Thirty-Day Readmissions After Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the United States: Insights From the Nationwide Readmissions Database

BackgroundSeveral studies have investigated early readmissions after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). However, studies investigating 30-day readmission following PCI for chronic total occlusion (CTO) are lacking.MethodsThe National-Readmission-Database (NRD) was queried to identify patients undergoing elective CTO PCI between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. We assessed the incidence, predictors, and cost of 30-day readmissions.ResultsA total of 30,579 CTO PCIs were identified in the NRD. After excluding patients who had acute myocardial infarction (n = 14,852), the final cohort included 15,907 patients. In this group of patients, 254 patients (1.5%) expired during their index admission and, 1600 patients (10%) had an unplanned readmission within 30 days. Cardiac causes constituted 54.2% of all causes of readmission. During the readmission, 15.8% of patients had coronary angiography, 8.4% underwent PCI, and 0.9% underwent bypass grafting. Independent predictors of 30-day readmission included baseline characteristics [age (OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.98–0.99), female (OR 1.14, 95%CI 1.01–1.28), lung disease (OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.20–1.55), heart failure (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.24–1.62), anemia (OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.12–1.50), vascular disease (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.03–1.35), history of stroke (OR 1.50, 95%CI 1.28–1.76) and the presence of a defibrillator (OR 1.68, 95%CI 1.39–2.03)], and procedural complications [acute kidney injury (OR 1.55, 95%CI 1.33–1.80) and gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 1.67, 95%CI 1.03–2.71)].ConclusionsOne-tenth of patients undergoing CTO PCI are readmitted within 30-days, mostly for cardiac causes. The majority undergo angiography but <10% receive revascularization. Certain patient and procedural characteristics independently predicted 30-day readmission.     

Trends and outcomes of device-related 30-day readmissions after left ventricular assist device implantation

BackgroundLeft ventricular assist devices (LVAD) improve morbidity and mortality in end-stage heart failure patients, but high rates of readmissions remain a problem after implantation. We aimed to assess the incidence, trends, outcomes, and predictors of device-related 30-day readmissions after LVAD implantation.MethodsThe National Readmission Database was used to identify patients who underwent LVAD implantation between 2012 and 2017 and those with 30-day readmissions.ResultsThe analysis included a total of 16499 adults who survived the index hospitalization for LVAD implantation. Among those, 28.1% were readmitted at 30 days, and the readmission rate has been grossly stable during the study period. Most of the readmissions occurred in the first 15 days after discharge from the index admission. The most frequent cause of readmissions was gastrointestinal bleeding (14.9% of readmissions), followed by heart failure, arrhythmias, device infection, and device thrombosis. Among reasons for readmission, intracranial bleeding was associated with highest mortality (37.6%), followed by device thrombosis (13.1%), and ischemic stroke (7.6%). Intracranial bleeding and device thrombosis were associated with lengthier stay (20.4 and 15.5 days, respectively). Readmission rates for gastrointestinal bleeding decreased, whereas device infection increased. Multivariate logistic regression model revealed the length of stay, oxygen dependence, gastrointestinal bleeding at index admission, depression and ECMO, private insurance as independent predictors of 30-day readmission.ConclusionOver one-fourth of LVAD recipients have 30-day readmissions, with most of them occurring within 15 days. Most frequent cause of readmission was gastrointestinal bleeding, which was associated with the lowest in-hospital mortality among other complications.     

Safety of Same-Day Discharge after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Orbital Atherectomy

BackgroundSeverely calcified lesions present many challenges to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Orbital atherectomy (OA) aids vessel preparation and treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions. Same-day discharge (SDD) after PCI has numerous advantages including cost savings and improved patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of SDD among patients treated with OA in a real-world setting.MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective analysis of patients undergoing OA. In-hospital and 30-day outcomes were assessed for major adverse cardiac events (MACE), device-related events and hospital readmissions.ResultsThere were 309 patients treated with OA of whom 94 had SDD (30.4%). Among SDD patients, there were no acute procedural complications and all patients were safely discharged on the day of the procedure. MACE at 30 days occurred in 1 patient (1.06%) due to major bleeding in the setting of a gastric arteriovenous malformation. There were 8 patients with unplanned 30-day readmissions (8.5%).ConclusionSDD after OA in patients with heavily calcified lesions appears to be safe, with low rates of adverse events and readmissions in select patients. In patients with SDD treated with OA, unplanned readmission occurred at a similar rate to the statewide average 30-day PCI readmission rate. Larger studies are needed to confirm the safety of this treatment paradigm and the potential cost savings.     

Burden of 30-Day Readmissions After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in 833,344 Patients in the United States: Predictors,Causes, and Cost: Insights From the Nationwide Readmission Database

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the 30-day unplanned readmissions rate, predictors of readmission, causes of readmissions, and clinical impact of readmissions after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Incidence,Clinical Presentation,and Causes of 30-Day Readmission Following Hospitalization With Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) on 30-day readmission rates following hospitalization with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using a national database.BackgroundAMI in the setting of SCAD represents an uncommon type of myocardial infarction with limited data on short-term outcomes.MethodsAll hospitalizations with primary or index diagnoses of AMI from 2010 to 2015 in the Nationwide Readmissions Database were queried. The primary outcome was overall 30-day readmission rates in both SCAD and non-SCAD cohorts. Propensity score matching (1:2) was conducted.ResultsA total of 2,654,087 patients with AMI were included in the final analysis, of whom 1,386 (0.052%) were diagnosed with SCAD. SCAD was associated with a higher readmission rate in the SCAD cohort (12.3% vs. 9.9%; p = 0.022). The main causes of readmissions in the SCAD cohort were cardiac causes (80.6%), and AMI was the most common cardiac cause (44.8%), followed by chest pain (20.1%) and arrhythmia (12.7%). Among the SCAD readmissions, 50.6% patients were readmitted in the first week post-discharge, with 54.5% of AMI readmissions occurring in the first 2 days post-discharge.ConclusionsThe incidence of 30-day readmission following AMI and SCAD is nontrivial and occurs early post-discharge. Most readmissions are due to cardiac causes, especially AMI. Targeted management approaches are needed to diminish the high rates of readmission and early recurrent AMI.     

Sex differences in 30-day readmission rates,etiology, and predictors after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to analyze sex-specific readmission rates, etiology, and predictors of readmission after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Readmissions after TAVR are common, contributing to increased health care utilization and costs. Many factors have been discovered as predictors of readmission; however, sex-specific disparities in readmission rates are limited.MethodsBetween January 2012 and September 2015, adult patients after TAVR were identified using appropriate international classifications of diseases, ninth revision, clinical modification from the National Readmission Database. Incidence of unplanned 30-days readmission rate was the primary outcome of this study. In addition, this study includes sex-specific etiology and predictors of readmissions. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze adjusted readmission rates. Hierarchical 2-level logistic models were used to evaluate predictors of readmission.ResultsReadmission rate at 30 days was 17.3%, with slightly higher readmission rates in women (OR 1.09; CI: 1.01–1.19, p < 0.001) after multivariate adjusted analysis. Noncardiac causes were responsible for most readmissions in both genders. Etiologies for readmissions such as arrhythmias, pulmonary complications, and infections were slightly higher in women, whereas heart failure and bleeding complications were higher in men. History of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, prior pacemaker, and renal failure significantly strongly predicted readmissions in both genders.ConclusionWomen undergoing TAVR have slightly higher 30-day all-cause readmission rates. These results indicate that women require more attention compared to men to prevent 30-day readmission. In addition, risk stratification for men and women based on predictors will help identify high-risk men and women for readmissions.     

Original research: Nationwide analysis of incidence and predictors of 30-day readmissions in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

Background and objectiveCirrhosis is the number one cause of non-cancer deaths among gastrointestinal diseases and is responsible for significant morbidity and healthcare utilisation. The objectives were to measure the 30-day readmissions rate following index hospitalisation, to determine the predictors of readmission, and to estimate the cost of 30-day readmission in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with decompensated cirrhosis using 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database from January to November. Decompensated cirrhosis was identified based on the presence of at least one of the following: ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome. We excluded patients less than 18 years of age, pregnant patients, patients with missing length of stay data, and those who died during the index admission.ResultsAmong 57 305 unique patients with decompensated cirrhosis, the 30-day readmission rate was 23.2%. The top three predictors of 30-day readmission were leaving against medical advice (AMA), ascites and acute kidney injury, which increased the risk of readmission by 47%, 22% and 20%, respectively. Index admission for variceal bleeding was associated with a lower 30-day readmission rate by 18%. The estimated total cost associated with 30-day readmission in our study population was US$234.4 million.ConclusionIn a nationwide population study, decompensated cirrhosis is associated with a 30-day readmission rate of 23%. Leaving AMA, ascites and acute kidney injury are positively associated with readmission. Targeted interventions and quality improvement efforts should be directed toward these potential risk factors to reduce readmissions.     

Incidence,Causes, and Predictors of Early (≤30 Days) and Late Unplanned Hospital Readmissions After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the incidence, causes, and predictors of unplanned hospital readmissions after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).BackgroundData regarding unplanned hospital readmissions after TAVR in a real-world all-comers population are scarce.MethodsA total of 720 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR at 2 centers who survived the procedure, were included. Median follow-up was 23 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 12 to 39 months), available in 99.9% of the initial population. The occurrence, timing, and causes of hospital readmission within the first year post-TAVR were obtained in all cases. Early and late readmissions were defined as those occurring ≤30 days and >30 days to 1 year post-TAVR, respectively.ResultsThere were 506 unplanned readmissions in 316 patients (43.9%) within the first year post-TAVR (median time: 63 days; IQR: 19 to 158 days post-discharge). Of these, early readmission occurred in 105 patients (14.6%), and 118 patients (16.4%) had multiple (≥2) readmissions. Readmissions were due to noncardiac and cardiac causes in 59% and 41% of cases, respectively. Noncardiac readmissions included, in order of decreasing frequency, respiratory, infection, and bleeding events as the main causes, whereas heart failure and arrhythmias accounted for most cardiac readmissions. The predictors of early readmission were periprocedural major bleeding complications (p = 0.001), anemia (p = 0.019), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.042), and the combined presence of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy at hospital discharge (p = 0.014). The predictors of late readmission were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.023), chronic renal failure (p = 0.013), and atrial fibrillation (p = 0.012). Early readmission was an independent predictor of mortality during the follow-up period (hazard ratio: 1.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 2.39, p = 0.043).ConclusionsThe readmission burden after TAVR in an all-comers population was high. Nearly one-fifth of the patients were readmitted early after hospital discharge, increasing the risk of mortality at follow-up. Reasons for readmission were split between noncardiac and cardiac causes, with respiratory causes and heart failure as the main diagnoses in each group, respectively. Whereas early readmissions were mainly related to periprocedural bleeding events, most late readmissions were secondary to baseline patient comorbidities. These results underscore the importance of and provide the basis for implementing specific preventive measures to reduce readmission rates after TAVR.     

Factors associated with recidivism following pancreaticoduodenectomy

ObjectivesFactors related to readmission after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) may include postoperative morbidity and the functional status of the patient. This study aimed to retrospectively review our institution's experience of readmission of patients who had undergone Whipple procedure PD.MethodsRecidivism was defined as readmission to the primary or a secondary hospital within, respectively, 30 days, 30–90 days or 90 days postoperatively. Associations between recidivism, perioperative factors and patient characteristics were evaluated.ResultsDuring the past 5 years, 30-day, 30–90-day and 90-day recidivism rates were 14.5%, 18.5% and 27.4%, respectively. The most common reasons for readmission included dehydration and/or malnutrition (37.5% of readmissions) and pain (12.5%). Patients who underwent PD for chronic pancreatitis were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days of surgery than patients who underwent PD for malignancy (P < 0.01). Intraoperative transfusion was also associated with 30–90-day and 90-day recidivism (P < 0.01). Preoperative comorbidities, including Charlson Comorbidity Index score, number of pre-discharge complications, type of Whipple reconstruction, preoperative biliary stenting, need for vascular reconstruction and patient body mass index were not associated with recidivism.ConclusionsOur data confirm previous reports indicating high rates of readmission after PD. To our knowledge, this report is the first to demonstrate chronic pancreatitis as an independent risk factor for readmission.     

Do-not-resuscitate orders and readmission among elderly patients with heart failure in Pennsylvania: An observational study, 2011 - 2014

BackgroundReadmissions for patients with heart failure (HF) continues to be a target of value-based purchasing initiatives. Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders—one part of advance care planning (ACP)—have been shown to be related to other patient outcomes but has not been explored as a risk factor for HF readmission.ObjectivesExamine the association between DNR and 30-day readmissions among elderly patients with HF admitted to hospitals in Pennsylvania.MethodsData included hospital discharges from 2011 to 2014 of patients 65+ years with a primary diagnosis of HF. Logistic regression was used to model the relationship between DNR and 30-day readmission.ResultsAmong 107,806 patients, 20.9% were readmitted within 30 days. After controlling for covariates, patients with HF who had a DNR were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital (OR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.80–0.91, p<0.001).ConclusionsDocumentation of a DNR may inform efforts to reduce readmissions among elderly patients with HF.     

Etiologies and predictors of 30‐day readmissions in patients undergoing percutaneous mechanical circulatory support–assisted percutaneous coronary intervention in the United States: Insights from the Nationwide Readmissions Database

Background

Patients undergoing percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS)‐assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) represent a high‐risk group vulnerable to complications and readmissions.

Hypothesis

Thirty‐day readmissions after pMCS‐assisted PCI are common among patients with comorbidities and account for a significant amount of healthcare spending.

Methods

Patients undergoing PCI and pMCS (Impella, TandemHeart, or intra‐aortic balloon pump) for any indication between January 1, 2012, and November 30, 2014, were selected from the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Patients were identified using appropriate ICD‐9‐CM codes. Clinical risk factors and complications were analyzed for association with 30‐day readmission.

Results

Our analysis included 29 247 patients, of which 4535 (15.5%) were readmitted within 30 days. On multivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years, female sex, hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart failure, prior implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator, liver disease, end‐stage renal disease, and length of stay ≥5 days during index hospitalization were independent predictors of 30‐day readmission. Cardiac etiologies accounted for ~60% of readmissions, of which systolic or diastolic heart failure (22%), stable coronary artery disease (11.1%), acute coronary syndromes (8.9%), and nonspecific chest pain (4.0%) were the most common causes. In noncardiac causes, sepsis/septic shock (4.6%), hypotension/syncope (3.2%), gastrointestinal bleed (3.1%), and acute kidney injury (2.6%) were among the most common causes of 30‐day readmissions. Mean length of stay and cost of readmissions was 4 days and $16 191, respectively.

Conclusions

Thirty‐day readmissions after pMCS‐assisted PCI are common and are predominantly associated with increased burden of comorbidities. Reducing readmissions for common cardiac etiologies could save substantial healthcare costs.     

Unplanned 30-Day Readmission after Coronary Artery Bypass in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background/purposeThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services penalizes hospitals with higher than expected readmissions for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Little information exists regarding outcomes in patients who sustain an acute myocardial infarction (MI) and undergo CABG as the primary revascularization strategy. Our goal was to determine the unplanned 30-day readmission rate in this high-risk population and predictors of readmission.Materials/methodsAn institutional database was queried to identify patients from 2011 to 2017 who were admitted with an acute MI and underwent CABG within 30 days. Chart review was performed to collect demographics, medical comorbidities and clinical information related to hospital course and readmission status.ResultsA total of 150 patients were included. The 30-day unplanned readmission rate was 23%, and the majority (80%) were non-cardiac related. Predictors of unplanned readmission included female sex (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.042–6.549, p = 0.041), CABG performed <7 days following MI (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.21–6.59, p = 0.017), and post-operative atrial fibrillation (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.07–9.87, p = 0.038). Complications were identified in 32% of clinic visits in patients who did not require readmission.ConclusionsPatients who undergo CABG following MI are a high-risk population with nearly one-quarter readmitted within 30 days. Female sex, <7 days between the index MI and CABG, and post-operative atrial fibrillation are strong predictors for readmission. Early outpatient follow-up may be an effective intervention to reduce hospital readmissions by reassuring patients that non-cardiac symptoms are in line with anticipated post-operative pain and healing.     

A validated risk model for prediction of early readmission in patients with hepatic encephalopathy

Introduction and aimHepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication in cirrhotics and is associated with an increased healthcare burden. Our aim was to study independent predictors of 30-day readmission and develop a readmission risk model in patients with HE. Secondary aims included studying readmission rates, cost, and the impact of readmission on mortality.Materials and methodsWe utilized the 2013 Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) for hospitalized patients with HE. A risk assessment model based on index hospitalization variables for predicting 30-day readmission was developed using multivariate logistic regression and validated with the 2014 NRD. Patients were stratified into Low Risk and High Risk groups. Cox regression models were fit to identify predictors of calendar-year mortality.ResultsOf 24,473 cirrhosis patients hospitalized with HE, 32.4% were readmitted within 30 days. Predictors of readmission included presence of ascites (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06–1.33), receiving paracentesis (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.26–1.62) and acute kidney injury (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.00–1.22). Our validated model stratified patients into Low Risk and High Risk of 30-day readmissions (29% and 40%, respectively). The cost of the first readmission was higher than index admission in the 30-day readmission cohort ($14,198 vs. $10,386; p-value <0.001). Thirty-day readmission was the strongest predictor of calendar-year mortality (HR: 4.03; 95% CI: 3.49–4.65).ConclusionsNearly one-third of patients with HE were readmitted within 30 days, and early readmission adversely impacted healthcare utilization and calendar-year mortality. With our proposed simple risk assessment model, patients at high risk for early readmissions can be identified to potentially avert poor outcomes.     

Incidence, 30-day readmission rates and predictors of readmission after new onset atrial fibrillation who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement

IntroductionNew onset Atrial Fibrillation (NOAF) is frequently seen post transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). NOAF in the setting of TAVR has also been recognized as predictor of worse outcomes, including higher readmission rates. Data assessing the effect and predictors of NOAF on 30-day readmission rates post TAVR is limited.ObjectiveTo assess the incidence, 30-day readmission rate and predictors of NOAF in patients who underwent TAVR.MethodsNationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify patients who developed NOAF post-TAVR between 2012 and 2015.ResultsA total of 24,076 patients were included in this study, of which 54% were males, and the mean age was 82.4 ± 7.2. NOAF was developed in 10,847 (45%) patients. Overall readmission rates with NOAF was 19.7% and trend in the readmissions reduced during the course of the study (21.9% to 18.7%, P_trend < 0.001). Thirty-day readmission rate in patients who developed NOAF post-TAVR was significantly higher compared to TAVR patients without NOAF (OR 1.39; 95% CI, 1.28–1.51; p < 0.001). Similarly, rate of ischemic stroke was significantly higher among patients who developed NOAF (OR 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07–1.4; p = 0.004). Predictors of readmissions in NOAF group were mostly non-cardiac, and included age, and comorbidities with chronic liver disease, renal failure and chronic lung disease been the most common comorbidities, in that order.ConclusionsIncidence of NOAF is associated with increased risk of readmissions and ischemic stroke. Future research should focus on interventions to prevent avoidable readmissions and associated morbidity and mortality.     

The Effect of Psychosocial Risk Factors on Outcomes After Aortic Valve Replacement

BackgroundPsychosocial risk factors (PSRFs) have emerged as important nontraditional risk factors that are associated with worse surgical outcomes but have not been well-characterized in valvular disease.ObjectivesThis study evaluates the impact of PSRFs on 30-day outcomes following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).MethodsAll adult patients (≥18 years of age) who underwent isolated TAVR or SAVR in the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2016 to 2018 were included. Patients were classified as having 0 PSRFs vs ≥1 PSRF. PSRFs included limited cognitive understanding, substance use, psychiatric disease, low socioeconomic status, or uninsured status. Primary outcomes included 30-day mortality, readmission, and composite morbidity (stroke, pulmonary embolus, pacemaker implantation, bleeding complications, acute kidney injury, myocardial infarction, or new atrial fibrillation).ResultsA nationally weighted total of 74,763 SAVR and 87,142 TAVR patients met inclusion criteria. For SAVR, patients with PSRFs had significantly higher 30-day mortality (4.2% vs 3.7%; P = 0.048) and readmissions (13.1% vs 11.3%; P < 0.001), but there was no difference in composite morbidity. For TAVR, patients with PSRFs had significantly higher 30-day readmission (11.7% vs 10.7%; P = 0.012) but no difference in 30-day mortality or composite morbidity. On risk-adjusted analysis, presence of PSRFs was a significant predictor of higher 30-day readmissions following SAVR (adjusted OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02-1.19).ConclusionsThe presence of PSRFs is associated with worse short-term outcomes following SAVR and TAVR, with a more profound impact in SAVR. This study highlights the importance of identifying at-risk patients and suggests that TAVR may be beneficial in patients with less social support.     

Early readmissions after percutaneous coronary intervention in a rural tertiary care center (from the Guthrie Health Off-label Stent [GHOST] Registry)

Early readmissions (ERs) impose a huge cost to the health care system, lower patients' quality of life, and may be an indicator of quality of initial care. We performed this single-center study to assess the incidence, predictors, and implications of 30-day readmission after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a tertiary care rural setting. In 4,262 consecutive patients who underwent PCI, we evaluated 30-day readmission rates and assessed demographic, clinical, and angiographic correlates of ER. Using Cox regression analyses, we estimated the multivariable impact of an ER on 1-year all-cause mortality and major adverse events (MACEs; death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, stent thrombosis). ER occurred in 486 patients (11.4%) including 366 (8.6%) for cardiac reasons and 120 (2.8%) for noncardiac reasons. Multivariable models predicting any readmission, cardiac readmission, and noncardiac readmission had c-statistic values of 0.63, 0.63, and 0.68, respectively. One-year mortality and MACEs were higher in the readmitted versus not readmitted patients (7.9% vs 3.2%, 18 vs 9.7%, p <0.0001 for the 2 comparisons). ER had a significant and independent impact on 1-year mortality (adjusted hazards ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 3.4) and MACEs (hazards ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.8 to 2.8). In conclusion, readmission within 30 days after PCI is common and frequently related to cardiac causes. Patients who require an ER after PCI have higher 1-year mortality and MACEs.     

Index Admission and Thirty-Day Readmission Outcomes of Patients With Cancer Presenting With STEMI

BackgroundNational-level data of cancer patients' readmissions after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are lacking.ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to compare the rates and causes of 30-day readmissions in patients with and without cancer.MethodsAmong patients 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 the 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 patients with and without cancer.ResultsA total of 385,522 patients were included in the analysis: 5956 with cancer and 379,566 without cancer. After propensity score matching, 23,880 patients were compared (Cancer = 5949, No Cancer = 17,931). Patients with cancer had higher 30-day readmission rates (19% vs. 14%, p < 0.01). The most common causes for readmission among patients with cancer were cardiac (31%), infectious (21%), oncologic (17%), respiratory (4%), stroke (4%), and renal (3%). During the first readmission, patients with cancer had higher adjusted rates of in-hospital mortality (15% vs. 7%; p < 0.01) and bleeding complications (31% vs. 21%; p < 0.01), compared to the non-cancer group. In addition, cancer (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.6, p < 0.01) was an independent predictor for 30-day readmission.ConclusionsAbout one in five cancer patients presenting with STEMI will be readmitted within 30 days. Cardiac causes predominated the reason for 30-day readmissions in patients with cancer.     

Predictors and impacts of hospital readmissions following liver transplantation

While liver transplantation is the definitive therapy for end stage liver disease, it remains a major procedure, with many potential complications. Hospital readmissions after the initial hospitalization for liver transplantation can be associated with adverse outcomes, increased cost, and resource utilization. Our aim was to define the incidence and reasons for hospital readmission after liver transplant and the impact of readmissions on patient outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed 30- and 90-day readmission rates and indications in patients who underwent liver transplant at a large-volume transplant center over a 3-year period. Four hundred seventy-nine adult patients underwent their first liver transplant during the study period. The 30-day readmission rate was 29.6%. Recipient and donor age, etiology of liver disease, biological Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and cold ischemia time were similar between patients who were readmitted within 30 days and those who were not readmitted. Readmissions occurred in 25% of patients who were hospitalized prior to liver transplant compared to 30% who were admitted for liver transplant. The most common indications for readmission were infection, severe abdominal pain, and biliary complications. Early discharge from hospital (fewer than 7 days after liver transplant), was not associated with readmission; however, a prolonged hospital stay after liver transplant was associated with an increased risk of readmission (p = 0.04). In conclusion, patients who undergo liver transplant have a high rate of readmission. In our cohort, readmissions were unrelated to pre-existing recipient or donor factors, but were associated with a longer hospital stay after liver transplant.     

Emergency Department Visits Versus Hospital Readmissions Among Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure

BackgroundWorsening heart failure (HF) often requires hospitalization but in some cases may be managed in the outpatient or emergency department (ED) settings. The predictors and clinical significance of ED visits without admission vs hospitalization are unclear.MethodsThe ASCEND-HF trial included 2661 US patients hospitalized for HF with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with a subsequent all-cause ED visit (with ED discharge) within 30 days vs all-cause readmission within 30 days. Factors associated with each type of care were assessed in multivariable models. Multivariable models landmarked at 30 days evaluated associations between each type of care and subsequent 150-day mortality.ResultsThrough 30-day follow-up, 193 patients (7%) had ED discharge, 459 (17%) had readmission, and 2009 (76%) had neither urgent visit. Patients with ED discharge vs readmission were similar with respect to age, sex, systolic blood pressure, ejection fraction, and coronary artery disease, whereas ED discharge patients had a modestly lower creatinine (P < .01). Among patients with either event within 30 days, a higher creatinine and prior HF hospitalization were associated with a higher likelihood of readmission, as compared with ED discharge (P < .02). Landmarked at 30 days, rates of death during the subsequent 150 days were 21.0% for patients who were readmitted and 11.4% for patients discharged from the ED. Compared with patients who were readmitted, ED discharge was independently associated with lower 150-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.36–0.92, P = .02).ConclusionsIn this cohort of US patients hospitalized for HF, worse renal function and prior HF hospitalization were associated with a higher likelihood of early postdischarge readmission, as compared with ED discharge. Although subsequent mortality was high after discharge from the ED, this risk of mortality was significantly lower than patients who were readmitted to the hospital.     

MitraClip 30-Day Readmissions and Impact of Early Discharge: An Analysis from the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016

Background/PurposeEdge-to-edge mitral valve repair (MVR) using the MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA), is now labeled for patients with degenerative and functional mitral regurgitation. Because this is a minimally invasive transcatheter procedure, patients are commonly discharged early post-procedure, yet rates and causes of early readmissions are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate underlying causes and trends of 30-day readmissions using the 2016 US Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) in patients discharged early after MVR with MitraClip.Methods/materialsWe identified all patients who received a MitraClip in 2016 and then identified a cohort of patients who were discharged early (<48 h). Next, any admission within 30 days of the index procedure was identified.ResultsOur analysis included 3858 MitraClip patients. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 13.5%. A total of 2341 patients (61%) were discharged early. The readmission rate among the early discharge cohort was 10.1% (233/2314). The readmission rate among the early discharge cohort was 10.1% (233/2314). The major causes of readmission were heart failure (27.5%), infections (15.5%), and postprocedural complications (6.9%).ConclusionsEarly discharge post-MitraClip treatment is feasible, safe, and associated with low readmission rates as compared to all MitraClip procedures performed. Special considerations for early discharge should apply to postprocedural complications and patients with heart failure, the most common readmission causes, as these may require longer stays post-procedure.SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate underlying causes and trends of 30-day readmissions using the US Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) 2016 dataset in patients discharged early after mitral valve repair with MitraClip. The overall 30-day readmission rate during this period was 13.5%; the readmission rate among patients discharged early (<48 h) was 10.1%. Early discharge post-MitraClip treatment is feasible and safe and is associated with low readmission rates.