Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Risk Factors for Asthma Readmission Among Australian Children- A Population-Based Cohort Study
Md Mahbubur Rashid1, Nan Hu1, Mei Chan1
1School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Insights
Identifying risk factors for pediatric asthma readmissions is crucial for healthcare. This study found that factors like young age, comorbidities, and allergies increase readmission risk, varying by timing.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Health Services Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Recurrent hospitalizations for childhood asthma represent a substantial healthcare burden.
- Identifying predictors of asthma readmission can aid in early detection and intervention for high-risk children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with asthma readmission in children aged 2-17 years in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
- To differentiate risk factors for early versus late readmissions.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective birth cohort study utilized linked administrative data from NSW.
- Children born between 2005 and 2015 with at least one asthma hospitalization were included.
- Modified Poisson regression models were employed to determine risk ratios for readmission factors.
Main Results:
- Over 27,000 children were hospitalized between 2007-2022, with 17.9% experiencing early and 82.1% late readmissions.
- Early readmission risk factors included younger age (2-4 years), no older siblings, longer length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) admission, comorbidities, and allergy/eczema-related admissions.
- Late readmission risk factors included younger age (2-4 years), no older siblings, residence in poorer neighborhoods, major city location, spring/summer index admission, longer LOS, and allergy/eczema-related admissions.
Conclusions:
- Risk factors for pediatric asthma readmission are distinct based on the timing of readmission.
- Implementing risk stratification and tailored post-discharge follow-up can potentially decrease the overall burden of childhood asthma readmissions.
Background:
Repeat hospitalisations among asthmatic children pose a significant burden on the healthcare system. Identifying risk factors for asthma readmission may help detect at-risk children and promote effective interventions. The study aimed to identify risk factors for asthma readmission among children aged 2-17 years in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
Methods:
A retrospective birth cohort study was conducted using linked administrative data. The study cohort included children born in NSW between 2005 and 2015 who had at least one asthma-related hospitalisation. Risk factors for early and late readmissions, along with their risk ratios, were identified using modified Poisson regression models.
Results:
From 2007 to 2022, a total of 27,430 children were hospitalised. Among them, 17.9% of children experienced early readmissions, and 82.1% experienced late readmissions. In the adjusted multivariable model, risk factors for early readmissions included children's age 2-4 years (adjusted Relative Risk [aRR] 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49-1.99), no older siblings (1.26; 95% CI 1.11-1.42), length of stay (LOS) ≥ 2days (1.42; 95% CI 1.26-1.61), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (2.27; 95% CI 1.47-3.50), underlying chronic comorbidities and/or congenital anomalies (1.27; 95% CI 1.11-1.46), and having admissions related to allergies or eczema (1.54; 95% CI 1.30-1.83). Risk factors for late readmissions included children's age 2-4 years (1.93; 95% CI 1.80-2.06), no older siblings (1.09; 95% CI 1.04-1.15), residence in the poor neighbourhoods and in major cities, and index admission during spring or summer, LOS ≥ 2days (1.21; 95% CI 1.14-1.27), and having admission related to allergies or eczema (1.40; 95% CI 1.30-1.50).
Conclusion:
Risk factors for asthma readmission among children vary according to the timing of readmission. Risk stratification and targeted post-discharge follow-up for at-risk children may reduce the overall burden of asthma readmissions.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...