Obstructive Sleep Apnea is an Independent Risk Factor for Hospital Readmission

• DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.7098
• Publication Date: 2018-05-14T21:31:48Z
• Authors: Nicholas J. Scalz...; Peter D. O'Connor; Skyler W. Nielsen; James K. Aden; Matthew S. Brock; David M. Taylor; Vincent Mysliwiec; Gregory R. Dion
• Keywords: Sleep

Hospital readmissions are an important metric of quality and safety. This study seeks to characterize the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A better understanding this could be utilized develop preventative measures reduce readmission rates.A retrospective review patients discharged over a 24-month period Department Defense hospital was conducted. Medical records provided demographic data, presence OSA comorbid diseases, whether occurred within 30 days discharge. Statistical analysis assessed risk factors for readmission, multivariate performed. Next, 125 readmitted with were randomly selected detailed chart compared matched cohort that not readmitted.Of 22,261 unique discharged, 1,899 (8.5%) readmitted. Patients had rate 11.4% versus 7.6% without (P < .00001). Multivariable revealed odds ratio 1.46 in .0001). For 250 patients, length stay differed non-readmitted groups (5.1 3.6 days; P = .007). Apnea-hypopnea index (24.1 27.2 events/h; .48) similar groups. Also, inpatient (27.2% 26.4%) outpatient (38.4% 37.6%) positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment rates different.This found independent factor PAP therapy appears underutilized known OSA. Additional studies needed define OSA, adherence, readmission.