Medical Inpatients (medical + inpatient)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Physical Health and Drinking Among Medical Inpatients With Unhealthy Alcohol Use: A Prospective Study,

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 7 2010
Emily C. Williams
Objective:, Unhealthy alcohol use is common in medical inpatients, and hospitalization has been hypothesized to serve as a "teachable moment" that could motivate patients to decrease drinking, but studies of hospital-based brief interventions have often not found decreases. Evaluating associations between physical health and subsequent drinking among medical inpatients with unhealthy alcohol use could inform refinement of hospital-based brief interventions by identifying an important foundation on which to build them. We tested associations between poor physical health and drinking after hospitalization and whether associations varied by alcohol dependence status and readiness to change. Methods:, Participants were medical inpatients who screened positive for unhealthy alcohol use and consented to participate in a randomized trial of brief intervention (n = 341). Five measures of physical health were independent variables. Outcomes were abstinence and the number of heavy drinking days (HDDs) reported in the 30 days prior to interviews 3 months after hospitalization. Separate regression models were fit to evaluate each independent variable controlling for age, gender, randomization group, and baseline alcohol use. Interactions between each independent variable and alcohol dependence and readiness to change were tested. Stratified models were fit when significant interactions were identified. Results:, Among all participants, measures of physical health were not significantly associated with either abstinence or number of HDDs at 3 months. Having an alcohol-attributable principal admitting diagnosis was significantly associated with fewer HDDs in patients who were nondependent [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 0.10, 95% CI 0.03,0.32] or who had low alcohol problem perception (aIRR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13,0.99) at hospital admission. No significant association between alcohol-attributable principal admitting diagnosis and number of HDDs was identified for participants with alcohol dependence or high problem perception. Conclusions:, Among medical inpatients with nondependent unhealthy alcohol use and those who do not view their drinking as problematic, alcohol-attributable illness may catalyze decreased drinking. Brief interventions that highlight alcohol-related illness might be more successful. [source]


Toward a more efficient and effective neurologic examination for the 21st century,

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 12 2005
T. H. Glick
Practice pressures and quality improvement require greater efficiency and effectiveness in the neurologic examination. I hypothesized that certain ,marginal' elements of the examination rarely add value and that ,core' elements, exemplified by the plantar response (Babinski), are too often poorly performed or interpreted. I analyzed 100 published, neurologic clinicopathologic conferences (CPCs) and 180 ambulatory neurologic consultations regarding 13 hypothetically ,marginal' examination components (including ,frontal' reflexes, olfaction, jaw strength, corneal reflex, etc.); also, 120 exams on medical inpatients with neurologic problems, recording definitive errors. I surveyed the recalled practices of 24 non-neurologists and reviewed the literature for relevant data or guidance. In the CPCs the ,marginal' elements of the examination were rarely provided, requested, or used diagnostically, nor did they contribute in the 180 ambulatory consultations. In the chart review errors and omissions dominated testing of plantar responses, with missed Babinski signs in 14% of all cases and 77% of patients with Babinski signs. House officers harbored unrealistic expectations for performance of ,marginal' examination elements. Most textbooks omit detailed guidance (and none cite evidence) on achieving greater efficiency. Exams should be streamlined, while improving ,core' skills. Neurologists should apply evidence to update the exam taught to students and non-neurologists. [source]


A need for a simplified approach to venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in acute medical inpatients

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2007
D. P. J. Howard
Summary Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK. Studies have shown that pulmonary embolism causes or contributes to approximately 1 in 10 hospital deaths of medical patients admitted to general hospitals in the UK (Lindblad B, Sternby NH, Bergqvist D. BMJ 1991; 302: 709,11), with pulmonary embolus being the most common preventable cause of hospital death. Thromboprophylaxis is safe, highly effective and cost effective, but despite various current clinical guidelines, physicians fail to prescribe prophylaxis for the majority of medical inpatients at risk of VTE. This article outlines the current evidence for VTE prophylaxis in medical patients and discusses the reasons behind the insufficient use of prophylaxis in the acute medical setting. [source]


A comparison of psychiatric consultation between geriatric and non-geriatric medical inpatients

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 10 2009
Sarah E. Schellhorn
Abstract Objective The authors examine changes in psychiatric referral patterns for geriatric inpatients since last reported in the United States, more than 20 years ago, and compare geriatric psychiatric referrals to those of a non-geriatric cohort. Method Retrospective study comparing psychiatric diagnosis, treatment and aftercare of younger (ages 18,60 years, n,=,474) and older (>60 years, n,=,487) patients seen in psychiatric consultation in a large, urban, university-based tertiary care hospital setting. Results Compared to previous reports in the literature, this cohort contains a notably higher percentage of the ,old-old' (>80 years), reflecting the general aging of those who are hospitalized. Compared to younger patients, geriatric inpatients were more commonly referred for psychiatric consultation, but overall rates of referral remain low (<4%). Geriatric patients were diagnosed with dementia and delirium more frequently; with substance dependence less frequently; and were just as likely to be diagnosed with depression. Geriatric patients were also more likely to receive atypical antipsychotic medications and less likely to receive benzodiazepines than younger patients. In patients diagnosed with depression, psychiatric follow-up is more likely relegated to outpatient geriatricians and nursing homes. Conclusions Consulting psychiatrists frequently encounter geriatric patients and, given patterns of diagnosis and aftercare, should play a major role in medical staff education and in development of enhanced in-hospital and aftercare services, including psychiatric liaison. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


The nature of informal caregiving for medically ill older people with and without depression

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 3 2009
Jane McCusker
Abstract Objectives To describe patient and caregiver perceptions of the nature of informal caregiving in a sample of older medical inpatients with and without depression. Methods One hundred and fifty-four patient-caregiver pairs were recruited from a larger prospective observational study of three groups of medical inpatients aged 65 and over, with major, minor, and no depression, respectively, and with at most mild cognitive impairment. Interviews were conducted at the time of hospital admission to assess characteristics of patients (disability, comorbidity, perceptions of support) and caregivers (relationship, residence, types of assistance and time spent caregiving). Time spent on the physical tasks of caregiving (assistance with activities of daily living, physical care, transport) was estimated by all caregivers. Time spent on emotional or other support was estimated only for non-coresident caregivers Results In multivariable analyses, neither major nor minor depression was associated with time spent on physical support; major depression was associated with significantly increased time spent by non-coresident caregivers on emotional or other support; minor depression was associated with perceived inadequacy of support. Conclusions Major depression is independently associated with greater time spent by non-coresident caregivers on emotional or other support; minor depression is associated with perceived inadequacy of support. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Does the presence of anxiety affect the validity of a screening test for depression in the elderly?

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 4 2002
Gary Sinoff
Abstract Introduction Depression in the elderly is frequently detected by screening instruments and often accompanied by anxiety. We set out to study if anxiety will affect the ability to detect depression by a screening instrument. Objective To validate the short Zung depression rating scale in Israeli elderly and to study the affect of anxiety on its validity. Design The short Zung was validated against a psychiatric evaluation, in a geriatric inpatient and outpatient service. The overall validity was determined, as well as for subgroups of sufferers and non-sufferers of anxiety. Setting An urban geriatric service in Israel. Patients 150 medical inpatients and outpatients, aged 70 years and older. Measures Psychiatric evaluation of modified Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV as criterion standard for anxiety and depression and short Zung instrument for depression. Results By criterion validity, 60% suffered from depression. The overall validity of the short Zung was high (sensitivity 71.1%, specificity 88.3%, PPV 90.1%, NPV 67.1%). The validity for those not suffering from anxiety was good (sensitivity 71.1%, specificity 90.2%, PPV 84.4%, NPV 80.7%). In those with anxiety, sensitivity, specificty and PPV were high (71.2%, 77.8%, 94.9% respectively), although the specificity was less than in non-suffers. However major difference was in the NPV rate being much lower (31.8%). Conclusion The short Zung, an easily administered instrument for detecting depression, is also valid in the Israeli elderly. However, anxiety limits the usefulness of this instrument in correctly ruling out depression. The clinician must be aware, therefore, that those suffering from anxiety may score negatively for depression on a screening instrument, such as the short Zung. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Improving glycemic control in medical inpatients: A pilot study

JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2008
BCPS, Jennifer M. Trujillo PharmD
Abstract BACKGROUND Inpatient hyperglycemia is associated with poor patient outcomes. Current guidelines recommend that in an inpatient non-ICU setting there be treatment to achieve a glucose level below 180 mg/dL. METHODS Objectives of this prospective quality-improvement pilot study were to implement a subcutaneous insulin protocol on a general medicine service, to identify barriers to implementation, and to determine the effect of this protocol on glycemic control. Eighty-nine patients with a preexisting diagnosis of type 2 diabetes or inpatient hyperglycemia were eligible. Study outcomes included resident acceptance of the protocol, insulin-ordering practices, and mean rate of hyperglycemia (glucose > 180 mg/dL) per person. Results were compared with those of a previously conducted observational study. RESULTS Residents agreed to use the protocol in 56% of cases. Reasons for declining the protocol included severity of a patient's other disease states, desire to titrate oral medications, and fear of hypoglycemia. Basal and nutritional insulin were prescribed more often in the pilot group compared with at baseline (64% vs. 49% for basal, P = .05; 13% vs. 0% for nutritional, P < .001). Basal insulin was started after the first full hospital day in 42% of patients, and only one-third of patients with any hypo- or hyperglycemia had any subsequent changes in their insulin orders. The mean rate of hyperglycemia was not significantly different between groups (31.6% of measurements per patient vs. 33.3%, P = .85). CONCLUSIONS Adherence to a new inpatient subcutaneous insulin protocol was fair. Barriers included fear of hypoglycemia, delays in starting basal insulin, and clinical inertia. Quality improvement efforts likely need to target these barriers to successfully improve inpatient glycemic control. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:55,63. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine. [source]


A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Finnish medical in- and outpatients

JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2001
R. Kauppinen-Mäkelin
Abstract.,Kauppinen-Mäkelin R, Tähtelä R, Löyttyniemi E, Kärkkäinen J, Välimäki MJ (Peijas Hospital, Vantaa; United Laboratories, Leiras Research, and Division of Endocrinology; Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland). A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Finnish medical in- and outpatients. J Intern Med 2001; 249: 559,563. Objective.,To study the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D [serum 25(OH)D , 37 nmol L,1)] in Finnish medical in- and outpatients in a cross-sectional study. Methods.,The subjects were 106 consecutive medical inpatients (57 females, 49 males with mean ages of 65 and 58 years) from the Peijas Hospital, Vantaa, Finland, and 99 ambulatory patients (48 females, 51 males with mean ages of 42 and 46 years) contacting a private outpatient centre in Helsinki, Finland. Serum 25(OH)D, vitamin D binding protein (DBP), free vitamin D index (FDI), intact PTH (iPTH), and albumin-corrected calcium were measured. Results.,Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was 37 nmol L,1 or less in 70% of female and in 61% of male inpatients and in 44% of female and in 37% of male outpatients. In the whole population, a statistically significant inverse association (P < 0.0001) was detected between iPTH and 25(OH)D levels; the iPTH concentration appeared to start increasing when 25(OH)D concentration was 50 nmol L,1 or less. The association remained the same (P < 0.0001) when FDI was used instead of 25(OH)D in the calculations. When the sexes were analysed separately, the statistically significant association was found only in females (P < 0.0001 for iPTH versus 25(OH)D; P < 0.0001 for iPTH versus FDI) but not in males. Conclusion.,Hypovitaminosis D is very common amongst Finnish in- and outpatients in both sexes, causing secondary hyperparathyroidism in females. More extensive studies are warranted to elucidate the vitamin D status of the Finnish population. [source]


Physical Health and Drinking Among Medical Inpatients With Unhealthy Alcohol Use: A Prospective Study,

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 7 2010
Emily C. Williams
Objective:, Unhealthy alcohol use is common in medical inpatients, and hospitalization has been hypothesized to serve as a "teachable moment" that could motivate patients to decrease drinking, but studies of hospital-based brief interventions have often not found decreases. Evaluating associations between physical health and subsequent drinking among medical inpatients with unhealthy alcohol use could inform refinement of hospital-based brief interventions by identifying an important foundation on which to build them. We tested associations between poor physical health and drinking after hospitalization and whether associations varied by alcohol dependence status and readiness to change. Methods:, Participants were medical inpatients who screened positive for unhealthy alcohol use and consented to participate in a randomized trial of brief intervention (n = 341). Five measures of physical health were independent variables. Outcomes were abstinence and the number of heavy drinking days (HDDs) reported in the 30 days prior to interviews 3 months after hospitalization. Separate regression models were fit to evaluate each independent variable controlling for age, gender, randomization group, and baseline alcohol use. Interactions between each independent variable and alcohol dependence and readiness to change were tested. Stratified models were fit when significant interactions were identified. Results:, Among all participants, measures of physical health were not significantly associated with either abstinence or number of HDDs at 3 months. Having an alcohol-attributable principal admitting diagnosis was significantly associated with fewer HDDs in patients who were nondependent [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 0.10, 95% CI 0.03,0.32] or who had low alcohol problem perception (aIRR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13,0.99) at hospital admission. No significant association between alcohol-attributable principal admitting diagnosis and number of HDDs was identified for participants with alcohol dependence or high problem perception. Conclusions:, Among medical inpatients with nondependent unhealthy alcohol use and those who do not view their drinking as problematic, alcohol-attributable illness may catalyze decreased drinking. Brief interventions that highlight alcohol-related illness might be more successful. [source]


Thromboprophylaxis rates in US medical centers: success or failure?

JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 8 2007
A. AMIN
Summary.,Background:,As hospitalized medical patients may be at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), evidence-based guidelines are available to help physicians assess patients' risk for VTE, and to recommend prophylaxis options. The rate of appropriate thromboprophylaxis use in at-risk medical inpatients was assessed in accordance with the 6th American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines.Methods:,Hospital discharge information from the Premier PerspectiveÔ inpatient data base from January 2002 to September 2005 was used. Included patients were 40 years old or more, with a length of hospital stay of 6 days or more, and had no contraindications for anticoagulation. The appropriateness of VTE thromboprophylaxis was determined in seven groups with acute medical conditions by comparing the daily thromboprophylaxis usage, including type of thromboprophylaxis, dosage of anticoagulant and duration of thromboprophylaxis, with the ACCP recommendations.Results:,A total of 196 104 discharges from 227 hospitals met the inclusion criteria. The overall VTE thromboprophylaxis rate was 61.8%, although the appropriate thromboprophylaxis rate was only 33.9%. Of the 66.1% discharged patients who did not receive appropriate thromboprophylaxis, 38.4% received no prophylaxis, 4.7% received mechanical prophylaxis only, 6.3% received an inappropriate dosage, and 16.7% received an inappropriate prophylaxis duration based on ACCP recommendations.Conclusions:,This study highlights the low rates of appropriate thromboprophylaxis in US acute-care hospitals, with two-thirds of discharged patients not receiving prophylaxis in accordance with the 6th ACCP guidelines. More effort is required to improve the use of appropriate thromboprophylaxis in accordance with the ACCP recommendations. [source]


Risk factors for venous thrombosis in medical inpatients: validation of a thrombosis risk score

JOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 12 2004
N. A. Zakai
Summary.,Background/objectives:,The occurrence of and risk factors for venous thrombosis (VT) complicating hospital admission in unselected medical inpatients have not been widely studied. Patients and methods:,In a 400-bed teaching hospital we identified all cases of VT complicating hospital admission between September 2000 and September 2002 using discharge codes and chart review. Controls were randomly selected adult inpatients frequency matched to cases for medical service. Results:,The incidence of VT complicating hospital admission was 7.6 per 1000 admissions. On average, VT was diagnosed on the fifth hospital day. The median age of the 65 cases and 123 controls was 68 years and 45% were men. Cases had a 4-fold higher death rate than controls [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9, 8.8]. At admission, trauma within 3 months, leg edema, pneumonia, platelet count > 350 × 103 mm,3 and certain cancers were associated with risk of VT. Age, body mass index, and acute myocardial infarction were not associated with VT risk. One of three published VT risk models was able to risk stratify patients and was associated with a 2.6-fold increased risk of VT (95% CI 1.3, 5.5). Use of VT prophylaxis did not differ in cases and controls; prophylaxis was used <,1/3 of hospital days in 52% of patients. Conclusions:,VT was common among medical inpatients. Of the risk factors identified, elevated platelet count has not been previously reported. Only one of three published risk scores was associated with risk of inpatient VT. Future study should improve upon risk prediction models for in-hospital VT among medical patients. [source]


Hospitalization in Winnipeg, Canada due to occupational disease: A pilot study

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2009
Allen G. Kraut MD, FRCPC
Abstract Background The objectives of this study were to identify the extent of occupational exposures to hazardous substances amongst male medical inpatients and to determine the extent to which these exposures may have contributed to the development of medical conditions. Methods A random sample of 297 male who were admitted from outside the hospital to the medical wards to a large tertiary care hospital, were between age 18,75 and could communicate in English completed an occupational history questionnaire. This information was merged with an inpatient database which contained patient demographics, admission diagnoses, and co-morbidity data. A specialist in occupational medicine and internal medicine determined whether the medical conditions the participants had were related to their exposures. Results One individual had a condition causing admission that was related to his work and 12 others (4%) had a condition that was possibly related to their work which had caused symptoms. One additional individual was found to have asymptomatic asbestos related pleural fibrosis. Fourteen of 37 possible harmful occupational exposures were reported by more than 10% of the study participants. On average each participant reported 5.5 exposures. Conclusions Occupational exposures to male medical inpatients are common. For 4.4% (13/297) of male admissions to the general medical wards from the emergency room occupational factors may have played a role in the development of medical conditions which led to admission or to major co-morbidities. Detailed occupational histories will likely lead to more suspected cases of work related medical admissions. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:372,379, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc [source]


Geropsychiatric consultation in a general hospital in Taiwan

PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 3 2005
YEONG-YUH JUANG md
Abstract, The aim of this study was to characterize clinically significant issues in a psychiatric consultation service for geriatric inpatients in a general hospital in Taiwan. This was a case-control study. During a 5-month period, 100 geriatric (age ,65 years) inpatients consecutively referred for consultation-liaison psychiatric service from non-psychiatric departments formed the study group. Another 100 medical inpatients, also referred for consultation-liaison to the psychiatric service, but aged 17,50, formed the control (non-geriatric) group. The diagnosis, demography, reason for referral, symptomatology, and other clinical characteristics were determined by consensus between two psychiatrists. Psychiatric diagnosis was made according to criteria in the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The geropsychiatric consultation rate was 0.9%. Geriatric patients constituted 20.1% of all psychiatric referrals. Common reasons for referral of geriatric inpatients were confusion (32%), depression (17%), disturbing behaviors (14%), and psychosis (14%). The most common psychiatric disorder among geriatric patients was an organic mental disorder (79%), followed by a depressive disorder (13%). More geriatric patients suffered from cancers and cerebrovascular diseases than non-geriatric patients. The geriatric group was more likely to have multiple physical illnesses. Organic mental disorder and depressive disorders are the most common psychiatric diagnoses in the geropsychiatric consultation service of the authors. In the authors' experience, both psychotropic medication treatment and psychosocial intervention are important in geropsychiatric consultation. [source]


Adverse drug reactions in adult medical inpatients in a South African hospital serving a community with a high HIV/AIDS prevalence: prospective observational study

BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2008
Ushma Mehta
What is already known about this subject ,,Studies conducted primarily in developed countries have shown that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant cause of hospital admission, prolong hospital stay and consequently increase the cost of disease management in patients. ,,Cardiovascular medicines, hypoglycaemic agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are the most frequently implicated medicines in these studies. ,,A large proportion of these ADRs have been shown to be preventable through improved drug prescribing, administration and monitoring for adverse effects. What this paper adds ,,This is the first Sub-Saharan African study in the HIV/AIDS era that describes the contribution of ADRs to patient morbidity, hospitalisation and mortality. ,,Cardiovascular medicines and antiretroviral therapy contributed the most to community-acquired ADRs at the time of hospital admission while medicines used for opportunistic infections (such as antifungals, antibiotics and antituberculosis medicines were most frequently implicated in hospital acquired ADRs. ,,ADRs in HIV-infected patients were less likely to be preventable. Aims To describe the frequency, nature and preventability of community-acquired and hospital-acquired adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in a South African hospital serving a community with a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Methods A 3-month prospective observational study of 665 adults admitted to two medical wards. Results Forty-one (6.3%) patients were admitted as a result of an ADR and 41 (6.3%) developed an ADR in hospital. Many of the ADRs (46.2%) were considered preventable, although less likely to be preventable in HIV-infected patients than in those with negative or unknown HIV status (community-acquired ADRs 2/24 vs. 35/42; P < 0.0001; hospital-acquired ADRs 3/25 vs. 14/26; P = 0.003). Patients admitted with ADRs were older than patients not admitted with an ADR (median 53 vs. 42 years, P = 0.003), but 60% of community-acquired ADRs at hospital admission were in patients <60 years old. Among patients <60 years old, those HIV infected were more likely to be admitted with an ADR [odds ratio (OR) 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17, 4.61; P = 0.017]. Among HIV-infected patients, those receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) were more likely to be admitted with an ADR than those not receiving ART (OR 10.34, 95% CI 4.50, 23.77; P < 0.0001). No ART-related ADRs were fatal. Antibiotics and drugs used for opportunistic infections were implicated in two-thirds of hospital-acquired ADRs. Conclusions ADRs are an important, often preventable cause of hospitalizations and inpatient morbidity in South Africa, particularly among the elderly and HIV-infected. Although ART-related injury contributed to hospital admissions, many HIV-related admissions were among patients not receiving ART, and many ADRs were associated with medicines used for managing opportunistic infections. [source]