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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Patient- and Hospital-Level Factors Associated With Readmission for Malignant Pleural Effusion
Theresa S Yang1, David W Hsia1, Dong W Chang1
1Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA.
Purpose:
Readmission after hospitalization for malignant pleural effusion (MPE) may represent gaps in the quality of health care delivery. The goal of this study was to determine the frequency of 30-day readmission for MPE and identify clinical factors associated with rehospitalization.
Patients And Methods:
A retrospective cohort of adults hospitalized for MPE from 2009 to 2011 was analyzed using an administrative database. The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day readmission rate. Hierarchic mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to examine associations between patient- and hospital-level factors and 30-day readmission and assess variation in readmission rates across hospitals.
Results:
The 7-, 14-, 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmission rates for MPE were 16.1%, 25.9%, 38.3%, 52.5%, and 63.8%, respectively. The most common primary diagnoses for 30-day readmission were MPE (69.5%) and other clinical issues related to malignancy (21.1%). Clinical factors associated with 30-day readmission were female sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63 to 0.95), greater number of medical comorbidities (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.99), and having a do-not-resuscitate order (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.84). Hospitals in the 90th percentile were only 1.1 times more likely to have a 30-day readmission for MPE than those in the lowest 10th percentile (40.9% v 37%).
Conclusion:
Readmission for MPE is common and frequently results from progression of malignancy. Readmission rates were similar across all hospitals, suggesting they are unlikely to be mutable using conventional approaches to reduce rehospitalizations. Instead, interventions may need to focus on addressing care planning at the end of life.
Insights
Readmission for malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is common, often due to cancer progression. Factors like comorbidities and do-not-resuscitate orders influence readmission, suggesting a need for improved end-of-life care planning.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of cancer.
- Readmission after MPE hospitalization may indicate quality of care gaps.
- Understanding readmission drivers is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of 30-day readmission for MPE.
- To identify clinical factors associated with MPE rehospitalization.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort analysis of adult MPE hospitalizations (2009-2011).
- Utilized administrative database for outcome assessment.
- Employed hierarchic mixed-effects logistic regression to identify associated factors.
Main Results:
- 30-day readmission rate for MPE was 38.3%.
- Common readmission diagnoses included MPE and malignancy-related issues.
- Associated factors: female sex, increased comorbidities, and do-not-resuscitate orders.
Conclusions:
- Readmission for MPE is frequent, often linked to cancer progression.
- Readmission rates showed little variation across hospitals.
- Interventions should focus on end-of-life care planning rather than conventional readmission reduction strategies.
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