Rehospitalization Rates Of Patients Research Articles

Reinforcement of pimobendan with guideline-directed medical therapy may reduce the rehospitalization rates in patients with heart failure: retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPimobendan reportedly improves the subjective symptoms of heart failure. However, evidence of improved prognosis is lacking. This study aimed to determine whether reinforcing guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) improved rehospitalization rates for worsening heart failure in patients administered pimobendan.MethodsA total of 175 patients with heart failure who were urgently admitted to our hospital for worsening heart failure and who received pimobendan between January 2015 and February 2022 were included. Of the 175 patients, 44 were excluded because of in-hospital death at the time of pimobendan induction. The remaining 131 patients were divided into two groups, the reduced ejection fraction (rEF) (n = 93) and non-rEF (n = 38) groups, and further divided into the GDMT-reinforced and non-reinforced groups.ResultsIn patients with rEF, the rate of rehospitalization for heart failure was significantly lower in the GDMT-reinforced group than in the non-reinforced group (log-rank test, P = .04). However, the same trend was not observed in the non-rEF group.ConclusionsReinforcing GDMT may reduce the heart failure rehospitalization rate in patients with pimobendan administration and rEF. However, multicenter collaborative research is needed.Trial registrationIRB Approval by the Nippon Medical School Hospital Ethics Committee B-2021-433 (April 10, 2023).

Same-Day Discharge After Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Procedures

Information is evolving on the safety of same-day discharge (SDD) after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures. This single-centre retrospective study evaluated the feasibility of SDD and reported on the 30-day rehospitalization rate in patients discharged same-day compared with those admitted overnight after LAAO. Key findings of this study included more than 85% of patients with LAAO were safely discharged same-day; the rate of postdischarge rehospitalization was similar in SDD patients and those admitted overnight; and approximately 1 in 10 patients who had LAAO procedures were rehospitalized within 30 days postprocedure.

The impact of the stress hyperglycemia ratio on mortality and rehospitalization rate in patients with acute decompensated heart failure and diabetes

BackgroundThe relationship between stress hyperglycemia and long-term prognosis in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients is unknown. This study investigated the associations of stress hyperglycemia with mortality and rehospitalization rates among ADHF patients with diabetes.MethodsWe consecutively enrolled 1904 ADHF patients. Among them, 780 were with diabetes. Stress hyperglycemia was estimated using the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR), which was calculated by the following formula: SHR = admission blood glucose/[(28.7 × HbA1c%) – 46.7]. All diabetic ADHF subjects were divided into quintiles according to the SHR. The primary endpoint was all-cause death at the 3-year follow-up. The secondary endpoints were cardiovascular (CV) death and heart failure (HF) rehospitalization at the 3-year follow-up. A Cox proportional hazards model and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to elucidate the relationship between the SHR and the endpoints in diabetic ADHF patients. Further analyses were performed to examine the relationships between SHR and the outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).ResultsA total of 169 all-cause deaths were recorded during a median follow-up of 3.24 years. Restricted cubic spline analysis suggested a U-shaped association between the SHR and the mortality and rehospitalization rates. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed the lowest mortality in the 2nd quintile (P = 0.0028). Patients categorized in the highest range (5th quintile) of SHR, compared to those in the 2nd quintile, exhibited the greatest susceptibility to all-cause death (with a hazard ratio [HR] of 2.76 and a 95% confidence interval [CI] of 1.63–4.68), CV death (HR 2.81 [95% CI 1.66–4.75]) and the highest rate of HF rehospitalization (HR 1.54 [95% CI 1.03–2.32]). Similarly, patients in the lowest range (1st quintile) of SHR also exhibited significantly increased risks of all-cause death (HR 2.33, 95% CI 1.35–4.02) and CV death (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.35–4.00). Further analyses indicated that the U-shape association between the SHR and mortality remained significant in both HFpEF and HFrEF patients.ConclusionBoth elevated and reduced SHRs indicate an unfavorable long-term prognosis in patients with ADHF and diabetes.

Comment: Comparison of Large-Bore Thrombectomy With Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism

Comparison of Large-Bore Thrombectomy With Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for the Treatment of Pulmonary EmbolismJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & InterventionsVol. 2Issue 1100453PreviewThere is significant debate on whether large-bore thrombectomy (LBT) or catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is superior for the treatment of intermediate- and high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) while employing an early invasive strategy through endovascular therapies. Full-Text PDF Open Access Feroze et al1Feroze R. Arora S. Tashtish N. et al.Comparison of large-bore thrombectomy with catheter-directed thrombolysis for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.J Soc Cardiovasc Angiogr Interv. 2023; 2100453Google Scholar retrospectively investigated important problem in contemporary pulmonary embolism (PE) practice by demonstrating that there was no difference in mortality and rehospitalization rates in patients with intermediate-to-high-risk (IHR) PE treated with large-bore thrombectomy compared with those in patients treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). Furthermore, both treatment approaches for PE were similar concerning safety. Given the scarcity of randomized data in this setting and inconclusive evidence base regarding hard clinical end points,2Harvey J.J. Huang S. Uberoi R. Catheter-directed therapies for the treatment of high risk (massive) and intermediate risk (submassive) acute pulmonary embolism.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022; 2022: CD013083Google Scholar,3Pietrasik A. Gąsecka A. Szarpak Ł. et al.Catheter-based therapies decrease mortality in patients with intermediate and high-risk pulmonary embolism: evidence from meta-analysis of 65,589 patients.Front Cardiovasc Med. 2022; 9861307Crossref Scopus (0) Google Scholar we would wish to complement the authors' findings with our own recently published retrospective data.4Giunio L. Lozo M. Borovac J.A. Bradaric A. Zanchi J. Miric D. Feasibility and safety of catheter-directed thrombolysis via superficial cubital vein for the treatment of acute massive and submassive pulmonary embolism.Postepy Kardiol Interwencyjnej. 2021; 17: 389-397Google Scholar In our cohort of patients presenting with IHR acute PE, we performed CDT through the superficial cubital vein using a standard pigtail catheter and administering alteplase locally. This method had a robust effect on hemodynamics because it significantly reduced SPAP, and mean PAP, and improved mean systemic perfusion pressure at 12 hours after intervention with a concomitant reduction in the Miller score and index, both reflecting the angiographic severity of pulmonary artery obstruction and perfusion. Of importance, the rates of adverse events, particularly bleeding, were low with 2 bleeding events of which only 1 required the transfusion of 1 unit of packed red blood cells. Furthermore, procedural success was 100% with no intracranial hemorrhage, access-site bleeding, or death events. However, no comparator was available in our study. Taken together, data from the study by Feroze et al1Feroze R. Arora S. Tashtish N. et al.Comparison of large-bore thrombectomy with catheter-directed thrombolysis for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.J Soc Cardiovasc Angiogr Interv. 2023; 2100453Google Scholar and our own suggest that CDT in patients with IHR acute PE is complementary to mechanical thrombectomy and is equally safe and effective procedure that can be successfully performed by cannulating either small or large veins by experienced operators. This is exquisitely important from the pharmacoeconomic standpoint. An option to use readily available catheters outside of dedicated thrombolytic or thrombectomy systems may provide significant economical savings, especially in resource-limited health care systems. Finally, both interventional approaches have a great potential to help a large proportion of patients with PE, and a transcubital access is also a feasible option in this scenario. However, as Feroze et al1Feroze R. Arora S. Tashtish N. et al.Comparison of large-bore thrombectomy with catheter-directed thrombolysis for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.J Soc Cardiovasc Angiogr Interv. 2023; 2100453Google Scholar rightly conclude, adequately powered randomized studies that would examine percutaneous thrombectomy versus CDT and OMT are needed to confirm the clear signal of benefit associated with catheter modalities. Finally, these observations should be put in the context with the recently published consensus statement on percutaneous therapies in acute PE, stipulating that CDT-based strategies should be considered in all cases of IHR acute PE in whom systemic thrombolysis is contraindicated or failed or there was a hemodynamic deterioration despite full therapeutic anticoagulation.5Pruszczyk P. Klok F.K. Kucher N. et al.Percutaneous treatment options for acute pulmonary embolism: a clinical consensus statement by the ESC Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation and Right Ventricular Function and the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions.EuroIntervention. 2022; 18: e623-e638Crossref Scopus (1) Google Scholar

남성 심부전 환자의 넙다리 네갈래근 근력이 최대 유산소 능력과 재입원에 미치는 영향

Purpose: The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is widely used to evaluate the clinical prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). However, some patients with HF cannot perform CPET at maximal exercise intensity because of unstable medical condition or musculoskeletal problems. Thus, the study aimed to investigate the effects of quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric contraction (Q-MVIC) strength on aerobic capacity and re-hospitalization (RH).
 Methods: Patients with HF (n = 60, 59.03 ± 13.4 years, male 100%) were recruited in this study. We evaluated the Q-MVIC strength and aerobic capacity after discharge from hospitalization and followed up the RH rate during home-based self-care periods.
 Results: The RH (n = 15, 64.00 ± 14.69) group showed significantly lower Q-MVIC strength (p = .028) than the no RH(NRH, n = 45, 57.78 ± 13.15) group. In addition, the RH group showed significantly lower peak VO2 (p < .001) than the NRH group. Moreover, the Q-MVIC strength and peak VO2 demonstrated significant correlation (r = .414, p < .001).
 Conclusion: Our study showed that the knee extensor strength has strong predictive values on aerobic capacity and RH rate in patients with HF.

Molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential of YiQi FuMai injection in acute heart failure

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of China Background Acute heart failure (AHF) is a significant public health problem related to the high mortality and rehospitalization rate of patients. Although drug development is never interrupted, no single drug has been proven to play a decisive role in improving the survival of AHF patients. In China, multi-component traditional Chinese medicine has been widely used to treat AHF. As a Chinese herbal injection included in medical insurance, Yiqi Fumai Injection can reduce the level of NT-proBNP in AHF patients, improve heart function, and alleviate symptoms and signs related to heart failure. To further evaluate the therapeutic effect of Yiqi Fumai Injection on AHF, a multi-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial that intends to recruit 1270 patients is being carried out in China. However, the mechanism of Yiqi Fumai Injection in the treatment of AHF has not been clarified. To further explore the underlying mechanism, we used systematic pharmacology methods to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of biologically active compounds. Methods We used the databases of HERB, the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and GeneCards to predict the active ingredients and potential targets of Yiqi Fumai Injection in the treatment of AHF. STRING was used for PPI network construction and analysis. Cytoscape was used to build a network between Chinese medicine, ingredients and targets. The DAVID, GO, and KEGG databases were used to predict the potential pathways of Yiqi Fumai Injection for the treatment of AHF. Results We obtained 31 active compounds of Yiqi Fumai Injection from HERB and ECTM databases. By overlapping targets between YQFMI and AHF, a total of 240 potential targets for Yiqi Fumai Injection to treat AHF were selected. According to the H-C-T network topology analysis, the core compounds include beta-sitosterol, Uridine, Guanosine, and Stigmasterol. Sixteen protein targets had significantly higher node degrees than the average in the PPI network, including AKT1, JUN, TNF, EDN1, CASP3, ESR1, DLG4, PTGS2, NOS3, IL1B, C3, AR, LEP, CNR1, CHRM2, and DRD2. The PPI results showed that the potential therapeutic targets of YQFMI were densely enriched in pathways related to endothelial function, neuromodulation, and lipid metabolism.The same results were shown in GO and KEGG pathway enrichment. Conclusion Our results indicate that Yiqi Fumai Injection may achieve the goal of improving AHF-related symptoms by regulating the function of vascular endothelium and nerves and the biosynthetic pathway of lipid metabolism. These findings support previous studies and provide a reference for studying the mechanism of Yiqi Fumai Injection in the treatment of AHF. Abstract Figure.

Abstract 12675: Intravenous Iron Decreases Rehospitalizations but Doesn’t Change Mortality in Patients Admitted With Acute Heart Failure and Iron Deficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: The role of intravenous (IV) iron in chronic heart failure has been well studied, however, its role in acute heart failure (AHF) is lesser well-known. Including the recent late breaking AFFIRM-HF trial, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to highlight the role of IV iron in AHF in iron deficiency. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that IV iron doesn’t change mortality or heart failure re-hospitalization rates in patients with AHF with iron deficiency. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies published from inception till May 8, 2021. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE (embase.com), and Cochrane database including only RCTs and Cohort studies. We included one prospective and one retrospective Cohort studies and two RCT in our meta-analysis. Eligible studies included adults with AHF, LVEF less than 40%-50%, and able to receive iv iron therapy. Outcomes included re-hospitalization rates and overall mortality from 30 days to 52 weeks post randomization (in one RCT). We used random-effects model calculating Risk Ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) using Review Manger 5.4 software. I 2 statistics was used to assess heterogeneity. Results: There were total 1561 participants in both groups (iv iron and placebo/control) of four studies. The controls were comparable in both cohort studies and both the RCTs were well matched. Our results showed re-hospitalization in 278 of 833 (33.37%) patients in the IV iron/exposure group and 337 of 728 (0.46%) patients in the placebo/control group. The pooled result showed that the risk of rehospitalization was comparable across both groups (RR 0.85, 95%CI 0.62-1.17; I 2 =45%, P=0.14). However, subgroup analysis, including RCTs only showed that iv iron decreases re-hospitalization rate by 28% compared to placebo (RR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.82, I 2 =0%, P<0.00001) but didn’t improve mortality when compared to placebo (RR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.73, 1.30, I 2 =0%). Conclusions: IV iron showed significant improvement in re-hospitalization rate for AHF hospitalizations in iron deficient patients but didn’t improve overall mortality. We need larger RCTs to further validate its effect on mortality.

Effects of Continuous Nursing Intervention on Exercise Tolerance and Rehospitalization Rate in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

To observe the effect of continuous nursing intervention on exercise tolerance and rehospitalization rate in patients with chronic heart failure. Methods 134 patients with chronic heart failure admitted to our hospital were divided into two groups, routine nursing intervention group (control group) and continuous nursing intervention group (observation group), with 67 cases in each group. The resting and peak heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the two groups were recorded. The change of 6min walking distance, modified European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale (EHFSCB-9) and quality of life (SF-36) of the two groups were compared before and after intervention, and moreover, rehospitalization rate of heart failure of two groups 6 months after discharge was compared between the two groups. Results : Before intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). After intervention, there was no significant difference in resting and peak HR, SBP and DBP between the two groups and those before intervention (P>0.05). Further comparison between the two groups showed that there was no significant difference in resting and peak HR, SBP and DBP between the observation group and the control group (P>0.05). After intervention, 6min walking distance and SF-36 scale scores (role physical, physiological function, physical pain, energy, health status, social function, mental health and emotional function) were increased in the two groups (P<0.05). Further comparison between the two groups showed that 6min walking distance and SF-36 scale scores (except somatic pain score and role physical score) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the EHFSCB-9 scores in the two groups decreased gradually after intervention (P<0.05). Further comparison between the two groups showed that the EHFSCB-9 scores in the observation group (except low salt diet score and taking medicine based on doctor’s advice score) were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The rehospitalization rate of heart failure within 6 months after discharge was 11.91% in the observation group, significantly lower than 25.37% in the control group, and the difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion : Continuous nursing intervention can strengthen the self-care ability of patients with chronic heart failure, improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, and reduce the rehospitalization rate to heart failure within 6 months.

Effects of Continuous Nursing Intervention on Exercise Tolerance and Rehospitalization Rate in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Objective To observe the effect of continuous nursing intervention on exercise tolerance and rehospitalization rate in patients with chronic heart failure. Methods 134 patients with chronic heart failure admitted to our hospital were divided into two groups, routine nursing intervention group (control group) and continuous nursing intervention group (observation group), with 67 cases in each group. The resting and peak heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the two groups were recorded. The change of 6min walking distance, modified European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale (EHFSCB-9) and quality of life (SF-36) of the two groups were compared before and after intervention, and moreover, rehospitalization rate of heart failure of two groups 6 months after discharge was compared between the two groups. Results: Before intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). After intervention, there was no significant difference in resting and peak HR, SBP and DBP between the two groups and those before intervention (P>0.05). Further comparison between the two groups showed that there was no significant difference in resting and peak HR, SBP and DBP between the observation group and the control group (P>0.05). After intervention, 6min walking distance and SF-36 scale scores (role physical, physiological function, physical pain, energy, health status, social function, mental health and emotional function) were increased in the two groups (P<0.05). Further comparison between the two groups showed that 6min walking distance and SF-36 scale scores (except somatic pain score and role physical score) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the EHFSCB-9 scores in the two groups decreased gradually after intervention (P<0.05). Further comparison between the two groups showed that the EHFSCB-9 scores in the observation group (except low salt diet score and taking medicine based on doctor's advice score) were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The rehospitalization rate of heart failure within 6 months after discharge was 11.91% in the observation group, significantly lower than 25.37% in the control group, and the difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Continuous nursing intervention can strengthen the self-care ability of patients with chronic heart failure, improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, and reduce the rehospitalization rate to heart failure within 6 months.

The effects of Nurse Led Transitional Care Model on elderly patients undergoing open heart surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Rate and number of successful cases in open heart surgery has been increasing due to the advances in medical technology and surgery. To improve patient convalescence results and reduce rate of post-discharge readmission to hospital and unplanned post-discharge rehospitalization, home-care and follow-up process of patients should be managed successfully. To evaluate the effectiveness of Nurse Led Transitional Care Model on the functional autonomy, quality of life, readmission, and rehospitalization rates of elderly patients undergoing open heart surgery. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2017 to December 2018 and performed according to the CONSORT Guidelines. Sixty-six elderly patients were randomly allocated to the intervention (n: 33) and control (n: 33) groups. Patients in intervention group were given care based on the Transitional Care Model until the post-discharge 9th week starting from date of hospitalization. Patients in control group were given standard care services. Functional autonomy, quality of life levels, and repeated admission/re-hospitalization rates to the clinic were evaluated. The Functional Autonomy Measurement System and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale scores of the intervention group were higher than that of the control group at the 9th week (P < 0.05). In addition, rate of readmission and rehospitalization during the follow-up period (6 months) of patients in the intervention group was found to be lower than the patients in the control group (P < 0.05). Care services offered under the Transitional Care Model improved functional autonomy and quality of life and decreased post-discharge hospital readmission and rehospitalization rates of patients. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04384289).

Effects of a telehealth program on the functional status and rehospitalization rates of patients after coronary artery bypass grafts

Effects of a telehealth program on the functional status and rehospitalization rates of patients after coronary artery bypass grafts

Testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal male patients with hypogonadism and heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

The recently published guidelines of the European Academy of Andrology (EAA) recommended not to prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in male patients with hypotestosteronemia and severe heart failure (HF) [New York Hearth Association (NYHA) class III and IV] since the risk in these patients has not been formally documented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the risk of TRT on the cardiac function and angina, in male patients with hypotestosteronemia and HF or coronary heart disease. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on male patients with hypotestosteronemia and chronic HF (ejection fraction <40%) or stable angina documenting the effect of TRT on NYHA class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), adverse events, ST depression and other indexes of cardiovascular function. Seven articles were included, for a total of 140 participants with HF (71 on TRT and 69 on placebo or no treatment). Included patients were of NYHA class II and III. TRT had no effect on death and rehospitalization rates of patients with HF and significantly delayed the time to ischemia in patients with chronic angina. TRT had no effect on the NYHA class, the LVEF, and on the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire. Although a significant increase of oxygen consumption was found in the TRT group, no improvement to the physical exercise tolerance tests was observed. TRT showed no effect on systolic nor diastolic blood pressure, but it significantly ameliorated the heart rate. It significantly decreased the insulin serum levels and the HOMA index. These results suggest the safety of TRT, in patients with hypotestosteronemia and severe HF (class NYHA II and III). Although deriving from a limited number of studies, these data could prompt to perform other RCTs on the effects of TRT in patients with hypotestosteronemia and severe HFrEF (NYHA class III).

Analysis Of Re-Hospitalizations For Patients With Heart Failure Caused By Coronary Heart Disease: Data Of First Event And Recurrent Event.

BackgroundThe re-hospitalization rate of patients with heart failure remains at a high level, and studies of the subject have focused mainly on event-time outcomes. In addition to using re-hospitalization data with the outcomes of the event-time-count, this study introduces the conditional frailty model, which could help obtain more reasonable results.Materials and methodsThis prospective observational cohort study enrolled 1484 patients with heart failure caused by coronary heart disease. The outcomes of heart failure readmissions and the case report form data were collected. Based on the traditional Cox model with event-time outcomes, the mixed effects of a conditional frailty model were added to analyze the event-time-count longitudinal data.ResultsThe Cox regression model showed that non-manual work, diastolic dysfunction, and better medical compensation increased the risk of heart failure readmission, whereas treatment with beta-blockers decreased the risk. The conditional frailty model further revealed that age, female sex, non-manual work, better medical compensation, longer QRS duration, and treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention increased the risk of heart failure readmission.ConclusionThis study obtained more reliable, reasonable results based on longitudinal data and a mixed model. The results could provide more clinical epidemiological evidence for the management of heart failure.

Utilization of Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Survivors

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is associated with decreased mortality and rehospitalization rates for patients with a variety of cardiac conditions. Although CR referral rates for STEMI patients have improved, rates for heart failure have remained low. Many of these patients are admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). However, it is unknown how often CICU survivors qualify for cardiac rehabilitation, how often they are referred, and why eligible patients are not referred. This is a retrospective single-center study of 417 consecutive patients admitted to CICU for >48 hours from March 30, 2016 to March 30, 2017. We excluded patients with in-hospital mortality or those discharged AMA, to hospice or transferred. Chart abstraction was used to determine CR indications based on known American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines. If CR was indicated, medical records through September 2017 were reviewed to determine both referral and participation rates. In the absence of a referral, medical records were reviewed for potential barriers. A total of 296 CICU survivors were identified upon discharge with 185 (63%) having guideline-directed indications for CR referral. The most common indications were heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, 38%), cardiothoracic surgery (26%), and STEMI (23%). Upon discharge, only 30% of patients were referred to CR. The referral rate increased by 33% to 63% by 18 months postdischarge. CR referrals were most frequently placed following STEMI (91%), NSTEMI (80%), and postpercutaneous coronary intervention (80%). Only 35% of HFrEF discharges were referred to CR. Of patients not referred to CR, no explanation for a lack of referral was documented 87% of the time. In conclusion, nearly 2 of 3 patients discharged from the CICU had CR indications, most commonly HFrEF. CR referrals are frequently not placed and reason for nonreferral is rarely documented. CICU admission may provide a defined event to prompt referral.

VARIATION IN CARDIAC REHABILITATION REFERRALS FOLLOWING CARDIAC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT ADMISSIONS

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves mortality, functional status, and rehospitalization rates for patients with cardiac conditions including acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, and post-cardiac surgery; however, CR is underutilized nationally. It is unclear how many qualified patients are

Cognitive impairment and 30-day rehospitalization rate in patients with acute heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is one of the world leading causes of hospitalization and rehospitalization. Cognitive impairment has been identified as a risk factor for rehospitalization in patients with heart failure. However, previous studies reported mixed results. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between cognitive impairment and 30-day rehospitalization in patients with HF. MethodWe performed a comprehensive literature search through July 2018 in the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE. Included studies were cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies or randomized controlled trials that compared the risk of 30-day rehospitalization in HF patients with cognitive impairment and those without. We calculated pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and I2 statistic using the random-effects model. ResultsFive studies with a total of 2,342 participants (1,004 participants had cognitive impairment) were included for meta-analysis. In random-effect model, cognitive impairment significantly increased the risk of 30-day rehospitalization in HF participants (pooled RR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.19-2.24], I2=64.2%, p=0.002). Subgroup analysis was performed on the studies that excluded patients with dementia. The results also showed that cognitive impairment significantly increased the risk of 30-day rehospitalization in participants with HF (pooled RR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.05–1.59, I2=0.0%, p=0.016), which was consistent with our overall analysis. ConclusionOur meta-analysis demonstrated that the presence of cognitive impairment is associated with 30-day rehospitalization in patients with HF.

Influence of Home Based Exercise Intensity on the Aerobic Capacity and 1 Year Re-Hospitalization Rate in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of home-based exercise intensity on the aerobic capacity and 1 year re-hospitalization rate in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: Forty seven patients with CHF (males 33, females 14, age 61.3±9.8 years) participated in this study. The patients were allocated randomly to 3 groups in accordance with home-based exercise intensity: no home based exercise (NHE, 40%, n=19), moderate intensity home-based exercise (MIHE, 43%, n=20), and high intensity home based exercise (HIHE, 17%, n=8). All patients completed the symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) test safely at the cardiac rehabilitation hospital. Results: The NHE group significantly showed lower peak VO2 and a higher VE/VCO2 slope than the MIHE (p<0.05) and HIHE (p<0.01) groups. On the other hand, the NHE group did not show significant differences in the other hemodynamic responses, such as heart rate (HR) max, HR reserve, maximal systolic blood pressure (SBP), and SBP reserve. Nine out of 19 NHE patients (47%) were re-hospitalized related to heart disease and two out of 20 MIHE (10%) patients were re-hospitalized, but nobody in the HIHE group were re-hospitalized within 1 year from the CPX test. Conclusion: In patients with CHF, home-based self-exercise is one of the important factors for reducing the re-hospitalization rate. In addition, improved aerobic capacity is strongly associated with a lower re-hospitalization rate. In particular, re-hospitalized CHF patients showed significant differences in respiratory parameters and hemodynamic parameters compared to the non-re-hospitalized patients.

The Effects of Continuation-Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy on Reducing Hospital Re-Admissions in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia.

ObjectiveContinuation-maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (C/M-ECT) is used to prevent relapse or recurrence in patients with severe mental illnesses. We aimed to investigate the effect of C/M-ECT on reducing hospital re-admissions in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.MethodsWe applied a mirror-image design by retrospectively examining re-hospitalization rates of 18 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We compared the numbers of psychiatric admissions during the actual period over which C/M-ECT was administered with the same period prior to the beginning of C/M-ECT.ResultsThe number of psychiatric admissions was reduced significantly during C/M-ECT (0.33±0.77) compared with that of the same period prior to C/M-ECT (2.67±1.33) (Wilcoxon signed rank Z=−3.663; p<0.001).ConclusionThis finding shows that C/M-ECT augmentation could successfully reduce the re-hospitalization rates in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Abstract WP264: Early Rehospitalization for Stroke Higher With Aspirin or No Antithrombotic Therapy Than With Oral Anticoagulation in an Unselected Population of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Rehospitalization after discharge for a wide variety of medical conditions is common and is associated with increased morbidity and cost. We investigated the rates of rehospitalization for stroke in a population of patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation (AF) who were at risk of stroke. Methods: Using the Premier Healthcare Database (representing 1 in 5 US hospital discharges), we identified 1,147,866 patients hospitalized from January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2015 with AF and a guideline indication for an oral anticoagulant based on a CHA 2 DS 2 -VaSC score ≥ 2. The primary outcome was readmission within 90 days due to acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare rehospitalization rates for patients receiving various oral antithrombotic therapies, while controlling for numerous patient risk factors, reasons for current hospitalization, and hospital characteristics. Confidence intervals and p-values were adjusted for multiple comparisons using Holm-Bonferroni. Results: Patients were 53% female with a mean age of 77 (±11) years. The distribution of patients on various antithrombotic agents at discharge was 23% with no therapy, 20% ASA only, 1% dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), 17% non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC), and 39% warfarin. Table 1 displays rehospitalization rates, unadjusted (therapy only), and adjusted for all covariates using logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: AF patients discharged on ASA alone or no antithrombotic therapy, compared to warfarin, were more likely to have early rehospitalization for acute ischemic stroke. Patients treated with NOACs had early ischemic stroke rehospitalization rates similar to warfarin, but were less likely to be have early rehospitalization for ICH when compared to warfarin. Table 1: 90-Day Rehospitalization Rates by Antithrombotic Agents

The impact of weight management and related diuretic medication intervention based on body weight changes on cardiac function and re-hospitalization rate in patients with chronic congestive heart failure

Objective: To explore the impact of weight management and related medication intervention based on body weight changes on cardiac function among patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods: Using prospective, randomized, controlled study methods, consecutive CHF patients, who hospitalized in our department from June 2014 to June 2016 (n=350), were randomly divided into intervention group (n=175) and control group (n=175). Patients in the intervention group received weight management guidance and the post discharge diuretic drugs regimen was adjusted based on body weight changes. The control group received routine medical care post discharge. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), B type natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP), 6 minutes walk distance and NYHA classification at one day before discharge and after 6 months were compared between the two groups respectively. Results: Follow-up visit data were not available from 6 patients in the control and intervention group respectively. NYHA classification, LVEF, NT-proBNP and 6 minutes walk distance were similar between the two groups at one day before discharge (all P>0.05). After 6 months, the LVEF and 6 minutes walk distance were significantly higher while NT-proBNP level was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (all P<0.01). Meanwhile, the LVEF and 6 minutes walk distance were significantly increased, while NT-proBNP was significantly reduced at 6 months post discharge compared to one day before discharge in the intervention group (all P<0.01). The LVEF was also significantly improved (P=0.035), but the NT-proBNP and 6 minutes walk distance were similar (P were 0.328 and 0.807 respectively) at 6 months after discharge compared to one day before discharge in the control group. The NYHA classification was significantly lower in intervention group and in control group at 6 months after discharge compared to one day before discharge (Z=5.154, P<0.01 and Z=10.497, P<0.01), and the NYHA classification improved more in the intervention group than in control group at 6 months after discharge (Z=9.235, P<0.01). The re-hospitalization rate of CHF patients in intervention group was 11.83% (20/169), which was significantly lower than the control group (33.14% (56/169), χ(2)=21.99, P<0.01). At 6 months follow up, body weight remained unchanged in the intervention group, while body weight tended to be higher in the control group compared to one day before discharge. Conclusion: The weight management and diuretic drug regimen adjudgment intervention based on body weight changes can improve cardiac function and reduced re-hospitalization rate in CHF patients.