Israel Medical Association Journal

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease state characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction determined by spirometry, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and small airway disease. Traditional treatment settings for COPD exacerbations typically involve in-hospital care. However, hospital-at-home (HaH) programs have emerged as an innovative model to provide hospital-level care at a patient's home. I synthesized available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and compared the outcomes of COPD management in HaH and in-hospital settings. I searched for English language medical literature studies of COPD patients in HaH programs compared to in-hospital. Searches were performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and CENTRAL. Outcomes were compared, meta-analyses were performed, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated. Heterogeneity was evaluated and I² statistic was used to measure the proportion of inconsistency in individual studies. Potential publication bias was also calculated. Seven controlled studies representing 19 sub-studies (data sets) were selected according to the inclusion criteria. The OR of the HaH and in-hospital comparison was 0.542, 95%CI 0.379–0.774, P = 0.001. The different clinical outcomes of HaH were better or similar to those at regular hospitals, but with higher patient preference (OR 0.316, 95%CI 0.198–0.506). Heterogeneity and inconsistency were small, with no significant publication bias. HaH may be recommended for COPD patients' hospitalization when needed according to the specific indications and patients matching HaH criteria.

Background: High prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) among people with severe mental illness (SMI) is attributed mostly to current or past intravenous (IV) drug use. However, such history may disappear from patient files over time, especially in chronic SMI with prolonged psychiatric admissions.

Objectives: To explore HCV and SMI cross-morbidity (HCV/SMI) in a hospitalized population.

Methods: In this observational, retrospective, historical computerized study we examined prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of patients with HCV/SMI compared to HCV alone in patients admitted to an Israeli hospital 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2020.

Results: Of 1638 eligible HCV patients, 219 (13.4%) were HCV/SMI. Significantly more native Israelis showed HCV/SMI than HCV alone (36.1% vs. 18.1%, P = 0.013) and history of IV drug use (60.3% vs. 32.4%, P < 0.001). Among Israeli natives, more Jews were SMI/HCV compared to HCV only (67.1% vs. 45%, P < 0.01). Among non-native Israelis, immigration age was lower in SMI/HCV compared to HCV only (27.97 vs. 37.23 years, P < 0.001). No differences were found in mortality or cirrhosis, although HCV/SMI patients experienced earlier mortality compared to HCV alone (61.42 ± 14.3 vs. 72.8 ± 14.6 years, P < 0.001). Cirrhosis among HCV/SMI patients was a risk factor for early mortality (hazard ratio 5.528, 95% confidence interval 3.721–8.213).

Conclusions: HCV/SMI is related to early mortality, particularly with cirrhosis. There is significantly high SMI prevalence in hospitalized HCV patients, representing a unique at-risk population. Identification during hospitalization and medical recommendations at discharge may fill the gaps.

Background: Acute bronchiolitis, primarily caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is the leading cause of hospitalization in young children. Despite international guidelines supporting clinical diagnosis, laboratory evaluations are often conducted with limited validity.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels on admission and disease severity in children hospitalized due to RSV bronchiolitis.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included children (0–24 months old) who were hospitalized due to RSV bronchiolitis (2018–2022), CRP levels taken at admission.

Results: We included 1874 children (mean age of 6.7 months, 59% males); median CRP level 1.92 mg/dl. Children with elevated CRP (> 1.92 mg/dl) were significantly older (5.1 vs. 3.8 months, P < 0.001) and had higher rates of pneumonia (9.4% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.001), urinary tract infection (UTI), (2.2% vs. 0.2%, P < 0.001), acute otitis media (AOM) (1.7% vs. 0.2%, P < 0.001), admissions to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) (7.4% vs. 3.7%, P < 0.001), antibiotic treatment (49.8% vs. 37.2%, P < 0.001), and longer hospitalizations (3.83 vs. 3.31 days, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis predicted increased risk for UTI, PICU admission, pneumonia, and longer hospitalization (relative risk 11.6, 2.25, 1.98, 1.44, respectively, P < 0.001). CRP thresholds of 3.51, 1.9, and 2.81 mg/dl for PICU admission, UTI, and pneumonia, were calculated using Youden's index with AUC 0.72, 0.62, and 0.61, respectively.

Conclusions: Elevated CRP levels at admission are associated with increased disease severity and higher complication rates in children hospitalized with RSV bronchiolitis.

Background: Hospital-at-Home (HaH) programs offer medical services in the patient's home as an alternative to hospitalization across various medical fields. Previous studies have demonstrated that HaH provides several benefits for patients and the healthcare system. Rambam Health Care Center was the pioneer hospital in introducing HaH in Israel. Since April 2021, in collaboration with Maccabi Healthcare Services, the center has been providing home hospitalization services for patients with acute internal medicine illnesses based on an innovative model.

Objectives: To describe demographic data, background diseases, indications for HaH admissions, length of stay (LOS), 1-month and 1-week readmission rates, home mortality, and 1-month mortality.

Results: The study included 262 patients (135 men, 127 women), mean age 69.7 years (range 24–98, median 73). Patients had significant co-morbidities, with a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 6.7. Among the patients, 170 were independent, 61 were incapacitated, and the remainder had various functional limitations. Most admissions were from internal medicine departments, 39 originating from the emergency department and the rest from other acute care wards. The primary indications for HaH admission included pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis. The average hospital LOS was 48.9 hours, while the HaH LOS was 3.43 days. Readmission rates for the same initial conditions were 10% within 1 week and 14% within 1 month. Twenty-one patients died within 1 month of discharge from HaH, including one death during the HaH period.

Conclusions: This study highlighted the feasibility of home hospitalization as a viable alternative to traditional inpatient care in internal medicine.

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) poses a significant medical emergency in both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Recent attention has focused on the emergence of euglycemic DKA associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Objectives: To understand the epidemiology and outcomes of DKA, particularly in T2DM patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 204 patients admitted with DKA to Shamir Medical Center (2013–2021). We assessed demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Patients were stratified by diabetes type and SGLT2 inhibitor treatment status.

Results: Among the 204 patients with DKA, 38.2% had T2DM. Patients with T2DM exhibited older age, higher co-morbidity burden, and greater prevalence of microvascular complications compared to T1DM patients. Mortality rates were notably higher among T2DM patients, despite similar DKA severity at presentation, including in-hospital mortality rates of 6.4% vs. 0%, P < 0.05, and 90-day mortality rates of 7.7% vs. 0%, P < 0.05. T2DM was independently associated with adverse hospitalization outcomes, including a composite of rehospitalization, prolonged hospital stays, and mortality (odds ratio 2.68, 95% confidence interval 1.302–5.557). SGLT2 inhibitor treatment did not affect hospitalization outcomes of patients with T2DM.

Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of recognizing DKA as a substantial complication in diabetic patients, particularly those with T2DM. Vigilance in management, adherence to DKA guidelines, and awareness of triggers such as SGLT2 inhibitors are crucial for improving outcomes in this population.

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) patients are considered high cardiovascular risks. Guidelines recommend low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target levels below 55 mg/dl with > 50% reduction from baselines. These levels can be reached by a combination of statins, ezetimibe, and anti-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (anti-PCSK9) agents. Our clinical impression was that CHD patients do not reach LDL-C target levels, despite the wide availability.

Objectives: To evaluate whether hospitalization would result in changes in lipid lowering regimens and short-term compliance.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data of CHD patients who were admitted to internal medicine wards at Clalit Health Services medical centers because of anginal syndrome during 2020–2022. The data were evaluated for demographic and clinical characteristics; LDL-C level at admission, 6 months previously, and 3 months and 6–9 months after discharge; rates of reaching LDL-C target levels; and lipid lowering treatment at admission, discharge, and 6–9 months after.

Results: The cohort included 10,540 patients. One-third and three-quarters did not have lipids level measurements up to 6 months before and during hospitalization, respectively. Only one-fifth of the patients reached LDL-C values before and during admission (median LDL-C 72 mg/dl; range 53–101). Approximately half were treated with high-dose potent statins. Only 10% were treated with ezetimibe. Hospitalization did not have a clinically significant effect on short-term lipid lowering treatment or LDL-C levels.

Conclusions: Gaps were noted between guidelines and clinical practice for reaching LDL-C target levels. Further education and strict policy are needed.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is an emerging pandemic associated with increased mortality, recurrent hospitalizations, and reduced quality of life. Guideline-directed medical therapy has been shown to improve outcomes, particularly in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The main goal of HF clinics is optimizing medical therapy.

Objectives: To assess the impact of our HF clinic on medical therapy and clinical outcomes.

Methods: We obtained demographic, echocardiographic, and clinical data of patients listed in our HF clinic during a 4-year period. Medical therapy was evaluated based on patient reports and documented data. Recurrent admissions for HF were documented.

Results: A total of 317 patients (74.1% male, median age 66 years, IQR 55–74) were listed in the clinic with a total of 1140 visits. Of these patients, 62.5% had HFrEF, 20.5% presented with mildly reduced ejection fraction, and 17% showed preserved ejection fraction at the time of the first visit. The use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists was optimized in 92% and 91% of the patients, respectively. In the subgroup of patients with HFrEF, the use of angiotensin-receptor antagonist/neprilysin inhibitor increased from 22.6% to 87.9% (P < 0.001) and SGLT2 inhibitor use increased from 49.2% to 92% (P < 0.001). During the follow-up period (2.2 years, IQR 1.1–3.1), 203 patients (64%) were readmitted to the hospital for HF at least once. The rate of readmissions decreased over time.

Conclusions: An HF clinic plays an important role in optimizing medical therapy and reducing readmissions.

Background: At the beginning of 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presented a new burden on healthcare systems.

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the outcome of non-COVID patients in Israel.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study at a tertiary medical center in Israel. From December 2018 until June 2022, 6796 patients were hospitalized in the internal medicine wards. Patients were grouped based on their admission date: admitted during COVID waves (waves group), admitted between waves (interim group), and admitted during the same months in the previous year (former-year group).

Results: Mortality during hospitalization and 30-day mortality were higher in the waves group compared to the interim and former-year groups (41.4% vs. 30.5% and 24%, 19.4% vs. 17.9% and 12.9%, P < 0.001). In addition, 1-year mortality was higher in the interim group than in the waves and former-year group (39.1 % vs. 32.5% and 33.4%, P = 0.002). There were significant differences in the readmissions, both at 1 year and total number. The waves group had higher rates of mechanical ventilation and noradrenaline administration during hospitalization. Moreover, the waves group exhibited higher troponin levels, lower hemoglobin levels, and more abnormalities in liver and kidney function.

Conclusions: Hospitalized non-COVID patients experienced worse outcomes during the peaks of the pandemic compared to the nadirs and the preceding year, perhaps due to the limited availability of resources. These results underscore the importance of preparing for large-scale threats and implementing effective resource allocation policies.

In the position statement on the definition and diagnosis of acute myocarditis on page XXX of this issue of the Israel Medical Association Journal (IMAJ), we discussed contemporary criteria for definition of acute myocarditis and inflammatory cardiomyopathy [1-6]. We also addressed current diagnostic methods including indications for endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) [7-21]. In this position statement, we discuss the management approaches during hospitalization and following hospital discharge, including specific forms of myocarditis and recommendations for returning to physical activity after myocarditis [21-36].

Background: While several studies have noted smell impairment in schizophrenia, it is unclear whether this impairment extends to acute psychosis and whether it is associated with more severe illness as expressed in extended hospitalization.

Objectives: To evaluate the olfactory function of patients in an acute psychotic state and correlate it with clinical symptomatology and length of hospitalization.

Methods: Olfactory function was assessed in 20 patients with schizophrenia in their first week of hospital admission for acute psychosis compared with matched controls. Olfaction was evaluated via three stages: threshold, discrimination, and identification of different odors utilizing the Sniffin' Sticks test battery.

Results: Schizophrenia patients scored significantly lower on total smell score, discrimination, and identification abilities. A significant association was observed between hospitalization duration and total smell score and smell discrimination. No significant associations between smell and clinical symptomatology were observed.

Conclusions: Study observations confirm impaired sense of smell in schizophrenia patients and suggest that smell impairment may be a potential marker of more serious illness as expressed in longer hospital stay.

Background: Infants younger than 6 months of age are not eligible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations. Maternal variables during pregnancy and the postnatal period may affect the clinical and laboratory course of COVID-19 positive infants.

Objective: To assess the clinical manifestation and laboratory differences in infants with three maternal variables: breastfeeding, vaccinated, and co-illness.

Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of positive COVID-19 infants with three subgroups of maternal variables. The population included infants under 6 months of age hospitalized due to COVID-19. Data about clinical features, laboratory tests, and maternal information including vaccination status, breastfeeding status and maternal positive COVID-19 infection was gathered. All variables were compared among the three subgroups.

Results: Breastfed infants had shorter hospitalization period (mean 2.61 ± 1.378 days) compared to non-breastfed infants (mean 3.8 ± 1.549) (P = 0.051). COVID-19 infants of positive COVID-19 mothers had a higher absolute neutrophil count (mean 4.4 ± 3.8) compared to infants of COVID-19 negative mothers (mean 2.7 ± 2.4) (P = 0.042).

Conclusion: Breastfeeding was associated with shorter periods of hospitalization in COVID-19 positive infants. In addition, positive COVID-19 infants of mothers who were positive for COVID-19 are likely to have a higher absolute neutrophils count.

Background: The evaluation of syncope in emergency departments (EDs) and during hospitalization can be ineffective. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines were established to perform the evaluation based on risk stratification.

Objectives: To investigate whether the initial screening of syncope adheres to the recent ESC guidelines.

Methods: Patients with syncope who were evaluated in our ED were included in the study and retrospectively classified based on whether they were treated according to ESC guidelines. Patients were divided into two groups according to the ESC guideline risk profile: high risk or low risk.

Results: The study included 114 patients (age 50.6 ± 21.9 years, 43% females); 74 (64.9%) had neurally mediated syncope, 11 (9.65%) had cardiac syncope, and 29 (25.45%) had an unknown cause. The low-risk group included 70 patients (61.4%), and the high-risk group included 44 (38.6%). Only 48 patients (42.1%) were evaluated according to the ESC guidelines. In fact, 22 (36.7%) of 60 hospitalizations and 41 (53.2%) of 77 head computed tomography (CT) scans were not mandatory according to guidelines. The rate of unnecessary CT scans (67.3% vs. 28.6%, respectively, P = 0.001) and unnecessary hospitalization (66.7% vs. 6.7%, respectively, P < 0.02) were higher among low-risk patients than high-risk patients. Overall, a higher percentage of high-risk patients were treated according to guidelines compared to low-risk patients (68.2% vs. 25.7% respectively, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Most syncope patients, particularly those with a low-risk profile, were not evaluated in accordance with the ESC guidelines.

Background: Children with forearm fractures who present to the emergency department (ED) often need a closed reduction. In our institution, until 2017, pediatric trauma patients presented to the general trauma ED (GTED) where no sedation services for pediatric patients were available. From 2017, patients presented to the pediatric emergency department (PED) where closed reductions were performed under sedation when appropriate.

Objectives: To compare GTED and PED with regard to length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization rates of pediatric patients with forearm fractures who needed a closed reduction.

Methods: Our retrospective observational study was conducted at a regional hospital. The study population consisted of all patients younger than 18 years of age who presented to the ED with a forearm fracture that needed a closed reduction. The primary outcome measure was the hospitalization rate. The secondary outcome measure was LOS in the ED.

Results: The study comprised 165 patients with forearm fractures who needed a closed reduction; 79 presented to the GTED, and 96 presented to the PED. Hospitalization rates were lower for patients undergoing closed reduction under sedation in the PED compared to the GTED (6.3% and 21.5%, respectively; P = 0.003). Median ED LOS was longer among patients undergoing sedation in the PED compared to the GTED (237 vs. 168 minutes respectively, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Sedation for forearm fracture reduction in a hospital’s PED was associated with a decrease of more than three times in hospitalization rate. Despite the need for more resources, PED LOS was only mildly increased.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has severe consequences in terms of mortality and morbidity. Knowledge of factors that impact COVID-19 may be useful in the search for treatments.

Objectives: To determine the effect of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency on morbidly and mortality associated with COVID-19.

Methods: All patients admitted to Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center between 01 March 2020 and 03 May 2021 with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. We retrospectively retrieved demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from the hospital’s electronic medical records. The main outcomes were mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and severity of COVID-19.

Results: The presence of G6PD deficiency emerged as an independent protective predictor for ICU admission (odds ratio [OR] 0.258, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.077–0.619, P = 0.003) and the development of critical illness (OR 0.121, 95%CI 0.005–0.545, P = 0.006). Moreover, patients with G6PD deficiency had a trend toward lower mortality rates that did not reach statistical significance (OR 0.541, 95%CI 0.225–1.088, P = 0.10).

Conclusions: Patients with G6PD deficiency were less likely to have a severe disease, had lower rates of ICU admission, and trended toward lower mortality rates.

Background: Statins have anti-inflammatory effects that are independent of their lipid-lowering activity.

Objectives: To examine whether prior statins therapy affects the clinical course of the first episode of acute idiopathic pericarditis (AIP) as the 1-year recurrence and length of hospitalization (LOH).

Methods: This retrospective study included 148 subjects with first episode AIP admitted between the years 2015 and 2019. Data were collected from two hospitals in Northern Israel. We divided the patients in into two groups: 117 those without statins use and 31 those with prior statins use. We compared age, sex, co-morbidities, drugs, laboratory data, 1-year recurrence, and LOH.

Results: The mean age of participants was 43.1 ± 19.4 years. Comparisons between subjects without statins and with prior statins use were made according to age (37.5 ± 16.7 years vs. 64.4 ± 12.7 years, P < 0.01), C-reactive protein (50 ± 40 vs. 48 ± 35 mg/dl, P = 0.9), LOH (5.4 ± 2.85 vs. 8.03 ± 4.92 days, P < 0.01), 1-year recurrence of pericarditis (23 vs. 6 cases, P = 0.95), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that 1-year recurrence (odds ratio [OR] 0.8, 95% confidence interval [95%CI 0 0.6–1.1, P = 0.41), was not associated with prior statin use, while LOH (OR 2.56, 95%CI 2.08–2.75, P = 0.01) was prolonged with prior statins use in patients with first episode of AID.

Conclusions: Prior statins use in patients with the first episode of AIP did not reduce the 1-year recurrence of pericarditis and prolong the LOH.