22^nd World Cardiology Conference

Biography

Biography: Ghadeer Dawwas

Abstract

Background: Patients with diabetes and concomitant heart failure are at higher risk of readmission but few studies evaluated predictors of hospital readmission among this population.

Purpose: To identify predictors of hospital readmission among diabetic patients with heart failure using data from 130 United States Hospitals.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis using data from 130 United States hospitals was conducted. Patients who had a diagnosis of diabetes based on primary or secondary diagnosis codes (ICD-9-CM): 250.x0 or 250.x2) and heart failure (ICD-9- CM codes 402.×1, 404.×1, 404.×3, and 428.××) between 1998-2008 were identified. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of hospital readmission.

Results: A total of 18,603 patients were identified (81.6% were 60 years or older, 55% female, mean length of stay: 4.8 days, 75% Caucasian). Predictors of higher risk of hospital readmission were females compared to males (odds ratio (OR): 1.1, 95% CI [1.0, 1.13], total number of outpatients visits (OR: 1.1, 95% CI [1.1, 1.11]), total number of emergency room visits (OR:1.2, 95% CI [1.13, 1.27]), total number of inpatients visits (OR:1.34, 95% CI [1.30, 1.37]), and HBA1C measurement >8 (OR:1.25, 95% CI[ 1.1, 1.50]). The use of insulin, however, had protective effect (OR: 0.89, 95% CI [0.81, 0.98].

Conclusion: Among patients with diabetes and concomitant heart failure, females, a higher number of outpatients’ visits, emergency room visits, inpatients visits, and a higher HBA1C measurement were predictors of higher hospital readmission. Identifying patients at higher risk of hospital readmission can aid in targeting selected subgroups who might be at greater risk of future readmissions. Thus targeting intervention toward higher risk populations can reduce future healthcare utilization.