Outcomes in patients hospitalized for periapical abscess in the United States An analysis involving the use of a nationwide inpatient sample

Background. Severe infections resulting from periapical abscesses may warrant hospitalization. The authors conducted a study to investigate the factors affecting outcomes for patients hospitalized for periapical abscess in the United States in 2007. Methods. The authors used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project for 2007. They selected for analysis all hospitalizations attributed primarily to periapical abscess. Outcomes examined included hospitalization charges, length of stay and type of admission (emergency or urgent versus elective). They used multivariable regression analysis to examine the effects of patient-related factors (including age, sex, presence of comorbid conditions, insurance status, type of periapical abscess and discharge disposition) on outcomes. Results. In 2007, 7,886 hospitalizations were attributed primarily to periapical abscess. Total hospital charges were $105.8 million. Periapical abscess also resulted in a total of 23,001 hospitalization days. The mean hospitalization charges and length of stay were $13,590 and 2.92 days, respectively. The authors found an association between patients with comorbid conditions and higher charges and longer length of stay (P < .05). Of all hospitalizations, 91 percent occurred on an emergency or urgent basis. The percentage was significantly higher among uninsured patients than among those with private insurance (P < .05). Conclusion. The study provides nationally representative estimates of outcomes associated with hospitalizations due to periapical abscess, and it highlights the substantial resources needed to treat patients hospitalized for this condition.