All Publications

  • Translating Outcomes Data Into Improved Shared Decision-Making in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices. JAMA network open Rajasingh, C. M., Wren, S. M. 2020; 3 (11): e2025673

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.25673

    View details for PubMedID 33180126

  • Readmission risk and costs of firearm injuries in the United States, 2010-2015 PLOS ONE Spitzer, S. A., Vail, D., Tennakoon, L., Rajasingh, C., Spain, D. A., Weiser, T. G. 2019; 14 (1)

    View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0209896

    View details for Web of Science ID 000456700400008

  • Readmission risk and costs of firearm injuries in the United States, 2010-2015. PloS one Spitzer, S. A., Vail, D., Tennakoon, L., Rajasingh, C., Spain, D. A., Weiser, T. G. 2019; 14 (1): e0209896

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: In 2015 there were 36,252 firearm-related deaths and 84,997 nonfatal injuries in the United States. The longitudinal burden of these injuries through readmissions is currently underestimated. We aimed to determine the 6-month readmission risk and hospital costs for patients injured by firearms.METHODS: We used the Nationwide Readmission Database 2010-2015 to assess the frequency of readmissions at 6 months, and hospital costs associated with readmissions for patients with firearm-related injuries. We produced nationally representative estimates of readmission risks and costs.RESULTS: Of patients discharged following a firearm injury, 15.6% were readmitted within 6 months. The average annual cost of inpatient hospitalizations for firearm injury was over $911 million, 9.5% of which was due to readmissions. Medicare and Medicaid covered 45.2% of total costs for the 5 years, and uninsured patients were responsible for 20.1%.CONCLUSIONS: From 2010-2015, the average total cost of hospitalization for firearm injuries per patient was $32,700, almost 10% of which was due to readmissions within 6 months. Government insurance programs and the uninsured shouldered most of this.

    View details for PubMedID 30677032

  • Letter to the Editor ANNALS OF SURGERY Spitzer, S. A., Vail, D., Rajasingh, C. M., Tennakoon, L., Spain, D. A., Weiser, T. G. 2018; 268 (6): E77–E78

    View details for Web of Science ID 000452668900043

  • Retinoic acid and BMP4 cooperate with p63 to alter chromatin dynamics during surface epithelial commitment NATURE GENETICS Pattison, J. M., Melo, S. P., Piekos, S. N., Torkelson, J. L., Bashkirova, E., Mumbach, M. R., Rajasingh, C., Zhen, H., Li, L., Liaw, E., Alber, D., Rubin, A. J., Shankar, G., Bao, X., Chang, H. Y., Khavari, P. A., Oro, A. E. 2018; 50 (12): 1658-+

    View details for DOI 10.1038/s41588-018-0263-0

    View details for Web of Science ID 000451434400012

  • Retinoic acid and BMP4 cooperate with p63 to alter chromatin dynamics during surface epithelial commitment. Nature genetics Pattison, J. M., Melo, S. P., Piekos, S. N., Torkelson, J. L., Bashkirova, E., Mumbach, M. R., Rajasingh, C., Zhen, H. H., Li, L., Liaw, E., Alber, D., Rubin, A. J., Shankar, G., Bao, X., Chang, H. Y., Khavari, P. A., Oro, A. E. 2018

    Abstract

    Human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation promises advances in regenerative medicine1-3, yet conversion of hESCs into transplantable cells or tissues remains poorly understood. Using our keratinocyte differentiation system, we employ a multi-dimensional genomics approach to interrogate the contributions of inductive morphogens retinoic acid and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and the epidermal master regulator p63 (encoded by TP63)4,5 during surface ectoderm commitment. In contrast to other master regulators6-9, p63 effects major transcriptional changes only after morphogens alter chromatin accessibility, establishing an epigenetic landscape for p63 to modify. p63 distally closes chromatin accessibility and promotes accumulation of H3K27me3 (trimethylated histone H3 lysine 27). Cohesin HiChIP10 visualizations of chromosome conformation show that p63 and the morphogens contribute to dynamic long-range chromatin interactions, as illustrated by TFAP2C regulation11. Our study demonstrates the unexpected dependency of p63 on morphogenetic signaling and provides novel insights into how a master regulator can specify diverse transcriptional programs based on the chromatin landscape induced by exposure to specific morphogens.

    View details for PubMedID 30397335

  • Full-Thickness Chemical Burn From Trifluoroacetic Acid: A Case Report and Review of the Literature ANNALS OF PLASTIC SURGERY Rochlin, D. H., Rajasingh, C. M., Karanas, Y. L., Davis, D. J. 2018; 81 (5): 528–30

    Abstract

    Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) burns are an ill-defined entity due to a lack of reported sizable burns from this chemical. In this case report of the largest reported burn from TFA, we demonstrate that TFA causes extensive, progressive full-thickness tissue injury that may initially appear superficial. Trifluoroacetic acid does not seem to involve the systemic toxicities that result from hydrofluoric acid burns, and there is no role for calcium gluconate in acute management based on this case. Operative intervention should be staged because wound beds may initially seem healthy yet demonstrate continued necrosis.

    View details for PubMedID 30059387

  • Trauma-induced insurance instability: Variation in insurance coverage for patients who experience readmission after injury Rajasingh, C., Weiser, T. G., Knowlton, L. M., Tennakoon, L., Spain, D. A., Staudenmayer, K. L. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2018: 876–84

    View details for DOI 10.1097/TA.0000000000001832

    View details for Web of Science ID 000435351800006

  • Drug-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension: a primer for clinicians and scientists AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LUNG CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY Orcholski, M. E., Yuan, K., Rajasingh, C., Tsai, H., Shamskhou, E. A., Dhillon, N. K., Voelkel, N. F., Zamanian, R. T., Perez, V. 2018; 314 (6): L967–L983

    View details for DOI 10.1152/ajplung.00553.2017

    View details for Web of Science ID 000440951300006

  • Self-inflicted gunshot wounds: readmission patterns JOURNAL OF SURGICAL RESEARCH Rajasingh, C. M., Tennakoon, L., Staudenmayer, K. L. 2018; 223: 22–28

    Abstract

    Self-inflicted gunshot wounds (SI-GSWs) are often fatal, but roughly 20% of individuals survive. What happens to survivors after the initial hospitalization is unknown. We hypothesized that the SI-GSW survivors are frequently readmitted and that the pattern of readmission is different from that of the survivors of non-GSW self-harm (SH).We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the 2013 and 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database. Patients with any diagnosis indicating deliberate SH in the first 6 months of the year were included. This group was divided into those who had SI-GSW as their mechanism and those who did not. Weighted numbers are reported.A total of 1987 patients were admitted for SI-GSW in the study period. Many (n = 506, 26%) experienced at least one readmission in 6 months. When compared with non-GSW SH patients, readmission rates were not statistically different (26% versus 26%, P = 0.60). However, readmissions for repeat SH were lower for the SI-GSW cohort (3% versus 7%, P = 0.004). Readmission for the SI-GSW cohort less frequently had a primary diagnosis of psychiatric illness (28% versus 57%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, there was no difference in odds ratios (OR) of all-cause readmission between the two groups. SI-GSW was associated with a lower OR of repeat SH readmission compared with non-GSW SH (OR 0.65, P = 0.039).Readmissions after an SI-GSW are frequent, highlighting the burden of this injury beyond the index hospitalization. There are differences in readmission patterns for SI-GSW patients versus non-GSW SH patients, and this suggests that prevention and follow-up strategies may differ between the two groups.

    View details for PubMedID 29433877

  • DRUG INDUCED PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION: A PRIMER FOR CLINICIANS AND SCIENTISTS. American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology Orcholski, M. E., Yuan, K. n., Rajasingh, C. n., Tsai, H. n., Shamskhou, E. A., Dhillon, N. K., Voelkel, N. F., Zamanian, R. T., de Jesus Perez, V. A. 2018

    Abstract

    Drug-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (D-PAH) is a form of World Health Organization (WHO) Group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH) defined by severe small vessel loss and obstructive vasculopathy, which leads to progressive right heart failure and death. To date, 16 different compounds have been associated with D-PAH, including anorexigens, recreational stimulants, and more recently, several Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications. While the clinical manifestation, pathology, and hemodynamic profile of D-PAH are indistinguishable from other forms of PAH, its clinical course can be unpredictable and to some degree dependent on removal of the offending agent. Since only a subset of individuals develop D-PAH, it is probable that genetic susceptibilities play a role in the pathogenesis, but the characterization of the genetic factors responsible for these susceptibilities remains rudimentary. Besides aggressive treatment with PH-specific therapies, the major challenge in the management of D-PAH remains the early identification of compounds capable of injuring the pulmonary circulation in susceptible individuals. The implementation of pharmacovigilance, precision medicine strategies, and global warning systems will help facilitate the identification of high-risk drugs and incentivize regulatory strategies to prevent further outbreaks of D-PAH. The goal for this review is to inform clinicians and scientists of the prevalence of D-PAH and to highlight the growing number of common drugs that have been associated with the disease.

    View details for PubMedID 29417823

  • Trauma-induced insurance instability: Variation in insurance coverage for patients who experience readmission after injury. The journal of trauma and acute care surgery Rajasingh, C. M., Weiser, T. G., Knowlton, L. M., Tennakoon, L. n., Spain, D. A., Staudenmayer, K. L. 2018; 84 (6): 876–84

    Abstract

    Traumatic injuries result in a significant disruption to patients' lives, including their ability to work, which may place patients at risk of losing insurance coverage. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of injury on insurance status. We hypothesized that trauma patients with ongoing health needs experience changes in coverage.We used the Nationwide Readmission Database (2013-2014), a nationally representative sample of readmissions in the United States. We included patients aged 27 years to 64 years admitted with any diagnosis of trauma with at least one readmission within 6 months. Patients on Medicare and with missing payer information were excluded. The primary outcome was payer status.57,281 patients met inclusion criteria, 11,006 (19%) changed insurance payer at readmission. Of these, 21% (n = 2,288) became uninsured, 25% (n = 2,773) gained coverage, and 54% (n = 5,945) switched insurance. Medicaid and Medicare gained the largest fraction of patients (from 16% to 30% and 0% to 18%, respectively), with a decrease in private payer coverage (37% to 17%). In multivariate analysis, patients who were younger (27-35 years vs. 56-64 years; odds ratio [OR], 1.30; p < 0.001); lived in a zip code with average income in the lowest quartile (vs. the highest quartile; OR, 1.37; p < 0.001); and had three or more comorbidities (vs. none; OR, 1.61; p < 0.001) were more likely to experience a change in insurance.Approximately one fifth of trauma patients who are readmitted within 6 months of their injury experience a change in insurance coverage. Most switch between insurers, but nearly a quarter lose their insurance. The government adopts a large fraction of these patients, indicating a growing reliance on government programs like Medicaid. Trauma patients face challenges after injury, and a change in insurance may add to this burden. Future policy and quality improvement initiatives should consider addressing this challenge.Epidemiologic, level III.

    View details for PubMedID 29443863

  • Letter to the Editor. Annals of surgery Spitzer, S. A., Vail, D., Rajasingh, C. M., Tennakoon, L., Spain, D. A., Weiser, T. G. 2017

    View details for PubMedID 29266006

  • Risk Factors for Deliberate Self-Harm after Major Operative Procedures Rajasingh, C. M., Tennakoonc, L., Spain, D. A., Staudenmayer, K. L. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. 2017: E113

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2017.07.831

    View details for Web of Science ID 000413319300272

  • National Readmission Patterns of Isolated Splenic Injuries Based on Initial Management Strategy. JAMA surgery Rosenberg, G. M., Knowlton, L. n., Rajasingh, C. n., Weng, Y. n., Maggio, P. M., Spain, D. A., Staudenmayer, K. L. 2017; 152 (12): 1119–25

    Abstract

    Options for managing splenic injuries have evolved with a focus on nonoperative management. Long-term outcomes, such as readmissions and delayed splenectomy rate, are not well understood.To describe the natural history of isolated splenic injuries in the United States and determine whether patterns of readmission were influenced by management strategy.The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Readmission Database is an all-payer, all-ages, longitudinal administrative database that provides data on more than 35 million weighted US discharges yearly. The database was used to identify patients with isolated splenic injuries and the procedures that they received. Adult patients with isolated splenic injuries admitted from January 1 through June 30, 2013, and from January 1 through June 30, 2014, were included. Those who died during the index hospitalization or who had an additional nonsplenic injury with an Abbreviated Injury Score of 2 or greater were excluded. Univariate and mixed-effects logistic regression analysis controlling for center effect were used. Weighted numbers are reported.Initial management strategy at the time of index hospitalization, including nonprocedural management, angioembolization, and splenectomy.All-cause 6-month readmission rate. Secondary outcome was delayed splenectomy rate.A weighted sample of 3792 patients (2146 men [56.6%] and 1646 women [43.4%]; mean [SE] age, 48.5 [0.7] years) with 5155 admission events was included. During the index hospitalization, 825 (21.8%) underwent splenectomy, 293 (7.7%) underwent angioembolization, and 2673 (70.5%) had no procedure. The overall readmission rate was 21.1% (799 patients). Readmission rates did not differ based on initial management strategy (195 patients undergoing splenectomy [23.6%], 70 undergoing angioembolism [23.9%], and 534 undergoing no procedure [20%]; P = .33). Splenectomy was performed in 36 of 799 readmitted patients (4.5%) who did not have a splenectomy at their index hospitalization, leading to an overall delayed splenectomy rate of 1.2% (36 of 2967 patients). In mixed-effects logistic regression analysis controlling for patient, injury, clinical, and hospital characteristics, the choice of splenectomy (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.66-1.31) vs angioembolization (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.72-1.97) as initial management strategy was not associated with readmission.This national evaluation of the natural history of isolated splenic injuries from index admission through 6 months found that approximately 1 in 5 patients are readmitted within 6 months of discharge after an isolated splenic injury. However, the chance of readmission for splenectomy after initial nonoperative management was 1.2%. This finding suggests that the current management strategies used for isolated splenic injuries in the United States are well matched to patient need.

    View details for PubMedID 28768329