Risk factors for readmission following inpatient management of COVID‐19 in a low‐prevalence setting

• DOI: 10.1111/imj.15218
• Publication Date: 2021-05-28T02:18:11Z
• Authors: George P. Drewett; R. Kimberley Chan; Nicholas Jones; Hari Wimaleswaran; Mark E. Howard; Christine F. McDo...; Jason Kwong; Olivia Smibert; Natasha E. Holmes; Jason A. Trubiano
• Keywords: Table (database); 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Content (measure theory); Table of contents

There are minimal data on post-COVID-19 readmissions in relatively low-prevalence countries such as Australia. Data prior to COVID-19 demonstrate that hospitalised patients have up a 20% chance of 30-day unplanned readmission, representing significant human, financial and resource burden.1 We performed single-centre, observational cohort study inpatients admitted Austin Health from March October 2020, investigating demographic, clinical, laboratory treatment parameters associated with readmission hospital within 6 months following initial inpatient management COVID-19. Patients single index admission were compared those readmitted, then grouped according reason for (i.e. respiratory or COVID-19-specific symptoms, complications COVID-19, unrelated presentation). Chi-squared rank sum tests univariate analysis using Stata MP16.1 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). the summarised Table 1. Of 169 between 2020 who survived discharge, 24 (14.2%) readmitted (median, 36 days; interquartile range, 15–67 days). Ten (5.9%) re-presented five (3.0%) complications, nine (5.3%) problems (Supporting Information S1). In whole analysis, increased length stay during was significantly (5 days vs 7 days, P = 0.04). A non-significant increase noted pre-existing chronic disease, requiring supplemental oxygen, intensive care unit (ICU). sub-group only symptoms (n 15), ICU (P 0.04), oxygen 0.03) high-flow nasal (HFNO) 0.01) readmission. 30 12), disease (21.7% 41.7%, 0.12), association found HFNO 0.004). To our knowledge, this is first trends hospitalisation country. Our compare large US registry reported 60-day re-presentation rate 9%, COVID-19-related 45%, included comorbidity risk re-presentation.3 positive contrast other studies where premature discharge thought contribute 'bounce-back' admissions.3, 4 Although limited by small numbers single-centre follow up, we an indicating more severe illness course (ICU, HFNO, stay) although no National Institutes (NIH)-calculated severity at presentation2 International experience early after shows mixed results;4, 5 however, likelihood has been poor prognosis studies.6 As stay, admission, requirement group should be focus targeted post-acute care. S1 Reason re-admission. Please note: The publisher not responsible content functionality any supporting information supplied authors. Any queries (other than missing content) directed corresponding author article.