Predicting complicated choledocholithiasis

Abstract Introduction Management of choledocholithiasis and its complications is variable and often requires transfer to a specialty facility. This study links patient-specific characteristics with the outcome measure of complicated choledocholithiasis to identify high-risk patients who may require expedited treatment or transfer to a higher level of care. Materials and methods Patients with a discharge diagnosis of choledocholithiasis (CDL) were identified from the 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Patient characteristics were identified associated with the primary outcome measure of complicated choledocholithiasis (cCDL), defined as acute pancreatitis or cholangitis during the admission for CDL. Predictors of mortality were also evaluated. Analysis was performed using complex-sample univariate and adjusted analyses. Results We identified 123,990 discharges with a diagnosis of CDL. The overall incidence of CDL was 314 per 100,000 NIS discharges. Forty-one percent of CDL discharges were for cCDL (acute pancreatitis 31%, cholangitis 12%). Risk factors for cCDL included age (risk increased 0.8% per year), male gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.2), alcohol abuse (OR 1.5, CI 1.3–1.8), diabetes (OR 1.1, CI 1.0–1.2), hypertension (OR 1.1, CI 1.0–1.2), obesity (OR 1.2, CI 1.1–1.3), nonelective admission (OR 2.3, CI 2.0–2.6), and Asian/Pacific Islander race/ethnicity (OR 1.2, CI 1.0–1.5). Patients with cCDL had increased odds of mortality (OR 1.5, CI 1.2–2.0). Conclusions Increased age, nonelective admission, and specific comorbid conditions are associated with cCDL, which has increased mortality. These factors can be used to identify patients needing timely access to treatment or transfer to a higher level of care.