Publication Cover
Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings
The peer-reviewed journal of Baylor Scott & White Health
Volume 35, 2022 - Issue 3
156
Views
3
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Research

Effect of constipation on outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients

, MD, , MD, , MD, , MD, , MD & , MD
Pages 284-290 | Received 15 Dec 2021, Accepted 17 Jan 2022, Published online: 10 Feb 2022
 

Abstract

Constipation can be a significant clinical challenge that can compromise management plans and prolong hospital stays. Our goal was to examine the effects of constipation on mechanically ventilated patients, with outcomes related to inpatient stays. We retrospectively analyzed critically ill patients hospitalized with constipation in the 2016 to 2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Constipation was defined using Rome IV criteria. Critically ill patients were defined as mechanically ventilated from admission day 1. Our primary outcome was length of stay (LOS) and total hospital charge. Secondary outcomes included predictors of mortality in critically ill patients with constipation. The study included 2,351,119 weighted discharges of mechanically ventilated patients in the NIS database. Of these, 3.7% had constipation. The adjusted LOS was 3.4 days longer in patients with constipation vs those without it (P < 0.001). The adjusted inpatient hospital cost was $31,762 higher in patients with constipation (P < 0.001). Men had higher LOS and inpatient costs. Constipation was not associated with increased inpatient mortality (P < 0.001). Several conditions increased mortality in critically ill patients with constipation, including peritonitis, fecal impaction, and bowel obstruction.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.