Racial differences in the outcomes of IBD hospitalizations: a national population-based study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Health Services Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited data exist on racial disparities in outcomes for hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Understanding these disparities is crucial for equitable healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare inpatient outcomes between adult white and black patients hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of IBD.
• To identify potential racial differences in IBD patient care and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study utilizing the 2016-2017 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.
• Inclusion of 177,574 hospitalizations with a principal IBD diagnosis.
• Propensity-matched multivariate regression analysis to adjust for confounders.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in inpatient mortality between black and white IBD patients.
• White patients had increased odds of bowel perforation compared to black patients.
• White patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) experienced longer hospital stays and higher total charges.

Conclusions:

• While inpatient mortality and septic shock rates were similar, white IBD patients faced worse outcomes, including a higher likelihood of bowel perforation.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address specific adverse outcomes in different racial groups hospitalized with IBD.