Risk factors for hospital readmission among patients with cirrhosis and ascites in China: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: In this investigation, we aimed to explore risk factors for 90-day hospital readmission among patients with cirrhosis and ascites in an Asian population.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included consecutive patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and ascites hospitalized in Renji Hospital between 2018 and 2022 to elucidate risk factors for 90-day readmission. We conducted multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify readmission risk factors.

RESULTS: We included 265 patients with cirrhosis and ascites. A 43% readmission rate was observed within 90 days. After adjustment for multiple covariates, we found that readmission within 90 days was independently linked to reduced levels of hemoglobin (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94-0.97) and serum albumin (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.83-0.93), and higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and sodium (MELD-Na) scores (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07) at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with cirrhosis who have ascites are frequently rehospitalized within 90 days after discharge. Lower hemoglobin or albumin and higher MELD-Na scores at discharge may be the main risk factors for hospital readmission.