Predictors Of 30-day Readmission Research Articles

Abstract 15368: Index Admission and Thirty-day Readmission Outcomes of Cancer Patients Presenting With Stemi

Introduction: National-level data of cancer patients’ readmissions after a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are lacking. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to describe rates and causes of 30-day readmissions in this population. Methods: Among patients who were admitted with STEMI in the United States National Readmission Database (NRD) from October 2015-December 2017, we identified patients with the diagnosis of active breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer. The primary endpoint was 30-day unplanned readmission rate. Secondary endpoints included in-hospital outcomes during the index admission and causes of readmissions. A propensity score model was used to compare the outcomes of cancer and no cancer patients. Results: A total of 385,522 patients were included in the current analysis (Cancer= 5,956, No Cancer=379,566). After propensity score matching, 23,880 patients were compared (Cancer=5,949, No Cancer=17,931). Cancer patients had higher 30-day readmission (19% vs 14%, p<0.01). The most common causes for readmission among cancer patients were cardiac (31%), followed by infectious (21%), hematological and oncological (17%), respiratory (4%), stroke (4%) and renal (3%). During the first readmission, cancer patients had higher in-hospital mortality (15% vs 7%; p<0.01) and bleeding complications (31% vs 21%; p<0.01). In multivariate logistic regression, cancer status (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.6, p<0.01) was an independent predictor for 30-day readmission. Conclusions: About one in five cancer patients presenting with STEMI will be readmitted within 30 days. Cancer patients’ 30-day readmissions are still predominantly cardiac-related but with a higher proportion of admissions for infectious, cancer-related and bleeding and than those without cancer.

Identification of risk factors of 30-day readmission and 180-day in-hospital mortality, and its corresponding relative importance in patients with Ischemic heart disease: a machine learning approach

ABSTRACT Background: The primary objective of this study is to identify non-laboratory predictors for 30-day hospital readmission and 180-day in-hospital mortality rates among patients hospitalized with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Research design and methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients (≥ 40 years) with a primary diagnosis of IHD. Data were extracted from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration dataset from 2006 to 2016. A machine learning approach was used to identify predictors of 30-day hospital readmission and 180-day in-hospital mortality. Results: 346,390 patient records for incident IHD cases were identified. The top two predictors of 30-day readmission were the length of stay and the Elixhauser comorbidity index for readmission [ECI] (Area Under the Curve [AUC]=88%) using decision tree algorithms. For in-hospital mortality, the top two predictors were LOS and ECI (AUC=92%) using gradient boosting regressors. The cumulative 30-day readmission and the 180-day probability of mortality rates were 9.82% and 4.6% respectively. Conclusions: Risk factors of 30-day readmission and 180-day mortality in hospitalized IHD patients identified by machine learning and their relative importance (value) will help pharmacists and other health care providers to prioritize their disease management strategies as they improve the care provided to IHD patients.

Thirty-day readmission rates, trends and its impact on liver transplantation recipients: a national analysis

Reduction of early hospital readmissions is a declared goal in the United States economic and quality improvement agenda. A retrospective study was performed using the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014. Our primary aim was to study the rate of early readmissions and its predictors in liver transplant recipients (LTRs). Our secondary aims were to determine the trends of LT, reasons for readmission, costs and predictors of calendar year mortality. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were utilized. The 30-day readmission rate was 30.6% among a total of 25,054 LTRs. Trends of LT were observed to be increased in patients > 65 years (11.7–17.8%, p < 0.001) and decreased in 40–64 years (78.0–73.5%, p = 0.001) during study period. The majority of 30-day readmissions were due to post transplant complications, with packed red blood cell transfusions being the most common intervention during readmission. Medicaid or Medicare insurance, surgery at low and medium volume centers, infections, hemodialysis, liver biopsy, and length of stay > 10 days were the predictors of 30-day readmission. Moreover, number of early readmission, age > 64 years, non-alcoholic cirrhosis, and length of stay > 10 days were significant predictor of calendar year mortality in LTRs. Approximately one third of patients require early admission after LT. Early readmission not only increases burden on healthcare, but is also associated with calendar year mortality. Strategies should be implemented to reduce readmission in patients with high risk of readmission identified in our study.

Wound complications and 30-day readmissions after single and bilateral internal mammary grafting: Analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

This study compares the postoperative outcomes, 30-day readmission rates, and incidence of sternal wound infection-related readmissions between patients receiving bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMA) and single internal mammary artery (SIMA) grafting during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We utilized the weighted 2013-2014 National Readmission Database claims to identify all US adult patients who underwent CABG utilizing SIMA (n = 279,891) or BIMA (n = 11,651). Thirty-day overall and wound-related readmissions, in-hospital outcomes, costs, lengths of stay (LOS) at readmissions were compared between the two groups. Predictors of 30-day readmission were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. After propensity matching (n = 10,339 pairs), there were no significant differences between the two groups during the index hospitalization, except for higher total hospital costs in the BIMA group (p = .02). The incidence of wound infections was also comparable between BIMA and SIMA (1.1% vs. 1.2%; p = .50). At 30-days, the overall readmission rate was elevated in SIMA patients (9.5% vs. 8.8%; p < .01), primarily impacted by cardiovascular causes. While the proportion of 30-day readmissions due to infections was significantly higher among BIMA versus SIMA patients (20.4% vs. 15.9%; p < .01), wound infections during the index hospitalization did not predict all-cause 30-day readmission among BIMA patients (p = .24) in the risk-adjusted analysis. Among the readmitted patients, LOS (6.4 vs. 6.2 days), costs ($14,440 vs. $16,461), and in-hospital mortality (2.4% vs. 1.7%) were comparable between the two groups (all p > .05). BIMA grafting is not an independent predictor of all-cause 30-day readmissions. Cardiovascular causes remain the primary driver of 30-day readmissions among SIMA and BIMA patients after CABG.

Association of seizure co-morbidity with early hospital readmission among traumatic brain injury patients

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the frequency of seizure co-morbidity and its independent association with 30-day readmission rate among patients hospitalized with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States. Methods The data source was the 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database. We included adults (Age ≥18 years) with a primary discharge diagnosis of TBI, identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 800.0, 801.9, 803.0, 804.9, 850.0–854.1, and 959.01. Seizures were diagnosed using the ICD-9-CM codes of 345.x and 780.39. Overall and across pre-specified groups 30-readmission rate was computed. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of 30-day readmission. Results Among 76,062 unweighted adults discharged with a diagnosis of TBI, 7,776 (10.14%) had a secondary discharge diagnosis of seizures.A total of 1,751 (2.3%) patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of TBI were readmitted within 30 days. On multivariate logistic analysis, patients discharged with a secondary diagnosis of seizures were 18% more likely to be readmitted within 30 days compared to those without seizures (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01–1.39, P = .42). Conclusion One in 10 patients hospitalized with TBI in the US have a co-morbid seizure disorder. Seizure co-morbidity conferred 18% greater odds of being readmitted within 30 days.

S0017 Causes and Predictors of 30-Day Readmissions in Patients With Idiopathic Acute Pancreatitis: A Nationwide Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic acute pancreatitis (IAP) accounts for a considerable number of emergency room visits and subsequent hospitalization. The rate and cost readmissions due to AIP is not well known. Therefore, we sought to study the causes and predictors of 30-day readmissions after an index admission with IAP. METHODS: Using the National Readmission database (NRD) from 2016, we identified all patients admitted with IAP using ICD-10 codes. We then evaluated the causes and predictors of 30-day readmission using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 11,517 patients (mean age 52.58 years, 58% women) were diagnosed with IAP at index admission. The most common associated comorbidities were fluid and electrolytes disorders (41.8%), followed by hypertension (40%), iron deficiency anemia (21.6%), depression (20.3%), chronic lung diseases (20.3%) and renal failure (18%). The median length of stay for the cohort was 4 days. The 30-day readmission rate post-IAP index admission was 15.4%. Unspecified acute pancreatitis and IAP comprised the majority of causes for readmission, 22% and 14.5%, respectively. These are followed by sepsis (5.2%), pulmonary disease (3.8%), diabetes mellitus (3.5%), and cardiac disease (3%). The risk of all-cause 30-day readmission was not statistically different based on gender (p = 0.8). Meanwhile, it was higher in patients with anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, weight loss, renal failure, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, depression and drug abuse (p < 0.05 for all). The median cost of 30-day readmissions was $8075.80. CONCLUSION: The rate of 30-day readmissions after IAP is high especially in those with associated comorbidities. These readmissions were associated with significant health care costs. Unspecified acute pancreatitis and IAP were among the two most common causes of readmissions. Our study findings have important clinical implications and might be helpful in developing strategies to decrease readmissions and health care costs.Figure 1.: Causes of 30 days readmission in IAP.

Risk factors for 30-day readmission in adults hospitalized for pulmonary hypertension.

Readmissions for pulmonary hypertension are poorly understood and understudied. We sought to determine national estimates and risk factors for 30-day readmission after pulmonary hypertension-related hospitalizations. We utilized the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmission Database, which has weighted estimates of roughly 35 million discharges in the US. Adult patients with primary International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes of 416.0 and 416.8 for primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension with an index admission between 2012 and 2014 and any readmission within 30 days of the index event were identified. Predictors of 30-day readmission were identified using multivariable logistic regression with adjustment for covariates. Results showed that the national estimate for Primary Pulmonary Hypertension vs Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension-related index events between 2012 and 2014 with 30-day readmission was 247 vs 2550 corresponding to a national readmission risk estimate of 17% vs 18.3%, respectively. The presence of fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and alcohol abuse were associated with increased risk of readmission in Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, while factors associated with Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension readmissions included anemia, congestive heart failure, lung disease, fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, diabetes, and liver disease. The median cost of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension admissions and readmissions were $46,132 (IQR: $25,384–$85,647) and $41,604.50 (IQR: $22,481.50–$84,420.50), respectively. The median costs of Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension admissions and readmissions were $34,893 (IQR: $19,670–$66,143) and $36,279 (IQR: $19,059–$74,679), respectively. In conclusion, approximately 19% of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension and Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension hospitalizations result in 30-day readmission, with significant costs accrued during the index hospitalization and readmission. With evolving clinical terminology and diagnostic codes, future study will need to better clarify underlying factors associated with readmissions amongst pulmonary hypertension sub-types, and identify methods and procedures to minimize readmission risk.

S0603 Acute, Chronic, and End-Stage Kidney Disease Are Independent Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Patients With Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Findings From a Nationwide Analysis

S0603 Acute, Chronic, and End-Stage Kidney Disease Are Independent Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Patients With Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Findings From a Nationwide Analysis

Causes and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Elderly Patients With Delirium.

To study 30-day readmission (30-DR) rate and predictors for readmission among elderly patients with delirium. This was a retrospective observational cohort study of patients aged ≥65 years with discharge diagnosis of delirium identified from the Nationwide Readmission Database using common International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and Clinical Modification codes linked to delirium diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed adjusting for stratified cluster design to identify patient/system-specific factors associated with 30-DR. Overall, the 30-DR rate was 17% (7,140 of 42,655 weighted index admissions). The common causes of readmission were systemic diseases (43%), infections (27%), and neurologic diseases (18%). Compared with initial hospitalization, readmission costs were higher ($11,442 vs $10,350, p < 0.0001) with a longer length of stay (6.6 vs 6.1 days, p < 0.0001). Independent predictors of readmission included discharge against medical advice (odds ratio [OR] 1.8, p < 0.0034), length of stay (OR 1.3, p < 0.0001), and chronic systemic diseases (anemia, OR 2.4, p < 0.0001, chronic renal failure OR 1.4, p < 0.0001, congestive heart failure OR 1.3, p < 0.0001, lung disease OR 1.2, p < 0.0004, and liver disease OR 1.2, p < 0.03). Private insurance was associated with a lower risk of readmission (OR 0.78, p < 0.02). The main predictors of readmission were chronic systemic diseases and discharge against medical advice. These data may help design directed clinical care pathways to optimize medical management and postdischarge care to reduce readmission rates.

Use of the MMPI-2 personality profile in predicting 30-day ED-visits and readmissions following primary bariatric surgery

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is used for psychological screening of bariatric surgery (BS) candidates. To date, no studies have analyzed the relationship between MMPI-2 and early returns to hospital. The aim of this study was to determine whether high T scores on the MMPI-2 clinical scales were associated with early return to hospital after primary bariatric surgery. Patients who completed an MMPI-2 evaluation, undergoing primary BS from 2014 to 2016 were evaluated. T score for the tested scales were collected and stratified into a high T score (T>65) vs not (T<65). The optimal 'cut-point' (specific number of high T scores predicting likelihood for 30-day ED-visit/hospital readmission) was calculated using Youden's Index (J)=Max(c) [sensitivity (c)+specificity (c)-1], where c=number of scales with a T score>65. Patients were stratified based on the optimal cut-point which was determined to be≥4 high T scores. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify differences between groups and predictors for early ED-visits and hospital readmissions. 375 patients had psychological evaluations available for review. Patients were divided into those with≥4 high T scores (Scr(≥4); n=86) versus not (Scr (<4); n=289). Multivariate analysis showed Scr(≥ 4) (aOR 2.99, CI 1.20-7.47; p=0.019), bipolar disorder (aOR 4.82, CI 1.25-18.83; p=0.022), and urgent hospital complications (aOR6.81, CI 2.02-22.91; p=0.002), were significant independent predictors of 30-day readmissions. Early ED-visits were significantly predicted by public insurance (aOR 3.30, CI 1.22-8.91; p=0.019), but the effect of the Scr(≥4) profile (aOR 2.42, CI 0.97-6.09; p=0.06), while influential, did not reach significance. Differences in personality traits may be associated increased 30-day readmissions following primary bariatric surgery. Our study represents a novel application of the MMPI-2.

Rates and Predictors of 30-Day Readmissions in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery in the US: a Nationwide Study.

Among various therapeutic options for morbid obesity, bariatric surgery (BS) is now considered one of the most effective methods of weight loss. We decided to perform an analysis to look at 30-day all-cause readmission and independent predictors of readmission in patients undergoing BS. We queried the 2017 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) using ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes to identify all adult patients who underwent BS from January 1 to November 30, 2017. Outcomes assessed were 30-day readmission rates, mortality, length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization costs, and independent predictors of readmission. A total of 182,848 adult patients underwent BS during hospitalization in 2017, with in-hospital mortality rate of 0.52% (951). Of the patients discharged, 4.99% (9088) patients were readmitted within 30days. The most common primary diagnosis at readmission was "Other complications of other bariatric surgery". When compared with index admission, readmitted patients had higher in-hospital mortality (0.52% vs 2.06%, p < 0.01), increased mean LOS (2.94days vs 5.94days, p < 0.01) but lower mean hospitalization charges ($67,763 vs $66,065, p < 0.01). Increasing age (HR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.006-1.014, p < 0.01), longer LOS (HR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.008-1.014, p < 0.01), higher comorbidity score (HR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.12-1.18, p < 0.01), CHF (HR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.01-1.42, p < 0.05), and AKI (HR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.34-2.02, p < 0.01) were independently associated with increased likelihood of 30-day readmission. This study shows that almost 5% patients undergoing bariatric surgery are readmitted within 30days of discharge in the US. Further studies are needed to assess the high-risk populations to understand the reasons predisposing to early readmission.

Frequency and predictors of 30-day readmission after an index hospitalization for generalized convulsive status epilepticus: A nationwide study

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to assess the frequency and factors associated with all-cause 30-day readmission among patients hospitalized with generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) in a nationwide sample in the United States. MethodsWe used The 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) as the data source. We included adults (age ≥18 years) with a primary discharge diagnosis of GCSE, identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 345.3. We excluded patients who died during hospitalization and those who had missing information on the length of stay (LOS). We also excluded those discharged in December 2014. We computed the overall 30-day readmission rate and compared prespecified groups by their 30-day readmission status. We applied a multiple logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors of all-cause 30-day readmission adjusting for potential confounders. ResultsAmong 14,562 (weighted 31,062) adults discharged with a diagnosis of GCSE, 2520 (17.3%) were readmitted within 30 days. In multivariate analysis, patients with comorbid conditions (odds ratio (OR) for Charlson Comorbidities Index (CCI) = 1 and ≥2 was 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0–1.36 and 1.32, 95% CI: 1.17–1.48, respectively), LOS >6 days (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.05–192), discharged against medical advice (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.09–1.92), or discharged to a short-term hospital (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.0–1.88), had higher odds of 30-day readmission, while there was an inverse association for those aged ≥45 years or with high income. Seizures were the most common cause associated with readmission, followed by sepsis and cerebrovascular diseases, respectively. SignificanceLittle is known about the frequency and predictors of early readmission after GCSE. This study showed that more than one in six patients with GCSE was readmitted within 30 days after discharge. More considerable attention to high-risk subgroups may identify opportunities to ameliorate the clinical outcome and lessen the economic burden of early readmission after GCSE.

Thirty-Day Readmissions After Aseptic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: Rates, Predictors, and Reasons Vary by Surgical Indication

BackgroundRevision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is performed for different surgical indications. With increasing attention being focused to minimize readmission risk, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was used to assess 30-day readmissions after rTHA for 3 aseptic indications. MethodsPatients undergoing rTHA were identified in the 2013-2017 NSQIP and classified as being performed for osteolysis/aseptic loosening, recurrent dislocation, or periprosthetic fracture. Rates and predictors of 30-day readmission were determined by indication. Reasons for readmission were also assessed as being either related or unrelated to the surgical site. ResultsOf 6104 patients meeting inclusion criteria, osteolysis/aseptic loosening represented 46% of the revisions (readmission rate: 6.2%), recurrent dislocation represented 33.2% (readmission rate: 10.9%), and periprosthetic fractures represented 20.9% (readmission rate: 9.3%). These readmission rates represented statistically significant variation across the 3 indications (P < .0001). On multivariate analysis, demographic, procedural, and postoperative predictors of readmission varied by indication.The osteolysis/aseptic loosening and periprosthetic fracture cohorts had surgical site-related readmissions in 43.9% and 42.4% of readmitted cases, respectively. On the contrary, readmissions after rTHA performed for recurrent dislocation were mostly surgical site-related (63.3%) and driven primarily by a postoperative dislocation. Further multivariate analysis showed that the rTHA indication of recurrent dislocation itself was the strongest predictor (odds ratio, 3.34; P < .0001) of a postoperative dislocation leading to a 30-day readmission. ConclusionThirty-day readmissions varied from 6.2% to 10.9% based on surgical indication for aseptic rTHA. Reasons for readmission also differed across the 3 cohorts. These findings may aid postoperative care pathways and protocol optimization.

Rate, Causes, and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission Following Hospitalization for Acute Pericarditis

BackgroundAcute pericarditis is a frequent cause of hospitalization in the United States. Although recurrence of this condition is common, few studies have investigated hospital readmissions in this patient population. MethodsWe queried the National Readmission Database for the years 2016 and 2017 to identify adult admissions for acute pericarditis, and analyzed the data for 30-day readmission. Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, we identified clinical characteristics that were independently predictive of hospital readmission within 30 days. ResultsA total of 21,335 patients (mean age 52.5 ± 0.2 years; 38.3% women) who were discharged following hospitalization for acute pericarditis were included. The rate of 30-day readmission was 12.9% (n = 2740). Increasing age (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.05 per 5-year increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.09; P < 0.001), female sex (adjusted HR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.18-1.49; P < 0.001), dialysis dependence (adjusted HR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.30-2.22; P < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (adjusted HR 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11–1.45; P < 0.001), and presence of pericardial effusion (adjusted HR 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.49; P = 0.02) were independently associated with a higher risk of readmission. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher after readmission than for the index hospitalization (3.4% vs 1.0%, P < 0.001). ConclusionAfter hospitalization for acute pericarditis, readmission within 30 days is common and is associated with increased mortality. Identification of characteristics associated with a higher risk of readmission may lead to focused interventions to improve outcomes.

P1092Syncope in the emergency department: can 24-hour holter monitoring be of any help?

Abstract Background Syncope is a very common reason for presenting to the emergency department (ED). The existence of a telemetry unit is crucial but it is not the reality in some hospitals. In order to avoid unnecessary ward admission, 24-hour Holter (24HH) monitoring could be useful to help with the diagnosis (when the arrhythmic etiology is suspected and the symptoms are frequent enough) and also be important to safely discharge a patient. Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 24HH monitoring, during a syncope episode in the ER, and to compare the readmission rates between patients with normal and abnormal not diagnostic 24HH monitoring. Methods A cohort study of consecutive patients (P) who were monitored with 24HH in one hospital in the ED, between January 2015 and December 2017, were included. All the 24HH results were seen by a senior cardiologist and divided in three groups: A - normal, B - abnormal Holter study unlikely to explain syncope and C- Holter study considered to be diagnostic. Groups A and B were compared using chi-square independence test to evaluate association between the result of the 24HH and readmission rates at 30 days and 1 year, as well as mortality and device implantation at 1 year. Multivariate logistic regression was used to look for other confounders. Results A total of 111 P were included in this study. Mean age was 75 ± 14 years old, with 55.6% male patients. A previous emergency episode with syncope was present in 56.9% of P. The mortality at one-year follow-up was 11.9%. The 24HH was considered diagnostic in 25.2% of P (28 P), with 18.9% of all the P with necessity of pacemaker (PM) implantation. In the patients with a non-diagnostic 24HH, 6,4% implanted a loop recorder before discharge. Group B patients had a higher 30-day readmission rate to the ED when compared with group A (OR = 4.050 CI 95 [1.13 – 14.497], p = 0.033), but no difference in one-year readmission rate (p= 0.065). There was no difference in one-year mortality between the two groups (p= 0.731) or in one-year implantation of pacemaker (p= 0.431). Conclusion The use of 24HH in the ED could be a valuable tool in the diagnosis of rhythm disorders that cause syncope. An abnormal non diagnostic result can still be a predictor of 30-day readmission to the ED with similar complaints.

Predictors of 30-day readmission and resource utilization after thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

The introduction and expansion of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) have revolutionized the treatment of a variety of thoracic aortic diseases. We sought to evaluate the incidence, causes, predictors and costs associated with 30-day readmission after TEVAR in a nationally representative cohort. Adult patients undergoing isolated TEVAR were identified in the National Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014. Hospital costs were estimated by converting individual hospital charge data adjusted to 2014 consumer price indices. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to determine hospital- and patient-level factors associated with readmissions. A total of 24983 TEVARs were noted during the study period; the average age of the patients was 65 ± 16 years; 40% were women. The most common indication was an intact thoracic aneurysm (43.5%), followed by aortic dissection (30.5%). The average cost of the index admission was $63644 ± $52312; the average hospital stay was 11 ± 14 days; the index mortality rate was 6.7%. Readmissions within 30 days occurred in 17.4% of patients. Indications for readmission were varied; the most common aetiologies were cardiac (17.8%), infectious (16.0%) and pulmonary (12.1%). On multivariable analysis, the strongest predictor of readmission was the diagnosis, with a ruptured thoraco-abdominal aneurysm having the highest readmission burden (adjusted odds ratio 2.23, 1.17-4.24; P = 0.015). Notably, hospital volume did not predict index hospital length of stay, costs or 30-day readmissions (all P > 0.10). Annual TEVAR volume was not associated with any of the outcomes assessed. Rather, indication for TEVAR was the strongest predictor for many outcomes. As TEVAR becomes increasingly utilized, a focus on cardiac and vascular diseases may reduce readmissions and improve quality of care.

Short-term outcomes associated with inpatient ventricular tachycardia catheter ablation.

Utilization of catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) has steadily increased in recent years. Exploring short-term outcomes is vital in health care planning and resource allocation. The Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014 was queried using the ICD-9 codes for VT (427.1) and catheter ablation (37.34) to identify study population. Incidence, causes of 30-day readmission, in-hospital complications as well as predictors of 30-day readmissions, complications, and cost of care were analyzed. Among 11725 patients who survived to discharge after index admission for VT ablation, 1911 (16.3%) were readmitted within 30 days. Paroxysmal VT was the most common cause of 30-day readmission (39.51%). Dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease (CKD), previous CABG, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic pulmonary disease, and anemia predicted increased risk of 30-day readmissions. The overall in-hospital complication rate was 8.2% with vascular and cardiac complications being the most common. Co-existing CKD and CHF and the need for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) predicted higher complication rates. Similarly increasing age, CKD, CHF, anemia, in-hospital use of MCS or left heart catheterization, teaching hospital, and disposition to nursing facilities predicted higher cost. Approximately one in six patients was readmitted after VT ablation, with paroxysmal VT being the most common cause of the readmission. A complication rate of 8.2% was noted. We also identified a predictive model for increased risk of readmission, complication, and factors influencing the cost of care that can be utilized to improve the outcomes related to VT ablation.

RATE, CAUSES AND PREDICTORS OF 30-DAY READMISSIONS FOLLOWING CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING IN THE UNITED STATES

Studies on hospital readmissions following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are very limited. We investigated the rate, causes, and predictors of 30-day readmissions following CABG. We analyzed the National Readmission Database for the year 2016 using appropriate ICD-10-CM codes to identify

Length of stay and 30-day readmissions after isolated humeral shaft fracture open reduction and internal fixation compared to intramedullary nailing

IntroductionOpen reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) and intramedullary nailing (IMN) have similar union rates for treating humerus shaft fractures, but IMN leads to increased incidence of shoulder impingement and reoperation. The difference in 30-day readmission rate and length of stay (LOS) between these procedures is unknown. The objective of the study was to compare 30-day unplanned readmissions and length of stay between humeral shaft fractures fixed with either ORIF or IMN. MethodsThe nationwide readmissions database (NRD) was queried for patients with humeral shaft fractures treated with ORIF or IMN between 2015–2016. IMN cases were propensity matched to ORIF cases based on demographic and co-morbid variables. Multivariable logistic regression determined if treatment modality was an independent risk factor for 30-day readmission or length of stay >3 days. ResultsThere were 406 patients treated with IMN matched to 406 patients treated with ORIF. The 30-day readmission rate was 6.4% for IMN and 4.9% for ORIF (p = 0.45), and the median LOS was 3 days for each group (p = 0.45). Congestive heart failure (CHF)(OR=2.7, p = 0.04), depression (OR=3.3, p = 0.0008), and electrolyte abnormality (OR=3.6, p = 0.0003) were independent risk factors for readmission. Older age (OR=1.02, p = 0.03), CHF (OR=2.4, p = 0.03), electrolyte abnormality (OR=2.6, p = 0.0001), obesity (OR=2.8, p<0.0001), Medicaid (OR=2.1, p = 0.04), discharge to a facility (OR = 5.2, p<0.0001), discharge with home health services (OR=2.4, p = 0.0003), and open fracture (OR=2.3, p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for LOS >3 days. Procedure (ORIF vs. IMN) was not a predictor of 30-day readmission or LOS >3 days. ConclusionComorbid conditions are risk factors for 30-day readmission and increased LOS. Comorbidity, discharge disposition, and open fractures are risk factors for increased LOS. Treating humeral shaft fractures with either ORIF or IMN did not affect readmission or length of stay.

Etiologies and predictors of readmission among obese and morbidly obese patients admitted with heart failure.

The relationship between severity of obesity and outcomes in heart failure (HF) has long been under debate. We studied index HF admissions from the 2013-14 National Readmission Database. Admissions were separated into three weight-based categories: non-obese (Non-Ob), obese (Ob), and morbidly obese (Morbid-Ob) to analyze hospital mortality and readmission at 30days and 6months. We investigated etiologies and predictors of 30-day readmission among these weight categories. We studied a total of 578,213 patients of whom 3.0% died during index hospitalization (Non-Ob 3.3% vs. Ob 1.9% vs. Morbid-Ob 1.9%; p< 0.01). Non-Ob comprised 79.5%, Ob 9.9%, and Morbid-Ob 10.6% of patients. Morbid-Ob patients were the youngest among age categories and more likely to be female. In-hospital mortality during readmission at 30days and 6months was significantly lower among Morbid-Ob and Ob compared with Non-Ob patients (all p< 0.01). Thirty-day readmission among Morbid-Ob was lower than Non-Ob and higher than Ob patients (19.6% vs. 20.5% vs. 18.6%, respectively; p< 0.01). Morbid-Ob patients were less likely to be readmitted for cardiovascular etiologies compared with both Ob and Non-Ob (45.0% vs. 50.3% vs. 50.6%; p< 0.01). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that Ob (adjusted odds ratio 0.84, 95% confidence intervals 0.82-0.86) and Morbid-Ob (aOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.81-0.85) were independently associated with lower 30-day readmission. Readmission at 6months was highest among Morbid-Ob followed by Non-Ob and Ob (51.1% vs. 50.2% vs. 49.1%, p< 0.01). Morbid-Ob and Ob patients experience lower in-hospital mortality during index HF admission and during readmission with 30days or 6months compared with Non-Ob. Morbid-Ob patients experience greater readmission at 6months despite the lower rate at 30days post discharge. Morbid-Ob patients are most likely to be readmitted for non-cardiovascular causes.