ICU readmission of patients with cancer: Incidence, risk factors and mortality

Few studies evaluated ICU readmission in cancer patients. This study aimed to describe the incidence and risk factors for ICU readmission in cancer patients and the association with mortality.

A retrospective cohort study at a comprehensive cancer center, which included cancer patients who were discharged after their initial ICU admission over a 5-year period. The characteristics and outcomes of patients who required ICU readmission within 30 days of discharge were compared to those who did not require readmission during the study period. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with readmission and to evaluate the association between readmission and mortality.

Among 1582 patients discharged from the ICU, 313(19.8%) were readmitted after a median of 6 days. The most common readmission diagnoses were respiratory failure and sepsis. Mechanical ventilation (OR 5.80; 95% CI 4.29-7.84) and thrombocytopenia (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.16-2.38), on the first ICU admission were associated with readmission. Readmission was associated with a higher risk of 28-day and 90-day mortality, (OR 3.02; CI 2.3-4.00) and (OR 3.47; 95% CI 2.69-4.49), respectively.

ICU readmission was associated with increased mortality. Mechanical ventilation and thrombocytopenia at the first admission were associated with ICU readmission.