Malnutrition and Opioid Use Disorder Are Associated With Higher 30-day Readmission Rates in Patients Admitted for...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Health Services Research
• Clinical Epidemiology

Background:

• Hospital readmissions for ulcerative colitis (UC) represent a significant burden on patients and healthcare systems.
• Preventing UC readmissions is crucial for improving patient quality of life and healthcare efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of 30-day and 90-day hospital readmissions in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients.
• To identify independent predictors and common causes of UC readmissions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of the 2018 National Readmission Database (NRD).
• Identification of UC patients, comorbidities, and procedures using ICD-10CM/PCS codes.
• Cox regression analysis to determine independent risk factors for readmission.

Main Results:

• UC readmission rates were 16.6% (30-day) and 28.3% (90-day).
• Predictors for 30-day readmission included higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), ileostomy, malnutrition, and opioid use disorder.
• Predictors for 90-day readmission included higher CCI, shock, colectomy, and opioid use disorder. Sepsis was the leading cause for readmission at both time points.

Conclusions:

• Readmissions in UC are linked to increased mortality and are influenced by factors like malnutrition, ileostomy, and opioid use disorder.
• UC readmissions impose a substantial burden on both patients and the healthcare system, necessitating targeted interventions.