Jonathan Hanna1, Philip R Brauer1, Elliot Morse1, Elisa Berson1, Saral Mehra2. 1. Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. 2. Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA. Electronic address: saral.mehra@yale.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To characterize cases of croup presenting to emergency departments (EDs) nationwide, analyze trends, and determine readmission rates. METHODS: Retrospective review of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (2007-2014) and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2008-2015). RESULTS: Both databases provided similar descriptive statistics. Annual mean of 352,388 (weighted) cases in the National Emergency Department Sample (1.35% of ED cases). Average age and male:female ratio 2.50 years and 1.95:1, respectively. Peak incidence was in autumn (October = 13.7%) with troughs in the summer (July = 3.7%). 21.3% received nebulizers, <1% laryngoscopic or airway procedures, 75.1% steroids, and 13.3% antibiotics. Of the patients receiving antibiotics, 16.0% had isolated croup. 3.0% of cases were admitted to the hospital. No trend was identified in the incidence of croup, mean age, or antibiotic and steroid usage. Hospital admission rates decreased (4.0%-2.3%) and nebulizer usage increased (14.6%-27.5%; p < 0.05). 5% of patients represented repeat admissions (were seen within 72 h prior). CONCLUSIONS: Croup imposes a significant burden on the ED. Although hospital admissions decreased, annual incidence in the ED remained stable. The majority of cases are in males less than three years old, and 5.0% of patients represented readmissions. Only three-quarters received glucocorticoids despite the proven benefits, including reducing readmission rates. Antibiotic usage was high, with a large number representing potential cases of inappropriate antibiotic use.
OBJECTIVES: To characterize cases of croup presenting to emergency departments (EDs) nationwide, analyze trends, and determine readmission rates. METHODS: Retrospective review of the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (2007-2014) and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2008-2015). RESULTS: Both databases provided similar descriptive statistics. Annual mean of 352,388 (weighted) cases in the National Emergency Department Sample (1.35% of ED cases). Average age and male:female ratio 2.50 years and 1.95:1, respectively. Peak incidence was in autumn (October = 13.7%) with troughs in the summer (July = 3.7%). 21.3% received nebulizers, <1% laryngoscopic or airway procedures, 75.1% steroids, and 13.3% antibiotics. Of the patients receiving antibiotics, 16.0% had isolated croup. 3.0% of cases were admitted to the hospital. No trend was identified in the incidence of croup, mean age, or antibiotic and steroid usage. Hospital admission rates decreased (4.0%-2.3%) and nebulizer usage increased (14.6%-27.5%; p < 0.05). 5% of patients represented repeat admissions (were seen within 72 h prior). CONCLUSIONS: Croup imposes a significant burden on the ED. Although hospital admissions decreased, annual incidence in the ED remained stable. The majority of cases are in males less than three years old, and 5.0% of patients represented readmissions. Only three-quarters received glucocorticoids despite the proven benefits, including reducing readmission rates. Antibiotic usage was high, with a large number representing potential cases of inappropriate antibiotic use.
Authors: Zengliang Ruan; Jinlei Qi; Zhengmin Min Qian; Maigeng Zhou; Yin Yang; Shiyu Zhang; Michael G Vaughn; Morgan H LeBaige; Peng Yin; Hualiang Lin Journal: Lancet Reg Health West Pac Date: 2021-04-27