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Articles of Interest

June 20, 2008

This weekly compilation of articles appearing in recently released journals and newsletters includes:

Articles funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Articles mentioning or discussing AHRQ staff, activities, and publications/products.
Articles related to AHRQ-funded Evidence-based Practice Centers.
Articles related to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force or Put Prevention into Practice program.
Articles mentioning the National Healthcare Disparities Report and National Healthcare Quality Report.
Other research using AHRQ data or products.

AHRQ-Funded/Authored Articles

American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ness RB, Grainger DA. Male reproductive proteins and reproductive outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008 Jun; 198(6):620.e1-e4. [Supported by grant HS08358.] Select to access the abstract.

Archives of Surgery
Gray SH, Vick CC, Graham LA, et al. Risk of complications from enterotomy or unplanned bowel resection during elective hernia repair. Arch Surg 2008 Jun; 143(6):582-6. [Supported by grant 5 T32 HS013852.] Select to access the abstract.

Arthritis & Rheumatism
Saag KG, Teng GG, Patkar NM,, et al. American College of Rheumatology 2008 recommendations for the use of nonbiologic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2008 Jun 15; 59(6):762-84. [Supported by contract U18-H510389.]

Chest
Kuzniewicz MW, Wasilevskis EE, Lane R, et al. Variation in ICU risk-adjusted mortality: impact of methods of assessment and potential confounders. Chest 2008 Jun; 133(6):1319-27. [Supported by grant R01 HS13919-01.] Select to access the abstract.

Journal of Clinical Rheumatology
Callahan LF, Freburger JK, Mielenz TJ, et al. Medical skepticism and the use of complementary and alternative health care providers by patients followed by rheumatologists. J Clin Rheumatol 2008 Jun; 34(6):478-85. [Supported by grant T32 HS000032.] Select to access the abstract.

Journal of Health Economics
Pylypchuk Y, Selden TM. A discrete choice decomposition analysis of racial and ethnic differences in children's health insurance coverage. J Health Econ 2008 Jul; 27(4):1109-28. [Authors are researchers in AHRQ's Center for Financing, Access and Cost Trends; cites AHRQ's National Healthcare Disparities [Differences] Report, 2005; uses 2004-2005 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data.] Select to access the abstract.

Journal of Infectious Diseases
Carpenter LR, Pont SJ, Cooper WO, et al. Stool cultures and antimicrobial prescriptions related to infectious diarrhea. J Infect Dis 2008 Jun 15; 197(12):1709-12. [Supported by grant T32 HS13833.] Select to access the abstract.

Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Taplin S, Abraham L, Barlow WE, et al. Mammography facility characteristics associated with interpretive accuracy of screening mammography. J Natl Cancer Inst 2008 Jun 18; 100(12):876-87. [Supported by grant R01 HS010591.] Select to access the abstract.

Journal of Women's Health
Anthony M, Lee KY, Bertram CT, et al. Gender and age differences in medications dispensed from a national chain drugstore. J Womens Health 2008 Jun; 17(5):735-43. [Supported by grant HS017001 to Arizona Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTS).] Select to access the abstract.

Medical Care Research and Review
Hearld LR, Alexander JA, Fraser I, Jiang HJ. Review: how do hospital organizational structure and processes affect quality of care?: a critical review of research methods. Med Care Res Rev 2008 Jun; 65(3):259-99. [Third and fourth authors are director of and researcher in AHRQ's Center for Delivery, Organization, and Markets, respectively. Also go to article by Lanzkron S, et al. (Ann Intern Med, 2008) cited in Evidence-based Practice Centers—Related Articles.] Select to access the abstract.

AHRQ-Related Articles

Annals of Internal Medicine
Sanders GD, Bayoumi AM, Holodniy M, et al. Cost-effectiveness of HIV screening in patients older than 55 years of age. Ann Intern Med 2008 Jun 17; 148(12):889-903. [Cites AHRQ-funded articles by Bindman, et al. (JAMA, 1998), Bozzette, et al. (N Engl J Med, 1998), and HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS) Consortium (N Engl J Med, 2001).] Select to access the abstract.

Mehrotra A, Keehl-Markowitz L, Ayanian JZ. Implementing open-access scheduling of visits in primary care practices: a cautionary tale. Ann Intern Med 2008 Jun 17; 148(12):915-22. [Cites AHRQ-funded articles by Sperl-Hillen, et al. (Prev Chronic Dis, 2008), Safran, et al. (J Gen Intern Med, 2006) and Landon, et al. (Ann Intern Med, 2004).] Select to access the abstract.

American College of Physicians. Information on cost-effectiveness: an essential product of a national comparative effectiveness program. Ann Intern Med 2008 Jun 17; 148(12):956-61. [Cites Neumann, et al. (Value Health, 2005) and Neumann, et al. (Am J Manag Care, 2008).] Select to access the abstract.

Garber AM. A menu without prices. Ann Intern Med 2008 Jun 17; 148(12):964-66. [Cites AHRQ-authored article by Tunis, Stryer, and Clancy (second and third authors are former center director and current AHRQ director, respectively; JAMA, 2003).]

Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy Journal
DeTurk WE, Scott LB. Physical therapists as providers of care: exercise prescriptions and resultant outcomes in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs in New York state. Cardiopulm Physical Ther J 2008 June; 19(2):35-43. [Cites AHRQ guideline, Cardiac Rehabilitation, 1995.]

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
Shiva F, Padyab M. Smoking practices and risk awareness in parents regarding passive smoke exposure of their preschool children; a cross-sectional study in Tehran. Indian J Med Sci 2008 Jun; 62(6):228-35. [Cites Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) data.] Select to access the abstract.

International Journal for Quality in Health Care
Tam KW, Kwok KH, Fan YM, et al. Detection and prevention of medication misadventures in general practice. Int J Qual Health Care 2008 Jun; 20(3):192-9. [Cites AHRQ-funded articles by Bates et al. (JAMA, 1995 and 1997) and Morimoto, et al. (Qual Saf Health Care, 2004.] Select to access the abstract.

Social Science & Medicine
Cabassa LJ, Hansen MC, Palinkas LA, et al. Azúcar y nervios: explanatory models and treatment experiences of Hispanics with diabetes and depression. Soc Sci Med 2008 Jun; 66(12):2413-2424. [Cites AHRQ-funded article by Dwight-Johnson, et al. (J Gen Intern Med, 2000).] Select to access the abstract.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)/Put Prevention Into Practice (PPIP)-Related Articles

Milbank Quarterly
Mechanic D. Rethinking medical professionalism: the role of information technology and practice innovations. Milbank Q 2008 Jun; 86(2):327-58. [Notes that "...just following the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which are more carefully derived than many recommendations from professional societies and consumer health groups, would consume most of the time that primary care physicians spend caring for patients," citing article by Yarnall, et al. (Am J Prev Health, 2003).] Select to access the abstract.

New England Journal of Medicine
Coates RJ, Khoury MJ, Gwinn M. Five genetic variants associated with prostate cancer. N Engl J Med 2008 Jun 19; 358(25):2738; author reply, 2741. [Cites USPSTF article, "Screening for prostate cancer: recommendations and rationale" (Ann Intern Med, 2002).] Select to access the abstract.

Evidence-based Practice Centers-Related Articles

Annuals of Internal Medicine
Lanzkron S, Strouse JJ, Wilson R, et al. Systematic review: hydroxyurea for the treatment of adults with sickle cell disease. Ann Intern Med 2008 Jun 17; 148(12):939-55. [Presents results from AHRQ-funded systematic evidence review supported by contract funded by contract 290-02-0018 to the Johns Hopkins EPC.] Select to access the abstract.

Brawley OW, Cornelius LJ, Edwards LR, et al. National Institutes of Health consensus development conference statement: hydroxyurea treatment for sickle cell disease. Ann Intern Med 2008 Jun 17; 148(12):932-38. [Based on AHRQ-funded systematic evidence review cited above.] Select to access the abstract.

Research by Others Using AHRQ Data or Products

American Journal of Gastroenterology
Nguyen GC, Kaplan GG, Harris ML, et al. A national survey of the prevalence and impact of Clostridium difficile infection among hospitalized inflammatory bowel disease patients. Am J Gastroenterol 2008 Jun; 103(6):1443-50. [Uses HCUP Nationwide Impatient Sample (NIS) data for 2002, and cites Whalen, et al. HCUP Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) Comparison Report, 2002 (AHRQ Report 2005-03).] Select to access the abstract.

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Jamal MM, Samarasena JB, Hashemzadeh M, et al. Declining hospitalization rate of esophageal variceal bleeding in the United States. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008 Jun; 6(6):689-95; quiz 605. [Uses 1988-2002 HCUP NIS data and State Ambulatory Surgery Database (SASD) data for New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Colorado, and Florida.] Select to access the abstract.

Strate LL, Ayanian JZ, Kotler G, et al. Risk Factors for Mortality in Lower Intestinal Bleeding. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008 Jun 14. [Epub ahead of print. Uses 2002 HCUP NIS data to identify characteristics associated with in-hospital mortality of patients with lower intestinal bleeding (LIB).] Select to access the abstract.

Disease Management
Shen C, Sambamoorthi U, Rust G. Co-occurring mental illness and health care utilization and expenditures in adults with obesity and chronic physical illness. Dis Manag 2008 Jun; 11(3):153-60. [Uses 2003 MEPS data.] Select to access the abstract.

European Spine Journal
Vleeming A, Albert HB, Ostgaard HC, et al. European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain. Eur Spine J 2008 Jun;17(6): 794-819. [Uses grading system based on the original ratings in AHRQ guideline, Acute Low Back Problems in Adults, 1994.] Select to access the abstract.

International Journal of Medical Informatics
Bonis, PA, Pickens GT, Rind DM, et al. Association of a clinical knowledge support system with improved patient safety, reduced complications and shorter length of stay among Medicare beneficiaries in acute care hospitals in the United States. Int J Med Inform 2008 Jun 17; 1-9. [Uses (AHRQ patient safety indicators; cites AHRQ publication, Quality Indicators—Guide to Patient Safety Indicators, 2005.] Select to access the abstract.

Journal of the American College of Surgeons
Sosa JA, Mehta PJ, Wang TS, et al. A population-based study of outcomes from thyroidectomy in aging Americans: at what cost? J Am Coll Surg 2008 Jun; 206(3):1097-105. [Uses 2003-2004 HCUP NIS data to study all patients undergoing thyroidectomy and their surgeon providers; cites HCUPnet 2003-2004.] Select to access the abstract.

Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
Foad SL, Mehlman CT, Ying J. The epidemiology of neonatal brachial plexus palsy in the United States. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2008 Jun; 90(6):1258-64. [Uses 1997, 2000, and 2003 HCUP Kids' Inpatient Database (KID); cites AHRQ publication, Introduction to the HCUP Kids' Inpatient Database (KID), 2003.] Select to access the abstract.

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Cheung K, Roman SA, Wang TS, et al. Calcitonin measurement in the evaluation of thyroid nodules in the United States: a cost-effectiveness and decision analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008 Jun; 93(6):2173-80. [Uses 2000-2001 HCUP NIS data.] Select to access the abstract.

Journal of Neurosurgery
Andaluz N, Zuccarello M. Recent trends in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms: analysis of a nationwide inpatient database. J Neurosurg 2008 Jun; 108(6):1163-9. [Uses 1993-2003 HCUP NIS data to identify trends in therapy and outcomes for cerebral aneurysms in the United States.] Select to access the abstract.

Journal of Pediatrics
Murphy TV, Syed SB, Holman RC, et al. Pertussis-associated hospitalizations in American Indian and Alaska Native infants. J Pediatr 2008 Jun; 152(6):839-43. [Uses 2003 HCUP KID data on pertussis hospitalizations for the general US infant population; cites Kids' Inpatient Database, 2003 (CD-ROM), 2005, KID Database Documentation, 2006; and Calculating Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) Variances, 2005; acknowledges support by Andrew Mosso for provision of "programming assistance with the HCUP KID national estimates in collaboration with the AHRQ" and "the contributions of the IHS/tribal staff of participating hospitals and the many statewide data organizations that participated in the HCUP and supported the development and distribution of the KID."] Select to access the abstract.

Pediatrics
Kronman MP, Hall M, Slonim AD, et al. Charges and lengths of stay attributable to adverse patient-care events using pediatric-specific quality indicators: a multicenter study of freestanding children's hospitals. Pediatrics 2008 Jun; 121(6):e3-1659. [Uses and cites AHRQ patient-safety indicators (PSIs) and pediatric-specific quality indicators.] Select to access the abstract.

Spine
Patil CG, Lad EM, Lad SP, et al. Visual loss after spine surgery: a population-based study. Spine 2008 Jun 1; 33(13):1491-6. [Uses 1993-2002 HCUP NIS data and Clinical Classifications Software; cites AHRQ publication Calculating Nationwide Impatient Sample Variances, 2002.] Select to access the abstract.

Spine Journal
Patil CG, Santarelli J, Lad SP, et al. Inpatient complications, mortality, and discharge disposition after surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis: a national perspective. Spine J 2008 Mar 19. [Epub ahead of print. Uses 1993-2002 NIS data and AHRQ's Elixhauser comorbidity software (Elixhauser et al, Med Care, 1998); cites AHRQ publication Calculating Nationwide Inpatient Sample Variances, 2002.] Select to access the abstract.

Urology
Hollenbeck BK, Dunn RL, Gilbert SM, et al. Effects of laparoscopy on surgical discharge practice patterns. Urology 2008 Jun; 71(6):1029-34. [Uses 2003 HCUP NIS data to study the influence of local pressures on discharge physician practice style as measured by length of stay (LOS).] Select to access the abstract.

Current as of June 2008

Internet Citation:

Articles of Interest, June 20, 2008. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/news/articles/art062008.htm