Association of COVID-19 with hospital readmissions

Editor's Note

This study by researchers from New York University School of Medicine finds several factors associated with increased odds of readmission of patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

In this retrospective cohort analysis of 6,191 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in a New York safety-net hospital system between March 1 and June 1, 2020, the 30-day readmission rate was 7.3%, with a median of 7 days between discharge and readmission.

Among the risk factors for readmission:

• age 65 and older
• history of homelessness
• baseline coronary artery disease
• congestive heart failure
• cancer
• chronic kidney disease.

Race/ethnicity, gender, insurance, and presence of obesity were not linked to increased odds of readmission.

Longer length of stay and use of noninvasive supplemental oxygen were associated with lower odds of readmission.

On readmission, 18.4% of patients required intensive care, and 13.7% died.

Awareness of these risk factors for readmission may ultimately help to reduce rates, the researchers conclude.