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Background Used in conjunction with other antiretroviral drugs, integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are highly effective and well tolerated. First licenced in 2007, guidelines have recommended their use as an option for initial treatment of HIV since 2009. Here we examine factors associated with INSTI use. Methods Data on people living with HIV (PLWH) who were newly initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) was extracted from the Truven Health MarketScan® database for commercially insured and Medicaid covered adults between January 1, 2008 and December 30, 2015. New users were identified as those without an ART claim in the 6 months preceding study inclusion. Multivariable logistic regression was preformed to determine factors associated with INSTI use. Results Between 2008 and 2015, 25,928 new initiators of ART were identified. Of those 6,000 (23%) were initiated on INSTI-based regimens (raltegravir 47%, elvitegravir 40%, dolutegravir 13%). Fifty-three percent of initiated regimens containing non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and 28% included protease inhibitors. Mean age was 40.4 years (10.9); 15,382 (76%) were male. As expected, the proportion of PLWH initiated on INSTI-based regimes increased from 117 (5%) in 2008 to 53% in 2015 (n = 1,082). Those on INSTI were more likely male (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.11, 1.31) and not on Medicaid (1.41, [1.29, 1.54]). Although PLWH with a history of congestive cardiac failure (1.42 [1.12, 1.8]), previous stroke (1.87 [1.03, 3.38]) or renal failure (1.48 [1.12, 1.98]) were more likely to receive INSTIs, those with a history of ischemic heart disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease including, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity or diabetes were not more likely to initiate INSTI-based regimens after controlling for age and year (all P > 0.05). INSTI prescribing did not differ between infectious diseases (ID) and non-ID providers. Conclusion Despite their good safety profile and recommendation for first-line treatment, a significant proportion of PLWH were initiated on non-INSTI-based regimens, even in the setting of underlying comorbidities. Disclosures M. A. Olsen, Pfizer: Consultant and Grant Investigator, Consulting fee and Grant recipient. sanofi pasteur: Grant Investigator, Grant recipient. W. Powderly, Merck: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Grant recipient. Gilead Sciences: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee.

Background Discontinuation of prophylactic antibiotics within 24 hours after surgery is recommended in multiple guidelines. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of prophylactic post-discharge antibiotic use after spinal fusion in a geographically representative, privately insured population. Methods We established a cohort of patients aged 10–64 years undergoing inpatient or ambulatory surgery spinal fusion between January 1, 2010–June 30, 2015 using the Truven Health MarketScan Database. Antibiotics were identified from outpatient drug claims ≤5 days post-discharge; comorbidities were assessed ≤1 year before surgery. Patients with infection during the surgical admission or ≤30 days prior were excluded. Univariate logistic regression and chi-square tests were used to compare antibiotic utilization for operative factors, demographics and comorbidities. Results The analysis included 174,202 fusion procedures, with 51.5% of surgeries involving the cervical spine, 81.3% involving 1–2 vertebral levels, and 53.05% using an anterior approach. The median patient age was 52 years and 55.3% were female. Post-discharge prophylactic antibiotics were used in 13,611 (7.8%) of surgeries, with cephalexin (39.2%) and levofloxacin (10.5%) the most commonly prescribed. Post-discharge antibiotic use decreased significantly from 2010 to 2015 (8.3% of procedures in 2010 vs. 7.7% in 2015; P < 0.001; Cochran-Armitage test), was higher in rural areas (8.8% of rural vs. 7.6% of urban/suburban patients; P < 0.001), and differed by U.S. region (8.5% South, 8.1% West, 6.9% North Central, 6.6% Northeast; P < 0.001). Patients prescribed prophylactic post-discharge antibiotics had more comorbidities including obesity, diabetes, pulmonary disease, hypertension, and psychoses (all P < 0.001). Post-discharge antibiotic use varied by surgical approach (9.6% anterior/posterior, 9.2% posterior only, 6.8% anterior only; P < 0.001) and spine region (9.4% lumbar, 6.7% cervical, 6.7% multiple regions, 6.1% thoracic; P < 0.001), and was more common when >2 vertebral levels were involved (P < 0.001). Conclusion Post-discharge antibiotic prophylaxis following spinal fusion surgery was associated with geographic, operative and patient factors. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of postsurgical infections. National estimates of these infections after elective surgeries based on microbiology data are limited. This study assessed 180-day postsurgical S. aureus incidence in real-world hospital settings. Methods Adults (≥18 years) who underwent elective surgery during a hospital-based outpatient or inpatient encounter from July 1, 2010–June 30, 2015 at one of 181 hospitals reporting microbiology results in the Premier Healthcare Database (PHD). Eighty-seven surgical categories were defined using ICD-9-CM and CPT procedure codes according to National Hospital Surveillance Network groupings plus additional categories. Microbiology results and ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes were used to identify invasive (e.g., deep incisional and organ-space SSI, bloodstream) and overall (i.e., invasive, superficial incisional, urinary tract, respiratory) S. aureus infections. Cumulative 180-day S. aureus infection rates were calculated as number of infections divided by number of discharges with elective surgeries. National infection volumes were calculated by multiplying infection rates by national inpatient elective surgery estimates using surgery counts in the entire PHD (665 hospitals) and weights based on hospital characteristics. Results Following 1,116,994 hospital-based outpatient elective surgeries, 180-day S. aureus incidence was 1.19% overall, with 0.38% complicated by invasive S. aureus infections. Among 884,803 inpatient elective surgeries, overall and invasive 180-day S. aureus infection incidence was 1.35% and 0.53%, respectively. This translated to an estimated 57,200 S. aureus infections (22,400 invasive) among an estimated 4.2 million elective inpatient surgeries annually in the US methicillin-resistance (MRSA) was observed in 45% and 46% of S. aureus infections after inpatient and outpatient surgeries, respectively. Figure 1 shows cumulative S. aureus incidence rates at each time point after outpatient and inpatient elective surgeries. Figure 2 delineates the incidence rates for each type of S. aureus infection. Conclusion Our study indicated similar S. aureus infection rates after inpatient and outpatient elective surgeries. The results highlight the much larger burden of disease of S. aureus infection in the United States beyond inpatient surgeries. Disclosures J. Dreyfus, Premier, Inc.: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. E. Begier, Pfizer, Inc.: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. H. Yu, Pfizer, Inc.: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. A. Quintana, Pfizer, Inc.: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. J. Gayle, Premier, Inc.: Employee, Salary. M. A. Olsen, Pfizer: Consultant, Consulting fee.

Purpose To estimate the accuracy of two algorithms to identify cholecystectomy procedures using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-4) codes in administrative data. Methods Private insurer medical claims for 30 853 patients 18–64 years with an inpatient hospitalization between 2006 and 2010, as indicated by providers/facilities place of service in addition to room and board charges, were cross-classified according to the presence of codes for cholecystectomy. The accuracy of ICD-9-CM- and CPT-4-based algorithms was estimated using a Bayesian latent class model. Results The sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 [probability interval (PI): 0.92, 0.92] and 0.99 (PI: 0.97, 0.99) for ICD-9-CM-, and 0.93 (PI: 0.92, 0.93) and 0.99 (PI: 0.97, 0.99) for CPT-4-based algorithms, respectively. The parallel-joint scheme, where positivity of either algorithm was considered a positive outcome, yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 0.99 (PI: 0.99, 0.99) and 0.97 (PI: 0.95, 0.99), respectively. Conclusions Both ICD-9-CM- and CPT-4-based algorithms had high sensitivity to identify cholecystectomy procedures in administrative data when used individually and especially in a parallel-joint approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication and disease commonly occur in lung transplant recipients after stopping anti-CMV prophylaxis. The epidemiology of CMV disease is not well studied, given the difficulties in assembling representative study populations with prolonged follow-up. We hypothesized that delayed-onset CMV disease (>100 days after transplantation) occurs more commonly than early-onset CMV disease in lung transplant recipients, and is associated with an increased risk of death. Methods We assembled a large cohort of lung transplant recipients using 2004 to 2010 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification billing data from 3 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality State Inpatient Databases, and identified demographics, comorbidities, CMV disease coded during hospital readmission and inpatient death. We used Cox proportional hazard multivariate analyses to assess for an independent association between delayed-onset CMV disease and death. Results In the cohort of 1528 lung transplant recipients from 12 transplant centers, delayed-onset CMV disease occurred in 13.7% (n = 210) and early-onset CMV disease occurred in 3.3% (n = 51). Delayed-onset CMV pneumonitis was associated with inpatient death longer than 100 days after transplantation (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.1-2.5), after adjusting for transplant failure/rejection (aHR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.5-4.1), bacterial pneumonia (aHR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.0-3.9), viral pneumonia (aHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1), fungal pneumonia (aHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3), single lung transplant (aHR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.7), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (aHR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0-1.8). Conclusions Delayed-onset CMV disease occurred more commonly than early-onset CMV disease among lung transplant recipients. These results suggest that delayed-onset CMV pneumonitis was independently associated with an increased risk of death.

Background The use of administrative billing data may enable large-scale assessments of treatment outcomes for Chiari Malformation type I (CM-1). However, to utilize such data sets, validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9-CM) code algorithms for identifying CM-1 surgery are needed. Objective To validate 2 ICD-9-CM code algorithms identifying patients undergoing CM-1 decompression surgery. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the validity of 2 ICD-9-CM code algorithms for identifying adult CM-1 decompression surgery performed at 2 academic medical centers between 2001 and 2013. Algorithm 1 included any discharge diagnosis code of 348.4 (CM-1), as well as a procedure code of 01.24 (cranial decompression) or 03.09 (spinal decompression, or laminectomy). Algorithm 2 restricted this group to patients with a primary diagnosis of 348.4. The positive predictive value (PPV) and sensitivity of each algorithm were calculated. Results Among 340 first-time admissions identified by Algorithm 1, the overall PPV for CM-1 decompression was 65%. Among the 214 admissions identified by Algorithm 2, the overall PPV was 99.5%. The PPV for Algorithm 1 was lower in the Vanderbilt (59%) cohort, males (40%), and patients treated between 2009 and 2013 (57%), whereas the PPV of Algorithm 2 remained high (≥99%) across subgroups. The sensitivity of Algorithms 1 (86%) and 2 (83%) were above 75% in all subgroups. Conclusion ICD-9-CM code Algorithm 2 has excellent PPV and good sensitivity to identify adult CM-1 decompression surgery. These results lay the foundation for studying CM-1 treatment outcomes by using large administrative databases.

Background International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) coding for cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been used as a proxy for active CMV infection or disease occurring in the inpatient setting in retrospective studies of kidney transplant recipients using large amounts of administrative data. However, the accuracy of inpatient CMV coding has not been determined. Methods We identified 393 kidney transplant recipients who were readmitted to Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2011 to determine the accuracy of the ICD-9-CM diagnosis code for CMV (078.5) in identifying active CMV infection or disease (asymptomatic viremia, CMV syndrome, or tissue-invasive CMV disease) in the inpatient setting, using microbiological, histopathologic, or ophthalmologic evidence for CMV as the gold standard. Results The sensitivity and positive predictive value of CMV coding in identifying active CMV infection or disease were 0.77 and 0.71, respectively. The specificity and negative predictive value were both 0.98. The sensitivity of CMV coding in identifying CMV syndrome or tissue-invasive CMV disease was 0.93. Conclusions CMV coding had good accuracy in identifying active CMV infection or disease among readmitted kidney transplant recipients in our hospital. Further validation studies of CMV coding in other hospitals are needed to obtain more generalizable estimates of the accuracy of CMV coding.

OBJECTIVEThe National Healthcare Safety Network classifies breast operations as clean procedures with an expected 1%–2% surgical site infection (SSI) incidence. We assessed differences in SSI incidence following mastectomy with and without immediate reconstruction in a large, geographically diverse population.DESIGNRetrospective cohort studyPATIENTSCommercially insured women aged 18–64 years with ICD-9-CM procedure or CPT-4 codes for mastectomy from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2011METHODSIncident SSIs within 180 days after surgery were identified by ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. The incidences of SSI after mastectomy with and without immediate reconstruction were compared using the χ2 test.RESULTSFrom 2004 to 2011, 18,696 mastectomy procedures among 18,085 women were identified, with immediate reconstruction in 10,836 procedures (58%). The incidence of SSI within 180 days following mastectomy with or without reconstruction was 8.1% (1,520 of 18,696). In total, 49% of SSIs were identified within 30 days post-mastectomy, 24.5% were identified 31–60 days post-mastectomy, 10.5% were identified 61–90 days post-mastectomy, and 15.7% were identified 91–180 days post-mastectomy. The incidences of SSI were 5.0% (395 of 7,860) after mastectomy only, 10.3% (848 of 8,217) after mastectomy plus implant, 10.7% (207 of 1,942) after mastectomy plus flap, and 10.3% (70 of 677) after mastectomy plus flap and implant (PP=.001) than without (6.1% vs 4.7%, P=.021) immediate reconstruction.CONCLUSIONSSSI incidence was twice that after mastectomy with immediate reconstruction than after mastectomy alone. Only 49% of SSIs were coded within 30 days after operation. Our results suggest that stratification by procedure type facilitates comparison of SSI rates after breast operations between facilities.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(8):907–914

The impact of recurrent Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) on hospital readmissions is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine whether recurrent CDI was independently associated with the number of hospital readmissions and days readmitted.We performed a retrospective cohort study at an academic, urban, tertiary care hospital. Data were collected from electronic medical records and supplemented with chart review. CDI patients were followed for 180 days to ascertain the number of hospital readmissions and total days readmitted. Univariate and multivariable negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate factors, including CDI recurrence, associated with hospital readmissions.The study included 3,950 patients with CDI from 2003-2009, including 413 patients with recurrent CDI. Recurrent CDI patients were significantly more likely to have at least 1 readmission (85% vs 41%; P.001) and had more days readmitted (mean = 18.6 vs 7.6; P.001) than patients without recurrent CDI. In multivariable analysis, recurrent CDI was independently associated with number of readmissions (rate ratio = 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.21-2.91) and days readmitted (rate ratio = 3.97; 95% CI, 3.11-5.08) after adjustment for demographics, comorbidities, and medications.Recurrent CDI patients are significantly more likely than patients without a recurrence to be readmitted and spend increased time readmitted to the hospital.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of infectious health care-associated diarrhea and is a major burden to patients and the health care system. The incidence and severity of CDI remain at historically high levels. This article reviews the morbidity, mortality, and costs associated with CDI.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 has been linked to several neurological conditions, including epilepsy, Parkinson disease, headache, multiple sclerosis, and sleep disturbances, predominantly through case reports and patient series that lack comparison groups. Our objective was to assess whether specific neurological conditions occur more frequently in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 versus those without neurofibromatosis type 1.We used the 2006-2010 MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database to examine associations between neurological conditions and neurofibromatosis type 1. The neurofibromatosis type 1 group was identified through ≥2 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification neurofibromatosis codes (237.70, 237.71) occurring ≥30 days apart or one inpatient neurofibromatosis code. A nonneurofibromatosis type 1 comparison group was frequency matched to the neurofibromatosis type 1 group on age and enrollment length at a 10:1 ratio. Unconditional logistic regression was employed to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations between neurofibromatosis and neurological conditions.Compared with the nonneurofibromatosis type 1 group (n = 85,790), the neurofibromatosis type 1 group (n = 8,579) had significantly higher odds of health insurance claims for epilepsy (odds ratio: 7.3; 95% confidence interval: 6.4-8.3), Parkinson disease (odds ratio: 3.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.3-7.5), headache (odds ratio: 2.9; 95% confidence interval: 2.6-3.1), multiple sclerosis (odds ratio: 1.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-2.9), and sleep disturbances/disorder (odds ratio: 1.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-3.6).This large study provides strong evidence for positive associations between several neurological conditions and neurofibromatosis type 1.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether operative factors are associated with risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after hernia repair.DesignRetrospective cohort study.PatientsCommercially insured enrollees aged 6 months-64 years with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure or Current Procedural Terminology, fourth edition, codes for inguinal/femoral, umbilical, and incisional/ventral hernia repair procedures from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2010.MethodsSSIs within 90 days after hernia repair were identified by diagnosis codes. The χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to compare SSI incidence by operative factors.ResultsA total of 119,973 hernia repair procedures were analyzed. The incidence of SSI differed significantly by anatomic site, with rates of 0.45% (352/77,666) for inguinal/femoral, 1.16% (288/24,917) for umbilical, and 4.11% (715/17,390) for incisional/ventral hernia repair. Within anatomic sites, the incidence of SSI was significantly higher for open versus laparoscopic inguinal/femoral (0.48% [295/61,142] vs 0.34% [57/16,524], P=.020) and incisional/ventral (4.20% [701/16,699] vs 2.03% [14/691], P=.005) hernia repairs. The rate of SSI was higher following procedures with bowel obstruction/necrosis than procedures without obstruction/necrosis for open inguinal/femoral (0.89% [48/5,422] vs 0.44% [247/55,720], PPP=.645).ConclusionsThe incidence of SSI was highest after open procedures, incisional/ventral repairs, and hernia repairs with bowel obstruction/necrosis. Stratification of hernia repair SSI rates by some operative factors may facilitate accurate comparison of SSI rates between facilities.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–7

Background Delayed-onset cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease can occur among heart transplant recipients after stopping anti-CMV prophylaxis. We evaluated a large, retrospective cohort of heart transplant recipients in the United States through the use of billing data from 3 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) State Inpatient Databases (SID) to determine the epidemiology of delayed-onset CMV disease coded during hospital readmission. Methods We identified 2280 adult heart transplant recipients from 2004 to 2010 through the use of the California, Florida, and New York SID. Demographics, comorbidities, heart failure etiology, CMV disease, and inpatient death were identified. CMV disease was classified as early-onset (≤100 days) or delayed-onset (>100 days after transplant). Possible tissue invasion by CMV was determined through the use of codes for CMV pneumonitis, hepatitis, and gastrointestinal endoscopy. Multivariate analysis was performed with the use of Cox proportional hazards models. Results Delayed-onset CMV disease occurred in 7.5% (170/2280) and early-onset CMV disease occurred in 2.0% (45/2280) of heart transplant recipients. Risk factors for delayed-onset CMV disease included residence in a non-metropolitan locale (aHR. 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–3.3) and ischemic cardiomyopathy as heart failure etiology (aHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3–2.5). Inpatient death >100 days after transplant was associated with delayed-onset CMV disease with possible tissue invasion (aHR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.8), transplant failure or rejection (aHR, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.7–5.8), and renal failure (aHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.0). Conclusions Delayed-onset CMV disease is more common than early-onset CMV disease among heart transplant recipients. These results suggest that delayed-onset tissue-invasive CMV disease may be associated with an increased risk of death.

We utilized an updated nationally representative database to examine associations between maternal age and prevalence of maternal morbidity during complications of labor and delivery. We used hospital inpatient billing data from the 2009 United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample, part of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. To determine whether the likelihood that maternal morbidity during complications of labor and delivery differed among age groups, separate logistic regression models were run for each complication. Age was the main independent variable of interest. In analyses that controlled for demographics and clinical confounders, we found that complications with the highest odds among women, 11-18 years of age, compared to 25-29 year old women, included preterm delivery, chorioamnionitis, endometritis, and mild preeclampsia. Pregnant women who were 15-19 years old had greater odds for severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, poor fetal growth, and fetal distress. Pregnant women who were ≥35 years old had greater odds for preterm delivery, hypertension, superimposed preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, and decreased risk for chorioamnionitis. Older women (≥40 years old) had increased odds for mild preeclampsia, fetal distress, and poor fetal growth. Our findings underscore the need for pregnant women to be aware of the risks associated with extremes of age so that they can watch for signs and symptoms of such complications.

Empyema affects up to 65,000 patients annually in the United States. Recent consensus guidelines demonstrate ambiguity about optimal treatment. We examined current treatment practices and outcomes for inpatient treatment of empyema using a comprehensive, longitudinal data set that encompasses an entire state cohort of hospitalized patients.We queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project New York State Inpatient Database (2009 to 2014) for patients with primary empyema and subsequent readmissions. Patients were categorized into three groups by definitive treatment during their initial hospitalization: chest tube drainage, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) decortication and drainage, or open decortication and drainage. Treatment outcomes, including success rates, readmission, reintervention, and mortality, were compared between groups.The cohort included 4,095 patients undergoing intervention for primary empyema discharged during this period with chest tube, VATS, or open drainage and decortication. Most patients received definitive operative management (chest tube: 38.2%, VATS: 32.1%, open: 29.8%; p0.001). Patients had a high mortality rate during their initial hospitalization (chest tube: 15.4%, VATS: 4.7%, open: 6.0%; p0.001) and a substantial 30-day readmission rate for empyema (chest tube: 7.3%, VATS: 3.8%, open: 4.1%; p0.001), with reintervention at readmission significantly higher for chest tube (6.1%) vs surgical patients (VATS: 1.9%, open 2.1%; p0.001).This study characterizes recent treatment practices of patients with empyema. Higher readmission and reintervention rates were observed in patients managed with chest tubes, suggesting some of these patients may benefit from earlier definitive surgical intervention.

Surgical site infection (SSI) after immediate breast reconstruction is much more common than would be expected after a clean surgical procedure. Although the SSI rates reported in individual studies are quite variable, there are no obvious explanations for the variation in infection rates between institutions. The microbiology of these SSIs is unusual, with higher proportions of infections caused by atypical Mycobacterium species and Gram-negative bacilli than would be expected for this anatomic site. In an effort to prevent SSIs, many surgeons use a variety of different practices including irrigation and soaking of implants with antibiotic solutions and prolonged duration of prophylactic antibiotics, although the literature to support these practices is very sparse. In particular, prolonged use of antibiotics post-discharge is concerning due to the potential for harm, including increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection, development of antibiotic-resistant organisms, and drug-related allergic reactions. With higher rates of mastectomy and breast implant reconstruction in women with early-stage breast cancer, including greater utilization of reconstruction in higher-risk individuals, the number of women suffering from infection after oncologic reconstruction will likely continue to increase. It is imperative that more research be done to identify modifiable factors associated with increased risk of infection. It is also essential that larger studies with rigorous study designs be performed to identify optimal strategies to decrease the risk of SSI in this vulnerable population.

Background Minority patients are at higher risk for complications and readmissions after total hip and knee arthroplasty. They are also more likely to undergo joint replacement in lower volume centers, which is associated with poorer outcomes. It is unknown whether these disparities simply reflect disproportionate use of lower volume centers. This study evaluates the impact of hospital volume on racial differences in outcomes following joint replacement. Methods Patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty between 2006 and 2013 in New York and Florida were identified through the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases. Complications, readmissions, and emergency department (ED) visits within 90 days were compared by hospital volume. Relative risks were calculated with generalized estimating equations for risk factors associated with adverse outcomes. Results Race/ethnicity was not associated with readmission following hip replacement. Black race was associated with readmission following knee replacement (relative risk [RR] 1.16). Black race was associated with ED visits following hip replacement (RR 1.29) and knee replacement (RR 1.33). Hispanic ethnicity was associated with ED visits following knee replacement (RR 1.15), but not hip replacement. These associations did not change after adjusting for hospital volume. Conclusion Adjusting for hospital volume does not alter the risk of readmissions and ED use associated with minority race/ethnicity, suggesting that hospital volume alone may be insufficient to explain racial differences in outcome.

Apical vaginal support is considered the keystone of pelvic organ support. Level I evidence supports reestablishment of apical support at time of hysterectomy, regardless of whether the hysterectomy is performed for prolapse. National rates of apical support procedure performance at time of inpatient hysterectomy have not been well described.We sought to estimate trends and factors associated with use of apical support procedures at time of inpatient hysterectomy for benign indications in a large national database.The National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample was used to identify hysterectomies performed from 2004 through 2013 for benign indications. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to select both procedures and diagnoses. The primary outcome was performance of an apical support procedure at time of hysterectomy. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed.There were 3,509,230 inpatient hysterectomies performed for benign disease from 2004 through 2013. In both nonprolapse and prolapse groups, there was a significant decrease in total number of annual hysterectomies performed over the study period (P.0001). There were 2,790,652 (79.5%) hysterectomies performed without a diagnosis of prolapse, and an apical support procedure was performed in only 85,879 (3.1%). There was a significant decrease in the proportion of hysterectomies with concurrent apical support procedure (high of 4.0% in 2004 to 2.5% in 2013, P.0001). In the multivariable logistic regression model, increasing age, hospital type (urban teaching), hospital bed size (large and medium), and hysterectomy type (vaginal and laparoscopically assisted vaginal) were associated with performance of an apical support procedure. During the study period, 718,578 (20.5%) inpatient hysterectomies were performed for prolapse diagnoses and 266,743 (37.1%) included an apical support procedure. There was a significant increase in the proportion of hysterectomies with concurrent apical support procedure (low of 31.3% in 2005 to 49.3% in 2013, P.0001). In the multivariable logistic regression model, increasing age, hospital type (urban teaching), hospital bed size (medium and large), and hysterectomy type (total laparoscopic and laparoscopic supracervical) were associated with performance of an apical support procedure.This national database study demonstrates that apical support procedures are not routinely performed at time of inpatient hysterectomy regardless of presence of prolapse diagnosis. Educational efforts are needed to increase awareness of the importance of reestablishing apical vaginal support at time of hysterectomy regardless of indication.

Little is known about the ongoing mortality risk and healthcare utilization among U.S. children after discharge from a hospitalization involving ICU care. We sought to understand risks for hospital readmission and trends in mortality during the year following ICU discharge.Retrospective observational cohort study.This study was performed using administrative claims data from 2006-2013 obtained from the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Database.We included all children in the dataset admitted to a U.S. ICU less than or equal to 18 years old.The primary outcome was nonelective readmission in the year following discharge. Risk of rehospitalization was determined using a Cox proportional hazards model.We identified 109,130 children with at least one ICU admission in the dataset. Over three quarters of the index ICU admissions (78.6%) had an ICU length of stay less than or equal to 3 days, and the overall index hospitalization mortality rate was 1.4%. In multivariate analysis, risk of nonelective readmission for children without cancer was higher with longer index ICU admission length of stay, younger age, and several chronic and acute conditions. By the end of the 1-year observation period, 36.0% of children with an index ICU length of stay greater than or equal to 14 days had been readmitted, compared with only 13.9% of children who had an index ICU length of stay equals to 1 day. Mortality in the year after ICU discharge was low overall (106 deaths per 10,000 person-years of observation) but was high among children with an initial index ICU admission length of stay greater than or equal to 14 days (599 deaths per 10,000 person-years).Readmission after ICU care is common. Further research is needed to investigate the potentially modifiable factors affecting likelihood of readmissions after discharge from the ICU. Although late mortality was relatively uncommon overall, it was 10-fold higher in the year after ICU discharge than in the general U.S. pediatric population.

Background Cryptococcosis is the third most common invasive fungal infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. There are no nationally representative data describing the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of cryptococcosis after SOT. Methods We assembled a large cohort of adult SOT recipients using Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification billing data from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases of Florida (2006–2012), New York (2006–2011), and California (2004–2010). Demographics, comorbidities, death, and cryptococcal infections coded during hospitalization were identified. Results A total of 42634 adults with SOT were identified during the study period. Cryptococcal disease was identified in 0.37% (n = 158), 44% of which had meningitis (n = 69). Median time to diagnosis of cryptococcosis was 464 days (range, 4–2393). The median time to onset of cryptococcosis was earlier for lung (191 days; range, 7.5–1816), heart (195 days; range, 4–1061), and liver (200 days; range, 4–1581) compared with kidney transplant recipients (616 days; range, 12–2393; P < .001, log rank test). Very early-onset disease ( Conclusions Cryptococcosis is rare after SOT, but it is associated with significantly increased risk of death. Lung transplant recipients are at highest risk for cryptococcosis among SOTs. Nonkidney transplants have earlier onset of cryptococcosis and higher risk of death compared with kidney transplant recipients.

BackgroundThere are limited data on risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) after open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy.MethodsA retrospective cohort of commercially insured persons aged 18–64 years was assembled using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) procedure or Current Procedural Terminology, 4th edition codes for cholecystectomy from December 31, 2004 to December 31, 2010. Complex procedures and patients (eg, cancer, end-stage renal disease) and procedures with pre-existing infection were excluded. Surgical site infections within 90 days after cholecystectomy were identified by ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent risk factors for SSI.ResultsSurgical site infections were identified after 472 of 66566 (0.71%) cholecystectomies; incidence was higher after open (n = 51, 4.93%) versus laparoscopic procedures (n = 421, 0.64%; P < .001). Independent risk factors for SSI included male gender, preoperative chronic anemia, diabetes, drug abuse, malnutrition/weight loss, obesity, smoking-related diseases, previous Staphylococcus aureus infection, laparoscopic approach with acute cholecystitis/obstruction (hazards ratio [HR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–1.96), open approach with (HR, 4.29; 95% CI, 2.45–7.52) or without acute cholecystitis/obstruction (HR, 4.04; 95% CI, 1.96–8.34), conversion to open approach with (HR, 4.71; 95% CI, 2.74–8.10) or without acute cholecystitis/obstruction (HR, 7.11; 95% CI, 3.87–13.08), bile duct exploration, postoperative chronic anemia, and postoperative pneumonia or urinary tract infection.ConclusionsAcute cholecystitis or obstruction was associated with significantly increased risk of SSI with laparoscopic but not open cholecystectomy. The risk of SSI was similar for planned open and converted procedures. These findings suggest that stratification by operative factors is important when comparing SSI rates between facilities.

Compare rates of medical insurance claims for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) between workers in a construction trade and a general worker population to determine if higher physical exposures in construction lead to higher rates of claims on personal medical insurance.Health insurance claims between 2006 and 2010 from floor layers were frequency matched by age, gender, eligibility time and geographic location to claims from insured workers in general industry obtained from MarketScan. We extracted MSD claims and dates of service from six regions of the body: neck, low back, knee, lower extremity, shoulder and distal arm, and evaluated differences in claim rates.Fifty-one per cent of floor layers (n=1475) experienced musculoskeletal claims compared with 39% of MarketScan members (p0.001). Claim rates were higher for floor layers across all body regions with nearly double the rate ratios for the knee and neck regions (RR 2.10 and 2.07). The excess risk was greatest for the neck and low back regions; younger workers had disproportionately higher rates in the knee, neck, low back and distal arm. A larger proportion of floor layers (22%) filed MSD claims in more than one body region compared with general workers (10%; p0.001).Floor layers have markedly higher rates of MSD claims compared with a general worker population, suggesting a shifting of medical costs for work-related MSD to personal health insurance. The occurrence of disorders in multiple body regions and among the youngest workers highlights the need for improved work methods and tools for construction workers.

BACKGROUND Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) affects 10% to 25% of patients with initial CDI (iCDI). Initiation of new therapies that reduce recurrences rests on identifying patients at high risk for rCDI at iCDI onset. OBJECTIVE To develop a predictive model for rCDI based on factors present at iCDI onset. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Large urban academic medical center. PATIENTS All adult patients with an inpatient iCDI from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2009. INTERVENTION None. MEASUREMENTS Positive toxin assay for C difficile with no C difficile infection in the previous 60 days constituted iCDI. Repeat positive toxin within 42 days of stopping iCDI treatment defined rCDI. Three demographic, 13 chronic, and 12 acute disease characteristics, and 7 processes of care prior to or at the onset of iCDI, were assessed for association with rCDI. A logistic regression model to identify predictors for rCDI was developed and cross-validated. RESULTS Among the 4196 patients enrolled, 425 (10.1%) developed rCDI. Six factors (case status as community-onset healthcare-associated, ≥2 hospitalizations in the prior 60 days, new gastric acid suppression, fluoroquinolone and high-risk antibiotic use at the onset of iCDI, age) predicted rCDI in multivariate analyses, whereas intensive care unit stay appeared protective. The model achieved moderate discrimination (C statistic 0.643) and calibration (Brier score 0.089). Its negative predictive value was 90% or higher across a wide range of risk. CONCLUSIONS Among patients hospitalized with rCDI, multiple factors present at the onset of iCDI increased the risk for rCDI. Recognizing patients at high-risk for rCDI can help clinicians tailor early treatment and prevention. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:418–423. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine

Background Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a frequent cause of diarrhea among allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. It is unknown whether risk factors for CDI vary by time posttransplant. Methods We performed a 3-year prospective cohort study of CDI in allogeneic HCT recipients. Participants were enrolled during their transplant hospitalizations. Clinical assessments were performed weekly during hospitalizations and for 12 weeks posttransplant, and monthly for 30 months thereafter. Data were collected through patient interviews and chart review, and included CDI diagnosis, demographics, transplant characteristics, medications, infections, and outcomes. CDI cases were included if they occurred within 1 year of HCT and were stratified by time from transplant. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for CDI. Results One hundred eighty-seven allogeneic HCT recipients were enrolled, including 63 (34%) patients who developed CDI. 38 (60%) CDI cases occurred during the preengraftment period (days 0-30 post-HCT) and 25 (40%) postengraftment (day >30). Lack of any preexisting comorbid disease was significantly associated with lower risk of CDI preengraftment (odds ratio [OR], 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1-0.9). Relapsed underlying disease (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 1.3-33.1), receipt of any high-risk antimicrobials (OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 2.9-47.8), and graft-versus-host disease (OR, 7.8; 95% CI, 2.0-30.2) were significant independent risk factors for CDI postengraftment. Conclusions A large portion of CDI cases occurred during the postengraftment period in allogeneic HCT recipients, suggesting that surveillance for CDI should continue beyond the transplant hospitalization and preengraftment period. Patients with continued high underlying severity of illness were at increased risk of CDI postengraftment.

Purpose We hypothesized that patients with preoperative opioid prescriptions and diagnoses of depression and anxiety would be at increased risk for prolonged opioid prescriptions after surgery for brachial plexus injury (BPI). Methods Using an administrative database of privately insured patients, we assembled a cohort of BPI surgery patients and a control group of non-BPI patients, matching for age, sex, and year. Pharmacy claims for prescriptions filled for opioids and neuropathic pain medications were examined 12 months before surgery to 180 days after surgery. The primary outcome was prolonged opioid prescription, defined as receiving a prescription 90 to 180 days after the index (BPI surgery or randomly selected date of service for controls). Multivariable regression was used to examine risk factors for postoperative opioid use, including diagnoses of depression, anxiety, drug abuse, tobacco use, and preoperative use of opioids and neuropathic pain medications. A subgroup analysis was performed for opioid-naive BPI patients between 30 days to 1 year before surgery. Results Among BPI surgery patients (n = 1,936), 27.7% had prolonged opioid prescriptions. Among opioid-naive BPI patients (n = 911), 10.8% had prolonged opioid prescriptions. In controls (n = 19,360), frequency of prolonged opioid prescriptions was 0.11%. Among all BPI patients, after adjustment for age and sex, predictors of prolonged postoperative opioid prescriptions in BPI patients were preoperative opioids, preoperative neuropathic pain medication use, histories of drug abuse, tobacco use, and anxiety. Conclusions Prolonged postoperative opioids prescriptions after BPI reconstruction are higher than previous estimates among other surgical patients. In addition to establishing normative data among this population, our findings serve to increase awareness of risk factors for prolonged opioids after BPI reconstruction and encourage coordinated multidisciplinary care. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.

Background Although Medicaid expansion has improved access to primary care services, its impact on surgical specialty utilization remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine whether Medicaid expansion is associated with increased utilization rates of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Illinois (which expanded Medicaid) relative to Missouri (which did not expand Medicaid). Methods Using administrative data sources, we analyzed 374,877 total hospitalizations (236,333 in Illinois and 138,544 in Missouri) for THA/TKA from 2011 to 2016 (Illinois’ Medicaid expansion date: January 1, 2014). Results The percentage of THA/TKA funded by Medicaid in Illinois was 2.4% in 2013 and 3.9% in 2016 (Missouri 2013: 2.7%; 2016: 2.6%). A difference-in-difference analysis (adjusted for patient age and gender, county-level Area Deprivation Index, and number of orthopedic surgeons) demonstrated a statistically significant increase in Medicaid-funded THA/TKA in Illinois in 2016 compared to 2013 (P = .012). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that Medicaid expansion in Illinois was associated with increased utilization of THA and TKA. Further study is needed to understand the impact of Medicaid expansion in other states and for other procedures.

Purpose Reactive depression and anxiety are common after major life changes such as brachial plexus injuries (BPI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for coded depression and coded anxiety among patients with BPI using a national database of commercial insurance claims. Methods We used the Truven MarketScan database from 2007 to 2013 to identify commercially insured patients aged 18 to 64 years who underwent BPI surgery. For comparison, a control group without BPI was frequency-matched 10:1 by age group, sex, number of provider visits, and length of insurance enrollment. Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes and pharmacy claims, we identified coded depression and coded anxiety in the 12 months before and 12 months after BPI surgery. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to determine risk factors for coded depression or coded anxiety, adjusting for known risk factors for depression or anxiety (eg, alcohol, substance abuse). Results We identified 1,843 patients with BPI and 18,430 controls. Within the 12 months preceding surgery, coded depression and coded anxiety were present in 38% and 42%, respectively, of the BPI group; both were present in 25% and either was present in 54%. The rate of new-onset/postoperatively coded depression among patients with BPI was 142.1/1,000 person-years (12%) and of new-onset/postoperatively coded anxiety was 273.6/1,000 person-years (20%). Patients with BPI were significantly more likely than controls to develop new-onset/postoperatively coded depression (hazard ratio = 1.3; confidence interval [CI], 1.1–1.5) and new-onset/postoperatively coded anxiety (HR = 2.1 [CI, 1.8–2.4]). Conclusions Patients undergoing BPI surgery have a high prevalence of coded depression and coded anxiety in the 12 months before surgery and are at higher risk for developing new-onset/postoperatively coded depression and coded anxiety within 1 year after surgery. These findings can be used by BPI surgeons to inform perioperative counseling, guide emotional recovery from injury, and facilitate coordinated or colocated care with mental health professionals. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.

Background Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in outpatient settings. Evidence-based recommendations suggest empiric treatment of healthy female patients presenting with two or more classic symptoms of UTIs, rather than urine testing. It is unknown how often urine testing is ordered in the community, and if there are opportunities to reduce the number of unnecessary urine tests. This study aims to describe urine testing practices for uncomplicated UTIs in outpatient settings. Methods Using the 2009–2013 Truven Health Analytics MarketScan database, we extracted outpatient claims data for premenopausal, nonpregnant women aged 18–44 years who met criteria for an uncomplicated UTI or cystitis with antibiotic prescribed ±5 days of diagnosis. Women with recent infections, hospitalizations, urologic abnormalities, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, immune compromise, or other complicating factors were excluded. Urine laboratory tests coded within ±5 days of index UTI were identified. To explore variation in urine testing practices, we compared frequencies of urine testing types according to patient age, region, provider type, testing location, residence in a metropolitan statistical area (MSA), and office visit using Chi-square tests. Results Of 669,892 eligible patients with an uncomplicated UTI, 584,863 (87%) received at least one urine test. Of the patients who received at least one test, 285,639 (49%) patients received both a urinalysis (UA) and culture, 247,740 (42%) received a UA only, and 51,484 (9%) received culture only. Significant variation in testing was observed by patient age, region, provider type, testing location, and office visit (Table 1). Patients in the Northeast and in urban locations more frequently received both a UA and culture. Patients who received both UA and culture were more likely to have been seen by an OB/GYN, whereas patients treated empirically without testing were more likely to have been seen by emergency physicians. Conclusion In contrast to evidence-based recommendations, the vast majority of patients with uncomplicated UTI received at least one urine test. We observed variation in urine testing practices, which suggests that diagnostic testing stewardship opportunities exist for outpatients with UTIs. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background The comparative effectiveness of antibiotics for empiric therapy for urinary tract infection (UTI) is not well established. We sought to estimate the risk of treatment failure by guideline-recommended agent for treatment of UTI in otherwise healthy, premenopausal women. Methods Using US commercial insurance claims data (2006–2015), we conducted a retrospective cohort study of nonpregnant women 18–44 years who received an outpatient diagnosis of UTI with a prescription for an antibiotic with activity against common uropathogens. For each antibiotic agent, we estimated the daily cumulative risk and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of treatment failure defined by a subsequent UTI-related antibiotic prescription since the index prescription. Propensity-score weighting accounted for patient-, geographic-, and provider-level characteristics. Results Among 1,100,661 eligible women, the majority received second-line fluoroquinolones (43%), first-line trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (28%), or first-line nitrofurantoin (24%). Seven-day and 30-day treatment failure occurred in 8.4% (n = 92,382) and 20.5% (n = 225,746) of women, respectively. Among initiators of first-line agents, the 7-day weighted cumulative incidence estimates of treatment failure were lower for nitrofurantoin (6.0%, 95% CI, 5.9%–6.1%) vs. trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (8.8%, 95% CI, 8.7%–9.0%). Among initiators of second-line agents, treatment failure did not differ between fluoroquinolones (5.0%, 95% CI, 4.9%–5.1%), narrow-spectrum β-lactams (5.1%, 95% CI, 4.9%–5.4%), or broad-spectrum β-lactams (5.3%, 95% CI, 4.9%–5.7%). Among initiators of nonguideline recommended β-lactams, treatment failure was 9.6% (95% CI, 9.0%–10.3%). Results were similar for 30-day treatment failure, with the exception of lower risk for fluoroquinolones compared with other second-line agents. Conclusion The risk of treatment failure differs widely by antibiotic agent, with substantial differences between two first-line agents. Understanding the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy is critical to guide clinical decision making, reduce suboptimal antibiotic prescribing, and prevent antibiotic resistance and other adverse events. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Prophylactic antibiotics are commonly prescribed at discharge for mastectomy, despite many guidelines recommending discontinuation 24 hours after surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of post-discharge prophylactic antibiotic use after mastectomy in a geographically representative, commercially insured population. Methods We identified a cohort of women aged 18–64 years undergoing mastectomy between January 2010 and June 2015 using the Truven Health MarketScan Databases. Patients with evidence of an infection during the surgical admission or 30 days prior were excluded. Post-discharge antibiotic use was identified from outpatient drug claims within 5 days post-discharge. Univariate logistic regression was used to compare antibiotic use by reconstruction type and geographic factors. Results The analysis included 43,391 mastectomy procedures. The median age was 52 years; 37,687 (86.8%) patients resided in an urban/suburban area; 27,264 (62.8%) of mastectomy procedures involved immediate reconstruction (IR) and 39,825 (91.8%) patients had a diagnosis of breast cancer or carcinoma in situ. Post-discharge prophylactic antibiotics were used in 16,493 (38.0%) surgeries. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were cephalexin (59.0%), cefadroxil (9.6%), clindamycin (8.3%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) (7.5%). Antibiotic use did not change significantly from 2010 to 2015 for mastectomy only (P = 0.064) or mastectomy + IR (P = 0.1912; Cochran–Armitage test). Mastectomy patients with IR were more likely to be prescribed antibiotics (50.7% of IR vs. 19.8% of mastectomy only; P < 0.001). In mastectomy only and mastectomy + IR, antibiotic use varied by U.S. region (Figure 1). Among mastectomy + IR, the type of post-discharge antibiotic prescribed differed by U.S. region (Figure 2). In mastectomy + IR, TMP/SMX use increased from 2010 to 2015 (3.3% of procedures in 2010 vs. 5.7% in 2015; P < 0.001; Cochran–Armitage test). Conclusion Post-discharge prophylactic antibiotic use is common after mastectomy and varies by reconstruction status and U.S. region. Regional variation in prescribing practices is potential targets for antimicrobial stewardship interventions. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Cryptococcal disease (CD) often has an insidious presentation and can be difficult to recognize. However, delayed diagnosis can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Methods To estimate the potential number of missed opportunities for CD diagnosis we utilized the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the state of Florida from 2005 to 2014. We defined a missed opportunity as an admission with a new diagnosis of CD preceded by a hospitalization in the prior 90-days coded for an infection, respiratory, or central nervous system condition suggestive of CD. We performed descriptive statistics including mortality in each exposure group within one year after CD diagnosis. Results We identified 1,622 CD-related hospital discharges in Florida from April 2005 to December 2014. The median age of CD patients was 47 years, 30.6% were female, and 55.5% were coded for HIV/AIDS. Of those, 850/1,622 (52.4%) had meningitis. Five hundred sixty (34.5%) had a prior hospitalization within 90 days before the first hospitalization coded for CD. Of those, 50.9% (285/560) had a potentially missed opportunity to diagnose CD of whom 138/285 (48.4%) were HIV-positive. Of 560 patients, 49 (8.7%) were coded during a prior hospitalization with CNS conditions, 162 (28.9%) with respiratory conditions and 74 (13.2%) coded with both CNS and respiratory conditions. Patients who were coded for CNS diagnoses in a prior admission were more likely to be diagnosed with CD meningitis (P < 0.001). Of those with prior respiratory conditions 29/218 (13.3%) died during the CD admission, and 12.5% of those with prior CNS conditions died during the CD admission. Of those without a prior admission in the past 90 days, 110/1,062 (10.4%) died during the CD admission. Conclusion Cryptococcosis is a deadly disease that affects patients with both competent and incompetent immune systems. Missed opportunities to diagnose CD are relatively commonmand may contribute to worse outcomes. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Discontinuation of prophylactic antibiotics 1 IV antibiotic 1.55 (1.18, 2.02) None 3.11 (1.85, 5.25) Surgery time ≥90 minutes 1.81 (1.10, 2.97) Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Postdischarge care fragmentation, readmission to a hospital other than the one performing the surgery, has not been described in head and neck cancer patients. We sought to determine the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes for head and neck cancer patients experiencing postdischarge care fragmentation.Retrospective cohort study.We analyzed patients in the 2008 to 2010 California State Inpatient Database with a 30-day unplanned readmission following head and neck cancer surgery. The frequency of postdischarge care fragmentation, patient- and hospital-level risk factors for care fragmentation, readmission diagnosis, and readmission outcomes were determined.Of 561 patients with a 30-day unplanned readmission, 210 (37.4%) were readmitted to a hospital other than the one performing the surgery. Surgical hospitalization length of stay ≥15 days (odds ratio [OR]: 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-3.10) and discharge to a care facility (OR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.77-4.58) were associated with care fragmentation. Overall, 39.8% of unplanned 30-day readmissions (223/561) were treatment complications, and 30.9% of treatment complication readmissions (69/223) occurred at a nonindex hospital. Patients with postdischarge care fragmentation had a 2.1-fold increased risk of in-hospital mortality within 30 days of readmission compared to patients readmitted to the index hospital (95% CI: 1.04-4.26).Postdischarge care fragmentation following head an neck cancer surgery is common, as 37% of readmitted patients and 31% of patients readmitted with a treatment complication are readmitted to a hospital other than the surgical hospital. Head and neck cancer patients experiencing care fragmentation are at increased risk of in-hospital mortality within 30 days of readmission.4. Laryngoscope, 127:868-874, 2017.

Background Many administrative data sources are available to study the epidemiology of infectious diseases, including Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), but few publications have compared CDI event rates across databases using similar methodology. We used comparable methods with multiple administrative databases to compare the incidence of CDI in older and younger persons in the United States. Methods We performed a retrospective study using three longitudinal data sources (Medicare, OptumInsight LabRx, and Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database (SID)), and two hospital encounter-level data sources (Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) and Premier Perspective database) to identify CDI in adults aged 18 and older with calculation of CDI incidence rates/100,000 person-years of observation (pyo) and CDI categorization (onset and association). Results The incidence of CDI ranged from 66/100,000 in persons under 65 years (LabRx), 383/100,000 in elderly persons (SID), and 677/100,000 in elderly persons (Medicare). Ninety percent of CDI episodes in the LabRx population were characterized as community-onset compared to 41 % in the Medicare population. The majority of CDI episodes in the Medicare and LabRx databases were identified based on only a CDI diagnosis, whereas almost ¾ of encounters coded for CDI in the Premier hospital data were confirmed with a positive test result plus treatment with metronidazole or oral vancomycin. Using only the Medicare inpatient data to calculate encounter-level CDI events resulted in 553 CDI events/100,000 persons, virtually the same as the encounter proportion calculated using the NIS (544/100,000 persons). Conclusions We found that the incidence of CDI was 35 % higher in the Medicare data and fewer episodes were attributed to hospital acquisition when all medical claims were used to identify CDI, compared to only inpatient data lacking information on diagnosis and treatment in the outpatient setting. The incidence of CDI was 10-fold lower and the proportion of community-onset CDI was much higher in the privately insured younger LabRx population compared to the elderly Medicare population. The methods we developed to identify incident CDI can be used by other investigators to study the incidence of other infectious diseases and adverse events using large generalizable administrative datasets. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1501-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

OBJECTIVE Administrative billing data may facilitate large-scale assessments of treatment outcomes for pediatric Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I). Validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code algorithms for identifying CM-I surgery are critical prerequisites for such studies but are currently only available for adults. The objective of this study was to validate two ICD-9-CM code algorithms using hospital billing data to identify pediatric patients undergoing CM-I decompression surgery. METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed the validity of two ICD-9-CM code algorithms for identifying pediatric CM-I decompression surgery performed at 3 academic medical centers between 2001 and 2013. Algorithm 1 included any discharge diagnosis code of 348.4 (CM-I), as well as a procedure code of 01.24 (cranial decompression) or 03.09 (spinal decompression or laminectomy). Algorithm 2 restricted this group to the subset of patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of 348.4. The positive predictive value (PPV) and sensitivity of each algorithm were calculated. RESULTS Among 625 first-time admissions identified by Algorithm 1, the overall PPV for CM-I decompression was 92%. Among the 581 admissions identified by Algorithm 2, the PPV was 97%. The PPV for Algorithm 1 was lower in one center (84%) compared with the other centers (93%–94%), whereas the PPV of Algorithm 2 remained high (96%–98%) across all subgroups. The sensitivity of Algorithms 1 (91%) and 2 (89%) was very good and remained so across subgroups (82%–97%). CONCLUSIONS An ICD-9-CM algorithm requiring a primary diagnosis of CM-I has excellent PPV and very good sensitivity for identifying CM-I decompression surgery in pediatric patients. These results establish a basis for utilizing administrative billing data to assess pediatric CM-I treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVE Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is a common and often debilitating pediatric neurological disease. However, efforts to guide preoperative counseling and improve outcomes research are impeded by reliance on small, single-center studies. Consequently, the objective of this study was to investigate CM-I surgical outcomes using population-level administrative billing data. METHODS The authors used Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases (SID) to study pediatric patients undergoing surgical decompression for CM-I from 2004 to 2010 in California, Florida, and New York. They assessed the prevalence and influence of preoperative complex chronic conditions (CCC) among included patients. Outcomes included medical and surgical complications within 90 days of treatment. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for surgical complications. RESULTS A total of 936 pediatric CM-I surgeries were identified for the study period. Overall, 29.2% of patients were diagnosed with syringomyelia and 13.7% were diagnosed with scoliosis. Aside from syringomyelia and scoliosis, 30.3% of patients had at least 1 CCC, most commonly neuromuscular (15.2%) or congenital or genetic (8.4%) disease. Medical complications were uncommon, occurring in 2.6% of patients. By comparison, surgical complications were diagnosed in 12.7% of patients and typically included shunt-related complications (4.0%), meningitis (3.7%), and other neurosurgery-specific complications (7.4%). Major complications (e.g., stroke or myocardial infarction) occurred in 1.4% of patients. Among children with CCCs, only comorbid hydrocephalus was associated with a significantly increased risk of surgical complications (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.5–8.1). CONCLUSIONS Approximately 1 in 8 pediatric CM-I patients experienced a surgical complication, whereas medical complications were rare. Although CCCs were common in pediatric CM-I patients, only hydrocephalus was independently associated with increased risk of surgical events. These results may inform patient counseling and guide future research efforts.

There are few high-quality studies of the costs of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), and the majority of studies focus on the costs of CDI in acute-care facilities. Analysis of the best available data, from 2008, indicates that CDI may have resulted in $4.8 billion in excess costs in US acute-care facilities. Other areas of CDI-attributable excess costs that need to be investigated are costs of increased discharges to long-term care facilities, of CDI with onset in long-term care facilities, of recurrent CDI, and of additional adverse events caused by CDI.

Background Left ventricular assist devices (VADs) are life-saving for patients with end stage heart failure but their benefits are limited due to infectious complications. Large studies looking at the site of infection and microbiology on outcomes are not available. Methods We conducted a single center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent VAD implantation from 2009 to 2015. VAD infections were defined according to the criteria by the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT). Only the first VAD infection was included. Patients were followed until transplant, death or end of study. Descriptive statistics were performed. Time to event data was analyzed using Kaplan Meier and Cox Proportional Hazards. Results A total of 451 patients had a VAD placed during the study period. Median duration of follow up was 293 days (IQR-503) in patients without infection and 585 days (IQR 577) in those with VAD infection. 175 patients (38.8%) had at least 1 VAD infection, 29.1% involved the endovascular space and 70.9% involved local VAD infection. Median survival time was 1,430 days with local infection, 592 days with endovascular infection and 661 days in patients without infection (P < 0.001, Figure). The most common endovascular infection involved the pump/cannula (52.9%) and the most common local infection involved the superficial driveline (61.3%). Of the infections with a single identifiable organism, 74.5% were Gram-positives, 19.6 % were Gram-negatives and 5.2% were candida species. The predominant microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus (35.9%), S. epidermidis (8.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.8%) and Enterococcus faecalis (6.5%). There was no difference in mortality when Gram-positive, Gram-negative and Candida infections were compared. Conclusion Patients who survive the early post-VAD period frequently develop infectious complications. Patients with endovascular infections had significantly decreased survival compared with those with local infection. Further studies to develop strategies for prevention of VAD infections are needed. Disclosures M. Olsen, Pfizer: Consultant, Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee and Research grant; sanofi pasteur: Grant Investigator, Research grant

Previous criticism on Calderon's Tuzani de la Alpujarra or Amar despues de la muerte tends to focus on either the ethical parity created between the play's morisco and Spanish noble characters or the particular speech patterns of Alcuzcuz, the gracioso morisco . This essay argues that Alcuzcuz occupies a pivotal position in the action of drama and that his character holds structural as well as societal significance for the audience. On one hand, he behaves as a typical gracioso ; on another, he connotes morisco integration into Spanish society. Alcuzcuz's humor puts into dark relief Calderon's representation of Spanish aggression against the moriscos in the rebellion of the Alpujarras (1568-1570), suggesting a critique of the excesses of this military action. Alcuzcuz and his amusing yet sincere antics allow Calderon's audience a temporary release from anxiety surrounding the morisco presence in Spain, producing a dramatic hiatus during which the playwright can draw spectators into compassion for the moriscos and a catharsis of national remorse for their persecution.