Which factor contribute to early hospital readmission

-the significance of serum albumin level at discharge-

Abstract

[Aims] This study was undertaken to identify the factors contributing to early hospital readmission.
[Methods] We retrospectively analyzed 286 patients who discharged from Saganoseki Hospital from August 2005 to July 2006. Thirty-seven patients (12.9%) had non-elective readmission within 30 days of hospital discharge (Readmission group), and 249 patients did not (Control group).
[Main results] Between two groups, there were significant differences in the serum albumin level at discharge, the diagnosis of dementia, diabetes mellitus, cardiac failure, cerebrovascular disease, discharge to home and hospitalization in the last year. Using the multivariate logistic regression model, the serum albumin level at discharge was identified as independent predictors of the early hospital readmission.
[Conclusions] Serum albumin level at discharge was significant risk factor for early hospital readmission.