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Bagayoko T, Houot M, Navarro V, Herlin B, Dupont S. Discriminating factors in access to video-EEG for epilepsy surgery in a French tertiary epilepsy center. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024:S0035-3787(24)00520-4. [PMID: 38806360 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Equitable access to care and management is a priority for patients with epilepsy and may vary depending on each country's healthcare system. As this issue has not been specifically addressed in France, we conducted a retrospective study to identify discriminating factors in access to surgery at a French tertiary epilepsy center. Initially, we examined factors previously identified in other countries as influential in surgery access, including age at diagnosis, affected side, gender, years of education, socio-professional categories, and density of general practitioners in the residential area, in 293 consecutive French-native patients with refractory medial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS). Subsequently, we conducted a case-control study comparing patients born in France with 22 patients born abroad to specifically explore migratory status. The analysis revealed that the only three factors statistically influencing the delay between the onset of epilepsy and entry into video-EEG were early age at onset (associated with a longer delay), pensioner status (associated with a longer delay), and student status (associated with a shorter delay). Migratory status, gender, and socio-economic level (indirectly reflected by the level of education and socio-professional category) were not found to be discriminatory factors in access to video-EEG. Discrepancies between our study and foreign studies may be attributed to differences in healthcare systems and medical coverage among countries. Efforts in France to improve access to surgery should focus on enhancing communication among practitioners to promptly refer any MTLE-HS patient to an epilepsy surgery center, regardless of their age.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bagayoko
- Rehabilitation Unit, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - M Houot
- Centre of Excellence of Neurodegenerative Disease (CoEN), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease (IM2A), Department of Neurology, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Clinical Investigation Centre, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital Paris, Paris, France
| | - V Navarro
- AP-HP, Epileptology Unit, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm, CNRS, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital Paris, Paris, France
| | - B Herlin
- Rehabilitation Unit, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - S Dupont
- Rehabilitation Unit, AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; AP-HP, Epileptology Unit, Reference Center for Rare Epilepsies, Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Inserm, CNRS, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital Paris, Paris, France.
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Bishay AE, Hughes NC, Zargari M, Paulo DL, Bishay S, Lyons AT, Morkos MN, Ball TJ, Englot DJ, Bick SK. Disparities in Access to Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease and Proposed Interventions: A Literature Review. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2024; 102:179-194. [PMID: 38697047 DOI: 10.1159/000538748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD), but disparities exist in access to DBS along gender, racial, and socioeconomic lines. SUMMARY Women are underrepresented in clinical trials and less likely to undergo DBS compared to their male counterparts. Racial and ethnic minorities are also less likely to undergo DBS procedures, even when controlling for disease severity and other demographic factors. These disparities can have significant impacts on patients' access to care, quality of life, and ability to manage their debilitating movement disorders. KEY MESSAGES Addressing these disparities requires increasing patient awareness and education, minimizing barriers to equitable access, and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives within the healthcare system. In this systematic review, we first review literature discussing gender, racial, and socioeconomic disparities in DBS access and then propose several patient, provider, community, and national-level interventions to improve DBS access for all populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony E Bishay
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,
| | - Natasha C Hughes
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael Zargari
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Danika L Paulo
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Steven Bishay
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Mariam N Morkos
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Glendale, Arizona, USA
| | - Tyler J Ball
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Dario J Englot
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarah K Bick
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Howard SD, Campbell PA, Montgomery CT, Tomlinson SB, Ojukwu DI, Chen HI, Chin MH. Effect of Race and Insurance Type on Access to, and Outcomes of, Epilepsy Surgery: A Literature Review. World Neurosurg 2023; 178:202-212.e2. [PMID: 37543199 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.07.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite higher rates of seizure freedom, a large proportion of patients with medically refractory seizures who could benefit from epilepsy surgery do not receive surgical treatment. This literature review describes the association of race and insurance status with epilepsy surgery access and outcomes. METHODS Searches in Scopus and PubMed databases related to disparities in epilepsy surgery were conducted. The inclusion criteria consisted of data that could be used to compare epilepsy surgery patient access and outcomes by insurance or race in the United States. Two independent reviewers determined article eligibility. RESULTS Of the 289 studies reviewed, 26 were included. Most of the studies were retrospective cohort studies (23 of 26) and national admissions database studies (13 of 26). Of the 17 studies that evaluated epilepsy surgery patient demographics, 11 showed that Black patients were less likely to receive surgery than were White patients or had an increased time to surgery from seizure onset. Nine studies showed that patients with private insurance were more likely to undergo epilepsy surgery and have shorter time to surgery compared with patients with public insurance. No significant association was found between the seizure recurrence rate after surgery with insurance or race. CONCLUSIONS Black patients and patients with public insurance are receiving epilepsy surgery at lower rates after a prolonged waiting period compared with other patients with medically refractory epilepsy. These results are consistent across the current reported literature. Future efforts should focus on additional characterization and potential causes of these disparities to develop successful interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna D Howard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Paige-Ashley Campbell
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Canada T Montgomery
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Samuel B Tomlinson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Disep I Ojukwu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - H Isaac Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marshall H Chin
- Section of General Internal Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Kandregula S, Terrell D, Beyl R, Freelin A, Guthikonda B, Notarianni C, Toms J. Racial and socioeconomic disparities in the advanced treatment of medically intractable pediatric epilepsy. Neurosurg Focus 2022; 53:E2. [DOI: 10.3171/2022.7.focus22338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare have gained significant importance since the Institute of Medicine published its report on disparities in healthcare. There is a lack of evidence on how race and ethnicity affect access to advanced treatment of pediatric medically intractable epilepsy. In this context, the authors analyzed the latest Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) for racial/ethnic disparities in access to surgical treatment of epilepsy.
METHODS
The authors queried the KID for the years 2016 and 2019 for the diagnosis of medically intractable epilepsy.
RESULTS
A total of 29,292 patients were included in the sample. Of these patients, 8.9% (n = 2610) underwent surgical treatment/invasive monitoring. The mean ages in the surgical treatment and nonsurgical treatment groups were 11.73 years (SD 5.75 years) and 9.5 years (SD 6.16 years), respectively. The most common insurance in the surgical group was private/commercial (55.9%) and Medicaid in the nonsurgical group (47.7%) (p < 0.001). White patients accounted for the most common population in both groups, followed by Hispanic patients. African American patients made up 7.9% in the surgical treatment group compared with 12.9% in the nonsurgical group. African American (41.1%) and Hispanic (29.9%) patients had higher rates of emergency department (ED) utilization compared with the White population (24.6%). After adjusting for all covariates, the odds of surgical treatment increased with increasing age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.053–1.067; p < 0.001). African American race (OR 0.513, 95% CI 0.443–0.605; p < 0.001), Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.681, 95% CI 0.612–0.758; p < 0.001), and other races (OR 0.789, 95% CI 0.689–0.903; p = 0.006) had lower surgical treatment odds compared with the White population. Medicaid/Medicare was associated with lower surgical treatment odds than private/commercial insurance (OR 0.603, 0.554–0.657; p < 0.001). Interaction analysis revealed that African American (OR 0.708, 95% CI 0.569–0.880; p = 0.001) and Hispanic (OR 0.671, 95% CI 0.556–0.809; p < 0.001) populations with private insurance had lower surgical treatment odds than White populations with private insurance. Similarly, African American patients, Hispanic patients, and patients of other races with nonprivate insurance also had lower surgical treatment odds than their White counterparts after adjusting for all other covariates.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the KID, African American and Hispanic populations had lower surgical treatment rates than their White counterparts, with higher utilization of the ED for pediatric medically intractable epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robbie Beyl
- Department of Statistics, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Anne Freelin
- Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport; and
| | | | | | - Jamie Toms
- Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport; and
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Hamade YJ, Palzer EF, Helgeson ES, Hanson JT, Walczak TS, McGovern RA. Persistent racial and ethnic disparities as a potential source of epilepsy surgery underutilization: Analysis of large national datasets from 2006-2016. Epilepsy Res 2021; 176:106725. [PMID: 34304018 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High volume surgical epilepsy centers have reported a decrease in surgical resections and an increase in intracranial monitoring. Despite this increase in complexity, epilepsy surgery remains significantly underutilized. The goal of this study is to examine the utilization of and access to epilepsy surgery in the United States from 2006 to 2016. METHODS We used administrative datasets from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to report national estimates of epilepsy surgery and changes in surgery types. We also examined disparities and barriers in access to epilepsy surgery. RESULTS Inpatient epilepsy admissions increased from 2.41 to 5.78 per 100,000 between 2006 and 2016, while surgical epilepsy admissions plateaued after 2011. Open resections comprised 75 % of all surgical cases from 2006 to 2011 then decreased each year to 50 % in 2016 with both temporal and extratemporal resections decreasing proportionally. Intracranial monitoring increased in the last two years of the study due to an increase in SEEG/depth electrode cases. The multivariate analysis showed that patients with Medicaid (OR 0.75, 95 % CI 0.67-0.83) and Medicare (OR 0.62, 95 % CI 0.54-0.70) were significantly less likely to undergo epilepsy surgery compared to those with private insurance. Black patients were less likely to undergo epilepsy surgery than White or Hispanic patients (OR 0.57, 95 % CI 0.49-0.67). No significant difference was found in epilepsy surgery rates after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2014. CONCLUSION This study identifies recent trends in epilepsy surgical approaches and suggests that improving access to care does not necessarily address disparities present in the treatment of epilepsy patients who need surgical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef J Hamade
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States.
| | - Elise F Palzer
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
| | - Erika S Helgeson
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
| | - Jacob T Hanson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
| | - Thaddeus S Walczak
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
| | - Robert A McGovern
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, United States
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Samanta D, Singh R, Gedela S, Scott Perry M, Arya R. Underutilization of epilepsy surgery: Part II: Strategies to overcome barriers. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 117:107853. [PMID: 33678576 PMCID: PMC8035223 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interventions focused on utilization of epilepsy surgery can be divided into groups: those that improve patients' access to surgical evaluation and those that facilitate completion of the surgical evaluation and treatment. Educational intervention, technological innovation, and effective coordination and communication can significantly improve patients' access to surgery. Patient and public facing, individualized (analog and/or digital) communication can raise awareness and acceptance of epilepsy surgery. Educational interventions aimed at providers may mitigate knowledge gaps using practical and concise consensus statements and guidelines, while specific training can improve awareness around implicit bias. Innovative technology, such as clinical decision-making toolkits within the electronic medical record (EMR), machine learning techniques, online decision-support tools, nomograms, and scoring algorithms can facilitate timely identification of appropriate candidates for epilepsy surgery with individualized guidance regarding referral appropriateness, postoperative seizure freedom rate, and risks of complication after surgery. There are specific strategies applicable for epilepsy centers' success: building a multidisciplinary setup, maintaining/tracking volume and complexity of cases, collaborating with other centers, improving surgical outcome with reduced complications, utilizing advanced diagnostics tools, and considering minimally invasive surgical techniques. Established centers may use other strategies, such as multi-stage procedures for multifocal epilepsy, advanced functional mapping with tailored surgery for epilepsy involving the eloquent cortex, and generation of fresh hypotheses in cases of surgical failure. Finally, improved access to epilepsy surgery can be accomplished with policy changes (e.g., anti-discrimination policy, exemption in transportation cost, telehealth reimbursement policy, patient-centered epilepsy care models, pay-per-performance models, affordability and access to insurance, and increased funding for research). Every intervention should receive regular evaluation and feedback-driven modification to ensure appropriate utilization of epilepsy surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States.
| | - Rani Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital, United States
| | - Satyanarayana Gedela
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University College of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, United States
| | - M Scott Perry
- Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Ravindra Arya
- Division of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Brooks ES, Tong J, Mavroudis CW, Wirtalla C, Karakousis GC, Saur NM, Aarons CB, Mahmoud NN, Kelz RR. The effects of the Affordable Care Act on access and outcomes of colon surgery. Am J Surg 2021; 222:613-618. [PMID: 33487402 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insurance status has been strongly associated with both access to and outcomes of colon resection (CRS). Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), individual states opted to participate in Medicaid expansion (ME) and adopt essential health benefits (EHB). METHODS We performed a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences (DID) analysis of 2012-2017 state-level inpatient claims with risk adjustment. We examined frequency of emergent presentation and in-hospital death. Subset analyses were performed by insurance type. RESULTS Among the 73,961 CRS patients, 49.6% were in a state with both ME and EHB, 34.7% presented emergently, and 2.0% died. Adoption of ME and EHB was associated with a significant, 24%, reduction in the likelihood of in-hospital mortality, and no significant change in emergent presentation for CRS. CONCLUSIONS The ACA's ME was strongly associated with a decrease in mortality following colon resection among Medicaid beneficiaries. These findings support the adoption of healthcare policies that improve access to insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra S Brooks
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jason Tong
- University of Pennsylvania, Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Catherine W Mavroudis
- University of Pennsylvania, Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher Wirtalla
- University of Pennsylvania, Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Giorgos C Karakousis
- University of Pennsylvania, Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicole M Saur
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cary B Aarons
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Najjia N Mahmoud
- University of Pennsylvania, Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachel R Kelz
- University of Pennsylvania, Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Harris A, Guadix SW, Riley LH, Jain A, Kebaish KM, Skolasky RL. Changes in racial and ethnic disparities in lumbar spinal surgery associated with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, 2006-2014. Spine J 2021; 21:64-70. [PMID: 32768655 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Since implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, more Americans have health insurance, and many racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare have improved. We previously reported that Black and Hispanic patients undergo surgery for spinal stenosis at lower rates than do white patients. PURPOSE To assess changes in racial/ethnic disparities in rates of lumbar spinal surgery after passage of the ACA. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis. PATIENT SAMPLE Approximately 3.2 million adults who underwent lumbar spinal surgery in the US from 2006 through 2014. OUTCOME MEASURES Racial disparities in discharge rates before versus after ACA passage. METHODS Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey Supplement, and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, criteria for definite lumbar spinal surgery, we calculated rates of lumbar spinal surgery as the number of hospital discharges divided by population estimates and stratified patients by race/ethnicity after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Calendar years were stratified as before ACA passage (2006-2010) or after ACA passage (2011-2014). Poisson regression was used to model hospital discharge rates as a function of race/ethnicity before and after ACA passage after adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS All rates are expressed per 1,000 persons. The overall median discharge rate decreased from 1.9 before ACA passage to 1.6 after ACA passage (p < .001). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, the Black:White disparity in discharge rates decreased from 0.40:1 before ACA to 0.44:1 after ACA (p < .001). A similar decrease in the Hispanic:White disparity occurred, from 0.35:1 before ACA to 0.38:1 after ACA (p < .001). CONCLUSION Small but significant decreases occurred in racial/ethnic disparities in hospital discharge rates for lumbar spinal surgery after ACA passage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Harris
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 N. Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Sergio W Guadix
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 N. Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Lee H Riley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 N. Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Amit Jain
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 N. Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Khaled M Kebaish
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 N. Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Richard L Skolasky
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 N. Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 N. Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Cihan E, Devinsky O, Hesdorffer DC, Brandsoy M, Li L, Fowler DR, Graham JK, Karlovich MW, Yang JE, Keller AE, Donner EJ, Friedman D. Temporal trends and autopsy findings of SUDEP based on medico-legal investigations in the United States. Neurology 2020; 95:e867-e877. [PMID: 32636323 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000009996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine time trends and distinguishing autopsy findings of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in the United States. METHODS We identified decedents where epilepsy/seizure was listed as cause/contributor to death or comorbid condition on the death certificate among all decedents who underwent medico-legal investigation at 3 medical examiner (ME) offices across the country: New York City (2009-2016), San Diego County (2008-2016), and Maryland (2000-2016). After reviewing all available reports, deaths classified as definite/probable/near SUDEP or SUDEP plus were included for analysis. Mann-Kendall trend test was used to analyze temporal trends in SUDEP rate for 2009-2016. Definite SUDEPs were compared to sex- and age ±2 years-matched non-SUDEP deaths with a history of epilepsy regarding autopsy findings, circumstances, and comorbidities. RESULTS A total of 1,086 SUDEP cases were identified. There was a decreasing trend in ME-investigated SUDEP incidence between 2009 and 2016 (z = -2.2, S = -42, p = 0.028) among 3 regions. There was a 28% reduction in ME-investigated SUDEP incidence from 2009 to 2012 to 2013-2016 (confidence interval, 17%-38%, p < 0.0001). We found no correlation between SUDEP rates and the month of year or day of week. There was no difference between SUDEP and non-SUDEP deaths regarding neurodevelopmental abnormalities, pulmonary congestion/edema, and myocardial fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS There was a decreasing monotonic trend in ME-investigated SUDEP incidence over 8 years, with a 28% reduction in incidence from 2009-2012 to 2013-2016. Unlike SIDS and sudden cardiac death, we found no correlation between SUDEP and the season of year or day of week. No autopsy findings distinguished SUDEP from non-SUDEP deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esma Cihan
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dale C Hesdorffer
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Brandsoy
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ling Li
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - David R Fowler
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jason K Graham
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael W Karlovich
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jaclyn E Yang
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anne E Keller
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elizabeth J Donner
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daniel Friedman
- From the Department of Neurology (E.C., O.D., M.W.K., J.E.Y., D.F.), NYU School of Medicine; Department of Epidemiology (D.C.H.), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office (M.B.), CA; Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (L.L., D.R.F.), Baltimore; New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner (J.K.G.), New York; and Division of Neurology, Department of Paediatrics (A.E.K., E.J.D.), the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
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Fox J, Lekoubou A, Bishu KG, Ovbiagele B. Recent patterns of vagal nerve stimulator use in the United States: Is there a racial disparity? Epilepsia 2019; 60:756-763. [PMID: 30875432 DOI: 10.1111/epi.14695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with refractory epilepsy are at a high risk of complications but may not receive the same level of care across racial groups. We aimed to ascertain racial inequalities and trends in the use of a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) among adult patients with refractory epilepsy. METHODS A total of 24 159 adults (18 years and older) with refractory epilepsy from the National Inpatient Sample between the years 2006 and 2014 were included in this analysis. We used a multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate independent predictors of VNS use among patients with refractory epilepsy. Covariates included gender, age, insurance type, and household income. In addition, we evaluated for trends in VNS use over the 9-year period of data collection. RESULTS A total of 1.56% of patients with refractory epilepsy had used a VNS between 2006 and 2014. Overall, there was a trend of decreased use of a VNS between 2006-2008 (2.1%) and 2012-2014 (0.9%). In the adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, blacks (odds ratio [OR] = 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.35-0.77) were significantly less likely to have used a VNS relative to non-Hispanic whites. Additional factors independently associated with a decreased likelihood of VNS use were age > 65 years (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.28-0.95) and years 2012-2014 (OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.28-0.67). SIGNIFICANCE There was a trend toward a decrease in the use of a VNS among adult patients with refractory epilepsy. Our results also suggest that black patients with refractory epilepsy were less likely to receive a VNS independently of other variables. Increased work toward effectively reducing racial disparities in access to quality epilepsy care is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonah Fox
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Alain Lekoubou
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Kinfe G Bishu
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Section of Health Systems Research and Policy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Nathan CL, Gutierrez C. FACETS of health disparities in epilepsy surgery and gaps that need to be addressed. Neurol Clin Pract 2018; 8:340-345. [PMID: 30140586 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review Disparities in treatment and outcomes of patients with epilepsy have been identified in several distinct patient populations. The purpose of this review is to organize the literature and establish clear pathways as to why certain patient populations are not receiving epilepsy surgery. By establishing the acronym FACETS (fear of treatment, access to care, communication barriers, education, trust between patient and physician, and social support), we set up a pathway to further study this area in an organized fashion, hopefully leading to objective solutions. Recent findings Studies revealed that African American, Hispanic, and non-English-speaking patients underwent surgical treatment for epilepsy at rates significantly lower compared to white patients. Summary This article explains possible reasons outlined by FACETS for the health disparities in epilepsy surgery that exist in patients of a certain race, socioeconomic status, and language proficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody L Nathan
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (CLN), Philadelphia; and Department of Neurology (CG), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore
| | - Camilo Gutierrez
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (CLN), Philadelphia; and Department of Neurology (CG), University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Three randomized controlled trials demonstrate that surgical treatment is safe and effective for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), yet fewer than 1% of patients are referred for surgery. This is a review of recent trends in surgical referral for DRE, and advances in the field. Reasons for continued underutilization are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Recent series indicate no increase in surgical referral for DRE over the past two decades. One study suggests that decreased referrals to major epilepsy centers can be accounted for by increased referrals to low-volume nonacademic hospitals where results are poorer, and complication rates higher. The increasing ability of high-resolution MRI to identify small neocortical lesions and an increase in pediatric surgeries, in part, explain a relative greater decrease in temporal lobe surgeries. Misconceptions continue to restrict referral. Consequently, advocacy for referral of all patients with DRE to epilepsy centers that offer specialized diagnosis and other alternative treatments, as well as psychosocial support, is recommended. Recent advances will continue to improve the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment and expand the types of patients who benefit from surgical intervention. SUMMARY Surgical treatment for epilepsy remains underutilized, in part because of persistent misconceptions. Rather than promote referral for surgery, it would be more appropriate to advocate that all patients with DRE deserve a consultation at a full-service epilepsy center that offers many options for eliminating or reducing disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Engel
- Departments of Neurology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and the Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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13
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Menger RP, Kalakoti P, Pugely AJ, Nanda A, Sin A. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: risk factors for complications and the effect of hospital volume on outcomes. Neurosurg Focus 2017; 43:E3. [DOI: 10.3171/2017.6.focus17300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis. Limited literature exists defining risk factors associated with outcomes during initial hospitalization in these patients. In this study, the authors investigated patient demographics, clinical and hospital characteristics impacting short-term outcomes, and costs in adolescent patients undergoing surgical deformity correction for idiopathic scoliosis. Additionally, the authors elucidate the impact of hospital surgical volume on outcomes for these patients.METHODSUsing the National Inpatient Sample database and appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes, the authors identified adolescent patients (10–19 years of age) undergoing surgical deformity correction for idiopathic scoliosis during 2001–2014. For national estimates, appropriate weights provided by the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality were used. Multivariable regression techniques were employed to assess the association of risk factors with discharge disposition, postsurgical neurological complications, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs.RESULTSOverall, 75,106 adolescent patients underwent surgical deformity correction. The rates of postsurgical complications were estimated at 0.9% for neurological issues, 2.8% for respiratory complications, 0.8% for cardiac complications, 0.4% for infections, 2.7% for gastrointestinal complications, 0.1% for venous thromboembolic events, and 0.1% for acute renal failure. Overall, patients stayed at the hospital for an average of 5.72 days (median 5 days) and on average incurred hospitalization costs estimated at $54,997 (median $47,909). As compared with patients at low-volume centers (≤ 50 operations/year), those undergoing surgical deformity correction at high-volume centers (> 50/year) had a significantly lower likelihood of an unfavorable discharge (discharge to rehabilitation) (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03–1.30, p = 0.016) and incurred lower costs (mean $33,462 vs $56,436, p < 0.001) but had a longer duration of stay (mean 6 vs 5.65 days, p = 0.002). In terms of neurological complications, no significant differences in the odds ratios were noted between high- and low-volume centers (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.97–1.55, p = 0.091).CONCLUSIONSThis study provides insight into the clinical characteristics of AIS patients and their postoperative outcomes following deformity correction as they relate to hospital volume. It provides information regarding independent risk factors for unfavorable discharge and neurological complications following surgery for AIS. The proposed estimates could be used as an adjunct to clinical judgment in presurgical planning, risk stratification, and cost containment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P. Menger
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center–Shreveport
| | - Piyush Kalakoti
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center–Shreveport
| | - Andrew J. Pugely
- 2Spine Surgery, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Anil Nanda
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center–Shreveport
| | - Anthony Sin
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center–Shreveport
- 3Shriners Hospitals for Children, Shreveport, Louisiana; and
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