Comparative Study on Structural Redundancy of Cable-Stayed and Extradosed Bridges Through Safety Assessment of Their Stay Cables

This study provides new insights into the comparison of cable-stayed and extradosed bridges based on the safety assessment of their stay cables.These bridges are often regarded as identical structures owing to the use of inclined cables;however,the international standards for bridge design stipulate different safety factors for stay cables of both types of bridges.To address this misconception,a comparative study was carried out on the safety factors of stay cables under fatigue and ultimate limit states by considering the effects of various untoward and damaging factors,such as overloading,cable loss,and corrosion.The primary goal of this study is to describe the structural disparities between both types of bridges and evaluate their structural redundancies by employing deterministic and nondeterministic methods.To achieve this goal,three-dimensional finite-element models of both bridges were developed based on the current design guidelines for stay cables in Japan.After the balanced states of the bridge models were achieved,static analyses were performed for different safety factors of stay cables in a parametric manner.Finally,the first-order reliability method and Monte Carlo method were applied to determine the reliability index of stay cables.The analysis results show that cable-stayed and extradosed bridges exhibit different structural redundancies for different safety factors under the same loading conditions.Moreover,a significant increase in structural redundancy occurs with an incremental increase in the safety factors of stay cables.

Dynamic Characteristics Evaluation of Innovative UHPC Pedestrian Cable Stayed Bridge

KICT (Korea Institute of Construction Technology) is conducting a project called “SUPER BRIDGE 200—Development of Low Cost and Long Life Hybrid Cable Stayed Bridge”. This project aims to reduce the construction and main- tenance costs of long-span bridges by 20% and double their lifetime through the exploitation of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). This paper presents the design and construction of the first pedestrian cable stayed bridge using UHPC developed by KICT. UHPC, compared to conventional concrete, has not only high compressive and tensile strengths but also high ductility. The UHPC developed at KICT is a steel fiber-reinforced cement compound presenting design compressive strength larger than 180 MPa and design tensile strength exceeding 10 MPa with water-to-binder ratio below 0.24 and admixing of 2 volume percentage of steel fiber. To show the applicability of UHPC to structures, a pedestrian cable stayed bridge (Super Bridge I) exploiting the characteristics of the developed UHPC has been planned, designed and erected at KICT. The dimension of UHPC deck is 2.7 m × 7 m as a precast segment with a typical thickness of deck of only 7 cm. However, harmful crack was observed in the deck at the time of the fabrication of the deck segments. Accordingly, new fabrication method was conceived and applied to prevent cracking of the UHPC slender deck. Four UHPC deck segments were fabricated successfully without any crack. After construction, the dynamic characteristics (natural frequencies and mode shapes) were evaluated through vibration tests since several users felt excess vibration. A vertical tuned mass damper (TMD) was proposed and installed on the parapet of the bridge. The TMD reduces the acceleration by about 30% from 0.0316 g to 0.0244 g when two pedestrians are crossing the bridge.

Rolling Fatigue Test of Large-Sized UHPC Member for Cable Stayed Bridge

Recently, research strives to apply Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) to large-sized structures owing to its remarkable mechanical performance and durability compared to normal concrete. The Korea Institute of Construction Technology proposed SuperBridge800, an edge girder type UHPC cable stayed bridge with central span of 800 m, through its detailed design. The bridge is designed to be erected through the connection of precast UHPC segments. The precast UHPC segment is monolithically composed of one ribbed deck slab and edge girders at each side. The connection between the precast segments is achieved by steel bars at the edge girders and by UHPC cast-in-place wet joint at the slab. Despite of the outstanding mechanical performance of UHPC, the fabrication of large-sized members is a difficult task since UHPC hardens faster than normal concrete and requires a special curing process. Therefore, the constructability of large-sized UHPC segment should be secured to achieve SuperBridge800. Besides, the performance of the connection between segments should also be guaranteed, especially in terms of the fatigue performance of the UHPC cast-in-place joint, which constitutes a weak point. To that goal, two half-scaled UHPC segments are manufactured and the constructability is examined by fabricating a large-sized UHPC member connected with respect to the design conditions. This study conducts rolling fatigue test on the so-fabricated large-sized UHPC member. Rolling fatigue test is carried out up to 2 million cycles considering actual vehicle load at each center and quarter points of the member. The test results confirm that the service limit state is satisfied.

Genetic Algorithms-based Optimization of Cable Stayed Bridges

Optimum design of cable stayed bridges depends on number of parameters. Design of Cable stayed bridge satisfying all practical constraints is challenging to the designers. Considering the huge number of design variables and practical constraints, Genetic Algorithms (GA) is most suitable for optimizing the cable stayed bridge. In the present work the optimum design is carried out by taking total material cost of bridge as objective function. During problem formulation most of the practical design variables and constraints are considered. Using genetic algorithms some parametric studies such as effect of geometric nonlinearity, effect of grouping of cables, effect of practical site constraints on tower height and side span, effect of bridge material, effect of cable layout, effect of extra-dosed bridges on optimum relative cost have been presented. Data base is prepared for new designers to estimate the relative cost of bridge.

A simplified fragility analysis of fan type cable stayed bridges

A simplified fragility analysis of fan type cable stayed bridges usingProbabilistic Risk Analysis (PRA) procedure is presented for determining their failure probabilityunder random ground motion. Seismic input to the bridge support is considered to be a riskconsistent response spectrum which is obtained from a separate analysis. For the response analysis,the bridge deck is modeled as a beam supported on springs at different points. The stiffnesses ofthe springs are determined by a separate 2D static analysis of cable-tower-deck system. The analysisprovides a coupled stiffness matrix for the spring system. A continuum method of analysis usingdynamic stiffness is Used to determine the dynamic properties of the bridges .The response of thebridge deck is obtained by the response spectrum method of analysis as applied to multi-degree offreedom system which duly takes into account the quasi - static component of bridge deck vibration.The fragility analysis includes uncertainties arising due to the variation in ground motion,material property, modeling, method of analysis, ductility factor and damage concentration effect.Probability of failure of the bridge deck is determined by the First Order Second Moment (FOSM)method of reliability. A three span double plane symmetrical fan type cable stayed bridge of totalspan 689 m, is used as an illustrative example. The fragility curves for the bridge deck failure areobtained under a number of parametric variations. Some of the important conclusions of the studyindicate that (ⅰ) not only vertical component but also the horizontal component of ground motionhas considerable effect on the probability of failure; (ⅱ) ground motion with no time lag betweensupport excitations provides a smaller probability of failure as compared to ground motion with verylarge time lag between support excitation; and (ⅲ) probability of failure may considerablyincrease for soft soil condition.

Study on Fatigue Behavior of Anchorage of Cable and Girder of Long Span Cable-Stayed Bridge

A full scale model test is done and a FEM model is established to investigate the fatigue behavior of the Nancha cable stayed bridge of the Nanjing Second Yangtz River Bridge, a long span steel bridge with a main span of 628 m. The results of test and FEM are analyzed and compared. It is shown that they are in good agreement. It is verified that the fatigue characteristic of the anchorage structure of cable and girder of the bridge satisfies the requirements specified by Chinese, British and American codes.

NONLINEAR TRANSIENT RESPONSE OF STAY CABLE WITH VISCOELASTICITY DAMPER IN CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE

Taking the bending stiffness, static sag, and geometric non-linearity into consideration, the space nonlinear vibration partial differential equations were derived. The partical differential equations were discretized in space by finite center difference approximation, then the nonlinear ordinal differential equations were obtained. A hybrid method involving the combination of the Newmark method and the pseudo-force strategy was proposed to analyze the nonlinear transient response of the inclined cable-dampers system subjected to arbitrary dynamic loading. As an example, two typical stay cables were calculated by the present method. The results reveal both the validity and the deficiency of the viscoelasticity damper for vibration control of stay cables. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method is also verified by comparing the results with those obtained by using Runge-Kutta direct integration technique. A new time history analysis method is provided for the research on the stay cable vibration control.

Vehicle-bridge coupled vibrations in different types of cable stayed bridges

Numerical analyses of the coupled vibrations of vehicle-bridge system and the effects of different types of cable stayed bridges on the coupled vibration responses have been presented in this paper using ANSYS. The bridge model and vehicle model were independently built which have no internal relationship in the ANSYS. The vehicle-bridge coupled vibration relationship was obtained by using the APDL program which subsequently imposed on the vehicle and bridge models during the numerical analysis. The proposed model was validated through a field measurements and literature data. The judging method, possibility, and criterion of the vehicle-bridge resonance （coupled vibrations） of cable stayed bridges （both the floating system and half floating system） under traffic flows were presented. The results indicated that the interval time between vehicles is the main influence factor on the resonance excitation frequency under the condition of equally spaced traffic flows. Compared to other types of cable stayed bridges, the floating bridge system has relatively high possibility to cause vehicle-bridge resonance.

Impact of pre- and peri-operative risk factors on length of stay and hospital readmission following minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy

Objective:We conducted an analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy cases reported with the goal to identify pre-and peri-operative variables associated with length of stay(LOS)greater than 3 days and readmission within 30 days.Methods:Records from 2008 to 2018 for“laparoscopy,surgical;partial nephrectomy”for prolonged LOS and readmission cohorts were compiled.Univariate analysis with Chi-square,t-tests,and multivariable logistic regression analysis with odds ratios(ORs),p-values,and 95%confidence intervals assessed statistical associations.Results:Totally,20306 records for LOS greater than 3 days and 15854 for readmission within 30 days were available.Univariate and multivariable analysis exhibited similar results.For LOS greater than 3 days,undergoing non-elective surgery(OR=5.247),transfusion of greater than four units within 72 h prior to surgery(OR=5.072),pre-operative renal failure or dialysis(OR=2.941),and poor pre-operative functional status(OR=2.540)exhibited the strongest statistically significant associations.For hospital readmission within 30 days,loss in body weight greater than 10%in 6 months prior to surgery(OR=2.227)and bleeding disorders(OR=2.081)exhibited strongest statistically significant associations.Conclusion:Multiple pre-and peri-operative risk factors are independently associated with prolonged LOS and hospital readmission within 30 days of surgery using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data.Recognizing the risks factors that can potentially be improved prior to minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy is crucial to informing patient selection,optimization strategies,and patient education.

Machine learning insights on intensive care unit-acquired weakness

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness(ICU-AW)significantly hampers patient recovery and increases morbidity.With the absence of established preventive strategies,this study utilizes advanced machine learning methodologies to unearth key predictors of ICU-AW.Employing a sophisticated multilayer perceptron neural network,the research methodically assesses the predictive power for ICU-AW,pinpointing the length of ICU stay and duration of mechanical ventilation as pivotal risk factors.The findings advocate for minimizing these elements as a preventive approach,offering a novel perspective on combating ICU-AW.This research illuminates critical risk factors and lays the groundwork for future explorations into effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Outpatient insulin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute respiratory distress syndrome outcomes:A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND The impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)on acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is debatable.T2DM was suspected to reduce the risk and complications of ARDS.However,during coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),T2DM predisposed patients to ARDS,especially those who were on insulin at home.AIMTo evaluate the impact of outpatient insulin use in T2DM patients on non-COVID-19 ARDS outcomes.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.Adult patients diagnosed with ARDS were stratified into insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus(DM)(IDDM)and non-insulindependent DM(NIDDM)groups.After applying exclusion criteria and matching over 20 variables,we compared cohorts for mortality,duration of mechanical ventilation,incidence of acute kidney injury(AKI),length of stay(LOS),hospitalization costs,and other clinical outcomes.RESULTS Following 1:1 propensity score matching,the analysis included 274 patients in each group.Notably,no statistically significant differences emerged between the IDDM and NIDDM groups in terms of mortality rates(32.8%vs 31.0%,P=0.520),median hospital LOS(10 d,P=0.537),requirement for mechanical ventilation,incidence rates of sepsis,pneumonia or AKI,median total hospitalization costs,or patient disposition upon discharge.CONCLUSION Compared to alternative anti-diabetic medications,outpatient insulin treatment does not appear to exert an independent influence on in-hospital morbidity or mortality in diabetic patients with non-COVID-19 ARDS.

Reducing Extended Hospital Lengths of Stay

In the United States, the costs of health care have become a major burden for the health care system. In order to address this problem, the hospitals of Syracuse, New York, developed programs to provide subacute and complex care. The Subacute programs provided patient transportation services for dialysis and other types of care outside hospitals. They also developed programs for services such as intravenous therapy in nursing homes. The Complex Care Programs, such as intravenous therapy and mental health services, have provided alternatives to extended care in hospitals. During the past five years, utilization of these programs has varied, declining between 2019 and 2022, and then increasing between 2022 and 2024. The programs have avoided the need for 1530 - 2974 patient days in hospitals. The programs saved the Syracuse hospitals approximately $600 per inpatient day. This amounted to savings of $918,000 - $1,784,400 per year. These programs demonstrated how relatively small mechanisms can save large amounts of health care resources.

结合二十四节气的英语学科教学设计

我校英语学科深刻认识到学生德智体美劳全面发展的重要性,结合中国的二十四节气设计了“STAY——跟着节气学英语”德育项目。在实施过程中,学生用英语视频和作品呈现的方式分享传播中国的节气文化,形成英语学科核心素养。

Key Technologies for Design of Changqing Yellow River Super-long Bridge of Zhengzhou Ji'nan HSR

Changqing Yellow River Super-long Bridge of Zhengzhou-Ji'nan HSR is a partial cable-stayed bridge with concrete main girder and a unit length of 1,080 m.Studies are carried out on the key technologies of bridge design,and the main conclusions are as follows:The whole unit adopts the supporting system of tower pier consolidation and tower-beam separation,and each pier is provided with seismic mitigation and isolation bearing;shaped-steel reinforced concrete bridge tower is adopted to bring into full play the tensile performance of steel and the compressive performance of concrete,and avoid the construction challenges of setting up multi-layer and multi-stirrup reinforcement while improving the bearing capacity of section;a new type of double-side and bi-directional anti-skid anchorage device is adopted for the cable saddle of wire divider pipe in order to withstand the unbalanced cable force,and verify the reliability of the anti-skid anchorage device by solid model test;and large-segment cantilever pouring design is adopted for the main girder with a maximum segment length of 8 m to effectively shorten the construction period of the bridge.

The impact of emergency department length of stay on the outcomes of trauma patients requiring hospitalization: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the impact of the emergency department length of stay(EDLOS) on the outcome of trauma patients.METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on all trauma patients requiring hospitalization between 2015 and 2019. Patients were categorized into 4 groups based on the EDLOS(<4 h, 4–12 h,12–24 h, and >24 h). Data were analyzed using Chi-square test(categorical variables), Student’s t-test(continuous variables), correlation coefficient, analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression analysis for identifying predictors of short EDLOS and hospital mortality.RESULTS: The study involved 7,026 patients with a mean age of 32.1±15.6 years. Onefifth of patients had a short EDLOS(<4 h) and had higher level trauma team T1 activation(TTA-1), higher Injury Severity Score(ISS), higher shock index(SI), and more head injuries than the other groups(P=0.001). Patients with an EDLOS >24 h were older(P=0.001) and had more comorbidities(P=0.001) and fewer deaths(P=0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the predictors of short EDLOS were female gender, GCS, SI, hemoglobin level, ISS, and blood transfusion. The predictors of mortality were TTA-1(odds ratio [OR]=4.081, 95%CI: 2.364–7.045), head injury(OR=3.920, 95%CI: 2.413–6.368), blood transfusion(OR=2.773, 95%CI: 1.668–4.609), SI(OR=2.132, 95%CI: 1.364–3.332), ISS(OR=1.077, 95%CI: 1.057–1.096), and age(OR=1.040, 95%CI: 1.026–1.054). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with shorter EDLOS had different baseline characteristics and hospital outcomes compared with patients with longer EDLOS. Patients with prolonged EDLOS had better outcomes;however, the burden of prolonged boarding in the ED needs further elaboration.

Correlation of serum albumin level on postoperative day 2 with hospital length of stay in patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer

BACKGROUND Perforated peptic ulcer(PPU)is a common emergency surgical condition and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.While advances in surgical techniques have improved outcomes for patients with PPU,many factors still affect postoperative hospital stay and overall prognosis.One potential factor is the serum albumin(SA)level,a widely utilized marker of nutritional status that has been associated with length of stay and complications in various surgical procedures.AIM To clarify the correlation of SA level on postoperative day 2 with hospital length of stay(HLOS)in patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer(PPU).METHODS We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical baseline data,including blood routine and SA levels,of patients who underwent emergency PPU surgery and postoperative treatment at the Lingnan Hospital,the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between December 2012 and September 2021.Patients were grouped according to HLOS with 7 d as the cut-off value,and relevant indicators were analyzed using SPSS 26.0.RESULTS Of the 37 patients undergoing emergency surgery for PPU referred to our department,33 had gastric and 4 had duodenal ulcer perforation.The median HLOS was 10 d.There were 8 patients in the≤7-d group(median HLOS:7 d)and 29 patients in the>7-d group(median HLOS:10 d).The≤7-d group had markedly higher SA on postoperative day 2 than the>7-d group(37.7 g/L vs 32.6g/L;P<0.05).The SA level on postoperative day 2 was a protective factor for patients with HLOS>7 d(Odds ratio=0.629,P=0.015).The cut-off of SA on postoperative day 2 was 30.6g/L,with an area under the curve of 0.86 and a negative predictive value of 100%for the prediction of HLOS≤7 d.CONCLUSION The SA level on postoperative day 2 was associated with the HLOS in patients undergoing emergency surgery for PPU.The pre-and post-operative albumin levels should be monitored,and infusion of human SA should be considered in a timely manner.

Effect of enhanced recovery after surgery with multidisciplinary collaboration on nursing outcomes after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND There is a lack of studies on the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)with multidisciplinary collaboration on the nursing outcomes of total knee arthroplasty(TKA).AIM To explore the effect of ERAS with multidisciplinary collaboration on nursing outcomes after TKA.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 80 patients who underwent TKA at a tertiary hospital between January 2021 and December 2022.The patients were divided into two groups according to the nursing mode:the ERAS group(n=40)received ERAS with multidisciplinary collaboration,and the conventional group(n=40)received routine nursing.The following indicators were compared between the two groups:length of hospital stay,hospitalization cost,intraoperative blood loss,hemoglobin level 24 h after surgery,visual analog scale(VAS)score for pain,range of motion(ROM)of the knee joint,Hospital for Special Surgery(HSS)knee score,and postoperative complications.RESULTS The ERAS group had a significantly shorter length of hospital stay,lower hospitalization cost,less intraoperative blood loss,higher hemoglobin level 24 h after surgery,lower VAS score for pain,higher knee joint ROM,and higher HSS knee score than the conventional group(all P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Multidisciplinary collaboration with ERAS can reduce blood loss,shorten hospital stay,and improve knee function in patients undergoing TKA.

Comparison of modified gunsight suture technique and traditional interrupted suture in enterostomy closure

BACKGROUND Prophylactic enterostomy surgery is a common surgical approach used to reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage in patients who have undergone partial intestinal resection due to trauma or tumors.However,the traditional interrupted suturing technique used in enterostomy closure surgery has several issues,including longer surgical incisions and higher incision tension,which can increase the risk of postoperative complications.To address these issues,scholars have proposed the use of a“gunsight suture”technique.This technique involves using a gunsight incision instead of a traditional linear incision,leaving a gap in the center for the drainage of blood and fluid to reduce the risk of infection.Building on this technique,we propose an improved gunsight suture technique.A drainage tube is placed at the lowest point of the incision and close the gap in the center of the gunsight suture,which theoretically facilitates early postoperative mobility and reduces the burden of dressing changes,thereby reducing the risk of postoperative complications.AIM To compare the effectiveness of improved gunsight suture technique with traditional interrupted suture in closing intestinal stomas.METHODS In this study,a retrospective,single-center case analysis was conducted on 270 patients who underwent prophylactic ileostomy closure surgery at the Department of Colorectal Surgery of Qilu Hospital from April 2017 to December 2021.The patients were divided into two groups:135 patients received sutures using the improved gunsight method,while the remaining 135 patients were sutured with the traditional interrupted suture method.We collected data on a variety of parameters,such as operation time,postoperative pain score,body temperature,length of hospital stays,laboratory indicators,incidence of incisional complications,number of wound dressing changes,and hospitalization costs.Non-parametric tests and chi-square tests were utilized for data analysis.RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in general patient information between the two groups,including the interval between the first surgery and the stoma closure[132(105,184)d vs 134(109,181)d,P=0.63],gender ratio(0.64 vs 0.69,P=0.44),age[62(52,68)years vs 60(52,68)years,P=0.33],preoperative body mass index(BMI)[23.83(21.60,25.95)kg/m²vs 23.12(20.94,25.06)kg/m²,P=0.17].The incidence of incision infection in the improved gunsight suture group tended to be lower than that in the traditional interrupted suture group[(n=2/135,1.4%)vs(n=10/135,7.4%),P<0.05],and the postoperative hospital stay in the improved gunsight suture group was significantly shorter than that in the traditional interrupted suture group[5(4,7)d vs 7(6,8)d,P<0.05].Additionally,the surgical cost in the modified gunsight suture group was slightly lower than that in the traditional suture group[4840(4330,5138)yuan vs 4980(4726,5221)yuan,P>0.05],but there was no significant difference in the total hospitalization cost between the two groups.CONCLUSION In stoma closure surgery,the improved gunsight technique can reduce the incision infection rate,shorten the postoperative hospital stay,reduce wound tension,and provide better wound cosmetic effects compared to traditional interrupted suture.

Acute pancreatitis in liver transplant hospitalizations:Identifying national trends,clinical outcomes and healthcare burden in the United States

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)in liver transplant(LT)recipients may lead to poor clinical outcomes and development of severe complications.AIM We aimed to assess national trends,clinical outcomes,and the healthcare burden of LT hospitalizations with AP in the United States(US).METHODS The National Inpatient Sample was utilized to identify all adult(≥18 years old)LT hospitalizations with AP in the US from 2007–2019.Non-LT AP hospitalizations served as controls for comparative analysis.National trends of hospitalization characteristics,clinical outcomes,complications,and healthcare burden for LT hospitalizations with AP were highlighted.Hospitalization characteristics,clinical outcomes,complications,and healthcare burden were also compared between the LT and non-LT cohorts.Furthermore,predictors of inpatient mortality for LT hospitalizations with AP were identified.All P values≤0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS The total number of LT hospitalizations with AP increased from 305 in 2007 to 610 in 2019.There was a rising trend of Hispanic(16.5%in 2007 to 21.1%in 2018,P-trend=0.0009)and Asian(4.3%in 2007 to 7.4%in 2019,p-trend=0.0002)LT hospitalizations with AP,while a decline was noted for Blacks(11%in 2007 to 8.3%in 2019,P-trend=0.0004).Furthermore,LT hospitalizations with AP had an increasing comorbidity burden as the Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI)score≥3 increased from 41.64%in 2007 to 62.30%in 2019(P-trend<0.0001).We did not find statistically significant trends in inpatient mortality,mean length of stay(LOS),and mean total healthcare charge(THC)for LT hospitalizations with AP despite rising trends of complications such as sepsis,acute kidney failure(AKF),acute respiratory failure(ARF),abdominal abscesses,portal vein thrombosis(PVT),and venous thromboembolism(VTE).Between 2007–2019,6863 LT hospitalizations with AP were compared to 5649980 non-LT AP hospitalizations.LT hospitalizations with AP were slightly older(53.5 vs 52.6 years,P=0.017)and had a higher proportion of patients with CCI≥3(51.5%vs 19.8%,P<0.0001)compared to the non-LT cohort.Additionally,LT hospitalizations with AP had a higher proportion of Whites(67.9%vs 64.6%,P<0.0001)and Asians(4%vs 2.3%,P<0.0001),while the non-LT cohort had a higher proportion of Blacks and Hispanics.Interestingly,LT hospitalizations with AP had lower inpatient mortality(1.37%vs 2.16%,P=0.0479)compared to the non-LT cohort despite having a higher mean age,CCI scores,and complications such as AKF,PVT,VTE,and the need for blood transfusion.However,LT hospitalizations with AP had a higher mean THC($59596 vs$50466,P=0.0429)than the non-LT cohort.CONCLUSION In the US,LT hospitalizations with AP were on the rise,particularly for Hispanics and Asians.However,LT hospitalizations with AP had lower inpatient mortality compared to non-LT AP hospitalizations.

Clinical and biochemical predictors of intensive care unit admission among patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

BACKGROUND Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)contributes to 94%of diabetes-related hospital admissions,and its incidence is rising.Due to the complexity of its management and the need for rigorous monitoring,many DKA patients are managed in the intensive care unit(ICU).However,studies comparing DKA patients managed in ICU to non-ICU settings show an increase in healthcare costs without significantly affecting patient outcomes.It is,therefore,essential to identify suitable candidates for ICU care in DKA patients.AIM To evaluate factors that predict the requirement for ICU care in DKA patients.METHODS This retrospective study included consecutive patients with index DKA episodes who presented to the emergency department of four general hospitals of Hamad Medical Corporation,Doha,Qatar,between January 2015 and March 2021.All adult patients(>14 years)fulfilling the American Diabetes Association criteria for DKA diagnosis were included.RESULTS We included 922 patients with DKA in the final analysis,of which 229(25%)were managed in the ICU.Compared to non-ICU patients,patients admitted to ICU were older[mean(SD)age of 40.4±13.7 years vs 34.5±14.6 years;P<0.001],had a higher body mass index[median(IQR)of 24.6(21.5-28.4)kg/m2 vs 23.7(20.3-27.9)kg/m2;P<0.030],had T2DM(61.6%)and were predominantly males(69%vs 31%;P<0.020).ICU patients had a higher white blood cell count[median(IQR)of 15.1(10.2-21.2)×103/uL vs 11.2(7.9-15.7)×103/uL,P<0.001],urea[median(IQR)of 6.5(4.6-10.3)mmol/L vs 5.6(4.0-8.0)mmol/L;P<0.001],creatinine[median(IQR)of 99(75-144)mmol/L vs 82(63-144)mmol/L;P<0.001],C-reactive protein[median(IQR)of 27(9-83)mg/L vs 14(5-33)mg/L;P<0.001]and anion gap[median(IQR)of 24.0(19.2-29.0)mEq/L vs 22(17-27)mEq/L;P<0.001];while a lower venous pH[mean(SD)of 7.10±0.15 vs 7.20±0.13;P<0.001]and bicarbonate level[mean(SD)of 9.2±4.1 mmol/L vs 11.6±4.3 mmol/L;P<0.001]at admission than those not requiring ICU management of DKA(P<0.001).Patients in the ICU group had a longer LOS[median(IQR)of 4.2(2.7-7.1)d vs 2.0(1.0-3.9)d;P<0.001]and DKA duration[median(IQR)of 24(13-37)h vs 15(19-24)h,P<0.001]than those not requiring ICU admission.In the multivariate logistic regression analysis model,age,Asian ethnicity,concurrent coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection,DKA severity,DKA trigger,and NSTEMI were the main predicting factors for ICU admission.CONCLUSION In the largest tertiary center in Qatar,25%of all DKA patients required ICU admission.Older age,T2DM,newly onset DM,an infectious trigger of DKA,moderate-severe DKA,concurrent NSTEMI,and COVID-19 infection are some factors that predict ICU requirement in a DKA patient.