Reduced racial disparities among newborns with intraventricular hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) can ensue permanent neurologic dysfunction, morbidity, and mortality. While previous reports have identified disparities based on patient gender or weight, no prior study has assessed how race may influence in neonatal or infantile IVH patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of race on adverse event (AE) rates, length of stay (LOS), and total cost of admission among newborns with IVH.

METHODS

Using the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample database, newborns diagnosed with IVH were identified using ICD-10-CM codes. Patients were stratified based on race. Patient characteristics and inpatient outcomes were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the impact of race on extended LOS and exorbitant cost.

RESULTS

Of 1435 patients, 650 were White (45.3%), 270 African American (AA) (18.8%), 300 Hispanic (20.9%), and 215 Other (15.0%). A higher percentage of AA and Other patients than Hispanic and White patients were < 28 days old (p = 0.008). Each of the cohorts had largely similar presenting comorbidities and symptoms, although AA patients did have significantly higher rates of NEC (p < 0.001). There were no observed differences in rates of AEs, rates of mortality, mean LOS, or mean total cost of admission. Similarly, on multivariate analysis, no race was identified as a significant independent predictor of extended LOS or exorbitant cost.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that in newborns with IVH, race is not associated with proxies of poor healthcare outcomes like prolonged LOS or excessive cost. Further studies are needed to validate these findings.

Impact of a quality improvement initiative and monthly multidisciplinary meetings on outcomes after posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

INTRODUCTION

Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) undergoing posterior spinal instrumented fusion (PSIF). However, there are relatively few studies investigating the effect of regular multidisciplinary team meetings on level selection, surgical performance parameters, and patient outcomes after PSIF for AIS. The aim of this study was to assess changes in intra- and postoperative outcomes following multidisciplinary team meeting implementation for patients undergoing PSIF for AIS.

METHODS

The medical records of 96 adolescents (10 to 18 years old) diagnosed with AIS and undergoing PSIF at a major academic institution from 2017 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. A quality improvement (QI) initiative was implemented in February 2020, including institution of monthly multidisciplinary conferences focusing on preoperative indications, level selection, postoperative review of surgical performance parameters for previous cases, and discussion and optimization of postoperative ambulation and pain control protocols. Patients were placed into "Pre-QI" (treated pre-February 2020) and "Post-QI" (treated post-February 2020) cohorts. Patient demographics, comorbidities, deformity characteristics, intraoperative variables, ambulation status, postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and unplanned readmission rates were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 96 study patients, 44 (45.8%) were in the Pre-QI cohort, and 52 (54.2%) were in the Post-QI cohort. Mean major curve was not significantly different between the two cohorts (Pre-QI: 58.0 ± 7.3° vs Post-QI: 57.9 ± 14.5°, p = 0.169). The Pre-QI cohort had a greater mean minor curve degree (Pre-QI: 42.7 ± 11.8° vs Post-QI: 36.8 ± 12.4, p = 0.008). The Pre-QI cohort had significantly greater mean spinal levels fused (Pre-QI: 11.7 ± 1.7 vs Post-QI: 10.4 ± 2.6, p = 0.009), significantly greater mean estimated blood loss (Pre-QI: 1063.6 ± 631.5 ml vs. Post-QI: 415.8 ± 189.9 ml, p < 0.001), significantly greater mean operative time normalized to levels fused (Pre-QI: 0.6 ± 0.1 h/level fused vs Post-QI: 0.4 ± 0.1 h/level fused, p < 0.001), and a significantly greater proportion of patients with intraoperative drain placement (Pre-QI: 93.2% vs Post-QI: 5.8%, p < 0.001). The Post-QI cohort had significantly shorter time to postoperative ambulation (Pre-QI: 2.1 ± 0.9 days vs Post-QI: 1.3 ± 0.5 days, p < 0.001). A significantly greater proportion of patients in the Pre-QI cohort developed any postoperative complication (Pre-QI: 72.7% vs Post-QI: 34.6%, p < 0.001), and mean LOS was significantly greater among Pre-QI patients (Pre-QI: 4.5 ± 1.1 days vs Post-QI: 3.2 ± 0.8 days, p < 0.001). Discharge disposition (p = 0.758) and 30-day unplanned readmissions (p = 0.207) were similar between the cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that monthly multidisciplinary pediatric spine team meetings may improve patient care. Further studies exploring the incorporation of QI implementation with frequent multidisciplinary team meetings into existing ERAS protocols are merited.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities Among Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion or Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A National Administrative Database Analysis

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of racial disparities on surgical outcomes for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

METHODS

Adult patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF) for CSM were identified from the 2016 to 019 National Inpatient Sample Database using the International Classification of Diseases codes. Patients were categorized based on approach (ACDF or PCDF) and race/ethnicity (White, Black, Hispanic). Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, adverse events, and health care resource utilization were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of extended length of stay (LOS), nonroutine discharge (NRD), and exorbitant costs.

RESULTS

A total of 46,500 patients were identified, of which 36,015 (77.5%) were White, 7465 (16.0%) were Black, and 3020 (6.5%) were Hispanic. Black and Hispanic patients had a greater comorbidity burden compared to White patients (P = 0.001) and a greater incidence of any postoperative complication (P = 0.001). Healthcare resource utilization were greater in the PCDF cohort than the ACDF cohort and greater in Black and Hispanic patients compared to White patients (P < 0.001). Black and Hispanic patient race were significantly associated with extended hospital LOS ([Black] odds ratio [OR]: 2.24, P < 0.001; [Hispanic] OR: 1.64, P < 0.001) and NRD ([Black] OR: 2.33, P < 0.001; [Hispanic] OR: 1.49, P = 0.016). Among patients who underwent PCDF, Black race was independently associated with extended hospital LOS ([Black] OR: 1.77, P < 0.001; [Hispanic] OR: 1.47, P = 0.167) and NRD ([Black] OR: 1.82, P < 0.001; [Hispanic] OR: 1.38, P = 0.052).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that patient race may influence patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization following ACDF or PCDF for CSM.

Influence of affective disorders on outcomes after suboccipital decompression for adult Chiari I malformation

INTRODUCTION

Affective disorders (AD) have been shown to influence patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization across several pathologies, though this relationship has not been described in patients with Chiari I malformations (CM-I). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of comorbid AD on postoperative events and healthcare resource utilization in adults following suboccipital decompression for CM-I.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed using the 2016-2019 National Inpatient Sample database. Adults who underwent suboccipital decompression for CM-I were identified using ICD-10-CM codes. Patients were stratified into two cohorts, those with AD and those without (No AD). Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, perioperative adverse events (AEs), and healthcare resource utilization were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of prolonged length of stay (LOS), exorbitant admission costs, and non-routine discharge (NRD).

RESULTS

A total of 3985 patients were identified, of which 2780 (69.8%) were in the No AD cohort and 1205 (30.2%) were in the AD cohort. Patient demographics were similar, except for a greater proportion of Female patients than the No AD cohort (p = 0.004). Prevalence of some comorbidities varied between cohorts, including obesity (p = 0.030), ADHD (p < 0.001), GERD (p < 0.001), smoking (p < 0.001), and chronic pulmonary disease (p < 0.001). The AD cohort had a greater proportion of patients with 1-2 (p < 0.001) or ≥ 3 comorbidities (p < 0.001) compared to the No AD cohort. A greater proportion of patients in the AD cohort presented with headache compared to the No AD cohort (p = 0.003). Incidence of syringomyelia was greater in the No AD cohort (p = 0.002). A greater proportion of patients in the No AD cohort underwent duraplasty only (without cervical laminectomy) compared to the AD cohort (p = 0.021). Healthcare resource utilization was similar between cohorts, with no significant differences in mean LOS (No AD: 3.78 ± 3.51 days vs. 3.68 ± 2.71 days, p = 0.659), NRD (No AD: 3.8% vs. AD: 5.4%, p = 0.260), or mean admission costs (No AD: $20,254 ± 14,023 vs. AD: $29,897 ± 22,586, p = 0.284). On multivariate analysis, AD was not independently associated with extended LOS [OR (95%CI): 1.09 (0.72-1.65), p = 0.669], increased hospital costs [OR (95%CI): 0.98 (0.63-1.52), p = 0.930], or NRD [OR (95%CI): 1.39 (0.65-2.96), p = 0.302].

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the presence of an AD may not have as much of an impact on postoperative events and healthcare resource utilization in adult patients undergoing Chiari decompression. Additional studies may be warranted to identify other potential implications that AD may have in other aspects of healthcare in this patient population.

Racial disparities in the management and outcomes of primary osseous neoplasms of the spine: a SEER analysis

PURPOSE

Primary osseous neoplasms of the spine, including Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and chordoma, are rare tumors with significant morbidity and mortality. The present study aims to identify the prevalence and impact of racial disparities on management and outcomes of patients with these malignancies.

METHODS

The 2000 to 2020 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Registry, a cancer registry, was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, or chordoma of the vertebral column or sacrum/pelvis. Study patients were divided into race-based cohorts: White, Black, Hispanic, and Other. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment variables, and mortality were assessed.

RESULTS

2,415 patients were identified, of which 69.8% were White, 5.8% Black, 16.1% Hispanic, and 8.4% classified as "Other". Tumor type varied significantly between cohorts, with osteosarcoma affecting a greater proportion of Black patients compared to the others (p < 0.001). A lower proportion of Black and Other race patients received surgery compared to White and Hispanic patients (p < 0.001). Utilization of chemotherapy was highest in the Hispanic cohort (p < 0.001), though use of radiotherapy was similar across cohorts (p = 0.123). Five-year survival (p < 0.001) and median survival were greatest in White patients (p < 0.001). Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanic (p < 0.001) and "Other" patients (p < 0.001) were associated with reduced survival.

CONCLUSION

Race may be associated with tumor characteristics at diagnosis (including subtype, size, and site), treatment utilization, and mortality, with non-White patients having lower survival compared to White patients. Further studies are necessary to identify underlying causes of these disparities and solutions for eliminating them.

Associated Risk Factors for Extended Length of Stay Following Cranial Vault Remodeling for Craniosynostosis: Analysis of the 2012 to 2021 NSQIP-Pediatric Database

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with extended length of stay (LOS) for pediatric patients with craniosynostosis undergoing cranial vault remodeling (CVR).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2012 to 2021 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database. Pediatric patients below 2 years old with craniosynostosis who underwent CVR were identified using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases-9/10 codes. Patients were dichotomized according to whether they encountered an extended postoperative hospital LOS, which was defined as LOS greater than the 75th percentile for the entire cohort (4 days). Patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative variables, postoperative adverse events, and health care resource utilization were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify predictors of prolonged LOS.

RESULTS

In our cohort of 9784 patients, 1312 (13.4%) experienced an extended LOS. The extended LOS cohort was significantly older than the normal LOS cohort (normal LOS: 225.1±141.8 d vs. extended LOS: 314.4±151.7 d, P<0.001) and had a smaller proportion of non-Hispanic white patients (normal LOS: 70.0% vs. extended LOS: 61.2%, P<0.001). Overall, comorbidities and adverse events were significantly higher in the extended LOS cohort than the normal LOS cohort. On multivariate logistic regression, independent associations of extended LOS included age, race and ethnicity, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, impaired cognitive status, structural pulmonary abnormalities, asthma, and neuromuscular disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that age, race, comorbidities, and perioperative complications contribute to extended LOS after CVR for craniosynostosis. Further investigations to further elucidate the risk factors of extended LOS is warranted to optimize patient outcomes.

Effects of delayed ambulation following posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a single institutional study

OBJECTIVE

Mobilizing out of bed and ambulation are key components of recovery following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, there remains a paucity of studies identifying risk factors associated with delayed ambulation and its impact on postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate patient- and surgical-level risk factors associated with delayed ambulation and the ramifications of delayed ambulation on healthcare utilization for patients undergoing PSF for AIS.

METHODS

The medical records of 129 adolescent (10-18 years) patients diagnosed with AIS undergoing posterior spinal fusion at a major academic institution between 2013 and 2020 were reviewed. Patients were categorized based on days from surgery to ambulation: early (≤ 1 day), intermediate (2 days), or late (≥ 3 days). Patient demographics, comorbidities, spinal deformity characteristics, intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, LOS, and unplanned readmissions were assessed. The odds ratios for risk-adjusted delayed ambulation and extended LOS were determined via multivariate stepwise logistic regressions.

RESULTS

One Hundred and Twenty Nine patients were included in this study, of which 10.8% (n = 14) were classified as Early ambulators, 41.9% (n = 54) Intermediate ambulators, and 47.3% (n = 61) were Late ambulators. Late ambulators were significantly younger than early and intermediate ambulators (Early: 15.7 ± 1.9 years vs. Intermediate: 14.8 ± 1.7 years vs. Late: 14.1 ± 1.9 years, p = 0.010). The primary and secondary spinal curves were significantly worse among Late ambulators (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002 respectively). Fusion levels (p < 0.01), EBL (p = 0.014), and the rate of RBC transfusions (p < 0.001) increased as time to ambulation increased. Transition time from IV to oral pain medications (Early: 1.6 ± 0.8 days vs. Intermediate: 2.2 ± 0.6 days vs. Late: 2.4 ± 0.6 days, p < 0.001) and total hospital length of stay (Early: 3.9 ± 1.4 days vs. Intermediate: 4.7 ± 0.9 days vs. Late: 5.1 ± 1.2 days, p < 0.001) were longer in Late ambulators. On multivariate analysis, significant predictors of delayed ambulation included primary curve degree ≥ 70° [aOR: 5.67 (1.29‒31.97), p = 0.030] and procedure time [aOR: 1.66 (1.1‒2.59), p = 0.019].

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that there may be patient- and surgical-level factors that are independently associated with late ambulation following PSF for AIS, including extent of major curve and length of operative time. Additionally, delayed ambulation has implications to length of hospital stay and postoperative complications.

Association Between Intravenous to Oral Opioid Transition Time and Length of Hospital Stay After Posterior Spinal Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

BACKGROUND

Transitioning from intravenous (IV) to oral opioids after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is necessary during the postoperative course. However, few studies have assessed the effects of longer transition times on hospital length of stay (LOS). This study investigated the impact of longer IV to oral opioid transition times on LOS after PSF for AIS.

METHODS

The medical records of 129 adolescents (10-18 years old) with AIS undergoing multilevel PSF at a major academic institution from 2013 to 2020 were reviewed. Patients were categorized by IV to oral opioid transition time: normal (≤2 days) vs prolonged (≥3 days). Patient demographics, comorbidities, deformity characteristics, intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, and LOS were assessed. Multivariate analyses were used to determine odds ratios for risk-adjusted extended LOS.

RESULTS

Of the 129 study patients, 29.5% (n = 38) had prolonged IV to oral transitions. Demographics and comorbidities were similar between the cohorts. The major curve degree (P = 0.762) and median (interquartile range) levels fused (P = 0.447) were similar between cohorts, but procedure time was significantly longer in the prolonged cohort (normal: 6.6 ± 1.2 hours vs prolonged: 7.2 ± 1.3 hours, P = 0.009). Postoperative complication rates were similar between the cohorts. Patients with prolonged transitions had significantly longer LOS (normal: 4.6 ± 1.3 days vs prolonged: 5.1 ± 0.8 days, P < 0.001) but similar discharge disposition (P = 0.722) and 30-day readmission rates (P > 0.99). On univariate analysis, transition time was significantly associated with extended LOS (OR: 2.0, 95% CI [0.9, 4.6], P = 0.014), but this assocation was not significant on multivariate analysis (adjusted OR: 2.1, 95% CI [1.3, 4.8], P = 0.062).

CONCLUSIONS

Longer postoperative IV to oral opioid transitions after PSF for AIS may have implications for hospital LOS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Association of inpatient opioid consumption on postoperative outcomes after open posterior spinal fusion for adult spine deformity

INTRODUCTION

Opioids are the most commonly used analgesic in the postoperative setting. However, few studies have analyzed the impact of high inpatient opioid use on outcomes following surgery, with no current studies assessing its effect on patients undergoing spinal fusion for an adult spinal deformity (ASD). Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for high inpatient opioid use, as well as to determine the impact of high opioid use on outcomes such as adverse events (AEs), hospital length of stay (LOS), cost of hospital admission, discharge disposition, and readmission rates in patients undergoing spinal fusion for ASD.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Premier healthcare database from the years 2016 and 2017. All adult patients > 40 years old who underwent thoracic or thoracolumbar fusion for ASD were identified using the ICD-10-CM diagnostic and procedural coding system. Patients were then categorized into three cohorts based on inpatient opioid use: Low MME (morphine milligram equivalents), Medium MME, and High MME. Patient demographics, comorbidities, treating hospital characteristics, intraoperative variables, postoperative AEs, LOS, discharge disposition, and total cost of hospital admission were assessed in the analysis. Multivariate regression analysis was done to determine independent predictors of high inpatient MME, prolonged LOS, and increased hospital cost.

RESULTS

Of 1673 patients included, 417 (24.9%) were classified as Low MME, 840 (50.2%) as Medium MME, and 416 (24.9%) as High MME. Age significantly decreased with increasing MME (Low: 71.0% 65 + years vs Medium: 62.0% 65 + years vs High: 47.4% 65 + years, p < 0.001), while the proportions of patients presenting with three or more comorbidities were similar across the cohorts (Low: 20.1% with 3 + comorbidities vs Medium: 18.0% with 3 + comorbidities vs High: 24.3% with 3 + comorbidities, p = 0.070). With respect to postoperative outcomes, the proportion of patients who experienced any AE (Low: 60.2% vs Medium: 68.8% vs High: 70.9%, p = 0.002), extended LOS (Low: 6.7% vs Medium: 20.7% vs High: 45.4%, p < 0.001), or non-routine discharge (Low: 66.6% vs Medium: 73.5% vs High: 80.1%, p = 0.003) each increased along with total MME. In addition, rates of 30-day readmission were greatest among the High MME cohort (Low: 8.4% vs Medium: 7.9% vs High: 12.5%, p = 0.022). On multivariate analysis, medium and high MME were associated with prolonged LOS [Medium: OR 4.41, CI (2.90, 6.97); High: OR 13.99, CI (8.99, 22.51), p < 0.001] and increased hospital cost [Medium: OR 1.69, CI (1.21, 2.39), p = 0.002; High: OR 1.66, CI (1.12, 2.46), p = 0.011]. Preadmission long-term opioid use [OR 1.71, CI (1.07, 2.7), p = 0.022], a prior opioid-related disorder [OR 11.32, CI (5.92, 23.49), p < 0.001], and chronic pulmonary disease [OR 1.39, CI (1.06, 1.82), p = 0.018] were each associated with a high inpatient MME on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that increasing inpatient MME consumption was associated with extended LOS and increased hospital cost in patients undergoing spinal fusion for ASD. Further studies identifying risk factors for increased MME consumption may provide better risk stratification for postoperative opioid use and healthcare resource utilization.

Leveraging HFRS to assess how frailty affects healthcare resource utilization after elective ACDF for CSM

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Frailty is a common comorbidity associated with worsening outcomes in various medical and surgical fields. The Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) is a recently developed tool which assesses frailty using 109 International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) comorbidity codes to assess severity of frailty. However, there is a paucity of studies utilizing the HFRS with patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of HFRS on health care resource utilization following ACDF for CSM.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016-2019.

PATIENT SAMPLE

All adult (≥18 years old) patients undergoing primary, ACDF for CSM were identified using the ICD-10 CM codes.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Weighted patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative complications, LOS, discharge disposition, and total admission costs were assessed.

METHODS

The 109 ICD-10 codes with pre-assigned values from 0.1 to 7.1 pertaining to frailty were queried in each patient, with a cumulative HFRS ≥5 indicating a frail patient. Patients were then categorized as either Low HFRS (HFRS<5) or Moderate to High HFRS (HFRS≥5). A multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio for risk-adjusted extended LOS, non-routine discharge disposition, and increased hospital cost.

RESULTS

A total of 29,305 patients were identified, of which 3,135 (10.7%) had a Moderate to High HFRS. Patients with a Moderate to High HFRS had higher rates of 1 or more postoperative complications (Low HFRS: 9.5% vs. Moderate-High HFRS: 38.6%, p≤.001), significantly longer hospital stays (Low HFRS: 1.8±1.7 days vs. Moderate-High HFRS: 4.4 ± 6.0, p≤.001), higher rates of non-routine discharge (Low HFRS: 5.8% vs. Moderate-High HFRS: 28.2%, p≤.001), and increased total cost of admission (Low HFRS: $19,691±9,740 vs. Moderate-High HFRS: $26,935±22,824, p≤.001) than patients in the Low HFRS cohort. On multivariate analysis, Moderate to High HFRS was found to be a significant independent predictor for extended LOS [OR: 3.19, 95% CI: (2.60, 3.91), p≤.001] and non-routine discharge disposition [OR: 3.88, 95% CI: (3.05, 4.95), p≤.001] but not increased cost [OR: 1.10, 95% CI: (0.87, 1.40), p=.418].

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that patients with a higher HFRS have increased total hospital costs, a longer LOS, higher complication rates, and more frequent nonroutine discharge compared with patients with a low HFRS following elective ACDF for CSM. Although frail patients should not be precluded from surgical management of cervical spine pathology, these findings highlight the need for peri-operative protocols to medically optimize patients to improve health care quality and decrease costs.

Utilization of Machine Learning to Model Important Features of 30-day Readmissions following Surgery for Metastatic Spinal Column Tumors: The Influence of Frailty

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the relative importance and predicative power of the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) on unplanned 30-day readmission after surgical intervention for metastatic spinal column tumors.

METHODS

All adult patients undergoing surgery for metastatic spinal column tumor were identified in the Nationwide Readmission Database from the years 2016 to 2018. Patients were categorized into 3 cohorts based on the criteria of the HFRS: Low(<5), Intermediate(5-14.9), and High(≥ 15). Random Forest (RF) classification was used to construct predictive models for 30-day patient readmission. Model performance was examined using the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC), and the Mean Decrease Gini (MDG) metric was used to quantify and rank features by relative importance.

RESULTS

There were 4346 patients included. The proportion of patients who required any readmission were higher among the Intermediate and High frailty cohorts when compared to the Low frailty cohort (Low:33.9% vs. Intermediate:39.3% vs. High:39.2%, P < .001). An RF classifier was trained to predict 30-day readmission on all features (AUC = .60) and architecturally equivalent model trained using only ten features with highest MDG (AUC = .59). Both models found frailty to have the highest importance in predicting risk of readmission. On multivariate regression analysis, Intermediate frailty [OR:1.32, CI(1.06,1.64), P = .012] was found to be an independent predictor of unplanned 30-day readmission.

CONCLUSION

Our study utilizes machine learning approaches and predictive modeling to identify frailty as a significant risk-factor that contributes to unplanned 30-day readmission after spine surgery for metastatic spinal column metastases.

Racial Disparities in Health Care Resource Utilization After Pediatric Cervical and/or Thoracic Spinal Injuries

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the impact of race on hospital length of stay (LOS) and hospital complications among pediatric patients with cervical/thoracic injury.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort was performed using the 2017 admission year from 753 facilities utilizing the National Trauma Data Bank. All pediatric patients with cervical/thoracic spine injuries were identified using the ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding system. These patients were segregated by their race, non-Hispanic white (NHW), non-Hispanic black (NHB), non-Hispanic Asian (NHA), and Hispanic (H). Demographic, hospital variable, hospital complications, and LOS data were collected. A linear and logistic multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the risk ratio for hospital LOS as well as complication rate, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 4,125 pediatric patients were identified. NHB cohort had a greater prevalence of cervical-only injuries (NHW: 37.39% vs. NHB: 49.93% vs. NHA: 34.29% vs. H: 38.71%, P < 0.001). While transport accident was most common injury etiology for both cohorts, NHB cohort had a greater prevalence of assault (NHW: 1.53% vs. NHB: 17.40% vs. NHA: 2.86% vs. H: 6.58%, P < 0.001) than the other cohorts. Overall complication rates were significantly higher among NHB patients (NHW: 9.39% vs. NHB: 15.12% vs. NHA: 14.29% vs. H: 13.60%, P < 0.001). Compared with the NHW cohort, NHB, NHA, and H had significantly longer hospital LOS (NHW: 6.15 ± 9.03 days vs. NHB: 9.24 ± 20.78 days vs. NHA: 9.09 ± 13.28 days vs. H: 8.05 ± 11.45 days, P < 0.001). NHB race was identified as a significant predictor of increased LOS on multivariate regression analysis (risk ratio: 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.46, 1.82; P = 0.001) but not hospital complications (P = 0.345).

CONCLUSIONS

Race may significantly impact health care resource utilization following pediatric cervical/thoracic spinal trauma.

Risk factors for unchanged ventricles during pediatric shunt malfunction

OBJECTIVE

Children whose ventricles do not change during shunt malfunction present a diagnostic dilemma. This study was performed to identify risk factors for unchanged ventricular size at shunt malfunction.

METHODS

This retrospective 1:1 age-matched case-control study identified children with shunted hydrocephalus who underwent shunt revision with intraoperative evidence of malfunction at one of the three participating institutions from 1997 to 2019. Cases were defined as patients with a change of < 0.05 in the frontal-occipital horn ratio (FOR) between malfunction and baseline, and controls included patients with FOR changes ≥ 0.05. The presence of infection, abdominal pseudocyst, pseudomeningocele, or wound drainage and lack of baseline cranial imaging at the time of malfunction warranted exclusion.

RESULTS

Of 450 included patients, 60% were male, 73% were Caucasian, and 67% had an occipital shunt. The median age was 4.3 (IQR 0.97-9.21) years at malfunction. On univariable analysis, unchanged ventricles at malfunction were associated with a frontal shunt (41% vs 28%, p < 0.001), programmable valve (17% vs 9%, p = 0.011), nonsiphoning shunt (85% vs 66%, p < 0.001), larger baseline FOR (0.44 ± 0.12 vs 0.38 ± 0.11, p < 0.001), no prior shunt infection (87% vs 76%, p = 0.003), and no prior shunt revisions (68% vs 52%, p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis with collinear variables removed, patients with a frontal shunt (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.08-2.70, p = 0.037), programmable valve (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.32-5.26, p = 0.007), nonsiphoning shunt at malfunction (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.63-4.67, p < 0.001), larger baseline FOR (OR 3.13, 95% CI 2.21-4.43, p < 0.001), and no prior shunt infection (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.27-4.30, p = 0.007) were more likely to have unchanged ventricles at malfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

In a multicenter cohort of children with shunt malfunction, those with a frontal shunt, programmable valve, nonsiphoning shunt, baseline large ventricles, and no prior shunt infection were more likely than others to have unchanged ventricles at shunt failure.

Patient- and hospital-related risk factors for non-routine discharge after lumbar decompression and fusion for spondylolisthesis

OBJECTIVE

In various spinal surgeries, non-routine discharges have been associated with inferior outcomes. However, there exists a paucity of data regarding the relationship between non-routine discharge and quality of care among patients with spondylolisthesis. The aim of this study was to identify independent predictors for non-routine discharge following spinal decompression and fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2010 through 2016. Adult patients (≥18 years old) who underwent spinal decompression and fusion for lumbar spondylolisthesis were identified using ICD-9-CM diagnosis and CPT procedural coding systems. The study population was divided into two cohorts based on discharge disposition: routine (RD) and non-routine discharge (NRD). Patient demographics, comorbidities, adverse events, LOS, reoperation, and readmission were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the independent predictors of non-home discharge and 30-day unplanned readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 5252 patients were identified, of which 4316 (82.2%) had a RD and 936 (18.8%) had a NRD. The NRD cohort tended to be older (p < 0.001) and have a higher BMI (p < 0.001). Patients who experienced a NRD had a longer LOS (NRD: 4.7 ± 3.7 days vs RD: 3.1 ± 2.0 days, p < 0.001), a higher proportion of adverse events (p < 0.001), higher rates of reoperation (p = 0.005) and unplanned 30-day readmission rates (p < 0.001). On multivariate regression analysis, age [OR: 1.08, 95% CI (1.06-1.10), p < 0.001], female sex [OR: 2.01, 95% (1.51-2.69), p < 0.001], non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity [OR: 2.10, 95% CI (1.36-3.24), p = 0.001], BMI [OR: 1.03, 95% CI (1.01-1.05), p = 0.007], dependent functional status [OR: 3.33, 95% CI (1.59 - 6.99), p = 0.001], malnourishment [OR: 2.14, 95% CI (1.27-3.62), p = 0.005], and LOS [OR: 1.26, 95% CI (1.18-1.33), p < 0.001] were all independent predictors for NRD. However, NRD did not independently predict an unplanned 30-day readmission on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

In our study we found that on univariate analysis NRD was associated with increased adverse events, length of stay and 30-day unplanned readmission. When controlling for patient- and hospital-related factors, we found that female sex, non-Hispanic Black race, BMI, dependent functional status, malnourishment and longer LOS were independently associated with NRD. However, NRD did not independently predict an unplanned 30-day readmission.

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma: moving toward targeted therapies

The evolving characterization of the biological basis of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) has provided insights critical for novel systemically delivered therapies. While current treatment strategies for ACP are associated with low mortality rates, patients experience severely lowered quality of life due to high recurrence rates and chronic sequelae, presenting a need for novel effective treatment regimens. The identification of various dysregulated pathways that play roles in the pathogenesis of ACP has prompted the investigation of novel treatment options. Aberrations in the CTNNB1 gene lead to the dysregulation of the Wnt pathway and the accumulation of nuclear β-catenin, which may play a role in tumor invasiveness. While Wnt pathway/β-catenin inhibition may be a promising treatment for ACP, potential off-target effects have limited its use in current intervention strategies. Promising evidence of the therapeutic potential of cystic proinflammatory mediators and immunosuppressants has been translated into clinical therapies, including interleukin 6 and IDO-1 inhibition. The dysregulation of the pathways of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) has led to identification of various therapeutic targets that have shown promise as clinical strategies. The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway is upregulated in ACP and has been implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor growth; however, inhibition of SHH in murine models decreased survival, limiting its therapeutic application. While further preclinical and clinical data are needed, systemically delivered therapies could delay or replace the need for more aggressive definitive treatments. Ongoing preclinical investigations and clinical trials of these prospective pathways promise to advance treatment approaches aimed to increase patients' quality of life.

"Growing cerebellum" requiring operative decompression following perinatal ventriculoperitoneal shunting

INTRODUCTION

While cases of acquired Chiari I malformation following ventriculoperitoneal shunting for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus have been reported, true disproportionate cerebellar growth is rare, with no previous cases requiring posterior fossa decompression reported.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We present a premature neonate who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for suspected posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. He subsequently developed a symptomatic Chiari I malformation with volumetric measurements demonstrating disproportionate growth of the cerebellum. He did not demonstrate thickening of the supratentorial or posterior fossa cranium. The patient underwent an extradural posterior fossa decompression, with resolution of symptoms.

OUTCOME AND CONCLUSIONS

We review the extant literature regarding the development of Chiari malformation type I as a manifestation of craniocerebral disproportion (CCD) following shunt placement for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus of prematurity. Most previous reports reflect a mechanism that includes underdevelopment of the intracranial posterior fossa (or supratentorial) volume. The case presented in this report, as well as one additional case, indicates that there may exist a variant mechanism, characterized by rapid growth of the cerebellum itself, in the absence of one of the rare syndromes associated with primary macrocerebellum. While this case was effectively managed with extradural posterior fossa decompression, previous reports indicate that supratentorial cranial expansion procedures are preferable in some cases. As such, pediatric neurosurgeons should be able to distinguish the patterns of craniocerebral disproportion when considering treatment options for these patients. Further investigation regarding these uncommon patients may better describe the underlying mechanisms.

QOL-22. MACHINE-LEARNING INFERENCE MAY PREDICT QUALITY OF LIFE SUBGROUPS OF ADAMANTINOMATOUS CRANIOPHARYNGIOMA

BACKGROUND

Due to disease and/or treatment-related injury, such as hypothalamic, visual, and endocrine damage, quality of life (QoL) scores after childhood-onset Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma (ACP) are among the lowest of all pediatric brain tumors. Decision-making regarding management would be aided by more complete understanding of a patients likely QoL trajectory following intervention.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed caregiver and patient-reported QoL-instruments from the first 50 patients (ages 1–17 years at diagnosis) enrolled in the international Advancing Treatment for Pediatric Craniopharyngioma (ATPC) consortium. Surveys included 205 pediatric-relevant questions and were completed at diagnosis, and 1- and 12-months following diagnosis. Using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), these categorical QoL surveys were interrogated to identify time-dependent patient subgroups. Additionally, custom deep learning classifiers were developed using Google’s TensorFlow framework.

RESULTS

By representing QoL data in the reduced dimensionality of MCA-space, we identified QoL subgroups that either improved or declined over time. We assessed differential trends in QoL responses to identify variables that were subgroup specific (Kolmogorov-Smirnov p-value < 0.1; n=20). Additionally, our optimized deep learning classifier achieved a mean 5-fold cross-validation area under precision-recall curve score > 0.99 when classifying QoL subgroups at 12 month follow-up, using only baseline data.

CONCLUSIONs

This work demonstrates the existence of time-dependent QoL-based ACP subgroups that can be inferred at time-of-diagnosis via machine learning analyses of baseline survey responses. The ability to predict an ACP patient’s QoL trajectory affords caregivers valuable information that can be leveraged to maximize that patient’s psychosocial state and therefore improve overall therapy.

Reduced influence of affective disorders on perioperative complication rates, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs following spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

OBJECTIVE

In the past decade, a gradual transition of health policy to value-based healthcare has brought increased attention to measuring the quality of care delivered. In spine surgery, adolescents with scoliosis are a population particularly at risk for depression, anxious feelings, and impaired quality of life related to back pain and cosmetic appearance of the deformity. With the rising prevalence of mental health ailments, it is necessary to evaluate the impact of concurrent affective disorders on patient care after spinal surgery in adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact that affective disorders have on perioperative complication rates, length of stay (LOS), and total costs in adolescents undergoing elective posterior spinal fusion (PSF) (≥ 4 levels) for idiopathic scoliosis.

METHODS

A retrospective study of the Kids' Inpatient Database for the year 2012 was performed. Adolescent patients (age range 10-17 years old) with AIS undergoing elective PSF (≥ 4 levels) were selected using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification coding system. Patients were categorized into 2 groups at discharge: affective disorder or no affective disorder. Patient demographics, comorbidities, complications, LOS, discharge disposition, and total cost were assessed. The primary outcomes were perioperative complication rates, LOS, total cost, and discharge dispositions.

RESULTS

There were 3759 adolescents included in this study, of whom 164 (4.4%) were identified with an affective disorder (no affective disorder: n = 3595). Adolescents with affective disorders were significantly older than adolescents with no affective disorders (affective disorder: 14.4 ± 1.9 years vs no affective disorder: 13.9 ± 1.8 years, p = 0.001), and had significantly different proportions of race (p = 0.005). Aside from hospital region (p = 0.016), no other patient- or hospital-level factors differed between the cohorts. Patient comorbidities did not differ significantly between cohorts. The number of vertebral levels involved was similar between the cohorts, with the majority of patients having 9 or more levels involved (affective disorder: 76.8% vs no affective disorder: 79.5%, p = 0.403). Postoperative complications were similar between the cohorts, with no significant difference in the proportion of patients experiencing a postoperative complication (p = 0.079) or number of complications (p = 0.124). The mean length of stay and mean total cost were similar between the cohorts. Moreover, the routine and nonroutine discharge dispositions were also similar between the cohorts, with the majority of patients having routine discharges (affective disorder: 93.9% vs no affective disorder: 94.9%, p = 0.591).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that affective disorders may not have a significant impact on surgical outcomes in adolescent patients undergoing surgery for scoliosis in comparison with adults. Further studies are necessary to elucidate how affective disorders affect adolescent patients with idiopathic scoliosis, which may improve provider approach in managing these patients perioperatively and at follow-up in hopes to better the overall patient satisfaction and quality of care delivered.

Impact of patient and hospital-level risk factors on extended length of stay following spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

OBJECTIVE

Health policy changes have led to increased emphasis on value-based care to improve resource utilization and reduce inpatient hospital length of stay (LOS). Recently, LOS has become a major determinant of quality of care and resource utilization. For adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), the determinants of extended LOS after elective posterior spinal fusion (PSF) remain relatively unknown. In the present study, the authors investigated the impact of patient and hospital-level risk factors on extended LOS following elective PSF surgery (≥ 4 levels) for AIS.

METHODS

The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was queried for the year 2012. Adolescent patients (age range 10-17 years) with AIS undergoing elective PSF (≥ 4 levels) were selected using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification coding system. Extended hospital LOS was defined as greater than the 75th percentile for the entire cohort (> 6 days), and patients were dichotomized as having normal LOS or extended LOS. Patient demographics, comorbidities, complications, LOS, discharge disposition, and total cost were recorded. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the odds ratio for risk-adjusted LOS. The primary outcome was the degree to which patient comorbidities or postoperative complications correlated with extended LOS.

RESULTS

Comorbidities were overall significantly higher in the extended-LOS cohort than the normal-LOS cohort. Patients with extended LOS had a significantly greater proportion of blood transfusion (p < 0.001) and ≥ 9 vertebral levels fused (p < 0.001). The overall complication rates were greater in the extended-LOS cohort (20.3% [normal-LOS group] vs 43.5% [extended-LOS group]; p < 0.001). On average, the extended-LOS cohort incurred $18,916 more in total cost than the normal-LOS group ($54,697 ± $24,217 vs $73,613 ± $38,689, respectively; p < 0.001) and had more patients discharged to locations other than home (p < 0.001) than did patients in the normal-LOS cohort. On multivariate logistic regression, several risk factors were associated with extended LOS, including female sex, obesity, hypertension, fluid electrolyte disorder, paralysis, blood transfusion, ≥ 9 vertebrae fused, dural injury, and nerve cord injury. The odds ratio for extended LOS was 1.95 (95% CI 1.50-2.52) for patients with 1 complication and 5.43 (95% CI 3.35-8.71) for patients with > 1 complication.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors' study using the KID demonstrates that patient comorbidities and intra- and postoperative complications all contribute to extended LOS after spinal fusion for AIS. Identifying multimodality interventions focused on reducing LOS, bettering patient outcomes, and lowering healthcare costs are necessary to improve the overall value of care for patients undergoing spinal fusion for AIS.

Direct detection of bacteremia by exploiting host-pathogen interactions of lipoteichoic acid and lipopolysaccharide

Bacteremia is a leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa where childhood mortality rates are the highest in the world. The early diagnosis of bacteremia and initiation of treatment saves lives, especially in high-disease burden areas. However, diagnosing bacteremia is challenging for clinicians, especially in children presenting with co-infections such as malaria and HIV. There is an urgent need for a rapid method for detecting bacteremia in pediatric patients with co-morbidities to inform treatment. In this manuscript, we have developed and clinically validated a novel method for the direct detection of amphiphilic pathogen biomarkers indicative of bacteremia, directly in aqueous blood, by mimicking innate immune recognition. Specifically, we have exploited the interaction of amphiphilic pathogen biomarkers such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria and lipoteichoic acids (LTA) from Gram-positive bacteria with host lipoprotein carriers in blood, in order to develop two tailored assays – lipoprotein capture and membrane insertion – for their direct detection. Our assays demonstrate a sensitivity of detection of 4 ng/mL for LPS and 2 ng/mL for LTA using a waveguide-based optical biosensor platform that was developed at LANL. In this manuscript, we also demonstrate the application of these methods for the detection of LPS in serum from pediatric patients with invasive Salmonella Typhimurium bacteremia (n = 7) and those with Staphylococcal bacteremia (n = 7) with 100% correlation with confirmatory culture. Taken together, these results demonstrate the significance of biochemistry in both our understanding of host-pathogen biology, and development of assay methodology, as well as demonstrate a potential new approach for the rapid, sensitive and accurate diagnosis of bacteremia at the point of need.