Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk of surgical site infections: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Normothermia to Decrease Surgical Site Infection Risk: Silver Bullet or Fool's Gold? A Retrospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Surgical site infection (SSI) is the leading cause of nosocomial infections among surgical patients in the United States. Currently, there is compelling evidence suggesting that temperature dysregulation in surgical patients may be a risk factor for the development of SSI. We examined the relationship between perioperative hypothermia (PH) and SSI in a population of surgical patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort review was conducted on patients with a history of DM undergoing orthopaedic surgery at our institution between May 1, 2018, and April 1, 2022. Inclusion criteria were age older than 15 years, a history of DM or recent hemoglobin A1c concentration of ≥6.5%, and operation of at least 60 minutes under general anesthesia. Perioperative hypothermia was defined as an intraoperative temperature ≤ 35.5°C. Continuous variables were compared using the t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-squared test. We constructed a multivariable logistic regression model to estimate SSI risk while controlling for demographic variables.

RESULTS

A total of 236 patients were included in the final analysis. The overall incidence of SSI was 5.93%. 99 patients (42%) experienced PH. No difference was observed in the risk of SSI between the normothermic and hypothermic cohorts. Among the 99 patients who experienced PH, increasing HbA1c was associated with increasing risk of SSI (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.12 to 5.32, P-value = 0.0222). The multivariable logistic regression model had good discriminatory ability (c-statistic 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.89) and good predictive accuracy (sensitivity 64%, specificity 73%).

DISCUSSION

PH is not an independent risk factor of SSI. However, in the presence of elevated HbA1c, PH may more than double the risk of SSI. Perioperative hypothermia may be an additive risk factor in the setting of poor glycemic control and potentially in the setting of other known risk factors.

Effective Surgical Site Infection Prevention Strategies for Diabetic Patients Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review

Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant clinical challenge, with heightened risks and severe consequences for diabetic patients undergoing surgical procedures. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence on effective prevention strategies for mitigating SSI risk in this vulnerable population. From inception to March 2024, we comprehensively searched multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL) to identify relevant studies evaluating SSI prevention strategies in diabetic surgical patients. Our search strategy followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, utilizing a combination of keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to diabetes, surgical site infections, prevention strategies, and surgical procedures. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses published in English. The search yielded three studies meeting the eligibility criteria, subject to data extraction and qualitative synthesis. Key findings highlighted the efficacy of interventions such as optimized perioperative glycemic control, timely prophylactic antibiotic administration, and meticulous preoperative skin antisepsis in reducing SSI rates among diabetic surgical patients. The potential for personalized prevention approaches based on individual patient factors, such as diabetes type and surgical complexity, was explored. This systematic review underscores the importance of a multifaceted, evidence-based approach to SSI prevention in diabetic surgical patients, integrating strategies like glycemic control, antibiotic prophylaxis, and preoperative skin antisepsis. Furthermore, our findings suggest the potential benefits of personalized care pathways tailored to individual patient characteristics. Implementing these interventions requires interdisciplinary collaboration, adaptation to diverse healthcare settings, and patient engagement through culturally sensitive education initiatives. This comprehensive analysis informs clinical practice, fosters patient safety, and contributes to the global efforts to enhance surgical outcomes for this high-risk population.

Analysis of endovascular therapy for peripheral arterial disease in all German hospitals

Background: The quality of vascular care has significantly improved in part by the expansion of endovascular techniques for the treatment of symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) in recent years. In Germany these are primarily provided by the three disciplines of vascular surgery, angiology, and interventional radiology (IR). However, the relative contribute of angiologists to the total number of cases performed is unknown. Patients and methods: In the present study, we analysed the respective contribution of vascular surgery, angiology, and IR to the delivery of endovascular revascularisations in symptomatic PAD in Germany based on the legally mandatory quality reports representative for the reporting year 2018. Results: Vascular surgery is the most common speciality reporting procedures in German hospitals (n=579; 25.1%), followed by IR (n=264; 11.5%), angiology (n=189; 8.2%) and cardiology (n=17; 0.7%). The combination of vascular surgery and IR was reported in 202 (8.8%), vascular surgery and angiology in 167 (7.2%) and angiology and IR in 65 (2.8%) hospitals, and 63 (2.7%) hospitals reported the combination of all three disciplines. Not every department performed catheter interventions. The analysis of procedures per centre revealed that angiology centres provided the highest numbers for both basic procedures and more complex techniques such as atherectomy, rotational thrombectomy, lithoplasty, selective thrombolysis or the use of re-entry devices. In total, angiology centres provided 24.4% of the total procedures or 23.9% of the so-called basic procedures as a surrogate for patient numbers. Conclusions: While each of the disciplines contribute significantly to the endovascular procedures, angiology centres perform more procedures per centre and more complex procedures than the other disciplines highlighting the important quantitative and qualitative contribution of angiology specialists to the care of vascular patients. The inpatient catheter interventional care of patients with PAD is still too rarely carried out in a multi-disciplinary manner in Germany.

Intraoperative techniques to prevent deep incisional or organ-space surgical site infection after emergency surgery for nonappendiceal perforation peritonitis: a prospective two-center observational study

PURPOSE

The rate of surgical site infection (SSI) after surgery for secondary peritonitis is very high. This study investigated the relationship between intraoperative procedures of emergency surgery for nonappendiceal perforation peritonitis and deep incisional or organ-space SSI.

METHODS

This prospective, two-center observational study included patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent emergency surgery for perforation peritonitis between April 2017 and March 2020. We compared patients with deep incisional or organ-space SSI (Group S) to patients without SSIs or with superficial incisional SSIs (Group C). Thereafter, we evaluated the association between intraoperative technical variables and deep incisional or organ-space SSI using a multivariate logistic regression model. All multivariate analyses were adjusted for potentially relevant risk factors (e.g., age, body mass index, diabetes, smoking habit, and National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance risk index).

RESULTS

Of the 75 participants, 14 were in Group S and 61 were in Group C. The use of a wound protector device was significantly associated with decreased odds of deep incisional or organ-space SSI (adjusted odds ratios [AOR], 0.017; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.0014-0.19, p = 0.0011). A 1000 ml increase in intra-abdominal lavage with normal saline was significantly associated with increased odds of deep incisional or organ-space SSI (AOR: 1.28, 95% CI 1.02-1.61, p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Wound protector devices should be used in emergency surgery for nonappendiceal perforation peritonitis. Excessive intra-abdominal lavage with normal saline for peritonitis may have unsatisfactory benefits and increases the incidence of deep incisional or organ-space SSI.

Risk factors for surgical site infection in advanced neuromodulation pain procedures: a retrospective study

Aim: To assess the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) and related variables on surgical site infection (SSI) risk in neuromodulation. Methods: This retrospective study followed patients who underwent neuromodulation procedures for at least 9 months to identify postoperative infections. Demographics, clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared. Results: Of 195 cases included, 5 (2.6%) resulted in SSIs. Median HbA1c was significantly higher for the cases with SSIs (8.2 vs 5.6%; p = 0.0044). The rate of SSI was significantly higher among patients with DM (17.9 vs 0%; p = 0.0005), HbA1c≥7% (37.5 vs 0%; p = 0.0009), and perioperative glucose ≥200 mg/dl (40 vs 2.3%; p = 0.0101). Conclusion: DM, elevated HbA1c and perioperative hyperglycemia may all contribute to increased risk of SSIs with neuromodulation procedures.

Surgical Site Infection Prevention: A Review

IMPORTANCE

Approximately 0.5% to 3% of patients undergoing surgery will experience infection at or adjacent to the surgical incision site. Compared with patients undergoing surgery who do not have a surgical site infection, those with a surgical site infection are hospitalized approximately 7 to 11 days longer.

OBSERVATIONS

Most surgical site infections can be prevented if appropriate strategies are implemented. These infections are typically caused when bacteria from the patient's endogenous flora are inoculated into the surgical site at the time of surgery. Development of an infection depends on various factors such as the health of the patient's immune system, presence of foreign material, degree of bacterial wound contamination, and use of antibiotic prophylaxis. Although numerous strategies are recommended by international organizations to decrease surgical site infection, only 6 general strategies are supported by randomized trials. Interventions that are associated with lower rates of infection include avoiding razors for hair removal (4.4% with razors vs 2.5% with clippers); decolonization with intranasal antistaphylococcal agents and antistaphylococcal skin antiseptics for high-risk procedures (0.8% with decolonization vs 2% without); use of chlorhexidine gluconate and alcohol-based skin preparation (4.0% with chlorhexidine gluconate plus alcohol vs 6.5% with povidone iodine plus alcohol); maintaining normothermia with active warming such as warmed intravenous fluids, skin warming, and warm forced air to keep the body temperature warmer than 36 °C (4.7% with active warming vs 13% without); perioperative glycemic control (9.4% with glucose <150 mg/dL vs 16% with glucose >150 mg/dL); and use of negative pressure wound therapy (9.7% with vs 15% without). Guidelines recommend appropriate dosing, timing, and choice of preoperative parenteral antimicrobial prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Surgical site infections affect approximately 0.5% to 3% of patients undergoing surgery and are associated with longer hospital stays than patients with no surgical site infections. Avoiding razors for hair removal, maintaining normothermia, use of chlorhexidine gluconate plus alcohol-based skin preparation agents, decolonization with intranasal antistaphylococcal agents and antistaphylococcal skin antiseptics for high-risk procedures, controlling for perioperative glucose concentrations, and using negative pressure wound therapy can reduce the rate of surgical site infections.

[Position statement: surgery and diabetes mellitus (Update 2023)]

This position statement reflects the perspective of the Austrian Diabetes Association concerning the perioperative management of people with diabetes mellitus based on the available scientific evidence. The paper covers necessary preoperative examinations from an internal/diabetological point of view as well as the perioperative metabolic control by means of oral antihyperglycemic and/or insulin therapy.

Sustaining Improvements of Surgical Site Infections by Six Sigma DMAIC Approach

SSIs (surgical site infections) are associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. The traditional quality improvement strategies focusing on individual performance did not achieve sustainable improvement. This study aimed to implement the Six Sigma DMAIC method to reduce SSIs and to sustain improvements in surgical quality. The surgical procedures, clinical data, and surgical site infections were collected among 42,233 hospitalized surgical patients from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. Following strengthening leadership and empowering a multidisciplinary SSI prevention team, DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) was used as the performance improvement model. An evidence-based prevention bundle for reduction of SSI was adopted as performance measures. Environmental monitoring and antimicrobial stewardship programs were strengthened to prevent the transmission of multi-drug resistant microorganisms. Process change was integrated into a clinical pathway information system. Improvement cycles by corrective actions for the risk events of SSIs were implemented to ensure sustaining improvements. We have reached the targets of the prevention bundle elements in the post-intervention period in 2020. The carbapenem resistance rates of Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa were lower than 10%. A significant 22.2% decline in SSI rates has been achieved, from 0.9% for the pre-intervention period in 2019 to 0.7% for the post-intervention period in 2020 (p = 0.004). Application of the Six Sigma DMAIC approach could significantly reduce the SSI rates. It also could help hospital administrators and quality management personnel to create a culture of patient safety.

Surgical Site Infections

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common and most costly health care-associated infections, leading to adverse patient outcomes and death. Wound contamination occurs with each incision, but proven strategies exist to decrease the risk of SSI. In particular, improved adherence to evidence-based preventive measures related to appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis can decrease the rate of SSI. Aggressive surgical debridement and effective antimicrobial therapy are needed to optimize the treatment of SSI.

The relationship between diabetes and surgical site infection following coronary artery bypass graft surgery in current-era models of care

BACKGROUND

Although diabetes is a recognized risk factor for postoperative infections, the seminal Portland Diabetic Project studies in cardiac surgery demonstrated intravenous insulin infusions following open-cardiac surgery achieved near normal glycaemia and decreased deep sternal wound infection to similar rates to those without diabetes.

AIM

We sought to examine a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGS) to evaluate the relationship between diabetes, hyperglycaemia and risk of surgical site infection (SSI) in current-era models of care.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent CABGS between 2016 and 2018 were identified through a state-wide data repository for healthcare-associated infections. Clinical characteristics and records of postoperative SSIs were obtained from individual chart review. Type 2 diabetes (T2D), perioperative glycaemia and other clinical characteristics were analysed in relation to the development of SSI.

FINDINGS

Of the 953 patients evaluated, 11% developed SSIs a median eight days post CABGS, with few cases of deep SSIs (<1%). T2D was evident in 41% and more prevalent in those who developed SSIs (51%). On multivariate analysis T2D was not significantly associated with development of SSI (odds ratio (OR) 1.35; P=0.174) but body mass index (BMI) remained a significant risk factor (OR 1.07, P<0.001). In patients with T2D, perioperative glycaemia was not significantly associated with SSI.

CONCLUSION

In a specialist cardiac surgery centre using perioperative intravenous insulin infusions and antibiotic prophylaxis, deep SSIs were uncommon; however, approximately one in 10 patients developed superficial SSIs. T2D was not independently associated with SSI yet BMI was independently associated with SSI post CABGS.

Nonuse of antimicrobial prophylaxis in clean surgeries for adrenal and renal tumors: Results of the risk-based strategy in 1362 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of perioperative infections without antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients undergoing clean surgeries for adrenal and renal tumors.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 1362 consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive adrenalectomy (n = 303), radical nephrectomy (n = 499), and partial nephrectomy (n = 560) using the gasless laparoendoscopic single-port surgery technique between 2005 and 2019. In 1059 patients, antimicrobial prophylaxis was not administered. The remaining 303 patients were considered at high risk for infection and received single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis. The endpoint was the incidence of perioperative infections within 1 month from the surgery date. Perioperative infections were classified into surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and remote infections.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients whose collecting systems were opened during partial nephrectomy were excluded, and the remaining 1013 patients with nonuse of antimicrobial prophylaxis and 275 patients with single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of superficial surgical site infections, deep/organ-space surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and remote infections was 1.6%, 0.7%, 2.8%, and 1.3%, respectively, in patients with nonuse of antimicrobial prophylaxis and 0.4%, 1.8%, 1.5%, and 1.5%, respectively, in patients with single-dose antimicrobial prophylaxis. All patients who developed perioperative infections were successfully treated. No clinical or surgical variables were significantly associated with the incidence of surgical site infections. One limitation of the present study was its nonrandomized and noncontrolled design.

CONCLUSIONS

In minimally invasive clean surgeries for adrenal and renal tumors, antimicrobial prophylaxis is not necessary when individual risk of infection is considered low.

[Treatment of diabetes mellitus in perioperative medicine-an update]

Patients with diabetes who undergo a surgical intervention have an increased risk of metabolic derailment, anesthesiological complications, postoperative infections and cardiovascular events. The treatment of diabetes mellitus is subject to a continuous further development due to pharmaceutical and technical innovations. This article presents the implications of the current concepts of diabetes treatment for perioperative medicine, particularly the changes due to new oral antidiabetic agents and insulin pump treatment. Some of the currently available guidelines are discussed with respect to the care of diabetes patients in childhood and adulthood in connection with an operation. Finally, possible perspectives in the field of monitoring and treatment of diabetes patients are discussed.

Impact of a surgical safety checklist on surgical site infections, antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial consumption, costs and mortality

BACKGROUND

In 2010, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), our hospital implemented a surgical safety programme centred around a surgical safety checklist.

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare indicators of surgical site infection, antimicrobial consumption, antimicrobial resistance, costs and in-hospital mortality before (January 2006 to July 2010) and after (August 2010 to December 2014) implementation of the programme.

METHODS

A case-control study was carried out matching patients with surgical site infection (SSI) to surgical patients without infection to examine the impact of the intervention.

FINDINGS

Use of the surgical checklist was associated with a significant reduction in SSI. When comparing the two time periods, we also identified a reduction in infections due to micro-organisms in the ESKAPE group (from 90.7% to 73.9%, P<0.001), a reduction of SSI in patients with contaminated, infected and potentially contaminated wounds, and for those in whom perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis was discontinued in less than 48 hours. Overall, there was a reduction in antimicrobial resistance, though there was increased resistance to carbapenems for, to glycopeptides for Enterococcus faecium, and to clindamycin for Staphylococcus aureus. We also detected increased antimicrobial consumption of second- and third-generation cephalosporins and clindamycin. We observed a reduction in hospital deaths from 6.4% to 3.2% (P=0.001), but we did not observe any reduction in costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a surgical checklist was an independent predictor of SSI reduction, and was also associated with a decrease in antimicrobial resistance and reduced in-hospital mortality.

Post-bariatric Abdominoplasty: Identification of Risk Factors for Complications

PURPOSE

The aim was to evaluate the complication rate after abdominoplasty procedures performed in a high volume post-bariatric center and to identify predictors of complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed and included all abdominoplasty procedures performed between January 2011 and December 2019. Complications classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were documented and potential risk factors were statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 898 patients were included. Overall complication rate was 29.8%. Type I complications (minor wound problems) occurred in 15.8% (n = 140). Type II complications requiring medical intervention occurred in 10% (n = 90). Five patients had deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism; others received antibiotic treatment for wound infections. In total 42 type III complications occurred in 36 patients, with re-intervention for wound problems (n = 16), seroma (n = 16), umbilical necrosis (n = 4), and bleeding (n = 6). The weight of tissue resected (p < 0.001), the interval between bariatric and body contouring surgery (p < 0.05), preoperative BMI (p < 0.05), male gender (p < 0.05), diabetes mellitus type 2 (p = 0.05), and smoking (p < 0.05) were important predictors for developing complications.

CONCLUSION

In this large retrospective post-bariatric abdominoplasty series, the overall complication rate is low compared to other published series as a consequence of our completely standardized approach and technique. Our analysis shows a significant linear correlation between the amount of skin tissue resected and postoperative complications. Moreover, the longer the interval between bariatric surgery and abdominoplasty, the higher the complication rate. High preoperative BMI, diabetes mellitus type 2, smoking, and male gender were identified as independent significant risk factors for complications.

Diabetes Mellitus And Outcomes Of Lower Extremity Revascularization For Peripheral Artery Disease

INTRODUCTION

The impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on outcomes of lower extremity revascularization (LER) for peripheral artery disease (PAD) is uncertain. We characterized associations between DM and post-procedural outcomes in PAD patients undergoing LER.

METHODS

Adults undergoing surgical or endovascular LER were identified from the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database. DM was defined by ICD-9 diagnosis codes and sub-classified based on the presence or absence of complications (poor glycemic control or end-organ damage). Major adverse cardiovascular and limb events (MACLE) were defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, or major limb amputation during the index hospitalization for LER. For survivors, all-cause 6-month hospital readmission was determined.

RESULTS

Among 39,441 patients with PAD hospitalized for LER, 50.8% had DM. The composite of MACLE after LER was not different in patients with and without DM after covariate adjustment, but patients with DM were more likely to require major limb amputation (5.5% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.44) and hospital readmission (59.2% vs. 41.3%, p < 0.001; aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.34-1.55). Of 20,039 patients with DM hospitalized for LER, 55.7% had DM with complications. These patients were more likely to have MACLE after LER (11.1% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001; aOR 1.56 95% CI 1.28-1.89) and require hospital readmission (61.1% vs. 47.2%, p < 0.001; aOR 1.41 95% CI 1.27-1.57) than patients with uncomplicated DM.

CONCLUSIONS

DM is present in ≈50% of patients undergoing LER for PAD and is an independent risk factor for major limb amputation and 6-month hospital readmission.

Finding the body mass index cutoff for hospital readmission after ambulatory hernia surgery

BACKGROUND

The suitability of ambulatory surgery in obese patients remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the "cutoff" value of body mass index (BMI) associated with increased likelihood of hospital readmissions within the first 24 hours of surgery in patients undergoing ambulatory hernia repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study used data from the 2012-2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement (ACS-NSQIP). Cochran Armitage trend tests were conducted to assess progression in rates hospital readmissions across categories of patient BMI. The minimum p-value method, Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness of fit tests, logistic regression, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to investigate the cutoff of patient BMI indicative of increased likelihood of readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 214,125 ambulatory hernia repair cases were identified. Of those, 908 patients (0.42%) had an unexpected hospital admission within the first 24 hours after surgery. The readmission rates did not significantly increase across the categories of BMI. However, some of the reasons for readmission significantly differed by BMI category. Logistic regression analysis revealed no statistically significant association between BMI and hospital readmissions (odds ratio [95% Cl], 0.96 [0.91-1.02] P = .179). An optimal BMI threshold predictive of an increased likelihood of hospital readmissions was not identifiable by any of the statistical methods used.

CONCLUSIONS

Although reasons for readmission differed by BMI category, there is no clear cutoff value of BMI associated with increased hospital readmission within the first 24 hours after surgery.

Do preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and random blood glucose levels predict wound healing complications following exodontia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients?-a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Many dental surgeons consider a type 2 diabetic patient to be at higher risk for wound healing complications following exodontia. Random blood glucose (RBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values help the surgeon determine the glycemic control and assess if the patient can undergo the surgical procedure.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to analyze if preoperative HbA1C and RBG testing could predict the risk of wound healing and infectious complications in type 2 DM patients undergoing exodontia in an office setting.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 133 type 2 diabetic patients and age- and gender-matched non-diabetic patients undergoing exodontia. Preoperative HbA1C values and random blood glucose levels were obtained for patients in both groups. Wound healing and infectious complications and additional interventions performed were recorded.

RESULTS

Duration of diabetes ranged from 1 to 25 years. 80.5% of diabetics were treated with oral hypoglycemics. A vast majority of patients in both groups underwent extraction of only a single tooth. There was no significant difference in non-infectious complications between the two groups. The absolute risk of infectious complications in diabetics was 10.5% compared to a 6.8% risk among the control group. Age, RBG values, HbA1C, duration of DM, and number and nature of exodontia performed did not show any statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

This study observed a slight, but not statistically significant increase in the risk of infectious complications in type 2 DM patients undergoing exodontia. Surgical site infections were amenable to surgical drainage with or without oral antibiotics on an outpatient basis with favorable healing outcomes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The RBG and HbA1C values were not significantly associated with risk of infectious complications. Resorting to prophylactic antibiotics and warning about possible adverse healing for routine exodontia in type 2 DM patients is unnecessary.

Subcuticular sutures for skin closure in non-obstetric surgery

BACKGROUND

Following surgery, surgical wounds can be closed using a variety of devices including sutures (subcuticular or transdermal), staples and tissue adhesives. Subcuticular sutures are intradermal stitches (placed immediately below the epidermal layer). The increased availability of synthetic absorbable filaments (stitches which are absorbed by the body and do not have to be removed) has led to an increased use of subcuticular sutures. However, in non-obstetric surgery, there is still controversy about whether subcuticular sutures increase the incidence of wound complications.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the efficacy and acceptability of subcuticular sutures for skin closure in non-obstetric surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

In March 2019, we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials which compared subcuticular sutures with any other methods for skin closure in non-obstetric surgery were included in the review.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently identified the trials, extracted data and carried out risk of bias and GRADE assessment of the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 66 studies (7487 participants); 11 included trials had more than two arms. Most trials had poorly-reported methodology, meaning that it is unclear whether they were at high risk of bias. Most trials compared subcuticular sutures with transdermal sutures, skin staples or tissue adhesives. Most outcomes prespecified in the review protocol were reported. The certainty of evidence varied from high to very low in the comparisons of subcuticular sutures with transdermal sutures or staples and tissue adhesives; the certainty of the evidence for the comparison with surgical tapes and zippers was low to very low. Most evidence was downgraded for imprecision or risk of bias. Although the majority of studies enrolled people who underwent CDC class 1 (clean) surgeries, two-thirds of participants were enrolled in studies which included CDC class 2 to 4 surgeries, such as appendectomies and gastrointestinal surgeries. Most participants were adults in a hospital setting. Subcuticular sutures versus transdermal sutures There may be little difference in the incidence of SSI (risk ratio (RR) 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 1.52; 3107 participants; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether subcuticular sutures reduce wound complications (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.40 to 1.71; 1489 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Subcuticular sutures probably improve patient satisfaction (score from 1 to 10) (at 30 days; MD 1.60, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.88; 290 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Wound closure time is probably longer when subcuticular sutures are used (MD 5.81 minutes; 95% CI 5.13 to 6.49 minutes; 585 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Subcuticular sutures versus skin staples There is moderate-certainty evidence that, when compared with skin staples, subcuticular sutures probably have little effect on SSI (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.01; 4163 participants); but probably decrease the incidence of wound complications (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.98; 2973 participants). Subcuticular sutures are associated with slightly higher patient satisfaction (score from 1 to 5) (MD 0.20, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.30; 1232 participants; high-certainty evidence). Wound closure time may also be longer compared with staples (MD 0.30 to 5.50 minutes; 1384 participants; low-certainty evidence). Subcuticular sutures versus tissue adhesives, surgical tapes and zippers There is moderate-certainty evidence showing no clear difference in the incidence of SSI between participants treated with subcuticular sutures and those treated with tissue adhesives (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.45; 869 participants). There is also no clear difference in the incidence of wound complications (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.11; 1058 participants; low-certainty evidence). Subcuticular sutures may also achieve lower patient satisfaction ratings (score from 1 to 10) (MD -2.05, 95% CI -3.05 to -1.05; 131 participants) (low-certainty evidence). In terms of SSI incidence, the evidence is uncertain when subcuticular sutures are compared with surgical tapes (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.40 to 4.27; 354 participants; very low-certainty evidence) or surgical zippers (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.08 to 8.48; 424 participants; very low-certainty evidence). There may be little difference in the incidence of wound complications between participants treated with subcuticular sutures and those treated with surgical tapes (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.34; 492 participants; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether subcuticular sutures reduce the risk of wound complications compared with surgical zippers (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.15 to 2.04; 424 participants; very low-certainty evidence). It is also uncertain whether it takes longer to close a wound with subcuticular sutures compared with tissue adhesives (MD -0.34 to 10.39 minutes; 895 participants), surgical tapes (MD 0.74 to 6.36 minutes; 169 participants) or zippers (MD 4.38 to 8.25 minutes; 424 participants) (very low-certainty evidence). No study reported results for patient satisfaction compared with surgical tapes or zippers.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no clear difference in the incidence of SSI for subcuticular sutures in comparison with any other skin closure methods. Subcuticular sutures probably reduce wound complications compared with staples, and probably improve patient satisfaction compared with transdermal sutures or staples. However, tissue adhesives may improve patient satisfaction compared with subcuticular sutures, and transdermal sutures and skin staples may be quicker to apply than subcuticular sutures. The quality of the evidence ranged from high to very low; evidence for almost all comparisons was subject to some limitations. There seems to be no need for additional new trials to explore the comparison with staples because there are high-quality studies with large sample sizes and some ongoing studies. However, there is a need for studies exploring the comparisons with transdermal sutures, tissue adhesives, tapes and zippers, with high-quality studies and large sample sizes, including long-term assessments.

National Postoperative Bariatric Surgery Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Kidney Disease

PURPOSE

Obesity is a major risk factor for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and is often a barrier to kidney transplantation. However, limited evidence exists evaluating postoperative bariatric surgery outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ESKD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent bariatric surgery in 2015-2016 using the national Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program dataset. Propensity score matching was used to balance characteristics across patients with CKD and ESKD vs. those without CKD.

RESULTS

There were 323,034 patients without CKD, 1694 patients with CKD, and 925 patients with ESKD who underwent bariatric surgery. Patients with CKD and ESKD had a significantly increased risk of 30-day reoperation (CKD odds ratio [OR] 2.25 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45-3.51; ESKD OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.72-5.61) and readmission (CKD OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.53-2.56; ESKD OR 2.97, 95% CI 2.05-4.31) compared to patients without CKD; mortality risk was elevated in patients with ESKD (OR 11.59, 95% CI 6.71-20.04) but not in those with CKD (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.32-3.11). Rates of adverse outcomes were < 15% across all groups. There were 12, 50, and 172 deaths per 1000 person-years among patients without CKD, with CKD, and with ESKD, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CKD and ESKD experienced higher risk of postbariatric surgery complications compared to those without kidney disease, although absolute complication rates were low across all groups. CKD and ESKD should not be perceived as contraindications to bariatric surgery.

Burden of Staphylococcus aureus infections after orthopedic surgery in Germany

BACKGROUND

This study assessed incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus infections (SAI) following endoprosthetic hip or knee, or spine surgeries.

METHODS

Adult patients with at least one of the selected surgeries from 2012 to 2015 captured in a German sickness fund database were included. SAI were identified using S. aureus-specific ICD-10 codes. Patients with certain prior surgeries and infections were excluded. Cumulative incidence and incidence density of post-surgical SAI were assessed. Risk factors, mortality, healthcare resource utilization and direct costs were compared between SAI and non-SAI groups using multivariable analyses over the 1 year follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, 74,327 patients who underwent a knee (28.6%), hip (39.6%), or spine surgery (31.8%) were included. The majority were female (61.58%), with a mean age of 69.59 years and a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of 2.3. Overall, 1.92% of observed patients (20.20 SAI per 1000 person-years (PY)) experienced a SAI within 1 year of index hospitalization. Knee surgeries were associated with lower SAI risk compared with hip surgeries (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.8; p = 0.024), whereas spine surgeries did not differ significantly from hip surgeries. Compared with non-SAI group, the SAI group had on average 4.4 times the number of hospitalizations (3.1 vs. 0.7) and 7.7 times the number of hospital days (53.5 vs. 6.9) excluding the index hospitalization (p < 0.001). One year post-orthopedic mortality was 22.38% in the SAI and 5.31% in the non-SAI group (p < 0.001). The total medical costs were significantly higher in the SAI group compared to non-SAI group (42,834€ vs. 13,781€; p < 0.001). Adjusting for confounders, the SAI group had nearly 2 times the all-cause direct healthcare costs (exp(b) = 1.9; p < 0.001); and 1.72 times higher risk of death (HR = 1.72; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SAI risk after orthopedic surgeries persists and is associated with significant economic burden and risk of mortality. Hence, risk reduction and prevention methods are of utmost importance.

[Position statement: surgery and diabetes mellitus (Update 2019)]

This position statement reflects the opinion of the Austrian Diabetes Association concerning the perioperative management of patients with diabetes mellitus based on the available scientific evidence. The paper covers necessary preoperative examinations from an internal/diabetological point of view as well as the perioperative metabolic control by means of oral antidiabetics and/or insulin therapy.

Epidemiology of surgical site infections in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major patient safety concern in hospitals. Unlike most developed countries, Nigeria does not yet have an established national system to monitor the occurrence of this infection. This meta-analysis was thus designed to determine the pooled cumulative incidence of SSIs and various determinants of its occurrence in Nigeria.

Methods

The electronic databases were systematically searched for articles reporting the occurrence and risk factors associated with SSIs in Nigeria from January 2000 to December 2018. The eligible articles were evaluated using a set of pre-defined criteria. The extracted data were analysed using the comprehensive meta-analysis software. The Begg and Egger's regression tests were used to assess the risk of bias of the included publications.

Results

Thirty-two articles emanating from the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled cumulative incidence of SSIs was 14.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.113-0.184) with the highest incidence reported in the north-eastern region (27.3%, 95% CI: 0.132-0.481) of the country. It was also found to occur more predominantly following colorectal and abdominal surgeries, among elderly patients and in patients with co-morbid conditions. The most frequently reported was the superficial incisional SSIs occurring in 62.5% (95% CI: 0.333-0.848). Higher preponderance was also observed among patients with dirty wounds (52.7%, 95% CI: 0.367-0.682).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis documents for the first time the national burden of SSIs in Nigeria. Control measures geared towards its reduction should be strengthened and a national policy on SSI surveillance, prevention and control developed.

The Association of Perioperative Glycemic Control With Postoperative Surgical Site Infection Following Open Carpal Tunnel Release in Patients With Diabetes

BACKGROUND

The primary goal of the study was to evaluate the association of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in diabetic patients with the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following open carpal tunnel release (CTR). Our secondary objective was to calculate an HbA1c level in diabetic patients that predicted SSI after open CTR.

METHODS

A national private-payer insurance database was queried for patients who underwent open CTR using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 64721. Patients who underwent concomitant procedures were excluded. Diabetic patients who had their HbA1c level checked within 3 months of surgery were stratified into 6 mutually exclusive groups based on HbA1c levels in 1.0 mg/dL increments from <6.0 to >10 mg/dL. The incidence of SSI was determined for each group by either a diagnosis or procedure for SSI within 1 year using CPT and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine an HbA1c level above which the risk of postoperative SSI was significantly increased.

RESULTS

7958 diabetic patients who underwent open CTR and had an HbA1c recorded within 3 months of surgery were assessed. The incidence of SSI within 1 year was associated with HbA1c levels. The inflection point of the ROC curve corresponded to an HbA1c level between 7 and 8 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased HbA1c levels are associated with increased SSI rates in diabetic patients undergoing open CTR. A perioperative HbA1c between 7 and 8 mg/dL could serve as a threshold for an increased risk of SSI following open CTR.

The Impact of Resident and Fellow Participation in Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Postoperative complications is an important marker of healthcare quality. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of resident and fellow participation on postoperative complications in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery in a multi-institutional setting.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of population-based surgical registry.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database was utilized to generate transsphenoidal pituitary surgery patient cohorts. The attending with resident and/or fellow group was compared to the attending alone based on demographics and preoperative and postoperative variables.

RESULTS

A total of 469 cases were included in the analysis, with 315 performed with resident participation and 154 by attendings alone. The attending group had higher rates of diabetics (20.1% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.015) and patients with a history of previous percutaneous coronary intervention (6.0 vs. 1.6%, P = 0.009). Although the attending group demonstrated higher rates of surgical complications, and the resident/fellow group showed increased incidence in medical and overall complication rates, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Multivariate analysis further demonstrated lack of significance in complication rates between attendings and residents/fellows.

CONCLUSION

Resident and fellow participation in transsphenoidal surgery is not associated with significant differences in surgical complications, medical complications, mortality, operating time, reoperation rates, or readmission rates when compared to attendings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 128:2707-2713, 2018.

Predictors of Surgical Site Infection After Nonemergent Craniotomy: A Nationwide Readmission Database Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Surgical site infections (SSIs) carry significant patient morbidity and mortality and are a major source of readmissions after craniotomy. Because of their deleterious effects on health care outcomes and costs, identifying modifiable risk factors holds tremendous value. However, because SSIs after craniotomy are rare and most existing data comprise single-institution studies with small sample sizes, many are likely underpowered to discern for such factors. The objective of this study was to use a large hetereogenous patient sample to determine SSI incidence after nonemergent craniotomy and identify factors associated with readmission and subsequent need for wound washout.

METHODS

We used the 2010-2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database cohorts to discern for factors predictive of SSI and washout.

RESULTS

We identified 93,920 nonemergent craniotomies. There were 2079 cases of SSI (2.2%) and 835 reoperations for washout (0.89%) within 30 days of index admission and there were 2761 cases of SSI (3.6%) and 1220 reoperations for washout (1.58%) within 90 days. Several factors were predictive of SSI in multivariate analysis, including tumor operations, external ventricular drain (EVD), age, length of stay, diabetes, discharge to an intermediate-care facility, insurance type, and hospital bed size. Many of these factors were similarly implicated in reoperation for washout.

CONCLUSIONS

SSI incidence in neurosurgery is low and most readmissions occur within 30 days. Several factors predicted SSI after craniotomy, including operations for tumor, younger age, hospitalization length, diabetes, discharge to institutional care, larger hospital bed size, Medicaid insurance, and presence of an EVD. Diabetes and EVD placement may represent modifiable factors that could be explored in subsequent prospective studies for their associations with cranial SSIs.

Comparison of mono- and combination antibiotic therapy for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia: A cumulative meta-analysis of cohort studies

It is currently unknown whether antibiotic monotherapy or combination therapy is a more effective treatment for patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia. The present study consists of a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies in associated studies. The treatment options of monotherapy and combination therapy have been compared, to determine which is more effective against P. aeruginosa bacteraemia. Several electronic bibliographic databases were systematically searched and clinical studies that compared combination therapy with monotherapy for P. aeruginosa bacteraemia were identified. Dersimonian and Laird's random-effects models were used to generate summary estimates of the effects and to assess their association according to different patient characteristics and research quality standards. A total of 17 studies were selected, 3 of which were prospective while the remaining 14 were retrospective. The studies involved a total of 2,504 patients. Significant differences between combination therapy and monotherapy treatment were not found when the data were combined (odds ratio (OR)=0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.61–1.08; P=0.035). The results demonstrated strength in a number of stratification and sensitivity analyses. The variables used included study type, treatment quality score and survival rate of subgroup analysis. To conduct cumulative meta-analysis, the number of years and samples were calculated. The OR value and 95% CI were stable and demonstrated good change trend. According to the size of the sample order following accumulation, OR values and 95% CI (0.89, 0.76–1.04) exhibited a narrow range. Neither combination therapy or monotherapy exhibited significant effects on the mortality of patients with P. aeruginosa bacteraemia. Future research is required and should include large, well-designed prospective cohorts, and grouped clinical studies.

Staphylococcus aureus Infections in German Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus after Orthopedic Surgery: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical and Health-Economic Outcomes

BACKGROUND

This study assessed Staphylococcus aureus infection risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing an orthopedic knee, hip, or spine surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients with a diagnosis of T2DM in the period from 2010 to 2012 were identified from a German claims database. First inpatient knee, hip, or spine surgery was used as index date. Cumulative incidence of S. aureus infections was calculated for several time intervals. Risk factors were identified based on a multi-variable Cox regression analysis. A case control analysis was conducted to assess mortality, healthcare resource utilization, and healthcare costs of S. aureus.

RESULTS

In total, 9,401 patients with T2DM underwent a knee, hip, or spine surgery. Mean age was 72.58 years, 63.32% were female, and 1.08% experienced an S. aureus infection in the 365-day follow-up period. The difference in all-cause direct treatment costs per patient-year between infected and non-infected patients was 24,437.50$. Mortality rates were 25.52% (S. aureus group) versus 5.22% (non-S. aureus group), based on a 365-day follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Staphylococcus aureus is associated with a substantial healthcare burden and high mortality. Effective infection control measures should be considered to reduce post-surgical S. aureus infection risk in patients with T2DM.

Surgical Outcome after Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty: A Retrospective Study of 475 Transgender Women

BACKGROUND

For many transgender women, vaginoplasty is the final stage in the gender-confirming process. Penile inversion vaginoplasty is considered the gold standard for vaginal construction in transgender women. In this study, the authors assessed intraoperative and postoperative complications after penile inversion vaginoplasty.

METHODS

All patients who underwent penile inversion vaginoplasty between January of 2000 and January of 2014 were identified retrospectively from the authors' hospital registry. A retrospective chart review was conducted. Outcome measures were intraoperative and postoperative complications, reoperations, secondary surgical procedures, and possible risk factors.

RESULTS

Between January of 2000 and January of 2014, 475 patients underwent penile inversion vaginoplasty, 405 of whom did not have and 70 of whom did have additional full-thickness skin grafts. The median patient age at surgery was 38.6 years (range, 18.1 to 70.8 years). Median follow-up was 7.8 years (range, 1.0 to 15.9 years). The most frequently observed intraoperative complication was rectal injury [n = 11 (2.3 percent)]. Short-term postoperative bleeding that required transfusion [n = 23 (4.8 percent)], reoperation [n = 7 (1.5 percent)] or both [n = 2 (0.4 percent)] occurred in some cases. Major complications comprised three (0.6 percent) rectoneovaginal fistulas, which were successfully treated. Revision vaginoplasty was performed in 14 patients (2.9 percent). Comorbid diabetes was associated with a higher risk of local infection (OR, 9.8; p = 0.003; 95 percent CI, 2.8 to 34.4), and use of psychotropic medication predisposed to postoperative urinary retention (OR, 2.1; p = 0.006; 95 percent CI, 1.2 to 3.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Successful vaginal construction without the need for secondary functional reoperations was achieved in the majority of patients. Intraoperative complications are scarce. Postoperative complications occur frequently but are generally minor and easily treated.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

Risk Factors for Medical and Surgical Complications Following Single-Level ALIF

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine rates of medical and surgical postoperative complications following anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) along with their associated predictors.

METHODS

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database, patients who underwent single-level ALIF surgery from 2006 to 2013 were identified. The 30-day rate of postoperative medical and surgical complications along with associated risk factors were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 1474 patients were included in the analysis. The overall rate of complications was 14.5%. The medical complication rate was 12.7%, while the surgical complication rate was 2.8%. Predictors of surgical complications were diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.20-6.01, P = .009), corticosteroid dependence (OR = 4.94, 95% CI = 1.73-14.08, P = .003), and preoperative transfusion of >4 units (OR = 7.12, 95% CI = 1.43-35.37, P = .016). Predictors of medical complications were longer operative times (OR = 4.25, 95% CI = 2.90-6.24, P < .001), preoperative anemia (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.50-3.50, P < .001), >10% weight loss prior to surgery (OR = 6.79, 95% CI = 1.01-45.93, P = .049), and more severe American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (OR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.54-3.11, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study determines postoperative medical and surgical complications among patients undergoing ALIF. The risk factors elucidated in this study indicate that clinical practices to curtail complications should be targeted toward patients with preoperative anemia, weight loss, corticosteroid dependence, and toward those at risk for perioperative transfusions.

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and 30-day readmission rates

Background

It is estimated that 9.3% of the population in the United States have diabetes mellitus (DM), 28% of which are undiagnosed. The high prevalence of DM makes it a common comorbid condition in hospitalized patients. In recent years, government agencies and healthcare systems have increasingly focused on 30-day readmission rates to determine the complexity of their patient populations and to improve quality. Thirty-day readmission rates for hospitalized patients with DM are reported to be between 14.4 and 22.7%, much higher than the rate for all hospitalized patients (8.5–13.5%). The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the incidence and causes of 30-day readmission rates for patients with diabetes listed as either the primary reason for the index admission or with diabetes listed as a secondary diagnosis compared to those without DM and (2) evaluate the impact on readmission of two specialized inpatient DM services: the Hyperglycemic Intensive Insulin Program (HIIP) and Endocrine Consults (ENDO).

Methods

For this study, DM was defined as any ICD-9 discharge diagnosis (principal or secondary) of 250.xx. Readmissions were defined as any unscheduled inpatient admission, emergency department (ED) visit, or observation unit stay. We analyzed two separate sets of patient data. The first pilot study was a retrospective chart review of all patients with a principle or secondary admission diagnosis of diabetes admitted to any adult service within the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) between October 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. We then did further uncontrolled analysis of the patients with a principal admitting diagnosis of diabetes. The second larger retrospective study included all adults discharged from UMHS between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014 with principal or secondary discharge diagnosis of DM (ICD-9-CM: 250.xx).

Results

In the pilot study of 7763 admissions, the readmission rate was 26% for patients with DM and 22% for patients without DM. In patients with a primary diagnosis of DM on index admission, the most common cause for readmission was DM-related. In the larger study were 37,702 adult inpatient discharges between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014. Of these, 20.9% had DM listed as an encounter diagnosis. Rates for all encounters (inpatient, ED and Observation care) were 24.3% in patients with DM compared to 17.7% in those without DM (p < 0.001). The most common cause for readmission in patients with DM as a secondary diagnosis to the index admission was infection-related.

During the index hospital stay, only a small proportion of patients with DM (approximately 12%) received any DM service consult. Those who received a DM consult had a higher case mix index compared to those who did not. Despite the higher acuity, there was a lower rate of ED /observation readmission in patients followed by the DM services (6.6% HIIP or ENDO vs. 9.6% no HIIP or ENDO, p = 0.0012), though no difference in the inpatient readmission rates (17.6% HIIP or ENDO vs. 17.4% no HIIP or ENDO, p = 0.89) was noted.

Conclusions

Patients with both a primary or secondary diagnosis of DM have higher readmission rates. The reasons for readmission vary; patients with a principal diagnosis of DM have more DM related readmissions and those with secondary diagnosis having more infection-related readmissions. DM services were used in a small proportion of patients and may have contributed to lower DM related ED revisits. Further prospective studies evaluating the role of these services in terms of glucose management, patient education and outpatient follow up on readmission are needed to identify interventions important to reducing readmission rates.

Evaluation of Diabetes Mellitus as a Risk Factor for Major Complications in Patients Undergoing Aesthetic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus has been linked with a variety of perioperative adverse events across surgical disciplines. There is a paucity of studies systematically examining risk factors, including diabetes, and complications of aesthetic surgical procedures.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare incidence and type of complications between diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing various aesthetic surgical procedures, to identify specific procedures where diabetes significantly increases risk of complications, and to study diabetes as an independent risk factor for major complications following aesthetic surgery.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 129,007 patients who enrolled into the CosmetAssure insurance program and underwent cosmetic surgical procedures between May 2008 and May 2013 were reviewed. Diabetes was evaluated as risk factor for major complications, requiring hospital admission, emergency room visit, or a reoperation within 30 days after surgery. Multivariate regression analysis was performed controlling for the effects of age, smoking, obesity, gender, type of procedures, and surgical facility.

RESULTS

Overall, 2506 patients (1.9%) had a major complication. Diabetics had significantly more complications compared to non-diabetics (3.1% vs 1.9%, P < 0.01). In univariate analysis, infectious (1.1% vs 0.5%, P < 0.01) and pulmonary (0.3% vs 0.1%, P < 0.01) complications were significantly higher among diabetics. Notably, diabetics had higher risks of complication in body cases (4.3% vs 2.6%, P < 0.01) and specifically abdominoplasty (6.1% vs 3.0%, P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, diabetes was found to be an independent risk factor of any complication (relative risk 1.31, P = 0.03) and infection (relative risk 1.70, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes is an independent risk factor of major complications, particularly infection, after aesthetic surgical procedures.

[Position statement: surgery and diabetes mellitus]

This position statement reflects the opinion of the Austrian Diabetes Association concerning the perioperative management of patients with diabetes mellitus based on the available scientific evidence. The paper covers necessary preoperative examinations from an internal/diabetological point of view as well as the perioperative metabolic control by means of oral antidiabetics and/or insulin therapy.

Amoxicillin Plus Metronidazole Therapy for Patients with Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes

The aim of this study was to assess the changes occurring in subgingival biofilm composition and in the periodontal clinical parameters of subjects with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) treated by means of scaling and root planing (SRP) only or combined with systemic metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX). Fifty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to receive SRP only ( n = 29) or with MTZ (400 mg/thrice a day [TID]) and AMX (500 mg/TID) ( n = 29) for 14 d. Six subgingival plaque samples/subject were analyzed by checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization for 40 bacterial species at baseline and 3 mo, 1 y, and 2 y posttherapy. At 2 y posttherapy, the antibiotic-treated group harbored lower mean proportions (5.5%) of red complex pathogens than the control group (12.1%) ( P < 0.05). The proportions of the Actinomyces species remained stable in the antibiotic group but showed a statistically significant reduction in the control group from 1 to 2 y in subjects achieving a low risk clinical profile for future disease progression (i.e., ≤4 sites with probing depth [PD] ≥5 mm). The test group also had a lower mean number of sites with PD ≥5 mm (3.5 ± 3.4) and a higher percentage of subjects reaching the low risk clinical profile (76%) than the control group (14.7 ± 13.1 and 22%, respectively) ( P < 0.05) at 2 y posttreatment. MTZ + AMX intake was the only significant predictor of subjects achieving the low risk at 2 y (odds ratio, 20.9; P = 0.0000). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the adjunctive use of MTZ + AMX improves the microbiological and clinical outcomes of SRP in the treatment of subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis and type 2 DM up to 2 y ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02135952).

Mortality attributable to carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

Whether carbapenem resistance is associated with mortality in patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia is controversial. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on cohort studies. We searched PubMed and Embase databases to identify articles (up to April 2015). The DerSimonian and Laird random-effect model was used to generate a summary estimate of effect. Associations were evaluated in subgroups based on different patient characteristics and study quality criteria. Seven studies with a total of 1613 patients were finally included, of which 1 study had a prospective design, and the other 6 were retrospective. Our meta-analysis showed patients with carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa bacteremia were at a higher risk of death compared with those with carbapenem-susceptible P. aeruginosa bloodstream infections (pooled odds ratio (OR) from three studies reporting adjusted ORs: 3.07, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.60-5.89; pooled OR from 4 studies only reporting crude ORs: 1.46, 95% CI, 1.10-1.94). The results were robust across a number of stratified analyses and a sensitivity analysis. We also calculated that 8%-18.4% of deaths were attributable to carbapenem resistance in four studies assessing the outcome with 30-day mortality, and these were 3% and 14.6%, respectively, in two studies using 7-day mortality or mortality during bacteremia as an outcome of interest. Carbapenem resistance had a deleterious impact on the mortality of P. aeruginosa bacteremia; however, the results should be interpreted cautiously because only three studies reporting adjusted ORs were included. More large-scale, well-designed prospective cohorts, as well as mechanistic studies, are urgently needed in the future.