Disaggregating the dementia monolith: An analysis of variation in Medicare costs and use by dementia subtype.

Importance: With an aging population, it is necessary to systematically examine variation in costs and use of Medicare services by dementia subtype. We provide the first national estimates for dementia by subtype, and the respective Medicare costs and use.

Methods: We analyzed Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) claims from 2017 through 2019.

[Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) - a rare diagnosis].

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is a rare diagnosis, found more frequently in men than in women. Symptoms are unspecific abdominal disorders making that diagnosis difficult to set. Causes of DMPM are yet to be discovered in entirety.

[Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM) - a surprising differential diagnosis in case of an expected intraabdominal abscess formation].

The benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare disease. Most frequently, young women in reproductive age are affected by this disease. Nevertheless, there are known cases of multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma in male patients.

Impact of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile.

Background And Aim: To investigate the impact of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) on hospital costs and patient length of stay.

Methods: Data from the 2007-2008 New York State Department of Health's Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database was analyzed using regression analysis and descriptive statistics.

Results: After analysis of 4 853 800 patient discharges, the incidence rate of hospital-acquired CDI was 0.

The financial impact of hospital-acquired conditions.

Context: This article investigates the financial impact of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' hospital-acquired conditions (HACs).

Methods: Data from 2007-2008 was analyzed using New York State Department of Health's Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS), using regression analysis and descriptive statistics for each condition.

Results: Of 4,853,800 patient discharges, the development of decubitus ulcers was the most prevalent condition, associated with an annual cost of nearly $680 million and 376,546 hospital days.

Detection of esophageal varices using CT and MRI.

Background And Aims: The development of esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients carries a significant risk of hemorrhage and associated morbidity/mortality. Universal endoscopic screening, however, is invasive and expensive. Conversely, cirrhotic patients often have imaging findings which suggest portal hypertension.

Quality and financial outcomes from gainsharing for inpatient admissions: a three-year experience.

Background: Gainsharing is a way to provide incentives to physicians to decrease hospital costs without compromising quality.

Methods: A pay-for-performance program was instituted over a three-year period from July 2006 to June 2009. Baseline length of stay (LOS) and case costs were developed during the year prior to the inception of the program.

Trends in the indication and method of liver biopsy for hepatitis B and C.

Background And Aims: Liver biopsy plays a crucial role in assessing inflammation and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis. The aim of this study was to compare the indications and methods for performing a liver biopsy over a 15-year period when there were evolving strategies and increasing therapeutic options for the treatment for chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV).

Methods: We reviewed all percutaneous liver biopsies performed at our center from 1992 to 2007 using a pathology database.

Prevalence of diverticulosis in recurrent Clostridium difficile infection.

Aim: To re-evaluate the theory that colonic diverticulosis is associated with relapse of Clostridium difficile associated disease (CDAD) in light of data suggesting increasing rates of CDAD infection and relapse.

Methods: Charts were reviewed for patients with recurrent CDAD who had also had a prior colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy. An age and gender matched control group was used to compare the prevalence of diverticulosis.

Bile Duct Dilatation in Patients With Chronic Viral Hepatitis on Maintenance Methadone Therapy.

Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is commonly used in the treatment of opioid dependence. Several small-scale reports have suggested that methadone may lead to nonobstructive dilatation of the common bile duct (CBD). We present the first large study to retrospectively evaluate this hypothesis in asymptomatic patients with chronic hepatitis on long-term MMT.