Risk Factors for Liver Cirrhosis-Related Readmissions in the Largest Ethnic Minority in United States

Abstract

Background: There are very limited data available on 30-day readmissions for ethnic minority patients with cirrhosis. The aim of the study was to identify the risk factors for 30-day readmission in ethnic minority patients admitted for cirrhosis. Methods: We did a retrospective review of 1,373 electronic medical records of patients with cirrhosis admitted from 2009 to 2011. Several parameters including alcohol use history, discharge location and cirrhosis severity scores-model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT) at first admission were assessed. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and t-test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Results: There were 79 patients in the readmission group (63% male, 54% Hispanics and 22% African Americans) and 104 in the no readmission group (62% male, 58% Hispanics and 24% African Americans). History of alcohol use within a month prior to admission (55% vs. 33%, P = 0.002), platelet count at discharge (89,000 vs. 124,000, P = 0.003), and discharge with more than seven medications per day (7.3 vs. 5.2, P = 0.005) were identified as risk factors for readmissions by multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Platelet count, active alcohol use and more than seven medications at discharge are predictors of readmission. These parameters can guide future interventions to reduce readmission rate and health care costs related to cirrhosis readmissions.

Risk factors for hospital readmission among patients with cirrhosis and ascites in China: a retrospective observational study

“…In this investigation, we found a 90-day readmission rate of 43% among patients with cirrhosis who had ascites, consistent with the high readmission rate among patients with cirrhosis reported in the literature. 11,12,15,19,20,27,28 The finding of this research underscores the complexity and challenges of managing this patient population, particularly in the post-discharge period. Therefore, strategies to reduce this high rate are urgently required.…”

“…These data are consistent with those of other studies reporting similar associations. [11][12][13][14]18,20,21,27,28 These laboratory parameters could serve as potential predictors of the risk for readmission to help guide post-discharge management strategies aimed at reducing hospital readmissions. Multivariate assessment revealed that reduced hemoglobin and serum albumin at discharge as well as increased MELD-Na score were independent predictors of 90-day readmission, consistent with the literature.…”

“…These data are consistent with those of other studies reporting similar associations. 11 – 14 , 18 , 20 , 21 , 27 , 28 These laboratory parameters could serve as potential predictors of the risk for readmission to help guide post-discharge management strategies aimed at reducing hospital readmissions.…”