Predictors of hospital readmission two years after coronary artery bypass grafting. Issue 5 (May 1997)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herlitz, J.; Albertsson, P.; Brandrup-Wognsen, G.; Emanuelsson, H.; Haglid, M.; Hartford, M.; Hjalmarson, A.; Karlson, B. W.; Karlsson, T.; Sandén, W.
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 77:Issue 5(1997)
• Page Start: 437
• Page End: 442
• Publication Date: 1997-05
• Subjects: Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.77.5.437
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical factors before, and in association with, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) that increase the risk of readmission to hospital in the first two years after surgery. PATIENTS: All patients in western Sweden who had CABG without simultaneous valve surgery between 1 June 1988 and 1 June 1991. METHODS: All patients who were readmitted to hospital were evaluated by postal inquiry and hospital records. RESULTS: A total of 2121 patients were operated on, of whom 2037 were discharged from hospital. Information regarding readmission was missing in four patients, leaving 2033 patients; 44% were readmitted to hospital. The most common reasons for readmission were angina pectoris and congestive heart failure. There were 12 independent significant predictors for readmission: clinical history (a previous history of either congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction, or CABG); acute operation; postoperative complications (time in intensive care unit greater than two days, neurological complications); clinical findings four to seven days after the operation (arrhythmia, systolic murmur equivalent to mitral regurgitation); medication four to seven days after the operation (antidiabetics, diuretics for heart failure, other antiarrhythmics (other than beta blockers, calcium antagonists, and digitalis), and lack of treatment with aspirin). CONCLUSION: 44% of patients were readmitted to hospital two years after CABG. The most common reasons for readmission were angina pectoris and congestive heart failure. Four clinical markers predicted readmission: clinical history; acute operation status; postoperative complications; and clinical findings and medication four to seven days after operation.