VA Loma Linda Healthcare System Loma Linda, California
Introduction: Limited information exists on racial and ethnic disparities in patient diagnosed with colonic gastrointestinal angioectasias (CGIAE). We therefore evaluated incidence of CGIAEC using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) over a three year period from 2016-2018. The primary aim of the study was to determine the incidence, demographics and comorbidities among difference racial groups and ethnicities.
Methods: Categorical data analyzed via chi square test with Rao-Scott correction. Numerical data was analyzed by a version of the Kruskal Wallis test that is modified for complex survey data. Population data tables were used from Health Care Utilization Project (HCUP) to determine national population for different groups. This study was approved by the institutional review board for the VA Loma Linda Healthcare System.
Results: The incidence of CGIAE was highest in African-Americans (AA) and lowest among Hispanics (H) when compared to non-Hispanic Whites (nHW). Incidence of CGIAE in H was lower compared to either AA or nHW despite a similar age. Length of stay, age and Charlson score was not different among the different racial and ethnic groups. A significantly higher proportion of the patients in the lowest income category based on zipcode were noted to be AA. In addition, AAs were more likely to be hospitalized in the large urban hospitals within the higher density urban areas versus fringe or micropolitan locations when compared to nHW.
Discussion: CGIAE is an important cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. It is important to understand the different racial and ethnic differences when CGIAE is diagnosed. The incidence of CGIAE may be more prevalent among AA and patients who are lower socioeconomic status and obtain care at large urban hospitals.
