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Access to Long-Term Care for Minority Populations: A Systematic Review. Can J Aging 2022; 41:577-592. [PMID: 35331343 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980822000046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been shown that there is disparity in access to long-term care and other services for minority populations. This study assessed long-term care access among older individuals belonging to minority populations including visible, ethnocultural, linguistic, and sexual minorities. Barriers and facilitators influencing admission were identified and evaluated.A search for articles from 10 databases published between January 2000 and January 2021 was conducted. Included studies evaluated factors affecting minority populations' admission to long-term care, and non-residents' perceptions of future admission. This review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42018038662. Sixty included quantitative and qualitative studies, ranging in quality from fair to excellent. Findings suggest minority status is associated with reduced admission to long-term care, controlling for confounding variables. Barriers identified include discordant language, fear of discrimination, lack of information, and family obligations. Findings suggest that minority populations experienced barriers accessing long-term care and had unmet cultural and language needs while receiving care in this setting.
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Ramirez JL, Zarkowsky DS, Ramirez FD, Gasper WJ, Cohen BE, Conte MS, Grenon SM, Iannuzzi JC. Depression Predicts Non-Home Discharge After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair. Ann Vasc Surg 2021; 74:131-140. [PMID: 33503503 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2020.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health's impact on vascular surgical patients has long been overlooked. While outside the expertise of most surgeons, understanding the role that depression plays in the postoperative course could provide additional insight into opportunities to improve surgical outcomes and healthcare value. Additionally, non-home discharge (NHD) to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility after surgery is associated with impaired quality of life and higher postdischarge complications, readmissions, and mortality. We hypothesized that depression would be associated with an increased risk for NHD following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. METHODS Nonruptured AAA repair cases were identified from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) using ICD-9 codes between 2005 and 2014. Depression, comorbidities, postoperative complications, and discharge destination were evaluated using statistical tests as appropriate to the data. A hierarchical multivariable logistic regression controlling for hospital level variation was used to examine the independent association between depression, and the primary outcome of NHD controlling for median income and confounders meeting P < 0.05 on univariate analysis. RESULTS There were 99,934 total cases analyzed, of which 4,755 (4.8%) were diagnosed with depression and 10,618 (11.9%) required NHD. Patients with depression were younger, more likely to be women, white, have diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, tobacco use, and more likely to experience a postoperative complication. On adjusted multivariable analysis, patients with depression were more likely to require NHD (odds ratio [OR] 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68-2.08, c-statistic = 0.82). On stratified analysis by operative approach, depression had a larger effect estimate in endovascular repair (OR 2.19; 95% CI: 1.90-2.52) versus open repair (OR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.38-1.87). CONCLUSIONS In a nationally representative sample, patients with depression were more likely to require NHD after AAA repair. This study highlights the importance that depression plays in postoperative outcomes after AAA repair. Furthermore, addressing mental health preoperatively has the potential to improve outcomes in patients undergoing AAA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel L Ramirez
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Devin S Zarkowsky
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Faustine D Ramirez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Warren J Gasper
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Beth E Cohen
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - Michael S Conte
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - S Marlene Grenon
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - James C Iannuzzi
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
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Ramirez JL, Zahner GJ, Arya S, Grenon SM, Gasper WJ, Sosa JA, Conte MS, Iannuzzi JC. Patients with depression are less likely to go home after critical limb revascularization. J Vasc Surg 2020; 74:178-186.e2. [PMID: 33383108 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.12.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although often overlooked during the preoperative evaluation, recent evidence has suggested that depression in patients with peripheral artery disease is associated with increased postoperative complications, including decreased primary and secondary patency after revascularization and an increased risk of major amputation and mortality. Postoperative nonhome discharge (NHD) is an important outcome for patients and has also been associated with other adverse outcomes; however, the effect that depression has on NHD after vascular surgery has remained unexplored. We hypothesized that depression would be associated with an increased risk of NHD after revascularization for chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). METHODS Endovascular, open, and hybrid (combined open and endovascular) cases of revascularization for CLTI were identified from the 2012 to 2014 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample. CLTI, diagnoses of depression, and medical comorbidities were defined using the corresponding International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. A hierarchical multivariable binary logistic regression controlling for hospital level variation and for confounders meeting P <.01 on bivariate analysis was used to examine the association between depression and NHD. A sensitivity analysis after coarsened exact matching for baseline characteristics that differed between the two groups was performed to reduce any imbalance. RESULTS A total of 64,817 cases were identified, of which 5472 (8.4%) included a diagnosis of depression and 16,524 (25.5%) NHD. The patients with depression were younger and more likely to be women and white, have multiple comorbidities and a nonelective admission, and experience a postoperative complication (P <.05). On unadjusted analyses, patients with depression had an 8% absolute increased risk of requiring NHD (32.1% vs 24.9%; P <.001). On multivariable analysis, patients with depression had an increased odds for NHD (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40-1.61; c-statistic, 0.81) compared with those without depression. After stratification by operative approach, depression had a larger effect estimate in endovascular revascularization (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.42-1.74) compared with open (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.30-1.62). A test for interaction between depression and gender identified that men with depression had greater odds of NHD compared with women with depression (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.51-1.88; vs OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.25-1.51; interaction P <.01). A sensitivity analysis after coarsened exact matching confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to identify an association between depression and NHD after revascularization for CLTI. These results provide further evidence of the negative effects that comorbid depression has on patients undergoing revascularization for CLTI. Future studies should examine whether treating depression can improve the outcomes in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel L Ramirez
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif
| | - Greg J Zahner
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Shipra Arya
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif
| | - S Marlene Grenon
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif
| | - Warren J Gasper
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif
| | - Julie Ann Sosa
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif
| | - Michael S Conte
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif
| | - James C Iannuzzi
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.
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Liguori I, Russo G, Curcio F, Sasso G, Della-Morte D, Gargiulo G, Pirozzi F, Cacciatore F, Bonaduce D, Abete P, Testa G. Depression and chronic heart failure in the elderly: an intriguing relationship. J Geriatr Cardiol 2018; 15:451-459. [PMID: 30108618 PMCID: PMC6087518 DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic heart failure and depressive disorders have a high prevalence and incidence in the elderly. Several studies have shown how depression tends to exacerbate coexisting chronic heart failure and its clinical outcomes and vice versa, especially in the elderly. The negative synergism between chronic heart failure and depression in the elderly may be approached only taking into account the multifaceted pathophysiological characteristics underlying both these conditions, such as behavioural factors, neurohormonal activation, inflammatory mediators, hypercoagulability and vascular damage. Nevertheless, the pathophysiological link between these two conditions is not well established yet. Despite the high prevalence of depression in chronic heart failure elderly patients and its negative prognostic value, it is often unrecognized especially because of shared symptoms. So the screening of mood disorders, using reliable questionnaires, is recommended in elderly patients with chronic heart failure, even if cannot substitute a diagnostic interview by mental health professionals. In this setting, treatment of depression requires a multidisciplinary approach including: psychotherapy, antidepressants, exercise training and electroconvulsive therapy. Pharmacological therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, despite conflicting results, improves quality of life but does not guarantee better outcomes. Exercise training is effective in improving quality of life and prognosis but at the same time cardiac rehabilitation services are vastly underutilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Liguori
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Russo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Curcio
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sasso
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - David Della-Morte
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Gargiulo
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi di Aragona, Salerno, Italy
| | - Flora Pirozzi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Cacciatore
- Azienda Ospedaliera dei Colli, Monaldi Hospital, Heart Transplantation Unit, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Domenico Bonaduce
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Abete
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Testa
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
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Ilyas MIM, Zangbar B, Nfonsam VN, Maegawa FA, Joseph BA, Patel JA, Wexner SD. Are there differences in outcome after elective sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease and for cancer? A national inpatient study. Colorectal Dis 2017; 19:260-265. [PMID: 27422847 DOI: 10.1111/codi.13461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM The postoperative outcome after elective sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis has not been compared to that for cancer. The study aimed to evaluate the differences in the postoperative outcome after sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease and cancer. METHOD The National Inpatient Sample Database was used to identify patients who underwent elective sigmoid resection for diverticular disease or cancer between 2004 and 2011. After excluding patients with metastatic cancer and preoperative weight loss, sigmoid cancer and diverticulitis patients were matched using propensity score, controlling for age, gender, race, type of operation (open vs laparoscopic) and comorbidities. The end-points of interest were infective complications, reoperation, anastomotic leakage, rebleeding, length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS After propensity score matching (diverticulitis 11 192 patients, sigmoid cancer 11 192 patients), the mean age was 65 ± 12.5 years, 53.8% were male and 61.5% were Caucasian. Only 18.0% of the operations were done by laparoscopy. The overall complication rate was 17.7% and the in-hospital mortality rate was 0.9%. The diverticulitis group had a higher rate of surgical site infection (3.2% vs 2.6%, P = 0.004), intra-abdominal abscess formation (1.2% vs 0.4%, P < 0.0001) and reoperation (6.1% vs 4.1%, P < 0.0001) compared with the cancer group. The cancer group had a higher incidence of pneumonia (1.9% vs 1.5%, P = 0.01) and anastomotic leakage (9.2% vs 8.3%, P = 0.001). There was no difference in sepsis, deep vein thrombosis, respiratory failure, renal failure, rebleeding, overall complication rate or length of hospital stay. Subgroup analysis showed a higher in-hospital mortality for cancer than for diverticulitis patients whether resected by open or by laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSION Although elective sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease has a higher risk of infective complications, elective sigmoidectomy for cancer has a higher risk of anastomotic leakage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I M Ilyas
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - B Zangbar
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - V N Nfonsam
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - F A Maegawa
- Department of Surgery, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - B A Joseph
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - J A Patel
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - S D Wexner
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA
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Heckman GA, Boscart VM, McKelvie RS. Management considerations in the care of elderly heart failure patients in long-term care facilities. Future Cardiol 2014; 10:563-77. [DOI: 10.2217/fca.14.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Heart failure, a condition that affects up to 20% of older persons residing in long-term care facilities, is an important cause of morbidity, health service utilization and death. Effective and interprofessional heart failure care processes could potentially improve care, outcomes and quality of life and delay decline or hospital admission. This article reviews the clinical aspects of heart failure, and the challenges to the diagnosis and management of this condition in long-term care residents who are frail and are affected by multiple comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Heckman
- Research Institute on Aging, University of Waterloo, BMH 3734, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Veronique M Boscart
- Conestoga College, School for Health & Life Sciences & Community Services, 299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener, ON, N2G 4M4, Canada
| | - Robert S McKelvie
- McMaster University & Hamilton Health Sciences, David Braley Cardiac, Vascular & Stroke Research Institute, 237 Barton Street East, Hamilton, ON, L8L 2X2, Canada
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A Model of Risk Reduction for Older Adults Vulnerable to Nursing Home Placement. Res Theory Nurs Pract 2014; 28:162-92. [DOI: 10.1891/1541-6577.28.2.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Because of the cost of nursing home care and desire of older adults to stay in their homes, it is important for health care providers to understand the factors that place older adults at risk for nursing home placement. This integrative review of 12 years of research, as published in 148 articles, explores the risk factors for nursing home placement of older adults. Using the framework of the vulnerable populations conceptual model developed by Flaskerud and Winslow (1998), we explored factors related to resource availability, relative risks, and health status. Important factors include socioeconomic status, having a caregiver, the availability and use of home- and community-based support services, race, acute illness particularly if hospitalization is required, medications, dementia, multiple chronic conditions, functional disability, and falls. Few intervention studies were identified. Development of evidence-based interventions and creation of policies to address modifiable risk factors are important next steps.
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Does caregiver burden mediate the effects of behavioral disturbances on nursing home admission? Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2011; 19:497-506. [PMID: 21606895 DOI: 10.1097/jgp.0b013e31820d92cc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to determine whether caregiving burden mediated the relationship between specific behavior disturbances and time to nursing home admission (NHA) for persons with dementia (i.e., Alzheimer disease or a related disorder). DESIGN The study used secondary longitudinal data from the Medicare Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration, a Medicare-covered home care benefit and case management program for family caregivers of persons with dementia. Primary caregivers of persons with dementia were assessed via in-person and telephone interviews every 6 months over a 3-year period. SETTING Dementia caregivers were recruited from eight catchment areas throughout the United States. PARTICIPANTS The baseline sample included 5,831 dementia caregivers. Just more than 40% (43.9%; N = 2,556) of persons with dementia permanently entered a nursing home during the 3-year study period. MEASUREMENTS Individual behavior problems were measured with the Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist. Caregiving burden was assessed with a short version of the Zarit Burden Inventory. Key covariates, including sociodemographic background, functional status, and service utilization, were also considered. RESULTS Event history analyses revealed that time-varying measures of caregiver burden fully mediated the relationship between four behavioral disturbances (episodes of combativeness, property destruction, repetitive questions, and reliving the past) and NHA. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the multifaceted, complex pathway to NHA for persons with dementia and their family caregivers. The results emphasize the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that incorporate the burden of caregivers and the behavioral/psychiatric symptoms of persons with dementia simultaneously.
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Brown SHM, Abdelhafiz AH. Institutionalization of older people: prediction and prevention. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.2217/ahe.10.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Expenditure on long-term care is likely to increase with the aging of the population and the increased need for institutionalization. Identifying risk factors for nursing home admission is of particular interest to develop predictive tools and intervention programs to reduce entry into nursing homes. Most of the patient-related risk factors leading to nursing home admission are based on an underlying decline in physical and/or cognitive functions. Interaction between caregiver and care recipient characteristics is also an important contributing factor. Structured preventive programs are more effective than individual counseling. Tailoring intervention programs to individual needs and preferences, continuous and comprehensive support of patients and their caregivers with access to a geriatrician is an important factor in the success of an intervention. Further research is still required to explore whether interventions at early stages of chronic diseases would delay physical and cognitive dysfunction and reduce the institutionalization of older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan HM Brown
- Department of Elderly Medicine, Rotherham General Hospital, Moorgate Road, Rotherham,S60 2UD, UK
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Ahmed A, Jones L, Hays CI. DEFEAT heart failure: assessment and management of heart failure in nursing homes made easy. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2008; 9:383-9. [PMID: 18585640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2008.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2008] [Accepted: 03/05/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) in older adults presents challenges that are different in many ways than those for younger adults. Diagnosis of HF in older adults can be delayed due to attributing early symptoms to normal changes of aging or, in the setting of a normal ejection fraction, failing to appreciate diastolic heart failure. Moreover, treatment of HF in the elderly is often complicated by comorbidities and polypharmacy. The long-term care setting can present even more challenges, yet can be made easy by following a simple mnemonic DEFEAT-HF. After making a clinical Diagnosis and determining the Etiology, Fluid volume must be assessed to achieve euvolemia, and Ejection frAction must be determined to guide Therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-2041, USA.
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Giamouzis G, Sui X, Love TE, Butler J, Young JB, Ahmed A. A propensity-matched study of the association of cardiothoracic ratio with morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure. Am J Cardiol 2008; 101:343-7. [PMID: 18237597 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2007.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2007] [Revised: 08/08/2007] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A high cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is a marker of an enlarged heart and is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). To what extent this association is independent of other confounders is not well known. However, to study this, propensity score matching was used to design a study in which HF patients with normal (<or=0.50) and high (>0.50) CTRs were well balanced on all measured baseline covariates. In the Digitalis Investigation Group trial (n=7,788), 4,690 patients had high (>0.50) CTRs. Propensity scores for high CTR were calculated for each patient and were then used to match 2,586 pairs of patients with normal and high CTRs. Matched Cox regression analyses were used to estimate associations of high CTR with mortality and hospitalization during 37 months of median follow-up. All-cause mortality occurred in 28.5% (rate 919 per 10,000 patient-years of follow-up) of patients with normal CTRs and 34.3% (rate 1,185 per 10,000 patient-years) of patients with high CTRs (hazard ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21 to 1.51, p<0.0001). All-cause hospitalization occurred in 64.8% (rate 3,513 per 10,000 patient-years) of patients with normal CTRs and 66.2% (rate 3,932 per 10,000 patient-years) of patients with high CTRs (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.20, p=0.032). Respective hazard ratios for other outcomes were 1.48 (95% CI 1.30 to 1.68, p<0.0001) for cardiovascular mortality, 1.57 (95% CI 1.28 to 1.92, p<0.0001) for HF mortality, 1.18 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.30, p=0.001) for cardiovascular hospitalization, and 1.27 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.44, p<0.0001) for HF hospitalization. In conclusion, a baseline CTR>0.50 was associated with increased mortality and morbidity in ambulatory patients with chronic HF.
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Abstract
Symptoms utilized in the clinical care of heart failure as markers of disease severity include, dyspnea, insomnia, low energy, fatigue, poor appetite, and diminished memory. This is despite the fact that physiologic variables such as cardiac ejection fraction and oxygen consumption do not accurately predict functional state in individuals with congestive heart failure (CHF). Distress (anxiety and depression) may amplify symptom complaints without associated physiologic aberration. Personality traits and psychiatric illness, such as mood, anxiety, and psychotic illnesses may also alter perception of somatic symptoms that are associated with this chronic illness. The impact of distress and its treatment on functional performance and CHF symptom reporting deserve additional attention. The need to screen for distress in all with serious symptomatic heart failure is certain.
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Ahmed A, Zannad F, Love TE, Tallaj J, Gheorghiade M, Ekundayo OJ, Pitt B. A propensity-matched study of the association of low serum potassium levels and mortality in chronic heart failure. Eur Heart J 2007; 28:1334-43. [PMID: 17537738 PMCID: PMC2771161 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehm091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Potassium homeostasis is essential for normal myocardial function, and low serum potassium may cause fatal arrhythmias. However, the association of low potassium and long-term mortality and morbidity in heart failure (HF) is largely unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 6845 HF patients in the Digitalis Investigation Group trial with serum potassium levels < or =5.5 mEq/L. Of these, 1189 had low potassium (<4 mEq/L). Propensity scores for low potassium were calculated for each patient and were used to match 1187 low-potassium patients with 1187 normal-potassium (4-5.5 mEq/L) patients. Effects of low potassium on outcomes were assessed using matched Cox regression analyses. All-cause mortality occurred in 379 (rate, 1103/10 000 person-years) normal-potassium and 441 (rate, 1330/10 000 person-years) low-potassium patients, respectively, during 3437 and 3315 years of follow-up [hazard ratio (HR), 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07-1.46; P = 0.006]. Cardiovascular mortality occurred in 297 (864/10 000 person-years) normal-potassium and 356 (1074/10 000 person-years) low-potassium patients (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.06-1.51; P = 0.009). Cardiovascular hospitalization occurred in 610 (rate, 2553/10 000 person-years) normal-potassium and 637 (rate, 2855/10 000 person-years) low-potassium patients (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.99-1.29; P = 0.082). CONCLUSION In a cohort of ambulatory chronic systolic and diastolic HF patients who were balanced in all measured baseline covariates, serum potassium <4 mEq/L was associated with increased mortality, with a trend towards increased hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1530 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-2041, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article focuses on recent research into depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety in older people. RECENT FINDINGS Many physical illnesses are associated with a high prevalence of depression but overall medical burden may largely account for this. The relationship between depression and vascular disease is two way. Frontal brain dysfunction may underlie depression both in cerebrovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders. Besides antidepressants, psychological treatments, psychosocial interventions and enhanced primary care services are effective. Longer-term outcomes are poor but preventive strategies show promise. Medical and psychiatric comorbidity are also important themes in later-life anxiety and bipolar disorders. SUMMARY Improving prognosis is a key concern and more research into novel pharmacological approaches (including vasoprotection), psychological interventions and prevention is needed.
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Disease-Specific Depression and Outcomes in Chronic Heart Failure: A Propensity Score Analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 33:65-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s12019-007-8001-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2007] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 02/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Sui X, Gheorghiade M, Zannad F, Young JB, Ahmed A. A propensity matched study of the association of education and outcomes in chronic heart failure. Int J Cardiol 2007; 129:93-9. [PMID: 17643517 PMCID: PMC2657036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2007.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2007] [Revised: 04/30/2007] [Accepted: 05/19/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) patients' knowledge about their disease may improve short-term outcomes and may be related to their level of education. However, the effects of patients and spousal education on long-term outcomes in ambulatory chronic HF are unknown. METHODS Of the 571 patients enrolled in the quality of life sub-study of the Digitalis Investigation Group trial, 159 patients or their spouses reported having higher (>12 years) education. Propensity score for higher education, calculated for each patient using a logistic regression model, was used to match 112 (70% of 159) higher education patients with 215 patients with high school (<or=12 years) education. Matched Cox regression analyses were used to estimate associations of high school education with mortality and hospitalizations. RESULTS All-cause hospitalizations occurred in 56% (rate, 3233/10,000 person-years) of higher education and 65% (rate, 4558/10,000 person-years) of high school education patients (hazard ratio {HR} for high school, compared with higher education=1.52; 95% confidence interval {CI}=1.06-2.16; p=0.022). Hospitalizations due to cardiovascular causes occurred in 42% (rate, 2067/10,000 person-years) of higher education and 50% (rate, 4558/10,000 person-years) of high school education patients (HR=1.55; 95% CI, 1.05-2.30; p=0.029). All-cause mortality occurred in 20% (rate, 746/10,000 person-years) of higher education and 30% (rate, 1204/10,000 person-years) of high school education patients (HR=1.52; 95% CI=0.89-2.58; p=0.124). CONCLUSIONS Compared with >12 years of education, lower education was associated with increased hospitalizations among ambulatory chronic HF patients. Patient and spousal education levels may be used to risk stratify HF patients at high risk for hospitalizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Sui
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Ahmed A, Lefante CM, Alam N. Depression and nursing home admission among hospitalized older adults with coronary artery disease: a propensity score analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 16:76-83. [PMID: 17380615 PMCID: PMC2914576 DOI: 10.1111/j.1076-7460.2007.05519.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Admission to a nursing home is considered a poor outcome for community-dwelling older adults. The objective of this study was to determine whether depression increased the risk of nursing home admission. Using the National Hospital Discharge Survey 2001-2003 datasets, the authors identified 28,172 community-dwelling older adults, 65 years and older, discharged alive with a primary discharge diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The objective of this study was to determine the association between depression and subsequent nursing home admissions in these patients. Propensity scores for depression, calculated for each patient using a multivariable logistic regression model, were used to match 686 depressed patients with 2058 nondepressed patients who had similar propensity scores. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between depression and nursing home admission. Patients had a mean age +/- SD of 77+/-8 years, and 61% were women. Compared with 9% of nondepressed patients, 13% of depressed patients were admitted to nursing homes (relative risk, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.78). When adjusted for various demographic, clinical, and care-related covariates, the association became somewhat stronger (adjusted relative risk, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-1.99). In ambulatory older adults hospitalized with coronary artery disease, a secondary diagnosis of depression was associated with a significantly increased risk of nursing home admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Ahmed A. A propensity matched study of New York Heart Association class and natural history end points in heart failure. Am J Cardiol 2007; 99:549-53. [PMID: 17293201 PMCID: PMC3129268 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2006.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2006] [Revised: 08/29/2006] [Accepted: 08/29/2006] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
The association between higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and poor outcome in heart failure (HF) is well known. However, to what extent these associations are confounded by covariates such as age, the severity of disease, and co-morbidity burden is unknown. In the Digitalis Investigation Group (DIG) trial, 2,441 of the 7,788 patients with chronic HF had NYHA class III or IV symptoms. Propensity scores for NYHA classes III and IV were calculated for each patient and were then used to match 1,863 patients in NYHA classes III and IV with 1,863 patients in NYHA classes I and II. Kaplan-Meier and matched Cox regression analyses were used to estimate associations of NYHA class III or IV with mortality and hospitalizations during a median of 37 months of follow-up. Compared with 34% (641 of 1,863) patients in NYHA classes I and II (mortality rate 1,175 in 10,000 person-years of follow-up), 42% (777 of 1,863) patients in NYHA classes III and IV (mortality rate 1,505 in 10,000 person-years) died from all causes (hazard ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14 to 1.45, p <0.0001). Hospitalizations due to all causes occurred in 66% (1,232 of 1,863) patients in NYHA classes I and II (hospitalization rate 3,898 in 10,000 person-years) and 71% (1,322 of 1,863) patients in NYHA classes III and IV (hospitalization rate 4,793 in 10,000 person-years) (hazard ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.28, p = 0.003). The hazard ratios for patients in NYHA classes III and IV, compared with those for those in NYHA classes I and II, for other outcomes were 1.29 for cardiovascular mortality (95% CI 1.12 to 1.48, p <0.0001), 1.49 for HF mortality (95% CI 1.20 to 1.84, p <0.0001), 1.18 for cardiovascular hospitalization (95% CI 1.06 to 1.32, p = 0.002), and 1.17 for HF hospitalization (95% CI 1.03 to 1.34, p = 0.017). In conclusion, baseline NYHA class is a marker of hospitalization, disease progression, and mortality in a wide spectrum of ambulatory patients with chronic HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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Ahmed A, Perry GJ, Fleg JL, Love TE, Goff DC, Kitzman DW. Outcomes in ambulatory chronic systolic and diastolic heart failure: a propensity score analysis. Am Heart J 2006; 152:956-66. [PMID: 17070167 PMCID: PMC2628474 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2006.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2006] [Accepted: 06/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies demonstrating significant difference in outcomes in systolic and diastolic heart failure (HF) are often limited to hospitalized acute HF patients, and may be confounded by residual bias. In this analysis, we examined long-term mortality and hospitalization in a propensity score matched cohort of ambulatory chronic systolic and diastolic HF patients. METHODS Of the 7788 patients in the Digitalis Investigation Group trial, 6800 had systolic HF (ejection fraction >45%) and 988 had diastolic HF (ejection fraction >45%). We restricted our analysis to 7617 patients without valvular heart disease: 916 diastolic HF and 6701 systolic HF. Propensity scores for diastolic HF, calculated for each patient by a non-parsimonious multivariable logistic regression model, were used to match 697 diastolic HF with 2091 systolic HF patients. Matched Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for outcomes in diastolic (versus systolic) HF. RESULTS During a median 38-month follow-up, compared with 32% mortality in systolic HF, 23% of diastolic HF patients died (HR=0.70; 95% CI=0.59-0.84; P<.0001). Respective HR (95%CI) for cardiovascular and HF mortality were 0.60 (0.48-0.74; P<.0001) and 0.56 (0.39-0.79; P=.001). All-cause hospitalizations occurred in 64% of systolic and 67% of diastolic HF patients (HR=0.99; 95% CI=0.87-1.11; P=0.801). Respective HR (95%CI) for cardiovascular and HF hospitalizations were 0.84 (0.73-0.96; P=.011) and 0.63 (0.51-0.77; P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS Despite lower mortality and cardiovascular morbidity, diastolic HF patients had similar overall hospitalizations as in systolic HF. Ejection fraction should be assessed in all HF patients to guide therapy, with special attention to non-cardiovascular morbidity in diastolic HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmed
- University of Alabama at Birmingham and VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL 35294-2041, USA
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