Access to cardiac surgery centers for cardiac and non-cardiac hospitalizations in adolescents and adults with congenital heart defects- a descriptive case series study.

Background: Individuals with congenital heart defects (CHDs) are recommended to receive all inpatient cardiac and noncardiac care at facilities that can offer specialized care. We describe geographic accessibility to such centers in New York State and determine several factors associated with receiving care there.

Methods: We used inpatient hospitalization data from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) in New York State 2008-2013.

Palliative care services in families of males with muscular dystrophy: Data from MD STARnet.

Introduction: Information on use of palliative care services among individuals with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy is scant despite the clearly documented need.

Methods: We examined associations between uptake of palliative care services by 233 males with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy aged 12 and older for both caregiver and affected male characteristics using the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance Tracking and Research Network baseline interview.

Results: Ninety-one percent of caregivers (213/233) used at least one palliative care service.