Thirty-Day Readmission Rates, Timing, Causes, and Costs after ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the United States: A National Readmission Database Analysis 2010-2014

The association between the workload of emergency physicians and the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction: a population-based study

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the second leading cause of mortality in Taiwan. The correlation between the workload of emergency physicians and the outcome of AMI remains unknown. To determine the effects of the workload of emergency physicians on the outcomes of AMI. We included 17 661 patients (age > 18 years) with STEMI undergoing PCI, who visited the emergency department between 2012 and 2018. We used the logistic regression model with generalized estimating equations (GEEs) to analyze the risk of death within 30 days after emergency department visit, the risk of emergency department revisits within 3 days, and the risk of readmission within 14 days in all subgroups. After covariate adjustment, the risk of mortality within 30 days after visiting the emergency department was significantly higher in the subgroup whose visiting emergency physicians had the highest workload (odds ratio [OR]: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12 to 1.72). Furthermore, the risk of revisiting the emergency department within 3 days after discharge from the hospital was significantly higher in the subgroup whose visiting emergency physicians' workload was within the second and third quartiles (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.18 to 2.89). The workload of emergency physicians appears to be positively correlated with the mortality risk of patients with STEMI undergoing PCI.

Heart failure drug classes and 30-day unplanned hospital readmission among patients with heart failure in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Drug therapy is a crucial aspect of heart failure management and has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients. However, the comparative effects of these drug classes on readmission rates have not been well studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between different classes of heart failure drugs and 30-day readmission rates in patients with heart failure.

METHOD

A multicenter, hospital-based retrospective cohort design was employed and 572 randomly selected patients with heart failure were included. Data were entered in Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed with STATA version 17. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to estimate and compare survival time. A Cox proportional hazard model was utilized, employing both bi-variable and multi-variable analyses, to examine the effect of predictors on the timing of unplanned hospital readmissions. The strength of the association was assessed using an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), and statistical significance was declared for p-values < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

In this study, a total of 151 (26.40%) heart failure patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. In the multivariate cox proportional hazards analysis being an age (> 65 year) (AHR: 2.34, 95%CI: 1.63, 3.37), rural in residency (AHR: 1.85, 95%CI: 1.07, 3.20), hospital stays > 7 Days (AHR: 3.68, 95%CI: 2.51,5.39), discharge with Diuretics (AHR: 2.37, 95%CI: 1.45, 3.86), and discharge with Beta-Blocker (AHR: 0.48, 95%CI: 0 0.34, 0.69) were identified as independent predictors of unplanned hospital readmission.

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients, being in rural areas, longer hospital stays, and discharges of patients on diuretics and not on beta-blockers were independent predictors of unplanned hospital readmission. Therefore, working on these factors will help to reduce the hazard of unplanned hospital readmissions, improve patient outcomes, and increase the efficiency of heart failure management.

24-h PCI model does affect the outcome of STEMI patients: a population-based study

Acute myocardial infarction has been the second leading cause of death in Taiwan. It's a novel issue to evaluate the relationship between the 24-h PCI service model and the outcome of STEMI patients. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 24-h PCI service model in STEMI patients to improving survival rate. This population-based cohort study included those STEMI patients, older than 18 year-old, who had ever called emergency department from 2012 to 2018. We had two groups of our study participant, one group for STEMI patients with 24-h PCI model and the other group for STEMI patients with non-24-h PCI model. We used the Logistic regression model to analyze the risk of death within 30 days, emergency department (ED) revisits within 3 days, and readmission within 14 days. After the relevant variables were controlled, the risk of death after an ED visit among the patients with STEMI who were sent to hospitals with 24-h PCI services was significantly lower than that among the patients with STEMI who were sent to hospitals without 24-h PCI services (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.75-0.98). However, the model could not reduce the risk of ER revisits and readmission.

Contextualizing evidence-based nurse-led interventions for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions using GRADE evidence to decision framework: A Delphi study

BACKGROUND

High 30-day readmission rates increase hospital costs and negatively impact patient outcomes in many healthcare systems, including Hong Kong. Evidence-based and local adaptable nurse-led interventions have not been established for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions among general medical patients in Hong Kong's public healthcare system.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to select and refine evidence-based nurse-led interventions for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions among general medical patients in Hong Kong's public healthcare system using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Evidence to Decision (EtD) framework.

METHODS

Eighteen local healthcare stakeholders were recruited to carry out a two-step process. In step 1, stakeholders were invited to prioritize nurse-led interventions which were supported by existing evidence and suggest important combinations of different interventions. For all interventions prioritized in step 1, step 2 involved stakeholders performing a two-round Delphi questionnaire aiming to generate consensus-based interventions appropriate to the local context. GRADE EtD framework was applied to guide the decision-making process, taking into account certainty of evidence, benefits and harms, resource use, equity, acceptability, and feasibility.

RESULTS

Four out of eight nurse-led interventions reached a positive consensus with percentage agreement ranging from 70.6% to 82.4%. GRADE EtD criteria ratings showed that over 70% of stakeholders agreed these four interventions were probably acceptable and feasible, though the certainty of evidence was low or moderate. Half of stakeholders believed their desirable effects compared to undesirable effects were large. However, the resources required and how these nurse-led interventions might affect health inequities when implemented were uncertain. Preliminary implementation issues included high complexity of delivering multiple nurse-led intervention components, and challenges of coordinating different involved parties in delivering the interventions. Appropriate resource allocation and training should be provided to address these potential problems, as suggested by stakeholders.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Using the GRADE EtD framework, four nurse-led interventions were recommended by healthcare stakeholders as possible strategies for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions among general medical patients in Hong Kong. To address preliminary implementation issues, nurses' role as care coordinators should also be strengthened to ensure smooth delivery of nurse-led intervention components, and to facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration during service delivery.

Causes and Predictors of 30-Day Readmission in Patients With COVID-19 and ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the United States: A Nationwide Readmission Database Analysis

Background Rates, causes, and predictors of readmission in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during COVID-19 pandemic are unknown. Methods and Results All hospitalizations for STEMI were selected from the US Nationwide Readmissions Database 2020 and were stratified by the presence of COVID-19. Primary outcome was 30-day readmission. Multivariable hierarchical generalized logistic regression analysis was performed to compare 30-day readmission between patients with STEMI with and without COVID-19 and to identify the predictors of 30-day readmissions in patients with STEMI and COVID-19. The rate of 30-day all-cause readmission was 11.4% in patients with STEMI who had COVID-19 and 10.6% in those without COVID-19, with the adjusted odds ratio (OR) not being significantly different between the two groups (OR, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.73-1.07], P=0.200). Of all 30-day readmissions in patients with STEMI and COVID-19, 41% were for cardiac causes. Among the cardiac causes, 56% were secondary to acute coronary syndrome, while among the noncardiac causes, infections were the most prevalent. Among the causes of 30-day readmissions, infectious causes were significantly higher for patients with STEMI who had COVID-19 compared with those without COVID-19 (29.9% versus 11.3%, P=0.001). In a multivariable model, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, low median household income, and length of stay ≥5 days were found to be associated with an increased risk of 30-day readmission. Conclusions Post-STEMI, 30-day readmission rates were similar between patients with and without COVID-19. Cardiac causes were the most common causes for 30-day readmissions, and infections were the most prevalent noncardiac causes.

Mortality of patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction without standard modifiable risk factors among patients without known coronary artery disease: Age-stratified and sex-related analysis from nationwide readmissions database 2010-2014

Objective

The proportion of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients without standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRFs: hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and smoking) has increased over time. The absence of SMuRFs is known to be associated with worse outcomes, but its association with age and sex is uncertain. We sought to evaluate the association between age and sex with the outcomes of post-STEMI patients without SMuRFs among patients without preexisting coronary artery disease.

Methods

Patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI were identified from the Nationwide Readmission Database of the United States. Clinical characteristics, in-hospital, and 30-day outcomes in patients with or without SMuRFs were compared in men versus women and stratified into five age groups.

Results

Between January 2010 and November 2014, of 474,234 patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI, 52,242 (11.0%) patients did not have SMuRFs. Patients without SMuRFs had higher in-hospital mortality rates than those with SMuRFs. Among those without SMuRFs, the in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher in women than men (10.6% vs 7.3%, p<0.001), particularly in older age groups. The absence of SMuRFs was associated with higher 30-day readmission-related mortality rates (0.5% vs 0.3% with SMuRFs, p<0.001). Among patients without SMuRFs, women had a higher 30-day readmission-related mortality rates than men (0.6% vs 0.4%, p<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, the increased rates of in-hospital (odds ratio 1.89 (95% CI 1.72 to 2.07) and 30-day readmission-related mortality (hazard ratio 1.30 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.67)) in patients without SMuRFs remained significant.

Conclusions

STEMI patients without SMuRFs have a significantly higher risk of in-hospital and 30-day mortality than those with SMuRFs. Women and older patients without SMuRFs experienced significantly higher in-hospital and 30-day readmission-related mortality.

Trends and Outcomes for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in New South Wales from 2008 to 2019

Risk profiles are changing for patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In Australia, little is known of the nature of these changes in contemporary practice and of the impact on patient outcomes. We identified all CABG (n = 40,805) and PCI (n = 142,399) procedures in patients aged ≥18 years in New South Wales, Australia, during 2008 to 2019. Between 2008 and 2019, the age- and gender-standardized revascularization rate increased by 20% (from 267/100,000 to 320/100,000 population) for all revascularizations. The increase in revascularization was particularly driven by a 35% increase (from 194/100,000 to 261/100,000) in PCI, whereas the rate of CABG decreased by 20% (from 73/100,000 to 59/100,000). Mean age and the prevalence of co-morbidities (especially diabetes and atrial fibrillation) increased for patients with PCI in more recent years but remained consistently lower than for patients with CABG. CABGs performed in patients presenting with a non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome halved from 34.3% to 18.7% during the study period, whereas PCIs in this group decreased from 36.5% to 29.6%. Risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality decreased by 7.5 deaths/1,000 procedures per month for CABG but remained unchanged for PCI. Risk-adjusted readmission rates were consistently higher for CABG than for PCI and did not change significantly over time. In conclusion, we observed a dramatic shift over time from CABG to PCI as the revascularization procedure of choice, with the patient base for PCI extending to older and sicker patients. There was a large decrease in mortality after CABG, whereas mortality after PCI remained unchanged.

Readmission rates and risk factors for readmission after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with end-stage renal disease

Objectives

We sought to examine readmission rates and predictors of hospital readmission following TAVR in patients with ESRD.

Background

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with poor outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods

We assessed index hospitalizations for TAVR from the National Readmissions Database from 2017 to 2018 and used propensity scores to match those with and without ESRD. We compared 90-day readmission for any cause or cardiovascular cause. Length of stay (LOS), mortality, and cost were assessed for index hospitalizations and 90-day readmissions. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of 90-day readmission.

Results

We identified 49,172 index hospitalizations for TAVR, including 1,219 patients with ESRD (2.5%). Patient with ESRD had higher rates of all-cause readmission (34.4% vs. 19.2%, HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.68–2.30, p<0.001) and cardiovascular readmission (13.2% vs. 7.7%, HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.44–2.38, p<0.001) at 90 days. During index hospitalization, patients with ESRD had longer length of stay (mean difference 1.9 days), increased hospital cost (mean difference $42,915), and increased in-hospital mortality (2.6% vs. 0.9%). Among those readmitted within 90 days, patients with ESRD had longer LOS and increased hospital charge, but similar in-hospital mortality. Diabetes (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.31–2.64) and chronic pulmonary disease (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04–2.18) were independently associated with higher odds of 90-day readmission in patients with ESRD.

Conclusion

Patients with ESRD undergoing TAVR have higher mortality and increased cost associated with their index hospitalization and are at increased risk of readmission within 90 days following TAVR.

In-hospital outcomes and readmission in older adults treated with percutaneous coronary intervention for stable ischemic heart disease

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) in older adults requires a meticulous assessment of procedural risks and benefits, but contemporary data on outcomes in this population is lacking. Therefore, we examined the risk of near-term readmission, bleeding, and mortality in high-risk cohort of older adults undergoing inpatient PCI for SIHD.

METHODS

We analyzed the National Readmissions Database from 2017 to 2018 to identify index hospitalizations in which PCI was performed for SIHD. Patients were stratified into those ≥ 75 years old (older adults) and those < 75 years old. The primary outcome was 90-day readmission. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charge.

RESULTS

A total of 74,516 patients underwent inpatient PCI for SIHD, of whom 24,075 were older adults. Older adult patients had higher odds of in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.68-2.38), intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.24-3.34), and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.43-2.07) during index hospitalization, with longer LOS and in-hospital charge. Older adults also experienced a higher hazard of 90-day readmission for any cause (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.57-1.66) and cardiovascular causes (HR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.77-1.91).

CONCLUSION

Older adults undergoing inpatient PCI for SIHD were at increased risk for in-hospital mortality, periprocedural morbidities, higher cost, and readmissions compared with younger adults. Understanding these differences may improve shared decision-making for patients with SIHD being considered for PCI.

Readmissions among People Living with HIV Admitted for Hypertensive Emergency

OBJECTIVES

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Hypertensive emergency (HTNE), a complication of hypertension with potentially serious health implications, has high healthcare utilization. We attempted to determine the association between HIV status and risk for 30-day readmission after index hospitalization for HTNE.

METHODS

We used the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify all of the admissions during 2010-2017 with a primary discharge diagnosis of HTNE. Admissions were stratified by HIV status and comparisons were made with the χ² test. We investigated predictors of all-cause 30-day readmission via multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 612,854 hospitalizations with a primary discharge diagnosis of HTNE were identified, and 4115 (0.7%) were HIV positive. There was a total of 43,937 (7.16%) 30-day readmissions, and the rate was higher in regard to positive HIV status (29.8% vs 15.0%; P < 0.001). Renal failure was the most frequent reason for HIV readmissions and the second most frequent reason for non-HIV readmissions (15.6% vs 10.3%; P < 0.001). In contrast, heart failure was the most frequent reason for non-HIV readmissions and the second most frequent reason for HIV readmissions (10.3% vs 11.9%; P = 0.234). There was a higher median cost for HIV readmissions in comparison to non-HIV readmissions ($7660 vs $7490; P < 0.001). Finally, HIV was attributed to 40.6% increased odds of readmission after adjusting for pertinent clinical and demographic factors (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-positive status is associated with an increased risk for 30-day readmission after index hospitalization for HTNE.

Readmission in Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in 4 Age Groups (<45, >45 to <60, 60 to <75, and >75)

The incidence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) among younger adults is increasing due to an increased prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors. Readmissions after STEMI in young patients could lead to substantial health care costs and a significant burden on health care resources. Although STEMI readmissions are well studied in elderly patients, limited data are available regarding readmissions after STEMI in young patients and the etiologies remain poorly understood. Because younger patients with STEMI have different sociodemographic profiles th;an older patients with STEMI, one would postulate that the risk factors for readmissions in young patients would differ from that reported in the older patients with STEMI. We performed a contemporary nationwide study using the 2016 and 2017 Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify patterns of readmissions after STEMI in the young adult population. Our analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database revealed a total of 243,747 hospitalizations for STEMI between 2016 and 2017. Readmission rates demonstrated a steady increase from discharge, increasing to 7.8% at 30 days and 10.3% at 60 days before relatively plateauing at 12.1% at 90 days. Cardiovascular etiologies were the most common cause of readmission (53.6%). After multivariable analysis, development of cardiogenic shock (adjusted odds ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.11 to 1.97; p = 0.008) and acute renal failure (adjusted odds ratio 1.46, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.87; p = 0.003) during the index admission were associated with significantly higher rates of readmission. In conclusion, close monitoring in young patients who presented with STEMI and concomitant with cardiogenic shock or acute renal failure, and possibly, aggressive therapy during index admission may be needed. However, this population may be heterogeneous and further research is needed.

In-hospital mortality and readmission after ST-elevation myocardial infarction in nonagenarians: A nationwide analysis from the United States

OBJECTIVES

To assess readmission rates in nonagenarians (age ≥ 90 years) with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) versus no pPCI.

BACKGROUND

There are limited data exploring readmissions following STEMI in nonagenarians undergoing pPCI versus no pPCI.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the Nationwide Readmissions Database to identify nonagenarians hospitalized with STEMI. We divided the cohort into two groups based on pPCI status. We compared mortality during index hospitalization and during 30-day readmission, readmission rates, and causes of readmissions.

RESULTS

We identified 58,231 nonagenarian STEMI hospitalizations between 2010 and 2018, of which 18,809 (32.3%) included pPCI, and 39,422 (67.7%) had no pPCI. Unadjusted unplanned 30-day readmission was higher in pPCI cohort (21.0% vs. 15.4%, p < 0.001). However, mortality during index hospitalization and during 30-day readmission were significantly lower in pPCI cohort (15.8% vs. 32.2%, p < 0.001; 7.4% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). After adjusting for baseline characteristics, hospitalizations that included pPCI had 25% greater odds of unplanned 30-day readmission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.39, p < 0.001) and 49% lower odds of in-hospital mortality during index hospitalization (aOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.46-0.56, p < 0.001). Heart failure was the most common cause of readmission in both cohorts followed by myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

In nonagenarians with STEMI, pPCI is associated with slightly higher 30-day readmission but significantly lower mortality during index hospitalization and during 30-day readmission than no pPCI. Given the overwhelming mortality benefit with pPCI, further research is necessary to optimize the utilization of pPCI while reducing readmissions following STEMI in nonagenarians.

Readmission After ACS: Burden, Epidemiology, and Mitigation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The past decade has brought increased efforts to better understand causes for ACS readmissions and strategies to minimize them. This review seeks to provide a critical appraisal of this rapidly growing body of literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Prior to 2010, readmission rates for patients suffering from ACS remained relatively constant. More recently, several strategies have been implemented to mitigate this including improved risk assessment models, transition care bundles, and development of targeted programs by federal organizations and professional societies. These strategies have been associated with a significant reduction in ACS readmission rates in more recent years. With this, improvements in 30-day post-discharge mortality rates are also being appreciated. As we continue to expand our knowledge on independent risk factors for ACS readmissions, further strategies targeting at-risk populations may further decrease the rate of readmissions. Efforts to understand and reduce 30-day ACS readmission rates have resulted in overall improved quality of care for patients.

Acute myocardial infarction and acute heart failure among renal transplant recipients: a national readmissions database study

BACKGROUND

The literature on the mortality and 30-day readmissions for acute heart failure and for acute myocardial infarction among renal-transplant recipients is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To study the in-hospital mortality, cardiovascular complications, and 30-day readmissions among renal transplant recipients (RTRs).

METHODS

Data from the national readmissions database sample, which constitutes 49.1% of all hospitals in the United States and represents more than 95% of the stratified national population, was analyzed for the years 2012-2018 using billing codes.

RESULTS

A total of 588,668 hospitalizations in renal transplant recipients (mean age 57.7 ± 14.2 years; 44.5% female) were recorded in the study years. A total of 15,788 (2.7%) patients had a diagnosis of acute heart failure; 11,320 (71.7%) had acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and 4468 (28.3%) had acute heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; 17,256 (3%) patients had myocardial infarction, 3496 (20%) had ST-Elevation myocardial infarction while 13,969 (80%) had non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Overall, 11,675 (2%) renal-transplant patients died, of whom 757 (6.5%) had acute heart failure, 330 (2.8%) had acute reduced and 427 (3.7%) had acute preserved ejection fraction failure. Among 1652 (14.1%) patient deaths with myocardial infarction, 465 (4%) were ST-elevation- and 1187 (10.1%) were non-ST-Elevation-related. The absolute yearly mortality rate due to acute heart failure increased over the years 2012-2018 (p-trend 0.0002, 0.001, 0.002, 0.05, respectively), while the mortality rate due to myocardial infarction with ST-elevation decreased (p-trend 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular complications are significantly associated with hospitalizations among RTRs. The absolute yearly mortality, and rate of heart failure (with reduced or preserved ejection fraction) increased over the study years, suggesting that more research is needed to improve the management of these patients.

Risk factors and prediction nomogram model for 1-year readmission for major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with STEMI after PCI

To identify risk factors and develop a risk-prediction nomogram model for 1-year readmission due to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. A total of 526 eligible participants were enrolled, which included 456 non-readmitted and 70 readmitted patients. Multivariate logistical regressions were performed to identify the independent risk factors for readmission, and a prediction nomogram model was developed based on the results of the regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. Female (OR = 2.426; 95% CI: 1.395-4.218), hypertension (OR = 1.898; 95% CI: 1.100-3.275), 3-vessel disease (OR = 2.632; 95% CI: 1.332-5.201), in-hospital Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) (OR = 3.143; 95% CI: 1.305-7.574), peak cTnI (OR = 1.003; 95% CI: 1.001-1.004) and baseline NT-proBNP (OR = 1.001; 95% CI: 1.000-1.002) were independent risk factors for readmission (all P < 0.05). The nomogram exhibited good discrimination with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.723, calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test; χ2 = 15.396, P = 0.052), and clinical usefulness. Female gender, hypertension, in-hospital VA, 3-vessel disease, baseline NT-proBNP, and peak cTnI were independent risk factors for readmission. The nomogram helped clinicians to identify the patients at risk of readmission before their hospital discharge, which may help reduce readmission rates.

Clinical Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction Hospitalizations with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Analysis of Nationwide Readmissions Database

BACKGROUND

Hospital readmissions post-acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and also incur huge healthcare costs. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at an increased risk of AMI likely due to multi-factorial mechanisms including higher levels of inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis. We investigated if patients with SLE are at higher risk of hospital readmissions post-AMI compared to the patients without SLE. Furthermore, we sought to assess if inpatient outcomes of AMI in SLE patients are different than AMI without SLE.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult hospital discharges with the principal diagnosis of AMI using the Nationwide Readmissions Database in 2018. We used the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-CM/PCS) to identify comorbid conditions. The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day readmission. Secondary outcomes were cardiac procedures at index hospitalization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] and coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]), and adverse events at index hospitalization, including inpatient mortality, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, cardiac assist device, coronary artery dissection, acute kidney injury, gastrointestinal bleeding, stroke, post-procedural hemorrhage, sepsis, and hospital costs. Complex samples multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association of SLE with outcomes.

RESULTS

The patients with AMI and SLE had a higher 30-day readmission rate (15.5% vs 12.5%, aOR=1.33, CI 1.12 - 1.57, p=0.001), and inpatient mortality (aOR=1.40 CI 1.1 - 1.79, p=0.006) compared to the AMI without SLE cohort. The rates of acute kidney injury (aOR=1.41 CI 1.21 - 1.64, p<0.0001) and sepsis (aOR= 1.61 CI 1.16 - 2.23, p=0.004) were higher among AMI with SLE group as compared to AMI without SLE group. Within the AMI with SLE cohort, the independent predictors of readmission were diabetes mellitus (aOR=1.38 CI 0.99 - 1.91, p=0.054), peripheral vascular disease (aOR=2.10 CI 1.22 - 3.62, p=0.007), anemia (aOR=1.50 CI 1.07 - 2.11, p=0.019), end-stage renal disease (aOR=1.91 CI 1.10 - 3.31, p=0.021), and congestive heart failure (aOR=1.55 CI 1.12 - 2.16, p=0.009). The length of stay in days during index hospitalization (5.10 vs 4.67) was similar in both cohorts. In the multivariable-adjusted regression model, no statistically significant differences were noted between the AMI with SLE and AMI without SLE cohorts for most inpatient adverse events during the index hospitalization CONCLUSION: Patients with AMI and SLE had higher inpatient mortality during the index hospitalization and higher 30-day hospital readmissions compared to AMI patients without SLE. There were no significant differences in most of the other major inpatient outcomes between the two cohorts.

Evaluation of Incident 7-Day Infection and Sepsis Hospitalizations in an Integrated Health System

RATIONALE

Pre-hospital opportunities to predict infection and sepsis hospitalization may exist, but little is known about their incidence following common healthcare encounters.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence and timing of infection and sepsis hospitalization within 7 days of living hospital discharge, emergency department discharge, and ambulatory visit settings.

METHODS

In each setting, we identified patients in clinical strata based on the presence of infection and severity of illness. We estimated number needed to evaluate values with hypothetical predictive model operating characteristics.

RESULTS

We identified 97,614,228 encounters including 1,117,702 (1.1 %) hospital discharges, 4,635,517 (4.7%) emergency department discharges, and 91,861,009 (94.1 %) ambulatory visits between 2012 and 2017. The incidence of 7-day infection hospitalization varied from 37,140 (3.3%) following inpatient discharge, 50,315 (1.1%) following emergency department discharge, and 277,034 (0.3%) following ambulatory visits. The incidence of 7-day infection hospitalization was increased for inpatient discharges with high readmission risk (10.0%), emergency department discharges with increased acute or chronic severity of illness (3.5% and 4.7%, respectively), and ambulatory visits with acute infection (0.7%). The timing of 7-day infection and sepsis hospitalizations differed across settings with an early rise following ambulatory visits, a later peak following emergency department discharges, and a delayed peak following inpatient discharge. Theoretical number needed to evaluate values varied by strata, but following hospital and emergency department discharge, were as low as 15 to 25.

CONCLUSIONS

Incident 7-day infection and sepsis hospitalizations following encounters in routine healthcare settings were surprisingly common and may be amenable to clinical predictive models.

Trends in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Hospitalizations in the United States, 2002-2016

ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) remains a major modern-day public health problem. We aimed to assess the demographic trends in STEMI related hospitalizations in the United States over a period of fifteen years. The nationwide inpatient sample was queried to obtain information of patients hospitalized with STEMI from January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2016. Annual hospitalization rates were calculated and annual percentage change (APC) was evaluated using regression analysis. A total of 4,121,155 eligible patients were included in this analysis. Overall, the total number of STEMI hospitalization decreased from 421,043 in 2002 to 208,510 in 2016 (P-trend <0.01). With the decreasing trend, the rate was relatively higher among males as compared to females, whites as compared to non-whites, and lower as compared to high socioeconomic status (SES). The rate of PCI in STEMI patients increased from 32.8% in 2002 to 67.8% in 2016 (APC = 5.392%, 95% CI [4.384-6.411], P < 0.001), but was higher among males as compared to females, urban as compared to rural hospitals and higher as compared to lower SES. In-hospital mortality decreased from 11% in 2002 to 10.5% in 2016 (APC = -0.771%, 95% CI [-1.230 to -0.311], P = 0.003), but remained higher among females, rural hospitals and low SES as compared to their correspondent groups. Among STEMI patients, the prevalence of individual comorbidities was noted to be increasing over the study period. Although there has been a declining trend in the number of STEMI hospitalizations, patients with modifiable risk factors presenting with STEMI has been on the rise. Females, rural communities and lower SES groups need special attention because of greater vulnerability.

Anemia Is Associated With Poor Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

The association between anemia and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) has not been well studied. To assess the effect of anemia on patients hospitalized with TCM, we identified 4733 patients with a primary diagnosis of TCM from the 2016 to 2018 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (the United States) using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code. Of these, 603 (12.7%) patients had a comorbidity of anemia and 4130 did not. After propensity score matching, we compared the in-hospital outcomes between the 2 groups (anemia vs nonanemia, n = 594 vs 1137). Patients with TCM with anemia had significantly higher rates of in-hospital complications, including cardiogenic shock (11.4% vs 4.0%, P < .001), ventricular arrhythmia (6.6% vs 3.6%, P = .008), acute kidney injury (22.7% vs 13.1%, P < .001), acute respiratory failure (22.6% vs 13.1%, P < .001), longer length of hospital stay (5.6 ± 5.8 days vs 3.6 ± 3.6 days, P < .001), and higher total charges (US$79 586 ± 10 2436 vs US$50 711 ± 42 639, P < .001). In conclusion, patients with anemia who were admitted for TCM were associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital complications compared with those without anemia.

Early (0-7 day) and late (8-30 day) readmission predictors in acute coronary syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure patients

OBJECTIVES

Thirty-day readmission following hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), atrial fibrillation (AF), or congestive heart failure (CHF) is common, and many occur within one week of discharge. Using a cohort of patients hospitalized for ACS, AF, or CHF, we sought to identify predictors of 30-day, early (0-7 day), and late (8-30 day) all-cause readmission.

METHODS

We identified 3531 hospitalizations for ACS, AF, or CHF at a large academic medical center between 2008 and 2018. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to identify predictors of 30-day, early, and late unplanned, all-cause readmission, adjusting for discharge diagnosis and other demographics and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Of 3531 patients hospitalized for ACS, AF, or CHF, 700 (19.8%) were readmitted within 30 days, and 205 (29.3%) readmissions were early. Of all 30-day readmissions, 34.8% of ACS, 16.8% of AF, and 26.0% of the CHF cohorts' readmissions occurred early. Higher hemoglobin was associated with lower 30-day readmission [adjusted (adj) OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.97] while patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission were more likely readmitted within 30 days (adj OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.03-1.67). Among patients with a 30-day readmission, females (adj OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.22, 2.47) and patients requiring ICU admission (adj OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.27, 3.26) were more likely readmitted early than late. Readmission predictors did not vary substantively by discharge diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Patients admitted to the ICU were more likely readmitted in the early and 30-day periods. Other predictors varied between readmission groups. Since outpatient follow-up often occurs beyond 1 week of discharge, early readmission predictors can help healthcare providers identify patients who may benefit from particular post-discharge services.

Hospital healthcare flows: A longitudinal clustering approach of acute coronary syndrome in women over 45 years

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in women is a growing public health issue and a death leading cause. We explored whether the hospital healthcare trajectory was characterizable using a longitudinal clustering approach in women with ACS. From the 2009-2014 French nationwide hospital database, we extracted spatio-temporal patterns in ACS patient trajectories, by replacing the spatiality by their hospitalization cause. We used these patterns to characterize hospital healthcare flows in a visualization tool. We clustered these trajectories with kmlShape to identify time gap and tariff profiles. ACS hospital healthcare flows have three key categories: Angina pectoris, Myocardial Infarction or Ischemia. Elderly flows were more complex. Time gap profiles showed that readmissions were closer together as time goes by. Tariff profiles were different according to age and initial event. Our approach might be applied to monitoring other chronic diseases. Further work is needed to integrate these results into a medical decision-making tool.

Home health care after discharge is associated with lower readmission rates for patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

We studied the utilization of home health care (HHC) among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, impact of HHC on and predictors of 30-day readmission.

METHODS

We queried the National Readmission Database (NRD) from 2012 to 2014identify patients with AMI discharged home with (HHC+) and without HHC (HHC-). Linkage provided in the data identified patients who had 30-day readmission, our primary end-point. The probability for each patient to receive HHC was calculated by a multivariable logistic regression. Average treatment of treated weights were derived from propensity scores. Weight-adjusted logistic regression was used to determine impact of HHC on readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 406 237 patients with AMI were discharged home. Patients in the HHC+ cohort (38 215 patients, 9.4%) were older (mean age 77 vs. 60 years P < 0.001), more likely women (53 vs. 26%, P < 0.001), have heart failure (5 vs. 0.5%, P < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (26 vs. 6%, P < 0.001) and diabetes (35 vs. 26%, P < 0.001). Patients readmitted within 30-days were older with higher rates of diabetes (RR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.37-1.48) and heart failure (RR = 5.8, 95% CI: 5.5-6.2). Unadjusted 30-day readmission rates were 21 and 8% for HHC+ and HHC- patients, respectively. After adjustment, readmission was lower with HHC (21 vs. 24%, RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82-0.96; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In the United States, AMI patients receiving HHC are older and have more comorbidities; however, HHC was associated with a lower 30-day readmission rate.

Thirty-Day Readmission Rates after Takotsubo Syndrome with or without Malignancy: A Nationwide Readmissions Database Analysis

The association between malignancy and readmission after Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) hospitalization has not been fully described. We sought to examine the rates, cause, and cost of 30-day readmissions of TTS, with or without malignancy, by utilizing Nationwide Readmissions Databases from 2010 to 2014. We identified 61,588 index hospitalizations for TTS. TTS patients with malignancy tended to be older (70.6 ± 0.2 vs. 66.1 ± 0.1, p < 0.001), and the overall burden of comorbidities was higher than in those without malignancy. TTS patients with malignancy had significantly higher 30-day readmission rates than those without malignancy (15.9% vs. 11.0%; odds ratio (OR), 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–1.56). Non-cardiac causes were the most common causes of readmission for TTS patients with malignancy versus without malignancy (75.5% vs. 68.1%, p < 0.001). The 30-day readmission rate due to recurrent TTS was very low in both groups (0.4% and 0.5%; p = 0.47). The total costs were higher by 25% (p < 0.001) in TTS patients with vs. without malignancy. In summary, among patients hospitalized with TTS, the presence of malignancy was associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission and increased costs. These findings highlight the importance of optimized management for TTS patients with malignancy.

Potentially modifiable risk factors for 30-day unplanned hospital readmission preventive intervention-A data mining and statistical analysis

Unplanned hospital readmissions have a high prevalence and substantial healthcare costs. Preventive intervention during hospitalization holds the potential for reducing readmission risk. However, it is challenging to develop individualized interventions during hospitalization because the causes of readmissions have not been clearly known and because patients are heterogeneous. This work aimed to identify potentially modifiable risk factors of readmission to help clinicians better plan and prioritize interventions for different patient subgroups during hospitalization. We performed the analysis of associations between the changes of potentially modifiable risk factors and the change of readmission status with association rule mining and statistical methods. Twenty-nine risk factors were identified from the association rules, and twenty-five of them were potentially modifiable. The association rules with potentially modifiable risk factors can be recommended to different patient subgroups to support the development of customized readmission preventive interventions.

Non-specific pain and 30-day readmission in acute coronary syndromes: findings from the TRACE-CORE prospective cohort

Background

Patients with acute coronary syndromes often experience non-specific (generic) pain after hospital discharge. However, evidence about the association between post-discharge non-specific pain and rehospitalization remains limited.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Transitions, Risks, and Actions in Coronary Events Center for Outcomes Research and Education (TRACE-CORE) prospective cohort. TRACE-CORE followed patients with acute coronary syndromes for 24 months post-discharge from the index hospitalization, collected patient-reported generic pain (using SF-36) and chest pain (using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire) and rehospitalization events. We assessed the association between generic pain and 30-day rehospitalization using multivariable logistic regression (N = 787). We also examined the associations among patient-reported pain, pain documentation identified by natural language processing (NLP) from electronic health record (EHR) notes, and the outcome.

Results

Patients were 62 years old (SD = 11.4), with 5.1% Black or Hispanic individuals and 29.9% women. Within 30 days post-discharge, 87 (11.1%) patients were re-hospitalized. Patient-reported mild-to-moderate pain, without EHR documentation, was associated with 30-day rehospitalization (odds ratio [OR]: 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–3.62, reference: no pain) after adjusting for baseline characteristics; while patient-reported mild-to-moderate pain with EHR documentation (presumably addressed) was not (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.52–2.90). Severe pain was also associated with 30-day rehospitalization (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.32–7.54), even after further adjusting for chest pain (OR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.06–6.35).

Conclusions

Patient-reported post-discharge generic pain was positively associated with 30-day rehospitalization. Future studies should further disentangle the impact of cardiac and non-cardiac pain on rehospitalization and develop strategies to support the timely management of post-discharge pain by healthcare providers.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02195-z.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Early Recurrent Myocardial Infarction After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background We aimed to understand the characteristics and outcomes of patients readmitted with a recurrent myocardial infarction (RMI) within 90 days of discharge after an acute myocardial infarction (early RMI). Methods and Results We analyzed the timing of reinfarction, etiology, and outcome for all patients admitted with an early RMI within 90 days of discharge after an acute myocardial infarction between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2017. We identified 6626 admissions for acute myocardial infarction (index myocardial infarction) which led to 168 cases of RMI within 90 days of discharge. The mean patient age was 65.1±13.1 years, and 37% were women. The 90-day probability of readmission with an early RMI was 2.5%. Black race, medical management, higher troponin T, and shorter length of stay were independent predictors of early RMI. Medically managed group had a higher risk for early RMI compared with percutaneous coronary intervention (P=0.04) or coronary artery bypass grafting (P=0.2). Predominant mechanisms for reinfarction were stent thrombosis (17%), disease progression (12%), and unchanged coronary artery disease (11%). At 5 years, the all-cause mortality rate for patients with an early RMI was 49% (95% CI, 40%-57%) compared with 22% (95% CI, 21%-23%) for patients without an early RMI (P<0.0001). Conclusions Early RMI is a life-threatening condition with nearly 50% mortality within 5 years. Stent-related events and progression in coronary artery disease account for most early RMI. Medication compliance, aggressive risk factor management, and care transitions should be the cornerstone in preventing early RMI.

Routine postoperative fluid restriction to prevent syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion after transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma

OBJECTIVE

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is a common problem during the postoperative course after pituitary surgery. Although treatment of this condition is well characterized, prevention strategies are less studied and reported. The authors sought to characterize outcomes and predictive factors of SIADH after implementation of routine postoperative fluid restriction for patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma.

METHODS

In March 2018, routine postoperative fluid restriction to 1000 ml/day for 7 days was instituted for all patients who underwent surgery for pituitary adenoma. These patients were compared with patients who underwent surgery for pituitary adenoma between March 2016 and March 2018, prior to implementation of routine fluid restriction. Patients with preoperative history of diabetes insipidus (DI) or concern for postsurgical DI were excluded. Patients were followed by neuroendocrinologists and neurosurgeons, and sodium levels were checked between 7 and 10 days postoperatively. SIADH was defined by a serum sodium level less than 136 mmol/L, with or without symptoms within 10 days after surgery. Thirty-day readmission was recorded and reviewed to determine underlying reasons.

RESULTS

In total, 82 patients in the fluid-unrestricted cohort and 135 patients in the fluid-restricted cohort were analyzed. The patients in the fluid-restricted cohort had a significantly lower rate of postoperative SIADH than patients in the fluid-unrestricted cohort (5% vs 15%, adjusted OR [95% CI] 0.1 [0.0-0.6], p = 0.01). Higher BMI was associated with lower rate of postoperative SIADH (adjusted OR [95%] 0.9 [0.9-1.0], p = 0.03), whereas female sex was associated with higher rate of SIADH (adjusted OR [95% CI] 3.1 [1.1-9.8], p = 0.03). There was no difference in the 30-day readmission rates between patients in the fluid-unrestricted and fluid-restricted cohorts (4% vs 7%, adjusted OR [95% CI] 0.5 [0-5.1], p = 0.56). Thirty-day readmission was more likely for patients with history of hypertension (adjusted OR [95% CI] 5.7 [1.3-26.3], p = 0.02) and less likely for White patients (adjusted OR [95% CI] 0.3 [0.1-0.9], p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine fluid restriction reduced the rate of SIADH in patients who underwent surgery for pituitary adenoma but was not associated with reduction in 30-day readmission rate.

Social determinants of health affect unplanned readmissions following acute myocardial infarction

Background: Low socioeconomic status predicts inferior clinical outcomes in many patient populations. The effects of patient insurance status and hospital safety-net status on readmission rates following acute myocardial infarction are unclear. Materials & methods: A retrospective review of State Inpatient Databases for New York, California, Florida and Maryland, 2007-2014. Results: A total of 1,055,162 patients were included. Medicaid status was associated with 37.7 and 44.0% increases in risk-adjusted readmission odds at 30 and 90 days (p < 0.0001). Uninsured status was associated with reduced odds of readmission at both time points. High-burden safety-net status was associated with 9.6 and 9.5% increased odds of readmission at 30 and 90 days (p < 0.0003). Conclusion: Insurance status and hospital safety-net burden affect readmission odds following acute myocardial infarction.

Sex-based differences in revascularization and 30-day readmission after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction in the United States

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Revascularization is considered the standard of care for treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is known to reduce readmission. However there is a paucity of data that examines the sex-dependent impact of revascularization on readmission. We aimed to investigate sex differences in revascularization rates, 30-day readmission rates, and primary cause of readmissions following STEMIs.

METHODS

STEMI hospitalizations were selected in the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014. Revascularization rates, 30-day readmission rates, and primary cause of readmission were examined. Interaction between sex and revascularization was assessed. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of 30-day readmission and revascularization for both sexes.

RESULTS

219,944 women and 489,605 men were admitted with STEMIs. Women were more likely to be older, and have more comorbidities. Women were less likely to undergo revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-0.70) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (adjusted OR 0.40; CI 0.39-0.44). Women had higher 30-day readmission rates (15.7% vs. 10.8%, p < 0.001; OR 1.20, CI 1.17-1.23), and revascularization in women was not associated with a decreased likelihood of 30-day readmission. The primary cardiac cause of readmission in women was heart failure.

CONCLUSION

Compared to men, women with STEMIs had lower rates of revascularization and higher rates of 30-day readmission. When revascularized, women were still more likely to be readmitted as compared to non-revascularized women.

Incidence, predictors, and prognostic impact of recurrent acute myocardial infarction in China

BACKGROUND

Incidence, predictors, and prognostic impact of recurrent acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after initial AMI remain poorly understood. Data on recurrent AMI in China is unknown.

METHODS

Using the China Patient-centred Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events (PEACE)-Prospective AMI Study, we studied 3387 patients admitted to 53 hospitals for AMI and discharged alive. The association of recurrent AMI with 1-year mortality was evaluated using time-dependent Cox regression. Recurrent AMI events were classified as early (1-30 days), late (31-180 days), and very late (181-365 days). Their impacts on 1-year mortality were estimated by Kaplan-Meier methodology and compared by the log-rank test. Multivariable modelling was used to identify factors associated with recurrent AMI.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age was 60.7 (11.9) years and 783 (23.1%) were women. The observed 1-year recurrent AMI rate was 2.5% (95% CI 2.00 to 3.07) with 35.7% events occurring within the first 30 days. Recurrent AMI was associated with 1-year mortality with an adjusted HR of 25.42 (95% CI 15.27 to 42.34). Early recurrent AMI was associated with the highest 1-year mortality rate of 53.3% (log-rank p<0.001). Predictors of recurrent AMI included age 75-84, in-hospital percutaneous coronary intervention, heart rate >90 min/beats at initial admission, renal dysfunction, and not being prescribed any of guideline-based medications at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of recurrent AMI events occurred early. Recurrent AMI is strongly associated with 1-year mortality, particularly if early. Heightened surveillance during this early period and improving prescription of recommended discharge medications may reduce recurrent AMI in China.

Unplanned Thirty-Day Readmission After Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (From the Nationwide Readmission Database)

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is indicated for symptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) patients. We sought to analyze the incidence of the 30-day readmission rate, predictors, causes of readmission, and incremental healthcare resource (cost and length of stay) utilization after ASA. Nationwide Readmission Database from 2010 January to 2015 September was queried to identify 30-day unplanned readmission after ASA for HC by using the International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification. Those readmitted were similar in terms of age and sex but had higher burden of co-morbidities compared with those not readmitted within 30-days. The 30-day unplanned readmission rate was 10.4% (511/4,932) after ASA. Readmissions lead to an additional mean hospitalization cost of 8,433 US dollars and mean of 4.9 days of length of stay. Predictors of 30-day unplanned readmission were liver disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22 to 5.59), renal failure (aOR 2.30, 95%CI 1.52 to 3.50), previous myocardial infarction (aOR 1.97, 95%CI 1.16 to 3.33), previous pacemaker (aOR 1.50, 95%CI 1.09 to 2.08), atrial fibrillation (aOR 1.43, 95%CI 1.08 to 1.89), Medicaid (aOR 1.74, 95%CI 1.12 to 2.68), and weekend admission (aOR 1.75, 95%CI 1.12 to 2.75). Common reasons for readmissions were atrial fibrillation (12.6%), acute on chronic systolic heart failure (12.6%), paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia (6.4%), atrioventricular block (4.9%), and HC (3.0%). Unplanned readmissions after ASA occur in patients with higher burden of co-morbidities and are mainly caused by cardiac etiologies.

Facilitating the identification of patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction and heart failure and the assessment of their readmission risk through the Patient Navigator Program

BACKGROUND

Optimal transition care mitigates early hospital readmission risk. Given limited resources, hospitals need to identify patients with high readmission risk. This article examines whether a coordinated quality improvement campaign can help achieve this objective.

METHODS

The American College of Cardiology Patient Navigator Program, a 2-year quality improvement campaign, sought to assess the impact of transition care interventions on 30-day readmission rates for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or heart failure (HF) at 35 hospitals. This article examines the change in 2 of the 36 performance metrics the campaign tracked: the number of AMI and HF patients identified predischarge and those whose readmission risk was assessed.

RESULTS

The number of facilities identifying AMI and HF patients predischarge increased from 24 (68.6%) and 28 (80.0%), respectively, at baseline, to 34 (97.1%) (P = .0016) and 34 (97.1%) (P = .014), respectively, at 2 years. The number of facilities assessing the readmission risk of AMI and HF patients risk increased from 9 (25.7%) and 11 (31.4%), respectively, at baseline, to 32 (91.4%) (P < .0001) and 33 (94.5%) (P < .0001), respectively, at 2 years. Importantly, baseline reporting of performance for both metrics was poor, with >25% of the hospitals missing data.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a coordinated quality improvement campaign may increase the number of facilities identifying AMI and HF patients predischarge and assessing their readmission risk. Further research is needed to determine if increased identification reduces 30-day readmission or facilitates improvement in other important clinical outcomes.

Associations Between Hospital Length of Stay, 30-Day Readmission, and Costs in ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Nationwide Readmissions Database Analysis

Background Readmission after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) poses an enormous economic burden to the US healthcare system. There are limited data on the association between length of hospital stay (LOS), readmission rate, and overall costs in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI. Methods and Results All STEMI hospitalizations were selected in the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014. From the patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention, we examined the 30-day outcomes including readmission, mortality, reinfarction, repeat revascularization, and hospital charges/costs according to LOS (1-2, 3, 4, 5, and >5 days) stratified by infarct locations. The 30-day readmission rate after percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI was 12.0% in the anterior wall (AW) STEMI group and 9.9% in the non-AW STEMI group. Patients with a very short LOS (1-2 days) were readmitted less frequently than those with a longer LOS regardless of infarct locations. However, patients with a very short LOS had significantly increased 30-day readmission mortality versus an LOS of 3 days (hazard ratio, 1.91; CI, 1.16-3.16 [P=0.01]) only in the AW STEMI group. Total costs (index admission+readmission) were the lowest in the very short LOS cohort in both the AW STEMI group (P<0.001) and the non-AW STEMI group (P<0.001). Conclusions For patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI, a very short LOS was associated with significantly lower 30-day readmission and lower cumulative cost. However, a very short LOS was associated with higher 30-day mortality compared with at least a 3-day stay in the AW STEMI cohort.

Transition of care to prevent recurrence after acute coronary syndrome: the critical role of the primary care provider and pharmacist

Despite therapeutic advances, patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at an increased long-term risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. This risk continues to rise as the number of associated comorbidities, often observed in patients presenting with ACS, increases. Such a level of clinical complexity can lead to gaps in care and subsequently worse outcomes. Guidelines recommend providing an evidence-based post-discharge plan to prevent readmission and recurrent ACS, including cardiac rehabilitation, medication, patient/caregiver education, and ongoing follow-up. A patient-centric multidisciplinary approach is critical for the effective management of the transition of care from acute care in the hospital setting to the outpatient care setting in patients with ACS. Ongoing communication between in-hospital and outpatient healthcare providers ensures that the transition is smooth. Primary care providers and pharmacists have a pivotal role to play in the effective management of transitions of care in patients with ACS. Guideline recommendations regarding the post-discharge care of patients with ACS and the role of the primary care provider and the pharmacist in the management of transitions of care will be reviewed.

Association between age and readmission after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the association between age and the risk of 30-day unplanned readmission among adult patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included patients from the Nationwide Readmissions Database with AMI who underwent PCI during 2013-2014. We used multivariable logistic regression model to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for risk of readmission. To examine potential non-linear association, we performed logistic regression with restricted cubic splines (RCS).

RESULTS

Of the 492 550 patients with AMI aged above 18 years undergoing PCI during the index hospitalisation, 48 630 (9.87%) were readmitted within 30 days. Although the crude readmission rate of younger patients (aged 18-54 years) was the lowest (7.27%), younger patients had higher risk of readmission compared with patients aged 55-64 years for all-causes (AOR 1.06 (1.01 to 1.11), p=0.0129) and specific causes, such as AMI and chest pain (both cardiac and non-specific) after adjusted for covariates. Patients aged 65-74 years were at lower risk of all-cause readmission. Older patients (age ≥75 years) had higher risk of readmission for heart failure (AOR 1.50 (1.29 to 1.74)) and infection (AOR 1.44 (1.16 to 1.79)), but lower risk for chest pain. RCS analyses showed a U-shaped relationship between age and readmission risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest higher risk of readmission in younger patients for all-cause unplanned readmission after adjusted for covariates. The trends of readmission risk along with age were different for specific causes. Age-targeted initiatives are warranted to reduce preventable readmissions in patients with AMI undergoing PCI.

Comparison of effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin-k antagonists in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis protocol

Background

Current evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the elderly with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains scarce. Based on the emerging evidence from real-world studies (RWSs) associated with DOACs, we will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from RWSs and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the effectiveness, safety and cost of DOACs versus Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in elderly patients with AF.

Methods

The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases will be systematically searched until June 30, 2019 for eligible RWSs and RCTs that reported the clinical outcomes between DOACs and VKAs in elderly patients with AF. The effectiveness outcome is stroke or systemic embolism (SE), and the safety outcomes are major bleeding, intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), myocardial infarction (MI) and all-cause mortality. A random-effects model will be used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for RWSs and relative risks (RRs) for RCTs, separately. The interaction analysis and the ratio of HRs (RHRs) will be applied to compare the treatment effect difference between RWSs and RCTs. A Markov model will be constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of DOACs versus VKAs in elderly AF patients in real-world setting.

Discussion

This study will summarize all available evidences from RWSs and RCTs for a comprehensive and rigorous systematic review on the effectiveness and safety associated with DOACs, as well as perform a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate the price performance of DOACs among elderly AF patients in real clinical setting.

Trial registration

PROSPERO register platform (CRD42019142881, www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID =142881).

Readmissions after acute type B aortic dissection

OBJECTIVE

Acute type B aortic dissection can be treated with medical management alone, open surgical repair, or thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). The nationwide burden of readmissions after acute type B aortic dissection has not been comprehensively assessed.

METHODS

We analyzed adults with a hospitalization due to acute type B aortic dissection between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014, in the Nationwide Readmissions Database. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to identify hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis code for thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic dissection. The primary outcome was nonelective 90-day readmission. Predictors of readmission were determined using hierarchical logistic regression.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 6937 patients with unplanned admissions for type B aortic dissections from 2010 through 2014. Medical management alone was the treatment for 62.6% of patients, 21.0% had open surgical repair, and 16.4% underwent TEVAR. Nonelective 90-day readmission rate was 25.1% (23.6% with medical management alone, 26.9% with open repair, and 28.7% with TEVAR; P < .001). An additional 4.7% of patients were electively readmitted. The most common cause for nonelective readmission was new or recurrent arterial aneurysm or dissection (24.8%). Of those with unplanned readmissions, 5.2% underwent an aortic procedure. The mortality rate during nonelective readmission was 5.0%, and the mean cost of the rehospitalization was $22,572 ± $41,598.

CONCLUSIONS

More than one in four patients have a nonelective readmission 90 days after hospitalization for acute type B aortic dissection. Absolute rates of readmission varied by initial treatment received but were high irrespective of the initial treatment. The most common cause of readmission was aortic disease, particularly among those treated with medication alone. Further research is required to determine potential interventions to decrease these costly and morbid readmissions, including the role of multidisciplinary aortic teams.

Thirty-day Emergency Department Utilization after Distal Radius Fracture Treatment: Identifying Predictors and Variation

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Unplanned hospital visits are costly and may indicate reduced care quality. In this analysis, we aim to investigate the emergency department (ED) utilization for patients 30 days after treatment for a distal radius fracture (DRF) with an emphasis on DRF-related diagnoses of complications and examine nationwide variation in returns to the ED after treatment.

Understanding Readmissions in Medicare Beneficiaries During the 90-Day Follow-Up Period of an Acute Myocardial Infarction Admission

Background

Medicare has a voluntary episodic payment model for Medicare beneficiaries that bundles payment for the index acute myocardial infarction (AMI) hospitalization and all post‐discharge services for a 90‐day follow‐up period. The purpose of this study is to report on the types and frequency of readmissions and identify demographic and clinical factors associated with readmission of Medicare beneficiaries that survived their AMI hospitalization.

Methods and Results

This retrospective study used the Inpatient Standard Analytical File for 2014. There were 143 286 Medicare beneficiaries with AMI who were discharged alive from 3619 hospitals. All readmissions occurring in any hospital within 90 days of the index AMI discharge date were identified. Of 143 286 Medicare beneficiaries discharged alive from their index AMI hospitalization, 28% (40 145) experienced at least 1 readmission within 90 days and 8% (11 477) had >1 readmission. Readmission rates were higher among Medicare beneficiaries who did not undergo a percutaneous coronary intervention in their index AMI admission (34%) compared with those that underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention (20.2%). Using all Medicare beneficiary's index AMI, 27 comorbid conditions were significantly associated with the likelihood of a Medicare beneficiary having a readmission during the follow‐up period. The strongest clinical characteristics associated with readmissions were dialysis dependence, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and heart failure.

Conclusions

This study provides benchmark information on the types of hospital readmissions Medicare beneficiaries experience during a 90‐day AMI bundle. This paper also suggests that interventions are needed to alleviate the need for readmissions in high‐risk populations, such as, those managed medically and those at risk of heart failure.

Readmission and processes of care across weekend and weekday hospitalisation for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure or stroke: an observational study of the National Readmission Database

OBJECTIVES

Variation in hospital resource allocations across weekdays and weekends have led to studies of the 'weekend effect' for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), heart failure (HF) and stroke. However, few studies have explored the 'weekend effect' on unplanned readmission. We aimed to investigate 30-day unplanned readmissions and processes of care across weekend and weekday hospitalisations for STEMI, NSTEMI, HF and stroke.

DESIGN

We grouped hospitalisations for STEMI, NSTEMI, HF or stroke into weekday or weekend admissions. Multivariable adjusted ORs for binary outcomes across weekend versus weekday (reference) groups were estimated using logistic regression.

SETTING

We included all non-elective hospitalisations for STEMI, NSTEMI, HF or stroke, which were recorded in the US Nationwide Readmissions Database between 2010 and 2014.

PARTICIPANTS

The analysis sample included 659 906 hospitalisations for STEMI, 1 420 600 hospitalisations for NSTEMI, 3 027 699 hospitalisations for HF, and 2 574 168 hospitalisations for stroke.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was unplanned 30-day readmission. As secondary outcomes, we considered length of stay and the following processes of care: coronary angiography, primary percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft, thrombolysis, brain scan/imaging, thrombectomy, echocardiography and cardiac resynchronisation therapy/implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

RESULTS

Unplanned 30-day readmission rates were 11.0%, 15.1%, 23.0% and 10.9% for STEMI, NSTEMI, HF and stroke, respectively. Weekend hospitalisations for HF were associated with a statistically significant but modest increase in 30-day readmissions (OR of 1.045, 95% CI 1.033 to 1.058). Weekend hospitalisation for STEMI, NSTEMI or stroke was not associated with increased risk of 30-day readmission.

CONCLUSION

There was no clinically meaningful evidence against the supposition that weekend and weekday hospitalisations have the same 30-day unplanned readmissions. Thirty-day readmission rates were high, especially for HF, which has implications for service provision. Strategies to reduce readmission rates should be explored, regardless of day of hospitalisation.

The prevalence of 30-day readmission after acute myocardial infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

The 30‐day readmission is associated with increased medical costs, which has become an important quality metric in several medical institutions. This current study is aimed at clarifying the prevalence, the underlying risk factors, and reasons of the 30‐day readmission after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify eligible studies. Random‐effect models were employed to perform pooled analyses. Means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate prevalence and reasons for 30‐day readmission. We also used Odds ratios (ORs) to explore the potential significant predictors of risk factors of 30‐day readmission after AMI. Potential publication bias was assessed using funnel plot and Begg'test.

Results

A total of 14 relevant studies were included in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. The pooled 30‐day readmission rate of AMI was 12% (95% CI 0.11‐0.14). Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), angina and acute ischemic heart disease, and heart failure (HF) were the principal cardiovascular reasons of 30‐day readmission. Meanwhile, non‐specific chest pain was regarded as the significant cause among non‐cardiovascular reasons. The common co‐morbidities kidney disease, HF and diabetes mellitus were significant risk factors for 30‐day readmission. No significant publication bias was found by funnel plot and statistical tests.

Conclusions

The 30‐day readmission rate of post‐AMI ranged from 11% to 14% and can be mainly attributed to cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular events. The common co‐morbidities, such as kidney disease, HF, and diabetes mellitus were significant risk factors for 30‐day readmission.

Postpartum Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Women With Heart Disease from A Nationwide Study

There is limited data on postpartum maternal postpartum major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) among women with heart disease (HD) in the US. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of MACCE in the US. The Nationwide Readmissions Databases (2010 to 2014) were screened for patients with and without HD undergoing delivery. HD subtypes included cardiomyopathy (CDM), congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, and pulmonary hypertension. Rates and reasons of 42-day readmission were determined using weighted national estimates. Independent predictors of postpartum MACCE were determined using multivariable logistic regression for complex survey data. We found among 15,273,247 patients hospitalized for delivery, 33,827 had HD (CDM 22.78%, congenital heart disease 45.98%, valvular heart disease 24.81%, and pulmonary hypertension 6.41%). Of these, 5.2% of HD patients and 1.4% of No HD were readmitted. MACCE was higher in HD vs No HD (2.68% vs 0.17%, p <0.0001). Median time to MACCE was 5.6 days (interquartile range 3 to 15 days). CDM had >10% readmission at 42 days. Among HD patients, cardiovascular, infectious, hypertensive syndromes, and complications of pregnancy were the most common reasons for 42-day readmission. MACCE predictors in women with HD included HD subtype, age, insurance status, obesity, eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, MACCE during delivery, preterm delivery, and thrombotic complications. In conclusion, among a nationwide analysis, postpartum MACCE was more common among patients with HD especially within 1 week of discharge from delivery. Predictors can be easily screened for by clinicians, including presence of any HD, hypertensive syndromes, age, obesity, and obstetrical events during index hospitalization.

Timing and Causes of Unplanned Readmissions After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the Nationwide Readmission Database

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the rates and causes of unplanned readmissions at different time periods following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

The rates and causes of readmission at different time periods after PCI remain incompletely elucidated.

METHODS

Patients undergoing PCI between 2010 and 2014 in the U.S. Nationwide Readmission Database were evaluated for the rates, causes, predictors, and costs of unplanned readmission between 0 and 7 days, 8 and 30 days, 31 and 90 days, and 91 and 180 days after index discharge.

RESULTS

This analysis included 2,412,000 patients; 2.5% were readmitted between 0 and 7 days, 7.6% between 8 and 30 days, 8.9% between 31 and 90 days, and 8.0% between 91 and 180 days (cumulative rates 2.5%, 9.9%, 18.0%, and 24.8%, respectively). The majority of readmissions during each time period were due to noncardiac causes (53.1% to 59.6%). Nonspecific chest pain was the most common identifiable noncardiac cause for readmission during each time period (14.2% to 22.7% of noncardiac readmissions). Coronary artery disease including angina was the most common cardiac cause for readmission during each time period (37.4% to 39.3% of cardiac readmissions). The second most common cardiac cause for readmission was acute myocardial infarction between 0 and 7 days (27.6% of cardiac readmissions) and heart failure during all subsequent time periods (22.2% to 23.7% of cardiac readmissions).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 25% of patients following PCI have unplanned readmissions within 6 months. Causes of readmission depend on the timing at which they are assessed, with noncardiovascular causes becoming more important at longer time points.

Thirty-Day Readmission Rates, Timing, Causes, and Costs after ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the United States: A National Readmission Database Analysis 2010-2014

Background Readmission after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction ( STEMI ) poses an enormous economic burden to the US healthcare system. Efforts to prevent readmissions should be based on understanding the timing and causes of these readmissions. This study aimed to investigate contemporary causes, timing, and cost of 30-day readmissions after STEMI . Methods and Results All STEMI hospitalizations were selected in the Nationwide Readmissions Database ( NRD ) from 2010 to 2014. The 30-day readmission rate as well as the primary cause and cost of readmission were examined. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of 30-day readmission and increased cumulative cost. From 2010 to 2014, the 30-day readmission rate after STEMI was 12.3%. Within 7 days of discharge, 43.9% were readmitted, and 67.3% were readmitted within 14 days. The annual rate of 30-day readmission decreased by 19% from 2010 to 2014 ( P<0.001). Female sex, AIDS , anemia, chronic kidney disease , collagen vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure , atrial fibrillation, and increased length of stay were independent predictors of 30-day readmission. A large proportion of patients (41.6%) were readmitted for noncardiac reasons. After multivariate adjustment, 30-day readmission was associated with a 47.9% increase in cumulative cost ( P<0.001). Conclusions Two thirds of patients were readmitted within the first 14 days after STEMI , and a large proportion of patients were readmitted for noncardiac reasons. Thirty-day readmission was associated with an ≈50% increase in cumulative hospitalization costs. These findings highlight the importance of closer surveillance of both cardiac and general medical conditions in the first several weeks after STEMI discharge.