Journal of clinical gastroenterology
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J. Clin. Gastroenterol. · Sep 2020
Thromboelastography Better Reflects Hemostatic Abnormalities in Cirrhotics Compared With the International Normalized Ratio.
The goal of this study was to describe potential key differences in thromboelastography (TEG) variables in hospitalized cirrhotics compared with a healthy population, identify patterns of hematologic disturbance with disease progression, and assess the value of traditional tests such as international normalized ratio (INR) and platelet count to determine coagulopathy in cirrhotics. ⋯ Although cirrhotics had TEG parameters within normal ranges, there was a propensity for decreased clot formation as liver function worsened. Importantly, the INR did not correlate with TEG parameters in cirrhotic patients, and given the precarious hemostatic balance in these patients, a TEG may be a better predictor of bleeding risk.
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Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is associated with substantial emergency department (ED) and inpatient burden. To date, few studies have evaluated the ED burden of CDI. Using the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, we evaluated trends in ED use, ED and inpatient charges, admission and mortality rates, length of stay, and independent risk factors for hospital admission and mortality after an ED visit. ⋯ Although ED use for CDI increased, rates of hospital admission decreased over 9 years. Identification of predictors of admission and in-hospital mortality will help guide policies and interventions to reduce the burden on health care resources.
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J. Clin. Gastroenterol. · Mar 2020
Randomized Controlled TrialThromboelastography-guided Blood Product Transfusion in Cirrhosis Patients With Variceal Bleeding: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
The aim of this study was to assess the use of thromboelastography (TEG)-directed blood product transfusion in cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding compared with conventional transfusion for correction of coagulopathy. ⋯ TEG-guided strategy was associated with reduced blood product transfusion to correct coagulopathy without compromising hemostasis in cirrhotic patients (Clinical trial ID: CTRI/2017/02/007864).
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J. Clin. Gastroenterol. · Mar 2020
Recent Trends and the Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations for Gastrointestinal, Pancreatic, and Liver Diseases.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) with Medicaid expansion implemented in 2014, extended health insurance to >20-million previously uninsured individuals. However, it is unclear whether enhanced primary care access with Medicaid expansion decreased emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for gastrointestinal (GI)/pancreatic/liver diseases. ⋯ We observed a striking payer shift for GI/pancreatic/liver disease ED visits/hospitalizations after Medicaid expansion in California, indicating a shift in the reimbursement burden in self-pay/uninsured patients, from patients and hospitals to the government. ED visits and hospitalization charges decreased for some primary care-treatable GI diagnoses in California, but not for Florida, suggesting a trend toward lower cost of gastroenterology care, perhaps because of decreased hospital utilization for conditions amenable to outpatient management.
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J. Clin. Gastroenterol. · Aug 2019
Intestinal Hyperpermeability in Gulf War Veterans With Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms.
Well over 700,000 United States military personnel participated in the Persian Gulf War in which they developed chronic health disorders of undetermined etiology. Up to 25% of Veterans had persistent and chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, which they suspected were related to their military service in the Gulf. ⋯ Our study demonstrates that deployed Gulf War Veterans with persistent GI symptoms commonly have increased intestinal permeability that potentiates the severity of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and stool consistency. These new findings in our study are important as they may lead to novel diagnostic biomarkers for returning Gulf War Veterans who suffer from chronic functional gastrointestinal disorders. These advances are also important for an increasing number of veterans who are now serving in the Persian Gulf and are at a high risk of developing these chronic pain disorders.