Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Debridement and Drainage for Pancreatic Abscess
Published on: March 15, 2024
Early readmission in acute pancreatitis: incidence and risk factors
Tom L Whitlock1, Kathryn Repas, April Tignor
1Division of Gastroenterology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. twhitlock@partners.org
Insights
Early unplanned readmission is common in acute pancreatitis (AP). Key risk factors include persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, a non-solid diet at discharge, and heavy alcohol use, guiding quality improvement efforts.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Early unplanned readmission following hospitalization presents a significant challenge for healthcare quality improvement and cost reduction.
- Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a condition associated with substantial morbidity and potential for readmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of early readmission after hospitalization for acute pancreatitis.
- To identify specific risk factors associated with early readmission in AP patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted involving inpatients diagnosed with AP.
- Data on demographics, etiology, disease severity, comorbidities, complications, treatments, and discharge symptoms were analyzed.
- Early readmission was defined as any hospital admission or emergency department reevaluation within 30 days of discharge.
Main Results:
- Nineteen percent (19%) of discharged AP patients experienced an early readmission.
- The median time to readmission was 9 days, with a median rehospitalization length of stay of 4 days.
- Significant risk factors for readmission included gastrointestinal symptoms at discharge (OR 44.2), discharge on a non-solid diet (OR 23.8), and moderate to heavy alcohol use (OR 10.1).
Conclusions:
- Early readmission is a frequent outcome for patients hospitalized with acute pancreatitis.
- Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption, persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, and diet modifications at discharge are critical risk factors for early readmission in AP patients.
Objectives:
Early unplanned readmission is a potential target for quality improvement and cost reduction. The aims of this study were to (i) determine the frequency of early readmission following hospitalization for acute pancreatitis (AP) and (ii) identify risk factors for early readmission in patients hospitalized for AP.
Methods:
A retrospective, observational cohort study was performed including all inpatients with AP at a tertiary-care hospital between June 2005 and December 2007. Early readmission was defined as admission to the hospital or reevaluation in the emergency department within 30 days of discharge. We analyzed demographics, etiology, markers of severity (according to Atlanta symposium), comorbidities, complications, therapeutic interventions, and discharge symptoms as potential risk factors for readmission.
Results:
There were a total of 248 patients discharged with AP during the study period, of whom 19% (47/248) had an early readmission. Median time to readmission was 9 days (interquartile range, 5-15). Median rehospitalization length of stay was 4 days (2.5-8). In multivariate analysis, the strongest risk factors for early readmission included (i) gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea) at discharge (odds ratio (OR) 44.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.1-472.1); (ii) discharge on less than a solid diet (OR 23.8; 95% CI 4.8-118.2); and (iii) moderate to heavy alcohol use (OR 10.1; 95% CI 1.2-82.6).
Conclusions:
(i) Early readmission is a common occurrence in AP. (ii) Risk factors for early readmission included moderate to heavy alcohol use, persistent symptoms, and diet at the time of discharge.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
01:27Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
01:21Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
01:25Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
01:24Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...