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BACKGROUND Alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) is a chronic liver disease with varying disease severity. Readmissions of ALC are associated with poor outcomes. AIM To identify and assess trends of readmissions for ALC over an eight-year period. METHODS This retrospective interrupted trend study analysed 30-d readmissions of ALC in the United States from 2010 to 2018 using the National Readmissions Database. Hospitalization for ALC was the reason for index admission obtained using the International Classification of Diseases codes (571.2 and K70.3X). Biodemographic characteristics and hospitalization trends were highlighted over time. A multivariate regression analysis model was used to calculate the trend for risk-adjusted odds of 30-d all-cause ALC readmissions, ALC specific readmission rate, ALC readmission proportion, inpatient mortality, mean length of stay (LOS) and mean total hospital cost (THC) following adjustments for age, gender, grouped Charlson Comorbidity Index, insurance, mean household income, and hospital characteristics. RESULTS There was a trend towards increasing total 30-d readmissions of ALC from 7660 in 2010 to 15085 in 2018 (P < 0.001). Patients readmitted for ALC were noted to have an increasing comorbidity burden over time. We noted a rise in the risk-adjusted 30-d all-cause readmission of ALC from 24.9% in 2010 to 29.9% in 2018 (P < 0.001). ALC-specific readmission rate increased from 6.3% in 2010 to 8.4% in 2018 (P < 0.001) while ALC readmission proportion increased from 31.4% in 2010 to 36.3% in 2018 (P < 0.001). Inpatient mortality for 30-d readmissions of ALC declined from 10.5% in 2010 to 8.2% in 2018 (P = 0.0079). However, there was a trend towards increasing LOS from 5.6 d in 2010 to 6.3 d in 2018 (P < 0.001) and increasing THC from 13790 dollars in 2010 to 17150 dollars in 2018 (P < 0.001). The total days of hospital stay attributable to 30-d readmissions of ALC increased by 119.2% while the total attributable hospital costs increased by 149% by the end of 2018. CONCLUSION There was an increase in the 30-d readmission rate and comorbidity burden for ALC; however, inpatient mortality declined. Additionally, there was a trend towards increasing LOS and THC for these readmissions.

Amyloidosis is a systemic illness that affects multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary systems. Common manifestations include restrictive cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, nephrotic syndrome, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. It is unknown whether coexisting atrial fibrillation (AF) worsens the disease burden and outcomes in patients with systemic amyloidosis. In this study, those with a diagnosis of amyloidosis with and without coexisting AF were identified by querying the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-specifically, the National Inpatient Sample for the year 2016-based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. During 2016, a total of 2,997 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of amyloidosis, including 918 with concurrent AF. Greater rates of mortality (7.4% vs. 5.6%); heart block (6.8% vs. 2.8%); cardiogenic shock (5% vs. 1.6%); placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, cardiac resynchronization therapy device, or permanent pacemaker (14.5% vs. 4.5%); renal failure (29% vs. 21%); heart failure (66% vs. 30%); and bleeding complications (5.7% vs. 2.8%) were observed in patients with a diagnosis of amyloidosis and coexisting AF when compared with in patients without AF. Interestingly, patients with amyloidosis without comorbid AF had greater odds of associated stroke relative to those with concurrent AF (7.9% vs. 3.4%).

Wound contamination and subsequent colonization by microbes can significantly impair tissue repair and lead to the development of chronic non-healing ulcers. Atypical Burkholderia and Actinomycetes bacterial species are common in cases of soil contamination of open wounds leading to a complex infection that is both difficult to diagnose and treat. Despite much research on the involvement of atypical organisms, including Burkholderia and Actinomycetes, in antibiotic resistance, there is no consensus on the timeline from contamination to infection and on an algorithm for early diagnosis and management. Thus, the ways in which these organisms interact in settings of co-infection and contribute to cross-resistance remains unclear. The generally low index of clinical suspicion for atypical microbial infections and the absence of clear diagnostic protocols have multiple consequences, ranging from excessive reliance on pathology, delayed treatment, expensive and ineffective investigations and treatment, and progressive wound sepsis and morbidity. We are reporting a case of Burkholderia cepacia infection, co-infection with Actinomyces spp., and resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam and co-trimoxazole in a 28-year-old previously healthy farmer following soil contamination of an open wound. This is one of only a few reported cases of Burkholderia resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam and the first reported case ofB. cepacia bacteremia due to peripheral contamination.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly common cause of dysphagia, food impaction, and abdominal pain. Cow's milk is a major trigger of EoE, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. We present a case of EoE occurring shortly after switching from regularly pasteurized milk to ultra-pasteurized milk.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the outcomes of patients admitted primarily for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with and without a secondary diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Data were abstracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2016 and 2017 Database. The NIS was searched for hospitalizations of adult patients with ACS as principal diagnoses, with and without RA as a secondary diagnosis. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospitalization characteristics and cardiovascular therapies. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis were used accordingly to adjust for confounders. Results: There were over 71 million discharges included in the combined 2016 and 2017 NIS database. Out of 1.3 million patients with ACS, 22,615 (1.7%) had RA. RA group was older (70.4 vs 66.8 years, P

Crowned dens syndrome (CDS) is a relatively uncommon presentation of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease that manifests as acute attacks of neck pain with fever, neck rigidity and elevated inflammatory markers related to radiodense deposits of CPPD in ligaments around the odontoid process. We present a case of CDS.

Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is known to increase the risk of ischemic stroke and other cerebrovascular events. It is, however, unclear if SSc negatively impacts the outcomes of ischemic stroke hospitalizations. This study aims to compare the outcomes of patients primarily admitted for ischemic stroke with and without a secondary diagnosis of SSc. Methods Data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2016 and 2017 database. NIS is the largest hospitalization database in the United States. We searched the database for hospitalizations of adult patients admitted with a principal diagnosis of ischemic stroke, with and without SSc as the secondary diagnosis using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality, and secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS), total hospital charge, odds of undergoing mechanical thrombectomy, and receiving tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was used to adjust for confounders. Results Over 71 million discharges were included in the NIS database for the years 2016 and 2017. Out of 525,570 hospitalizations for ischemic stroke, 410 (0.08%) had SSc. Hospitalizations for ischemic stroke with SSc had similar inpatient mortality (6.10% vs 5.53%, adjusted OR 0.66, 95% CI (0.20-2.17); p=0.492), length of stay (LOS) (5.9 vs 5.7 days; p=0.583), and total hospital charge ($74,958 vs $70,197; p=0.700) compared to those without SSc. Odds of receiving TPA (9.76% vs 9.29%, AOR 1.08, 95% CI (0.51-2.27), P=0.848) and undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (7.32% vs 5.06%, AOR 0.75, 95% CI (0.28-1.98), P=0.556) was similar between both groups. Conclusions Hospitalizations for ischemic stroke with SSc had similar inpatient mortality, LOS, total hospital charge, odds of receiving TPA, and mechanical thrombectomy compared to those without SSc.

Introduction: Hyperthyroidism is a well-known risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation(AF), but the outcomes hyperthyroidism in patients with atrial fibrillation is unclear. This study aims to compare the outcomes of patients primarily admitted for hyperthyroidism with and without a secondary diagnosis of AF. Methods: Data were abstracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2016 and 2017 Database. NIS is the largest inpatient hospitalization database in the United States. The NIS was searched for hospitalizations with a principal diagnosis of hyperthyroidism with and without AF as secondary diagnosis using ICD-10 codes. Hospitalizations for adult patients (age≥ 18 years) from the above groups were identified. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Hospital length of stay (LOS), total hospital charges, cerebrovascular accident and acute respiratory failure were secondary outcomes of interest. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was used accordingly to adjust for confounders. Results: There were over 71 million discharges included in the combined 2016 and 2017 NIS database. 17,705 hospitalizations were for adult patients who had a principal ICD-10 code for hyperthyroidism. 4,165 (23%) of these hospitalizations had co-existing AF. AF group were older (57 vs 44 years, P < 0.0001) and had less females (65% vs 78%, P < 0.0001). Hospitalizations for Hyperthyroidism with AF had similar inpatient mortality (0.96% vs 0.33%, AOR: 1.7, 95% CI 0.58-5.14, P=0.324) with longer LOS (5.1 vs 3.2 days, P=0.000), increased total hospital charges ($51,904 vs $34,471, P=0.002), increased odds of cerebrovascular accident (0.8% vs 0.1%, AOR: 5.01, 95% CI 1.1-22.2, P Conclusions: Patients admitted primarily for hyperthyroidism with co-existing AF had similar inpatient mortality but with longer LOS, increased total hospital charges, increased likelihood of having cerebrovascular accident and acute respiratory failure when compared to those without AF.

Introduction: Kidney and thyroid function and dysfunction are interrelated through several mechanisms. Thyroid hormones can also have significant impact on kidney disease so it is important to consider the physiological association of thyroid dysfunction in relation to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Research shows that hyperthyroidism is usually not associated with CKD but is known to accelerate it. We sought to determine the effect of chronic kidney disease on patient admitted with hyperthyroidism. Methods: We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) databases from 2016 to 2017 for adults aged 18 and above with hyperthyroidism as a principle diagnosis with and without hypertriglyceridemia using ICD-10 codes. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was used accordingly to adjust for confounders Results: There were over 71 million discharges in the combined 2016 and 2017 NIS database. Out of 17,705 hyperthyroidism hospitalizations, 4% had chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease with hyperthyroidism had a similar odd of inpatient mortality (AOR 0.79, CI 0.34–4.52, P= 0.787) and cardiogenic shock (AOR 2.66, CI 0.35–20.50, P=0.347). There was a statistically significant increase in odds of acute kidney injury (AOR 2.77, CI 1.60- 4.80, P Conclusion: Chronic kidney disease is associated with similar odds of hospital mortality and cardiogenic shock among patients hospitalized for hyperthyroidism with increased odds of acute kidney injury compared to those without hyperthyroidism. It is very important to consider all clinical features and thyroid manifestations in those patients with CKD.

Introduction: Thyroid dysfunction has a great impact on lipids as well as a number of other cardiovascular risk factors. Though the effect of thyroid hormones on plasma cholesterol concentrations are well-recognized, however, there are conflicting reports about the effect of thyroid hormone on the metabolism of plasma triglycerides. We sought to determine the effect of hypertriglyceridemia on patient admitted with hyperthyroidism. Methods: We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) databases from 2016 to 2017 for adults aged 18 and above with hypertriglyceridemia as a principle diagnosis with and without hyperthyroidism using ICD-10 codes. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis was used accordingly to adjust for confounders. Results: There were over 71 million discharges in the combined 2016 and 2017 NIS database. Out of 17,705 hyperthyroidism hospitalizations, 15% had hypertriglyceridemia. Hypertriglyceridemia with hyperthyroidism had a similar odds of inpatient mortality (AOR 0.37, CI 0.06–1.99, P=0.246), acute kidney injury (AOR 1.03, CI 0.706–1.510, P=0.868) and cardiogenic shock (AOR 0.96, CI 0.134–6.72, P=0.963). There was a statistically significant increase in odds of acute respiratory failure (AOR 0.46, CI- 0.21- 0.99, P=0.048) in those hospitalized with hyperthyroidism and hypertriglyceridemia compared to those with hyperthyroidism alone. Conclusion: Hypertriglyceridemia is associated with similar outcomes in patient admitted for hyperthyroidism in terms of mortality, acute kidney injury and acute cardiogenic shock with an increased odd of acute respiratory failure. More research is needed to explain the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying the effect of hypertriglyceridemia on hyperthyroidism.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and its negative prognostic impact on the morbidity and mortality of hospitalized patients has been well described. In patients with Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), mortality rates can reach up to 20% and poor outcomes have been reported in people with older age, presence of comorbid conditions and concurrent infections. However, the impact of atrial fibrillation on the hospital outcomes of patients admitted with HHS has not been well documented. Objective: We wanted to compare the outcomes for HHS hospitalizations for patients with and without Atrial fibrillation. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2016 and 2017. About 42 740 hospitalizations who had HHS as primary diagnosis were enrolled and further stratified based on the presence or absence of Atrial Fibrillation as secondary diagnosis using ICD-10 codes. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality and secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, total Hospital charges, Sepsis, Septic Shock, Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), and Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF). Multivariate regression analysis was done to adjust for confounders. Results: Out of the 42 740 hospitalizations with HHS, about 3 295 had Atrial Fibrillation. The in-hospital mortality for patients with HHS was 305 overall, out of which 60 patients had Atrial Fibrillation as secondary diagnosis. Compared with patients without Atrial Fibrillation, patients with Atrial Fibrillation had a similar in- hospital mortality (aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.39–1.52, p=0.45) when adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics. Patients with HHS and Atrial Fibrillation had similar length of hospital stay, total Hospital charges, rate of Sepsis, Septic Shock, AKI, and ARF in comparison to patients without Atrial Fibrillation. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the presence of atrial fibrillation in hospitalized HHS patients is not associated with increased mortality or longer duration of hospital stay. This data is essential since it helps identify HHS patients with increased risk of complications. As previous reports have suggested that AF, especially of new onset in critically ill patients is a marker of increased disease severity, the lack of such impact in patients with HHS requires further studies.

Nitrous oxide abuse is an uncommon cause of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. This is a case of a 27-year-old female exotic dancer who presented with clinical and laboratory manifestations of subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord secondary to nitrous oxide-induced B12 deficiency from chronic whippets consumption.

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is an emergency. The majority of cases are caused by underlying trauma, especially fractures. Idiopathic atraumatic ACS of the leg is very rare. The diagnosis and management of ACS should focus on the clinical presentation to avoid delay in fasciotomy for limb salvage. ACS of the leg can be caused by massive proximal iliofemoral thrombosis and rarely occlusive popliteal vein thrombosis with total or near total occlusion. Nonocclusive distal popliteal vein thrombosis, especially if chronic, does not cause ACS and when seen in a patient with ACS, it is likely an incidental finding rather than the cause of the compartment syndrome. This is a case of idiopathic ACS of the right leg occurring in the presence of an incidental right chronic nonocclusive distal popliteal vein thrombosis.

Perinephric abscess is a known complication of urologic infection, sometimes requiring surgical debridement. Extension into adjacent structures is rarely reported. We present a case of a woman with xanthogranulomatous emphysematous pyelonephritis accompanied by massive perinephric abscess, resulting in celiac and splenic artery mycotic aneurysms via direct invasion.