Factors predicting readmission in patients with COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a global health emergency by the WHO.
• A significant percentage of COVID-19 survivors experience readmission within two months post-discharge.
• Understanding readmission rates and risk factors is crucial for managing post-COVID-19 patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the readmission rate among patients discharged after COVID-19 infection.
• To identify significant risk factors associated with hospital readmission in COVID-19 survivors.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 416 discharged COVID-19 patients with a minimum one-month follow-up.
• Data collected included readmission timing, patient demographics (age, sex), presenting symptoms, CT scan results, PCR test outcomes, and treatment modalities.
• Statistical analysis focused on identifying predictors of readmission.

Main Results:

• The overall readmission rate was 7.6% at 30 days and 8.1% at 60 days post-discharge.
• The median age of readmitted patients was 67 years, with 65% having pre-existing conditions.
• Significant predictors of readmission included the extent of lung involvement (OR > 4), age over 60 (OR not specified), diabetes (OR = 3.43), and high creatinine levels (≥ 1.2 mg/dL, OR = 2.15).

Conclusions:

• The study highlights a notable readmission rate among COVID-19 survivors.
• Lung involvement, advanced age, comorbidities like diabetes, and impaired kidney function are critical risk factors for readmission.
• These findings underscore the need for targeted monitoring and management strategies for high-risk COVID-19 patients post-discharge.