Predictors of hospital readmission in US children and adults with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

BackgroundDecreasing readmissions is a health care priority in the United States. However, little is kanown about the determinants of hospital readmissions for atopic dermatitis (AD). ObjectiveTo determine readmission rates among inpatients hospitalized for AD in the United States. MethodsWe analyzed the 2012-2014 Nationwide Readmission Database, including a representative, cross-sectional sample of hospital readmissions in the United States. ResultsOverall, 17.0% of inpatients with AD were readmitted within 1 year for all causes, including 12.5% with only a single readmission and 4.6% for AD. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models, hospital readmission for AD was associated with below-median household income, being uninsured, having a prolonged initial hospitalization, but inversely associated with older age and a diagnosis of infection. Inpatients admitted for AD on a weekend, in the summer, or in autumn were more likely to be readmitted for AD. Hospital characteristics associated with readmission for AD included nonmetropolitan hospital location and hospital teaching status. ConclusionOne in 5 inpatients with AD are readmitted within 1 year for all causes. There are socioeconomic and health care disparities in readmission rates for AD.