Patient selection: hospitalized patient with decompensated cirrhosis (with hepatocellular carcinoma in 14.4%)
The one risk factor for 30-day readmission identified on multivariate analysis was an increased body mass index (BMI). The BMI for readmits was 32 +/- 7.8 vs 27.8 +/- 6.8 for controls.
The amount of ascites was not measured but would impact body weight.
Risk factors from univariate analysis:
(1) renal disease (higher serum BUN, serum creatinine)
(2) number of cirrhosis-related complications
(3) lower body temperature (97.2°F +/- 1.2)
The authors believed that about 37% of readmissions were preventable.
Risk factors for frequent readmissions over the following year:
(1) body mass index
(2) number of cirrhosis-related complications
