Physical functions and nutritional status are influenced by the readmission period in patients with heart failure: A...

The readmission rate in patients with heart failure (HF) has risen worldwide. One reason for the lack of reduction in readmission rates may be the absence of standardized evaluation methods tailored to the readmission period. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the influence of nutritional status and physical functions on readmission after discharge in patients with HF according to the readmission period.

This study was a scoping review. We conducted a comprehensive search for observational studies using the electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and NPO Japan Medical Abstracts Society.

The search resulted in a total of 452 selected articles, we finally selected 12 articles. The results of this scoping review showed that patients with HF who were readmitted from 3 months to 1 year after discharge exhibited significantly worse nutritional status and muscle strength compared with patients who were not readmitted. Patients with HF readmitted from 6 months to 1 year after discharge showed significantly worse postural balance function compared with patients who were not readmitted. Exercise tolerance was significantly worse in patients with HF readmitted from 6 months to 1 year and more than 1 year after discharge as compared with patients who were not readmitted. Malnutrition influenced readmissions from 3 to 6 months, 6 months to 1 year, and more than 1 year after discharge. Muscle weakness influenced readmissions from 3 months to 1 year after discharge. Low exercise tolerance influenced readmissions from 6 months to more than 1 year after discharge.

Malnutrition may influence readmissions over a wide range of periods, from 3 months to more than 1 year after discharge. Muscle weakness may influence short- to mid-term readmissions within 1 year after discharge, whereas low exercise tolerance may influence mid- to long-term readmissions occurring after 6 months.