[Predictors and reasons for readmission into cardiac intensive care unit]

To evaluate the predictors and reasons for readmission into cardiac intensive care unit (ICU).

A total of 4978 patients underwent cardiac surgery between January 2008 and August 2010. The perioperative risk factors for readmission were analyzed by multivariate regression. And the reasons, outcomes and therapy were analyzed.

Among them, 139 patients required ICU readmission. There were 80 males and 59 females with a mean age of 50.3 years (range: 9 - 78). Their median length of first and second stays were 2.00 (1.00 - 4.00) and 3.00 (1.00 - 5.00) days respectively. The median interval from ICU discharge to ICU readmission was 3 (2.00 - 6.75) days and the median hospital stay 24.00 (16.00 - 41.25) days. Readmitted patients had a higher mortality rate than those requiring no readmission (9.4% vs 0.4%, P < 0.01). The major reasons for readmission were respiratory (n = 69, 49.6%) and circulatory complications (n = 33, 23.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that NYHA (New York Heart Association) classification (95%CI: 1.091 - 3.176, P = 0.023) and the length of initial ICU stay (95%CI: 1.105 - 1.251, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors of readmission.

NYHA classification and the length of first ICU stay are independent risk factors of readmission. Respiratory complications are the most common reasons for readmission.