Outcome of early intensive care unit patients readmitted in the same hospitalization

The aim of the study was to evaluate factors associated with early readmission to the intensive care unit (ICU) during the same hospitalization and factors associated with adverse outcomes.

Among 25 717 admissions, 378 (1.5%) patients were quickly readmitted within 3 days; of these, 374 patients for whom complete medical records were available for review were included. This was a prospective observational study for a 2-year period, with an additional 1-year follow-up.

Respiratory (118 [31.6%]) and cardiovascular (91 [24.3%]) causes accounted for most readmissions. Need for mechanical ventilation during the second ICU stay was the variable most significantly associated with increased mortality (P < .001). Comparing the 2 study periods, we observed a decreased mortality rate (31.3 vs 19.5%; P = .018).

Patients with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are at greatest risk for early ICU readmission. Better patient assessment and knowledge of factors associated with early readmission may contribute to reduced mortality.