Characteristics Associated with Length of Stay in Intensive Care Unit for Cancer Patients in China: A Nationwide...

Cancer patients can receive specialized care and monitoring at intensive care unit (ICU). However, prolonged ICU stay may increase medical expenses and risk of complications.

To assess characteristics associated with length of stay (LOS) at ICU in Chinese cancer patients, a retrospective cohort study was conducted at 33 ICUs in China between May and July 2021. Cancer patients' demographics, medical history, disease severity, cancer types, status and treatments at the admission, death or survival, and LOS were documented. Characteristics associated with the LOS were determined by the bivariable and multivariable linear regression analyses.

The study included 1488 cancer patients, with a median age of 63 (interquartile range [IQR]: 56-72) years old, and 61.4% of patients were men. The median LOS was 4 (IQR, 2-7) days. Chronic renal failure, delirium, sepsis, renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation, sedatives, and feeding method were significantly associated with the LOS. Subgroup analysis indicated that chronic renal failure, delirium, sepsis, renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation, and feeding method (enteral with or without parenteral feeding) were associated with the LOS in patients who survived to be discharged from ICU. Only the feeding method was associated with the LOS in patients who died.

A clinical history of chronic renal failure, along with specific conditions and treatments administered during admission, was significantly associated with the LOS at ICU for cancer patients overall.