The effect of household income on outcomes following supratentorial meningioma resection

Objective: This study assesses the impact of Median Household Income (MHI) on shortand long-term morbidity and mortality following supratentorial meningioma resection. Patients and methods: 351 consecutive patients undergoing supratentorial meningioma tumor resection, at a single health system over a six-year period (June 09, 2013 to April 26, 2019) were analyzed retrospectively. Outcomes assessed included readmission, emergency department (ED) evaluation, and mortality within 90 days of surgery. Univariate regression analysis was conducted amongst the entire population. The population was then divided into quartiles based on median household income and univariate analysis was conducted between the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q4) quartiles. Significance was set at a P-value < 0.05. Stepwise regression was performed to identify confounding variables in the logistic model. Results: In the whole population, lower Median Household Income correlated to a significant increase in ED evaluation within 90-days of supratentorial meningioma resection. No significant difference was noted between median household income and 90-day readmission, 90-day unplanned re-operation, return to surgery after index admission within 90-days, return to surgery during the duration of the follow-up period, mortality within 90 days, and mortality during the duration of the follow-up period. In addition, when comparing Q1 (MHI <= $51,780) and Q4 (MHI >= $87,958), similar results were noted with increased ED evaluation for patients with lower MHI, but no significant difference in other factors of morbidity or mortality. Conclusion: Following supratentorial meningioma resection, a lower median household income was significantly associated with increased emergency department visits within 90 post-operative days.