Project description:BackgroundThere is mounting evidence that smoking, abnormal body mass index (BMI), uncontrolled diabetes, and poor nutritional status are associated with complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The goal of the present study was to evaluate the consequences of failure to medically optimize Medicare-eligible patients with respect to these key modifiable health targets by assessing complications in the early postoperative period after THA.MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all primary THAs performed in 2018. Data were collected on preoperative serum albumin, BMI, diabetes, and tobacco use as well as postoperative infections, readmissions, complications, and mortality. We identified 47,924 THA patients with a median BMI of 29 kg/m2 and age of 72 years, and 60% of whom were female.ResultsWe found that preoperative albumin <3.5 g/dL, BMI ≥40 kg/m2, tobacco use, and diabetes were all individually associated with increased risk of postoperative complications. Serum albumin <3.5 g/dL was the greatest overall risk factor for infection (odds ratio [OR]: 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3-4.4, P < .0001), readmission (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.9-2.5, P < .0001), any complication (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 3.8-4.6, P < .0001), and mortality (OR: 7.5, 95% CI: 5.3-10.6, P < .0001).ConclusionsLow albumin, elevated BMI, tobacco use, and diabetes are associated with increased risk of postoperative infection, readmission, any complication, and mortality after primary THA. Low albumin poses the greatest risk of these. Preoperative optimization should be obtained in all patients before elective surgery, and the final decision for surgery should be individually made between a surgeon and patient.Level of evidenceIV.
Project description:BackgroundAbsenteeism is costly, yet evidence suggests that presenteeism-illness-related reduced productivity at work-is costlier. We quantified employed patients' presenteeism and absenteeism before and after total joint arthroplasty (TJA).MethodsWe measured presenteeism (0-100 scale, 100 full performance) and absenteeism using the World Health Organization's Health and Work Performance Questionnaire before and after TJA among a convenience sample of employed patients. We captured detailed information about employment and job characteristics and evaluated how and among whom presenteeism and absenteeism improved.ResultsIn total, 636 primary, unilateral TJA patients responded to an enrollment email, confirmed employment, and completed a preoperative survey (mean age: 62.1 years, 55.3% women). Full at-work performance was reported by 19.7%. Among 520 (81.8%) who responded to a 1-year follow-up, 473 (91.0%) were still employed, and 461 (88.7%) had resumed working. Among patients reporting at baseline and 1 year, average at-work performance improved from 80.7 to 89.4. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated that postoperative performance was significantly higher than preoperative performance (P < .0001). The percentage of patients who reported full at-work performance increased from 20.9% to 36.8% (delta = 15.9%, 95% confidence interval = [10.0%, 21.9%], P < .0001). Presenteeism gains were concentrated among patients who reported declining work performance leading up to surgery. Average changes in absences were relatively small. Combined, the average monthly value lost by employers to presenteeism declined from 15.3% to 8.3% and to absenteeism from 16.9% to 15.5% (ie, mitigated loss of 8.4% of monthly value).ConclusionAmong employed patients before TJA, presenteeism and absenteeism were similarly costly. After, employed patients reported increased performance, concentrated among those with declining performance leading up to surgery.
Project description:BackgroundTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) causes acute blood loss. It may lead to a deficiency in coagulation factors, which, in turn, may lead to increased bleeding during the postoperative period.MethodsThirty patients (18 women) with a mean age of 67 years (range: 63-72 years) participated in this prospective diagnostic study. THA was performed without tranexamic acid administration in the perioperative period. Activities of clotting factors II, VIII, X, and fibrinogen concentration were evaluated before surgery, 6 hours after the procedure, 2, 4, and 6 days after the operation. All laboratory tests were performed using ACL TOP 500 CTS analyzer.ResultsNo thromboembolic complications were noted during hospitalization. Mean fibrinogen concentration was 366 mg/dL before surgery, which decreased to 311 mg/dL 6 hours after the operation and peaked at 827 mg/dL on the 4th day after the procedure. Activities of factors II and X decreased on the second and fourth days after surgery. Although the activity of factor VIII decreased after the procedure, it remained within the normal range. Increased baseline fibrinogen concentrations were observed in 6 out of 30 (20%) patients. Mean blood loss was 1332 mL (range, 183-2479 mL) and did not correlate with changes in clotting factor activities.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing THA, fibrinogen acts as an acute-phase protein. Activities of clotting factors II and X normalize within 6 days, and although the activity of factor VIII decreases, it remains within the normal range.Trial registrationThe study was pre-registered May 1st, 2020 on ClinicalTrials.gov.