Laboratory and Pharmaceutical Data Associated With Hospital Readmission in Persons With Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Abstract

Purpose: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a leading cause of lower extremity amputations among persons with diabetes (PWD) and a common cause of hospitalizations. This study identified demographic characteristics, lab values, and comorbidities associated with 30-day and 90-day hospital readmission in persons with DFU. Methods: A retrospective chart review at our institution examined 397 patients with type 2 diabetes admitted with DFU between January 2014 and December 2018. Variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and logistic regressions. Results: None of the studied demographic, laboratory (including Hemoglobin A1c) or comorbid diseases were associated with 30-day readmission in persons with DFU. Risk factors for 90-day readmission included discharge location to home with health care (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.39, 4.95), anticoagulant use (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.27, 4.39), and SQ insulin use (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.61). Conclusions: None of the variables examined were associated with 30-day readmission; however, potential predictors for 90-day readmission included anticoagulation or insulin use and discharge home with healthcare services. Future studies should devise interventions to improve transition of care in patients with DFU to further assess the role of medications and home health care as a potential predictor of 90-day hospital readmission.

Dilute Povidone-Iodine Solution Soaking Is Ineffective in Improving Outcomes of Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Diabetic Foot

“…Previous studies revealed that the median length of hospital stay of patients with DFU was 26–31 days, 22,23 which is consistent with our results. Demographic characteristics (including sex and age), laboratory results (including CRP and HbA1c), and underlying diseases (including PAOD and ESRD) were not associated with 30-day readmission in patients with DFU 24 . The rate of amputation in diabetic patients varied overtime and across countries.…”

“…Demographic characteristics (including sex and age), laboratory results (including CRP and HbA1c), and underlying diseases (including PAOD and ESRD) were not associated with 30-day readmission in patients with DFU. 24 The rate of amputation in diabetic patients varied overtime and across countries. Previous studies reported that 20%-50% of patients with DFUs eventually underwent amputation.…”