Weight change in heart failure inpatients not associated with 30-day readmission

Background: The association of weight change and short-term readmission in patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) has not been well studied. Methods: We collected clinical and weight data from patients admitted with decompensated HF to a single center (2012-2013). We performed logistic regression to determine the association between weight change and two outcomes: a total of 30-day HF-specific readmission and 30-day all-cause readmission. Results: Admission and discharge weights were documented in 479/658 patients (73%). Weight loss >2 kg was not associated with 30-day all-cause or HF-specific readmission when compared with more modest inpatient weight change (-2 kg to +2 kg; all-cause readmission odds ratio: 0.86; CI: 0.56-1.37; HF-specific readmission odds ratio: 1.15; CI: 0.61-2.16). Conclusion: Among HF inpatients, in-hospital weight loss was not associated with 30-day all-cause or HF-specific readmission.