Potential Risk Factors For Readmission Research Articles

Postpartum management of hypertension and effect on readmission rates

Postpartum hypertension is a source of significant morbidity and mortality in the United States. While advances have been made in the peripartum management of hypertension, there is little data to guide ongoing management postpartum. To determine whether an association exists between (1) hospital readmission and (2) hypertension in the 12 hours before discharge and the prescription of antihypertensive medications at the time of discharge. The secondary objective included evaluating the median time to readmission for hypertensive complications. This was a retrospective cohort study of all women with peripartum hypertension at a single tertiary care center over a 3-year period (2017-2019). Peripartum hypertension was defined as any systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg on 2 occasions, 4 hours apart, in the electronic medical record during the patients' admission for delivery. As potential risk factors for readmission, we also identified if the patients were discharged with a prescription for antihypertensive medication and assessed the blood pressure measurements during the 12 hours before discharge. The primary outcome of interest was postpartum readmission because of hypertensive complications. Readmission was defined as emergency room evaluation or hospital readmission because of hypertensive complications. Analysis was stratified into 4 comparison groups on the basis of the blood pressure and antihypertensive medications on discharge. The rate of postpartum readmissions was calculated. The risks of readmission were estimated using logistic regression and were adjusted for appropriate confounding variables. Of 14,577 women who gave birth during the study period, 3480 (24%) met the definition of peripartum hypertension. Of those, 176 (5.1%) were readmitted within a median of 3 days from discharge. Sixty percent of patients readmitted had an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code for peripartum hypertension assigned by providers during their admission. Women with systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg before discharge were at a higher risk of readmission irrespective of being discharged with antihypertensive medication. Compared with those who were discharged normotensive, women who had hypertension in the 12 hours before discharge and were discharged with an antihypertensive prescription were at a significantly increased risk of readmission, adjusted odds ratio, 2.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-7.57. Untreated hypertension within 12 hours before discharge was associated with a 32% higher risk of readmission in those who were not prescribed antihypertensive medications at discharge and a 3-fold increased risk of readmission in patients discharged on antihypertensive medication. These findings highlight the importance of treatment to normalize the blood pressure for at least 12 hours before discharge.

Ninety-Day Readmission After Open Surgical Repair of Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection

BackgroundInvestigations into readmissions after surgical repair of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) remain scarce. We analyzed potential risk factors for readmission after TAAD. MethodsThe 2013 to 2014 US Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for TAAD index hospitalizations and 90-day readmissions indicated by diagnostic and procedural codes. Multivariable analysis was completed to identify risk factors and the most common reasons for readmission. ResultsWe identified 6975 patients (65% men; mean age, 60.0 ± 0.4 years) who underwent surgical repair for TAAD. Overall 2062 patients (29.6%) were readmitted within 90 days: 634 (30.7%) during the first 30 days and 1428 (69.3%) during days 31 through 90. Readmitted patients had a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease at index admission (18.0% vs 11.6%, P = .002), greater overall index length of stay (17.8 ± 0.6 vs 15. 5 ± 0.4 days; P = .0003), and greater index hospitalization cost ($90,637 ± $2691 vs $80,082 ± $2091; P = .0003). Mortality during readmission was 3.6% (n = 74). Indications for readmission were most commonly cardiac (26.2%), infectious (17.8%), and pulmonary (11.7%). Multivariate analysis identified 2 independent risk factors for readmission: acute kidney injury (odds ratio, 1.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-1.78; P < .0001) and an Elixhauser comorbidity index > 4 (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.49; P = .009). ConclusionsAfter surgical repair of TAAD, approximately 30% of patients were readmitted within 90 days, two-thirds of them during the 31- to 90-day period. Targeted improvements in perioperative care and postdischarge follow-up of patients with multiple comorbidities could mitigate readmission rates. Efforts to reduce readmissions should be continued throughout the 90-day period.

Patient Characteristics Associated With Readmission to 3 Neurology Services at an Urban Academic Center.

Hospital 30-day readmissions in patients with primary neurological problems are not well characterized. We sought to determine patient characteristics associated with readmission across 3 different inpatient neurology services at New York University Langone Hospital. We retrospectively reviewed all 30-day readmissions from the General Neurology, Epilepsy, and Stroke services at NYULH Brooklyn and Manhattan campuses from 2016-2017 and compared them to a random sample of non-readmitted neurology patients. We used univariate analyses to compare demographics, clinical characteristics, disease specific metrics, and discharge factors of non-readmitted and readmitted groups and binomial logistic regression to examine specific variables with adjustment for confounders. We included 284 patients with 30-day readmissions and 306 control patients without readmissions matched by discharge location and service. After adjusting for confounders, we found that the following factors were associated with increased readmission risk: a recent hospital encounter increased risk for all services, increased number of medications at discharge, intensive care unit stay, higher length of stay, and prior history of seizure for the General Neurology Service, increased number of medications at discharge for the Epilepsy Service, and active malignancy and higher discharge modified Rankin Scale score for the Stroke Service. This study identifies potential risk factors for readmission in patients across multiple neurology services. Further research is needed to establish whether these risk factors hold across multiple institutions.

Risk factors for early readmission after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background and aims:Patients discharged after treatment for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at high risk for readmission. We aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for readmission.Methods:We included 16,105 patients who had claimed their medical expenses from 1 May 2014 to 1 May 2016 after discharge from any medical facility in Korea, following treatment for acute exacerbation of COPD. We analysed the potential risk factors for readmission within 30 days of discharge.Results:Readmission rate was 26.4% (3989 patients among 15,101 patients) and over 50% of readmissions occurred within 10 days of discharge. Approximately 57% of readmissions occurred due to respiratory causes. Major causes of readmission were COPD (27%), pneumonia (14.2%), and lung cancer (7.1%), in that order. Patients who were readmitted were male, had more comorbidities and were less frequently admitted to tertiary hospitals than those who were not readmitted. Risk factors for readmission within 30 days of discharge were male sex, medical aid coverage, longer hospital stay, longer duration of systemic steroid use during hospital stay, high comorbid condition index, and discharge to skilled nursing facility.Conclusion:Readmission occurred in approximately one-quarter of patients, and was associated with patient-related and clinical factors. Using these results, we can identify high-risk patients for readmission and precautions are needed to be taken before deciding on a discharge plan. Further research is needed to develop accurate tools for predicting the risk of readmission before discharge, and development and evaluation of an effective care programme for COPD patients are necessary.The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Risk factors for 30-day readmission after colorectal surgery: does transfer status matter?

BackgroundRates of readmission after colorectal surgery (CRS) range from 9% to 25% and cost the US $300 million annually. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for 30-d readmission after CRS. Our hypothesis was that transfer from an outside hospital before CRS increases incidence of 30-d readmission. MethodsUsing the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmissions Database, a retrospective analysis of surviving adult patients who underwent inpatient colon and/or rectal resection from 2010 to 2014 was performed. Using multivariable logistic regression, we assessed the direct effect of potential risk factors for readmission, including demographics, hospital characteristics, comorbidities, indication for CRS, and transfer status to the index hospital where the CRS was performed. ResultsA total of 336,792 patients were included, and 13% (n = 43,546) were readmitted within 30 d. Overall, 1% of patients (n = 3652) were transferred from another hospital for surgery, and these patients were more likely to be older, have comorbidities, have public insurance, and have low income. After adjustment, age, insurance type, household income, comorbidities, and primary indication for CRS were all significant predictors of readmission. Transfer status did not meaningfully impact the incidence of readmission after accounting for patient and hospital characteristics (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00, 1.18). Patients with primary indications of trauma (aOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.48, 2.38), inflammatory bowel disease (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.1.56, 1.71), and ischemia (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.1.59, 1.97) were most likely to be readmitted. Patients treated at a rural nonteaching hospital, compared with those at a urban teaching hospital, were significantly less likely to be readmitted (aOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.76, 0.83). ConclusionsPreoperative factors, such as patient comorbidities and primary indications for CRS, are important risk factors for postoperative readmission. Although transfer status does not independently predict readmission, it serves as a proxy for a high-risk group of patients that could be targeted for future interventions.

Readmissions after pediatric cardiac surgery : An institutional experience from a tertiary care children's hospital

Background: Readmission after operations for congenital heart defects has significant implications for patient care and finances. Approximately 10% to 20% of children are readmitted after congenital heart surgery. Objectives: To determine the rate and risk factors for readmission post discharge after pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods: 150 patients who underwent surgical operations for congenital heart conditions and discharged were analysed when they required readmission to hospital. Readmission was defined as ‘admission to any hospital within 30 days after discharge after index hospitalization due to any cause’. To identify the risk factors preoperative, operative and post-operative factors were evaluated. Univariate comparisons analyses between readmission and No-readmission groups and multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify potential risk factors for re-admission. Results: There were 39 (26%) re-admissions in 150 patients. The reasons for readmission were due to respiratory complications 12 (30%) followed by 9(22.5%) for infectious complications, 7(17.5%) each with cardiac and gastrointestinal complications each. ICU stay was significantly longer in readmitted children than compared to other group. The duration of antibiotic use during hospital stay was significantly higher in the readmission group as compared to the No-readmission group (p Conclusion: The incidence of readmission after surgery for congenital cardiac defects in children remains high. Efforts focussing on reducing the length of postoperative stay in the cardiac intensive care unit and the total duration of hospitalization may be beneficial.

Incidence and Predictors of 30-day Readmission among Patients Hospitalized for Clostridium difficile Infection

Introduction:Clostridium difficile infection is associated with high costs and health-care utilization. Patient characteristics and risk for hospital readmission within 30 days for CDI have not been well elucidated. In this study, we evaluated patient, hospital and clinical predictors of readmission after CDI hospitalizations. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis using the National Readmission Database (NRD) from January 2013-December 2013 in adult patients (Age>18 years) discharged with a primary diagnosis of CDI. Index stays were identified from January to November to allow for a 30-day readmission window for all index stays. Index stays required “live” discharge status and available length of stay. Clinical variables were based on secondary diagnoses at the time of first admission and selected based on the frequency of occurrence and potential clinical value for risk stratification. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS (Version 9.4, The SAS institute, Cary, NC). Results: Overall 99,162 admissions for CDI met the criteria for index admissions, with 24,002 patients readmitted within 30 days (24%). On multivariate analysis, females were less likely to be readmitted compared to males {OR 0.91 (0.86 - 0.96)}. There were no differences in readmission rates with respect to size or ownership (government vs. private) of hospitals. Patients on Medicaid had higher rates of readmission compared to patients on Medicare {OR 1.12 (1.00 - 1.25)}, while patients with private insurance had lower rates {OR 0.68 (0.61-0.74)}. Patients who were discharged to long-term care (LTC) had a higher likelihood of readmission {OR 1.17 (1.09 -1.26)}. Higher Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI) scores (>1) were associated with readmission {OR 1.71 (1.60 - 1.83)}. Markers of increased severity of illness such as anemia {OR 1.08 (1.02 - 1.15)} and blood transfusion during admission {OR 1.33 (1.22 - 1.47)} were associated with higher odds of readmission.Figure 1Conclusion: In this exploratory study, 24% of discharges for primary CDI are readmitted within 30 days. Increasing comorbid disease, as indicated by the CCI, and increased severity of disease, as indicated by anemia and the need for blood transfusions, were associated with higher odds of readmission. Medicaid patients and those discharged to LTC also had a higher likelihood of readmission. This study identifies important potential risk factors for readmission after CDI that could be addressed in future studies and quality improvement initiatives.

Risk factors for hospital readmission for COPD after implementation of the GOLD guidelines.

Few updated studies have investigated risk factors for readmission for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) since the implementation of the latest treatment guidelines. To evaluate a series of potential risk factors for readmission in patients with COPD and in a subgroup with very frequent readmissions after implementation of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines. Two hundred and fifty patients admitted for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) were recruited over 1 year. The readmission frequency in the ensuing year following hospital discharge was recorded and analysed against potential risk factors collected during the index admission. In the ensuing year, 183 (73.2%) patients were readmitted at least once for AECOPD. Previous non-invasive ventilation for AECOPD (HR 1.56, 95%CI 1.08-2.26), COPD Assessment Test score (HR 1.03, 95%CI 1.00-1.05), 6-minute walk distance (HR 0.98 per 10 m increase, 95%CI 0.97-0.99) and number of admissions for AECOPD in the previous year (HR 1.11, 95%CI 1.06-1.16) were independently associated with time to first readmission. Subgroup analysis showed that anxiety (OR 3.97, 95%CI 1.49-10.57) was strongly associated with very frequent readmissions (⩾4 in 1 year). AECOPD is associated with high rates of readmission. Anxiety is a potential modifiable factor associated with very frequent readmissions.

Analysis of Causes and Risk Factors for Hospital Readmission After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Identification of causes and preventable triggers for hospital readmission after bariatric surgery is very important to implement strategies for surgical outcome optimization. The aim of the study was to analyze our readmissions after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). From our prospectively constructed database, patients who were readmitted to the hospital within the following 30 and 90 days after discharge were analyzed. Hospital charts were reviewed to determine the cause of readmission and the outcome. Potential risk factors for readmission were statistically analyzed. Between June 2004 and November 2013, 657 patients underwent a primary RYGB and 100 revisions. There were 442 (58%) females and 315 (42%) males with a mean age of 40.1 ± 11.5 years and a mean BMI of 42.4 ± 6.5 Kg/m(2). Comorbidities were present in 441 (58.2%) patients. Operations were completed laparoscopically in 741 (97.8%) patients. Mean hospital stay after the RYGB was 2.5 ± 1.6 days. The 30-day and 90-day readmission rate was 2.6 and 4.58%, respectively. Most common causes for readmission at 30 days were gastrointestinal bleeding in 30%, lung disease in 15%, and food intolerance in 15%. At 90 days, they were stricture of the gastrojejunostomy in 20%, gastrointestinal bleeding in 13.3%, and nephrolithiasis in 13.3%. Open surgery and previous upper abdominal surgery were significant risk factors for 90-day readmission. Our readmission rate after RYGB was low. Most common causes for readmission were upper gastrointestinal bleeding and food intolerance. Associated risk factors were open surgery and previous upper abdominal surgery.

Early readmission in patients hospitalized for ulcerative colitis: incidence and risk factors

Objective. Early readmission rates are becoming an integral measure of the quality of care for hospitalized patients with chronic diseases. The incidence and predictors of early readmission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are uncertain. Risk factors for readmission over the first few weeks may differ from those that influence re-hospitalization at later time points. We examined the incidence and predictors of both 30-day and 90-day readmissions among ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. Materials and methods. A retrospective, cohort study was performed including all severe UC patients admitted to a tertiary-care hospital between January 2007 and December 2011. All-cause readmissions to the medical or surgical service within 30 and 90 days were recorded to allow the calculation of early readmission rates. We used multiple logistic regression to analyze demographic, hospital-related, general medical and IBD-specific factors as potential risk factors for readmission. Results. There were a total of 229 patients discharged following hospitalization for severe UC. The 30- and 90-day readmission rates were 11.7% and 20.5%, respectively. Forty-seven percent of early readmissions were for colectomy. In the 30-day analysis, only the presence of extensive colitis (odds ratio 3.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–9.13) compared with left-sided disease was independently associated with readmission. Extensive colitis (3.09, 95% CI 1.33–7.08), albumin on admission (0.56, 0.31–0.99) and being admitted to a housestaff service (2.87, 95% CI 1.14–6.54), were independent predictors of readmission at 90 days. Conclusions. Early readmission is common in IBD. Independent risk factors for early readmission included extensive colitis, admission albumin, and being admitted to a housestaff service.

Reducing readmissions following paediatric cardiothoracic surgery: a quality improvement initiative.

We have previously identified risk factors for readmission following congenital heart surgery - Hispanic ethnicity, failure to thrive, and original hospital stay more than 10 days. As part of a quality initiative, changes were made to the discharge process in hopes of reducing the impact. All discharges were carried out with an interpreter, medications were delivered to the hospital before discharge, and phone calls were made to families within 72 hours following discharge. We hypothesised that these changes would decrease readmissions. The current cohort of 635 patients underwent surgery in 2012. Demographic, preoperative, operative, and postoperative variables were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate risk factor analyses were performed. Comparisons were made between the initial (2009) and the current (2012) cohorts. There were 86 readmissions of 77 patients during 2012. Multivariate risk factors for readmission were risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery score and initial hospital stay >10 days. In comparing 2009 with 2012, the overall readmission rate was similar (10 versus 12%, p=0.27). Although there were slight decreases in the 2012 readmissions for those patients with Hispanic ethnicity (18 versus 16%, p=0.79), failure to thrive (23 versus 17%, p=0.49), and initial hospital stay >10 days (22 versus 20%, p=0.63), they were not statistically significant. Potential risk factors for readmission following paediatric cardiothoracic surgery have been identified. Although targeted modifications in discharge processes can be made, they may not reduce readmissions. Efforts should continue to identify modifiable factors that can reduce the negative impact of hospital readmissions.

Factors Influencing Readmission after Curative Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

The incidence of, and associated risk factors for, readmission after potentially curative gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer has not been well studied. We sought to determine the 30-day readmission rate as well as the potential risk factors for readmission at our institution in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer with curative intent. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing potentially curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer from 1995 to 2011. The 30-day hospital readmission rate was determined, and potential clinicopathologic risk factors for readmission were examined. Readmission to the hospital within 30 days occurred in 14.6% (61 of 418) of patients, including 6 patients who were readmitted more than once. The most common reasons for readmission included nutritional difficulties (n =12, 20%), intra-abdominal fluid collections (n = 11, 18%), and small bowel obstruction (n = 6, 10%). Factors associated with a higher 30-day readmission rate included type of resection (total gastrectomy, 23% vs subtotal gastrectomy, 13% vs esophagogastrectomy, 9%, p = 0.016), pre-existing cardiovascular disease (17%, p = 0.05), and history of a major postoperative complication (24%, p < 0.001). Factors not associated with a higher readmission rate included advanced age, pre-existing pulmonary disease, T or N stage, extent of lymph node dissection, receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy, length of stay of the index hospitalization, and destination and level of support on discharge. Readmission after potentially curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer is common. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, those who suffer major postoperative complications, and those undergoing total gastric resections are at especially high risk for readmission, and strategies designed to support these high-risk patients on discharge are warranted.

Readmissions following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

265 Background: Recent initiatives to improve patient safety and reduce healthcare costs have focused on preventing hospital readmissions. Historically, patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have high rates of hospital readmission. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and reasons for readmissions in allogeneic HSCT patients as well as associated risk factors for readmission. Methods: A retrospective review of patients receiving a myeloablative or reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) HSCT at Dana Farber/Brigham and Women’s Hospital between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010 was performed. Reasons for readmission, along with sociodemographic, disease, and transplant related variables were evaluated. Potential risk factors for readmission were determined by multivariate regression analysis. Results: A total of 1,097 HSCT patients were reviewed. In the myeloablative group, 130 of 495 (26.3%) patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, among whom the majority of patients (71.5%) had one readmission. For RICs, 105 of 602 (17.4%) patients were readmitted within 30 days, among whom 62.9% of patients had one readmission. In the myeloablative group, the most frequent reasons for readmission were infection or fever without identified source (40.7%) and graft versus host disease (GVHD) (23.7%). Similarly, the most common diagnoses at readmission in the RICs were infection or fever without source (54.9%) and GVHD (11.0%). In the RICs, a logistic regression model of the probability of being readmitted suggested active disease (OR 2.0, p=0.005), a mismatched donor (OR 2.4, p=0.029), infection during the index admission (OR 5.8, p&lt;0.0001) and non-private insurance (OR 1.8, p=0.025) are significant factors for readmission within 30 days. Conclusions: Infection and fever without a source were the most common causes of readmission after HSCT. In the RIC group, multiple disease, transplant, and sociodemographic factors were associated with readmission. Better defining the risk factors for readmission in this population will allow for more transitional care resources to be focused on high risk patients.

Patterns and predictors of re-admission to hospital with self-poisoning in Scotland

To identify factors influencing hospital re-admission with self-poisoning. Retrospective cohort follow-up study using national linked hospital discharge data. All Scottish adult hospital episodes with self-poisoning admissions were captured using NHS Scotland Information Services Division data, and first-time 'index' admissions between 1996 and 2002 were identified. Re-admission rate was defined as the proportion of index admissions who went on to have one or more further self-poisoning admissions within 2 years. The effects of various potential risk factors for re-admission were examined using logistic regression. In total, 50,891 index admissions were identified; of these, 8278 patients were re-admitted. The 1-year re-admission rate was 12.2%. Older patients (>65 years) were least likely to be re-admitted [odds ratio (OR) 0.40, P<0.01, compared with patients aged 15-24 years]. No differences were found between males and females. Previous psychiatric hospital admission was associated with an increased re-admission rate (OR 2.85, P<0.01), with a diagnosis of personality disorder associated with the highest rate of re-admission (OR 4.59, P<0.01). Other factors predicting re-admission were: increased deprivation (quintile 3: OR 1.16, P<0.01; quintile 5: OR 1.15, P<0.01, compared with quintile 1); taking medicines for chronic disease, drug dependency (OR 1.6 and 1.19, P < or = 0.02) or antidepressants (OR 1.11, P=0.01) (compared with paracetamol); and co-ingestion of three or more agents (OR 1.37, P<0.01). Younger age, higher deprivation, ingestion of certain drug groups or multiple drug types, and prior psychiatric hospital admission are all risk factors for re-admission with self-poisoning. Personality disorder carried the greatest risk of re-admission. These findings may provide a basis to develop policies to reduce re-admission rates in the future.

Risk factors for readmission after initial diagnosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Specific hospital discharge criteria following the initial diagnosis of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have not been reported. This retrospective cohort study was designed to identify risk factors for readmission during induction therapy, to assist with development of discharge guidelines. We reviewed the records of 142 consecutive children with newly diagnosed B-precursor ALL and found 129 eligible patients. Chi square, t-test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to compare differences in absolute neutrophil count (ANC), NCI risk status, age, type of corticosteroid administered, and other potential risk factors for readmission during induction therapy. ANC at initial hospital discharge was the only significant predictor of readmission for fever during induction therapy (P = 0.006) by multivariate analysis. Specifically an ANC <or=200/mm(3) at discharge had the strongest association with readmission for fever (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.422, 7.729). An ANC >200/mm(3), in a clinically stable patient, is associated with minimal risk of readmission during induction therapy following the initial diagnosis of ALL.