溶酶原激活物抑制物活性（ＰＡＩ－Ａ）及Ｄ－二聚体。结果显示：肝硬化患者纤溶指标ｔ－ＰＡ：Ａ、ｔ－ＰＡ：Ａｇ及Ｄ－二聚体显著高于正常人,失代偿者明显高于代偿者。而ＰＡＩ－Ａ变化与其相反。提示：Ｅ直硬化患者在存在不同程度的纤溶笥     

The Impact of Obesity on Early Postoperative Outcomes in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Background. As the prevalence of obesity continues to increase, it now includes the growing number of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). This particular obese patient population may pose additional intraoperative as well as postoperative challenges that may contribute to poor outcomes. Our aims were to determine the influence of obesity on morbidity and mortality in adults with CHD undergoing surgical repair at a free standing children's hospital. Methods. A retrospective analysis of adult (≥18 years) CHD surgery cases from 2002 to 2008 was performed. Congenital heart lesions were defined as mild, moderate, or complex. Patients were categorized by body mass index (BMI): underweight (BMI < 20 kg/m²), normal (BMI 20–24.9 kg/m²), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m²), and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²). Demographics, incidence of mortality, or specific morbidities were statistically compared using Fisher's exact test and analyses of variance (anova s). Results. In this population (n = 165), overweight (29%) and obese (22%) patients were prevalent. Hypertension (HTN) and pre‐HTN were more prevalent in obese and overweight patients. Postoperative renal dysfunction was observed in obese patients with complex CHD (P= .04). Mortality was not different among groups. Conclusions. Obesity is becoming increasingly common among adults with CHD. Despite marginal evidence of postoperative renal complications in obese patients with CHD of severe complexity, the overall presence of obesity did not influence mortality or short term postoperative morbidities.