Project description:Background Currently, little is known regarding seasonal variation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in the United States and whether quality of care for AF varies between seasons. Methods and Results The GWTG-AFib (Get With The Guidelines-AFib) registry was initiated by the American Heart Association to enhance national guideline adherence for treatment and management of AF. Our analyses included 61 291 patients who were admitted at 141 participating hospitals from 2014 to 2018 across the United States. Outcomes included numbers of AF admissions and quality-of-care measures (defect-free care, defined as a patient's receiving all eligible measures). For quality-of-care measures, generalized estimating equations accounting for within-site correlations were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs, adjusting patient and hospital characteristics. The proportion of AF admissions for each season was similar, with the highest percentage of AF admissions being observed in the fall (spring 25%, summer 25%, fall 27%, and winter 24%). Overall, AF admissions across seasons were similar, with no seasonal variation observed. No seasonal variation was observed for incident AF. There were no seasonal differences in care quality (multivariable adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were 0.93 (0.87-1.00) for winter, 1.09 (1.01-1.18) for summer, and 1.08 (0.97-1.20) for fall, compared with spring). Conclusions In a nationwide quality improvement registry, no seasonal variation was observed in hospital admissions for AF or quality of care for AF.
Project description:BackgroundData on the burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with diabetes among hospitalized patients are scarce. We assessed the AF-related hospitalizations trends in patients with diabetes, and compared AF outcomes in patients with diabetes to those without diabetes.HypothesisAF-related health outcomes differ between patient with diabetes and without diabetes.MethodsUsing the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2004-2014, we studied trends in AF hospitalization rate among diabetic patients, and compared in-hospital case fatality rate, length of stay (LOS), cost and utilization of rhythm control therapies, and 30-day readmission rate between patients with and without diabetes. Logistic or Cox regression models were used to assess the differences in AF outcomes by diabetes status.ResultsOver the study period, there were 4 325 522 AF-related hospitalizations, of which 1 075 770 (24.9%) had a diagnosis of diabetes. There was a temporal increase in AF hospitalization rate among diabetic patients (10.4 to 14.4 per 1000 hospitalizations among patients with diabetes; +4.4% yearly change, p-trend < .0001). Among AF patients, those with diabetes had a lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.65-0.72) and LOS (aOR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.94-0.96), but no difference in costs (aOR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.94-0.96) and a higher 30-day rate of readmissions compared with no diabetes (aHR 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.08), compared to individuals without diabetes.ConclusionAF and diabetes coexist among hospitalized patients, with rising trends over the last decade. Diabetes is associated with lower rates in-hospital adverse AF outcomes, but a higher 30-day readmission risk.
Project description:Rationale: Several chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) studies have evaluated risk factors for emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalizations, and found insufficient data available about social and demographic factors that drive these behaviors. This U.S. study was designed to describe the characteristics of COPD patients with ED visits or a hospitalization and to investigate how often common COPD comorbidities are present in these individuals. Methods: Data for 7180 COPD patients regarding demographic factors, comorbidities, smoking status, and ED visits or hospitalization was obtained from the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Logistic regression analysis was used to adjust demographic factors and smoking status to model the correlation between patients with ED visits or hospitalizations and morbidities generating odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI). Results: Among diagnosed COPD patients in the BRFSS, 16.5% had ED visits or hospitalization in the previous year. These individuals were younger, had a lower socio-economic status (lower education, lower income, and more often unemployed) and 23.4% of the individuals could not visit a doctor because of the financial difficulties compared to 16.7% who had no visit (p<0.0001 for all comparisons). The prevalence of comorbidities was higher in those with ED visits or hospitalization compared to those without. Conclusion: In a population representative of COPD patients, lower socio-economic status and higher comorbidities are associated with ED visits or hospitalization. Studies are needed to further elucidate the complex relationship between COPD, comorbidities, and ED visits or hospitalization.
Project description:BackgroundHistorical redlining, a discriminatory lending practice, is an understudied component of the patient risk environment following hospital discharge. We investigated associations between redlining, patient race, and outcomes following heart failure hospitalization.Methods and resultsWe followed a hospital-based cohort of Black and White patients using electronic medical records for acute heart failure hospitalizations between 2010 and 2018 (n=6800). Patient residential census tracts were geocoded according to the 1930s Home Owners' Loan Corporation map grades (A/B: best/still desirable, C: declining, D: redlined). We used Poisson regression to analyze associations between Home Owners' Loan Corporation grade and 30-day outcomes (readmissions, mortality, and their composite). One-third of patients resided in historically redlined tracts (n=2034). In race-stratified analyses, there was a positive association between historically declining neighborhoods and composite readmissions and mortality for Black patients (risk ratio [RR], 1.24 [95% CI, 1.003-1.54]) and an inverse association between redlined neighborhoods and 30-day readmissions among White patients (RR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.39-0.86]). Examining racial disparities across Home Owners' Loan Corporation grades, Black patients had higher 30-day readmissions (RR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.31-2.65]) and composite readmissions and mortality (RR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.04-1.65]) only in historically redlined neighborhoods.ConclusionsHistorical redlining had potentially mixed impacts on outcomes by race, such that residing in less desirable neighborhoods was associated with an elevated risk of an adverse outcome following heart failure hospitalization in Black patients and a reduced risk in White patients. Moreover, racial disparities in patient outcomes were present only in historically redlined neighborhoods. Additional research is needed to explore observed heterogeneity in outcomes.
Project description:BackgroundCardiovascular outcomes vary between urban and rural hospitals, with worse outcomes in rural settings.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine whether in-hospital mortality for hospitalization for atrial fibrillation (AF) varied between urban and rural hospitals.MethodsA cross-sectional examination of patients who were hospitalized for AF was performed in the National Inpatient Sample between 2012 and 2014 to compare in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to urban vs rural hospitals. Patients with a principal International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision discharge diagnosis of AF were included. Hospitals were classified as urban or rural on the basis of core-based statistical areas. In-hospital mortality was defined as death due to any cause during hospitalization.ResultsA total of 248,731 (mean age 69 years; 78% white; 48% women) admissions for AF were identified. Of these, 218,946 (88%) were from urban hospitals and 29,785 (12%) were from rural hospitals. Patients admitted to rural hospitals had a 17% increased risk of death as compared with those admitted to urban hospitals in a multivariable model, which accounted for differences in patient characteristics and potential confounders (odds ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.32). Similar results were obtained in a propensity score-matched analysis and in subgroup analyses by sex, race, and region.ConclusionIn-hospital mortality of AF is higher in rural hospitals than in urban hospitals. Further research is needed to understand this finding and to develop targeted strategies to reduce mortality in patients admitted for AF in rural hospitals.
Project description:With the introduction of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs), the factors driving anticoagulant selection in atrial fibrillation (AF) in real-world practice are unclear. The goal was to examine whether and to what extent utilization has been driven by predictions of stroke risk (treatment benefit), bleeding risk (treatment harm), or prescription benefits' coverage. We extracted a cohort of patients with nonvalvular AF initiating anticoagulation from October 2010 to December 2012 from a large US database of commercial and Medicare supplement claims. Multivariable regression examined associations between ischemic stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc) and bleeding (Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation [ATRIA]) risk scores and benefits' generosity (proportion of costs covered by patients relative to total) with warfarin and novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) selection and also between dabigatran and rivaroxaban. C-statistics and partial chi-square statistics were used to assess the variation explained. Of 70,498 patients initiating anticoagulation, 29.9% and 7.9% used dabigatran and rivaroxaban, respectively. Compared with warfarin, patients were less likely to receive an NOAC with high ischemic stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2; adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72 to 0.77) and high bleeding risk (ATRIA ≥5; aRR 0.66, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.69) but more likely with good benefits' generosity (≤20% of costs borne by patient; aRR 2.03, 95% CI 1.92 to 2.16). Prescription generosity explained almost twice the model variation as either risk score. Compared with dabigatran, patients were more likely to fill rivaroxaban with high bleeding risk (aRR 1.16, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.24). In conclusion, patients with greater bleeding and ischemic stroke risk were more likely to initiate warfarin, but generous benefits more strongly predicted NOAC usage and drove more selection.
Project description:BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence estimates vary and have been based on cohorts with clinically established or diagnosed disease. Undiagnosed AF prevalence estimates are less certain as they are based on nongeneralizable convenience samples.HypothesisBecause AF is often asymptomatic, it my remain undiagnosed until the development of complications such as stroke or heart failure. Consequently, the observed prevalence of diagnosed AF from the literature may underestimate total disease burden. We therefore sought to estimate the total prevalence of both diagnosed and undiagnosed AF.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study from 2012 to 2017 using data from five US medical claims data sets. Undiagnosed AF prevalence was estimated based on the observed incidence of ischemic stroke, systemic embolism (SE), and AF incidence after a stroke/SE. The diagnosed AF cohort included AF patients between Q1 2014 and Q3 2015. The undiagnosed AF cohort were patients with assumed undiagnosed AF in the year before a stroke/SE and who were newly diagnosed with AF in the 3-month poststroke/SE. Stroke/SE incidence was calculated among all AF patients and the ratio of number of undiagnosed AF patients to stroke rate was created. Age- and sex-adjusted estimates were stratified by period of assumed undiagnosed AF before poststroke/SE AF diagnosis (1 or 2 years).ResultsThe estimated US prevalence of AF (diagnosed and undiagnosed) in Q3 2015 was 5 628 000 cases, of which 591 000 cases (11%) were undiagnosed. The assumed 2-year undiagnosed AF prevalence was 23% (1 531 000) of the total prevalent patients with AF (6 568 000). Undiagnosed (vs. diagnosed) AF patients were older and had higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores. Of undiagnosed AF, 93% had CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 and met OAC criteria.ConclusionsThese contemporary estimates demonstrate the high prevalence of undiagnosed AF in the United States. Undiagnosed AF patients are composed of primarily elderly individuals who if diagnosed, would meet criteria for stroke prevention therapy.
Project description:BackgroundPatients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may experience complications following hospitalization and require readmission. In this analysis, we estimated the rate and risk factors associated with COVID-19-related readmission and inpatient mortality.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we used deidentified chargemaster data from 297 hospitals across 40 US states on patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from 15 February 2020 through 9 June 2020. Demographics, comorbidities, acute conditions, and clinical characteristics of first hospitalization are summarized. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure risk factor associations with 30-day readmission and in-hospital mortality.ResultsAmong 29 659 patients, 1070 (3.6%) were readmitted. Readmitted patients were more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), or chronic kidney disease (CKD) vs those not readmitted (P < .0001) and to present on first admission with acute kidney injury (15.6% vs 9.2%), congestive heart failure (6.4% vs 2.4%), or cardiomyopathy (2.1% vs 0.8%) (P < .0001). Higher odds of readmission were observed in patients aged >60 vs 18-40 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48-2.50) and those admitted in the Northeast vs West (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.14-1.79) or South (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.11-1.49). Comorbidities including diabetes (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.12-1.60), CVD (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.23-1.72), CKD stage 1-5 (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.25-1.81), and CKD stage 5 (OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.81-2.86) were associated with higher odds of readmission; 12.3% of readmitted patients died during second hospitalization.ConclusionsAmong this large US population of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, readmission was associated with certain comorbidities and acute conditions during first hospitalization. These findings may inform strategies to mitigate risks of readmission due to COVID-19 complications.
Project description:BackgroundMosaic loss of chromosome Y (mLOY) in leukocytes of men reflects genomic instability from aging, smoking, and environmental exposures. A similar mosaic loss of chromosome X (mLOX) occurs among women. However, the associations between mLOY, mLOX, and risk of incident heart diseases are unclear.Methods and resultsWe estimated associations between mLOY, mLOX, and risk of incident heart diseases requiring hospitalization, including atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. We analyzed 190 613 men and 224 853 women with genotyping data from the UK Biobank. Among these participants, there were 37 037 men with mLOY and 13 978 women with mLOX detected using the Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations caller. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of each incident heart disease in relation to mLOY in men and mLOX in women. Additionally, Mendelian randomization was conducted to estimate causal associations. Among men, detectable mLOY was associated with elevated risk of atrial fibrillation (HR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03-1.11]). The associations were apparent in both never smokers (HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01-1.14]) and ever smokers (HR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.01-1.11]) as well as men aged >60 and ≤60 years. Mendelian randomization analyses supported causal associations between mLOY and atrial fibrillation (HRMR-PRESSO, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.13-1.18]). Among postmenopausal women, we found a suggestive inverse association between detectable mLOX and atrial fibrillation risk (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.83-0.98]). However, associations with mLOY and mLOX were not found for other heart diseases.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that mLOY and mLOX reflect sex-specific biological processes or exposure profiles related to incident atrial fibrillation requiring hospitalization.
Project description:AimsLiterature regarding outcomes associated with atrial fibrillation among cirrhosis patients who had left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) device procedure is limited. We aim to evaluate the in-hospital clinical outcomes and 30-day readmissions among LAAO with and without cirrhosis.Methods and resultsWe performed a retrospective study of all hospitalizations associated with the LAAO procedure, using the Nationwide Readmissions Database for the years 2016-19. Primary outcomes were in-hospital clinical outcomes and 30-day readmissions. A total of 54 897 index hospitalizations for LAAO (female 41.8%) were reported. Of these, 905(1.65%) had cirrhosis. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding was reported in 44 (4.9%) vs. 1606 (2.97%) and coagulopathy in 21 (2.3%) vs. 521 (0.96%) in cirrhosis and without-cirrhosis groups, respectively. A total of 872 (1.59%) patients needed blood transfusion, 24 (2.7%) vs. 848(1.57%) in cirrhosis vs. without-cirrhosis groups (P = 0.047). Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion was reported among 888 (1.62%), with cirrhosis 26 (3%) vs. without cirrhosis 862 (1.6%) (P = 0.05). On adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, acute kidney injury, coagulopathy, FFP transfusion, and blood transfusion were strongly associated with cirrhosis, and GI bleeding, ischaemic stroke, and intracranial haemorrhage were not associated with cirrhosis. Readmissions in 30 days were 5028 (9.18%), 167 (18.5%) in the cirrhosis group and 4861 (9%) without-cirrhosis group (P = 0.01). On multivariate Cox regression, CHA2DS2-Vasc score of six was significantly associated with 30-day readmission compared with other scores [hazard ratio 2.24; 95% confidence interval (1.58-3.16); P < 0.001].ConclusionLeft atrial appendage occlusion procedure in patients with cirrhosis had relatively similar GI bleeding and stroke rates, however, had higher rates of 30-day readmission. A higher CHA2DS2-Vasc score was more likely to be associated with 30-day readmissions and hence would help in discharge planning. The long-term safety and efficacy of LAAO in the cirrhosis population need to be demonstrated.