Alexandros Cordero
Pronouns: He/Him
Research Mentor(s): Sarah Fox
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Pediatric Surgery / Medicine
Program:
Authors:
Session: Session 2: 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Poster: 25
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disease which causes chronic inflammation of the bowel and comprises two major types: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Between 2007 and 2016, there has been a 133% increase in the prevalence of pediatric IBD in the United States1. Despite advancements in treatment for IBD, nearly 5% of pediatric IBD patients still require surgery within one year of diagnosis and nearly 18% require surgery within five years2. There are significant disparities in health outcomes of pediatric IBD patients that exist based on certain social markers such as income and race. Black children with IBD have been found to present with more active disease at diagnosis and higher rates of hospital readmissions after surgery3. Conducting a study which improves our understanding of the connection between social determinants of health and surgical outcomes can serve as a catalyst for future treatment plans which increase equity in care and outcomes of children with IBD. The connection will be investigated through retrospective cohort study of IBD patients at different hospital systems across the United States. Data from epic (online health system) will be extracted and chart reviews of each patient will take place to identify all patients with crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. We will then evaluate the following: rates of surgery by race, neighborhood deprivation status, and insurance status; 30-day postoperative complications; time to restoration of intestinal continuity (remission) after procedure. Data collection has just started to take place, and until the entire patient set is finished, data can not be analyzed and a conclusion can not yet be made. Based on previous knowledge concerning the connection between social determinants and post-operative outcomes of IBD patients, it is highly probable that a link between race and negative postoperative outcomes will be found. The results and conclusions that will arise from this study will not only have implications for the treatment of IBD, but also in healthcare as a whole. IBD is not the only disease which presents a disparity involving race and social status, so it serves as a starting point to improve equity amongst patients who are affiliated with other diseases.
