scholarly journals Determining the role of intravenous hydration on hospital readmissions for acute congestive heart failure

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Munish Sharma ◽  
Ravi Kumar Patel ◽  
Mahesh Krishnamurthy ◽  
Richard Snyder
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Index Admission ◽  
Intravenous Hydration ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

The role of intravenous hydration on hospital readmissions due to acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure (CHF) has not been studied sufficiently to the best of our knowledge. We sought to determine the possible role of intravenous hydration on hospital readmissions for acute CHF and fluid overload and explain how an intravenous fluid (IVF) restriction strategy may help reduce hospital readmission rates. We retrospectively studied the electronic medical records of 98-patient cohort who had hospital readmission due to acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADHF) during the period of January 1, 2016 to July 9, 2016. These patients were admitted with reasons other than ADHF during the index admission. The patients were divided into two groups; those with ADHF readmissions within 15 days of index admission (group A) and those after 15 days (group B). Various factors affecting CHF readmissions as outlined in the results were compared between these two groups. Cohort of 98 patients (53 females, 54.1%; 76.4±11.6 years) re-admitted during the study period of 1/1/2016 to 7/9/2016 were analyzed. 71 patients had only received IVF during index admission. These were subdivided into group A (12 females, 54.5 %; mean age 75.9±12.9 years) and group B (25 females, 51.02%; mean age 76.08±11.90 years) based on readmission ≤15 days or >15 days from the index admission. There was no statistically significant difference (P=0.97) in amount of IVF prescribed between two subgroups but the duration of prescribed IVF significantly affected readmission in group A compared to group B (P=0.03). While the drop in albumin and rise in creatinine were not significant, the mean hemoglobin (Hb) drop in group A compared to group B was significant at P=0.008. Type of IVF and nature of CHF (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, HFrEF/heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, HFpEF) were not found to significantly affect early readmissions associated with IV hydration. In patients with history of CHF, duration of IVF prescribed during the index admission seems to play important role in early CHF readmission (defined as <15 days in our study).

Role of telecardiology in the assessment of angina in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome

2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 93-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Chiantera ◽  
S Scalvini ◽  
G Pulignano ◽  
M Pugliese ◽  
L De Lio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Cardiac Symptoms ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

We compared two models of assistance (telecardiology versus usual care) for patients discharged after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), in the assessment of angina. Two hundred patients were randomized into two groups at discharge for ACS: Group A to telecardiology and Group B to usual care. Early hospital readmission (in the first month) occurred in 16 patients (seven in Group A and nine in Group B). Six of Group A were readmitted for a cardiac cause (non-cardiac in one). Angina was the only cardiac cause. Five of the Group B patients were readmitted for a cardiac cause (non-cardiac in four). The results of the present study emphasize that patients with ACS suffer from a definite rate of cardiac symptoms within the first month (63%). Angina occurs more frequently within the first two weeks (68% of cases). Telecardiology slightly reduces hospital readmissions (telecardiology 44% versus usual care 56%), but better identifies true angina.

Abstract 14996: Healthcare Resource Utilization and Costs in Congestive Heart Failure 90-day Episodes Within the Bundled Payment for Care Initiative (BPCI) Model 2, 2016-2018

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xian Shen ◽  
Gabriel Sullivan ◽  
Mark Adelsberg ◽  
Martins Francis ◽  
Taylor T Schwartz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Hospital Readmission ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Angiotensin Receptor ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Hospital Readmission Rates ◽  
Initial Hospital

Introduction: Congestive heart failure (HF) is the fourth most commonly selected clinical episode among Model 2 participants of the Medicare Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) Initiative. This study describes utilization of pharmacologic therapies, hospital readmission rates, and HF episode costs within the BPCI framework. Methods: The 100% sample of Medicare FFS enrollment/claims were used to identify acute hospital stays with a MS-DRG 291/292/293 between 1JAN2016 and 31DEC2018. A HF episode consisted of the initial hospital stay and all Part A & B covered services up to 90-days post-discharge. Prescription fills for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) during the 90 days post-discharge were captured. Rates of all-cause and HF readmissions were reported per 10,000 episodes during the 30-, 60-, and 90-days post-discharge period. Total episode costs were defined as the sum of Medicare payments for the initial hospital stay plus all Part A & B covered medical services in the 90-day post-discharge. Results: The sample included 634,307 HF episodes. Patients received ARNIs in 3%, ACEIs/ARBs in 45%, and neither in 52% of the episodes, respectively. All-cause hospital readmission rates were 2,503, 4,465, and 6,368 per 10,000 episodes during the 30-, 60-, and 90-day periods. The 30-, 60-, and 90-day HF readmission rates were 958, 1,696, and 2,394 per 10,000 episodes. Total mean 90-day episode cost was $20,122, of which $8,002 was attributable to hospital readmissions. Conclusions: Hospital readmissions are frequent for HF patients and contribute a notable proportion of overall HF BPCI episode costs. BPCI participants may consider improving utilization of guideline directed medical therapies for HF, including ACEIs/ARBs and ARNI, as a strategy for reducing hospital readmissions and associated costs.

scholarly journals Effectiveness and Safety of Peritoneal Dialysis Treatment in Patients with Refractory Congestive Heart Failure due to Chronic Cardiorenal Syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiuyuan Shao ◽  
Yangyang Xia ◽  
Min Zhao ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
Qingyan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Survival Time ◽  
Heart Function ◽  
Cardiorenal Syndrome ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Aims. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in treating refractory congestive heart failure (RCHF) with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS).Methods. A total of 36 patients with RCHF were divided into type 2 CRS group (group A) and non-type 2 CRS group (group B) according to the patients’ clinical presentations and the ratio of serum urea to creatinine and urinary analyses in this prospective study. All patients were followed up till death or discontinuation of PD. Data were collected for analysis, including patient survival time on PD, technique failure, changes of heart function, and complications associated with PD treatment and hospitalization.Results. There were 27 deaths and 9 patients quitting PD program after a follow-up for 73 months with an average PD time of22.8±18.2months. A significant longer PD time was found in group B as compared with that in group A (29.0±19.4versus13.1±10.6months,p=0.003). Kaplan–Meier curves showed a higher survival probability in group B than that in group A (p<0.001). Multivariate regression demonstrated that type 2 CRS was an independent risk factor for short survival time on PD. The benefit of PD on the improvement of survival and LVEF was limited to group B patients, but absent from group A patients. The impairment of exercise tolerance indicated by NYHA classification was markedly improved by PD for both groups. The technique survival was high, and the hospital readmission was evidently decreased for both group A and group B patients.Conclusions. Our data suggest that PD is a safe and feasible palliative treatment for RCHF with type 2 CRS, though the long-term survival could not be expected for patients with the type 2 CRS. Registration ID Number isChiCTR1800015910.

P1239His-bundle pacing in CHF-patients with narrow QRS and chronic AF using dual-chamber ICD

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Slawuta ◽  
K Boczar ◽  
A Zabek ◽  
A Ciesielski ◽  
J Hiczkiewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Dual Chamber ◽  
His Bundle ◽  
His Bundle Pacing ◽  
Narrow Qrs ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Abstract The heart rate regularization is crucial for proper treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. The standard resynchronization can be applied, but in patients with narrow QRS this procedure is of no use. The aim of our study is to assess the efficacy of direct His-bundle pacing in patients with congestive heart failure and chronic atrial fibrillation using dual chamber ICD implanted for prevention of sudden cardiac death. Methods The study population included 78 patients with CHF and chronic AF: group A - 56 pts treated with direct His-bundle pacing using atrial port of dual chamber ICD and group B - 22 patients implanted with single chamber ICD as recommended by the guidelines. The patients in group B constituting clinical controls were derived from the Heart Failure Outpatients Clinic with established clinical status and pharmacotherapy. Results The demographic data, clinical characteristics and echocardiography measurements at baseline and during follow-up were presented in the table: Table 1 Group A Group B P value Age (years) 69.7±6.9 66.7±11.3 n.s. Sex (% of male sex) 84.0 86.4 n.s. Ventricular pacing (%) – 46.3±31.2 – His-bundle pacing (%) 81.7±9.2 – – pre post pre post pre vs. post LVEDD (mm) 66.9±4.9 59.9±4.7 64.8±8.0 64.7±8.1 <0.01 n.s. EF (%) 29.6±3.8 43.6±5.9 28.1±6.1 28.8±7.3 <0.01 n.s. NYHA class 2.7±0.6 1.4±0.6 2.5±0.6 2.0±0.2 <0.05 n.s. B-blocker dose (metoprolol equivalent dose) 104.6±41.6 214.3±82.6 78.3±56.6 103.1±49.2 <0.001 <0.05 During 12-months of follow-up the mean values of NYHA functional class, EF and LV dimensions did not change in group B but significantly improved in group A. The physiological His-bundle based pacing enabled optimal beta-blocker dosing. The studied groups had no tachyarrhythmia at baseline so the presumable atrial fibrillation-related harm depends on the rhythm irregularity. Conclusions His-bundle-based pacing in CHF-chronic AF patients contributes to significant echocardiographic and clinical improvement. Standard single-chamber ICD implantation in CHF-chronic AF patients yields only SCD prevention without influence on remodeling process. The CHF-patients with narrow QRS and chronic AF benefit from substantially higher beta-blockade which can be instituted in His-bundle pacing group.

Abstract 15733: CD34 + Cell Therapy is Associated With Improved Right Ventricular Function in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina Frljak ◽  
Gregor Poglajen ◽  
Gregor Zemljic ◽  
Andraz Cerar ◽  
Francois Haddad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Cell Transplantation ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Preserved Ejection Fraction ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Rv Function

Introduction: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is an important predictor of adverse prognosis in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Hypothesis: We sought to investigate the effects of transendocardial CD34 + cell therapy on RV function in HFpEF patients. Methods: We enrolled 30 patients with HFpEF who underwent transendocardial CD34 + cell transplantation. At baseline, all patients received granulocyte-colony stimulating factor; cells were collected by apheresis and immunomagnetic selection and injected transendocardialy in the left ventricle targeting the areas of local diastolic dysfunction. Patients were followed for 6 months and changes in RV function were assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), peak systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus (St), and fractional area change (FAC). Impaired RV function was defined as TAPSE<1.8 cm. Results: At baseline, RV function was impaired in 11 (37%, Group A), and preserved in 19 (63%, Group B) of patients. The groups did not differ in age (64±6 years in Group A vs. 61±11 years in Group B, P=0.37), gender (male: 82% vs. 74%, P=0.61), or left ventricular E/e' (17.7±2.3 vs. 17.3±3.4, P=0.74). Patients in Group A had lower LVEF (55.6±5.1% vs. 61.3±6.5% in Group B, P=0.02), and higher NTproBNP levels (1750±1139 pg/ml vs. 1038±658 pg/ml, P=0.05). At 6 months after cell transplantation we found an overall improvement in all parameters of RV function (TAPSE: +0.21±0.37 cm, P=0.01; St: +0.7±2.1 cm/s, P=0.03; FAC: +8.5±1.9%, P=0.02). However, RV function improvement was significant in Group A (TAPSE: +0.43±0.37 cm, P=0.004; St: +1.4±2.3 cm/s; P=0.01; FAC: +9.8±2.0%, P=0.01), but not in Group B (TAPSE: +0.04±0.27 cm, P=0.65; St: +0.4±1.3 cm/s, P=0.32; FAC: +7.1±3.7%, P=0.08). In both groups we found comparable changes in E/e' (-5.1±3.0 in Group A vs. -5.9±3.2 in Group B, P=0.53), LVEF (1.2±5.7% vs. 1.9±6.5%, P=0.45) and NTproBNP (-462±410 pg/ml vs. -390±398 pg/ml, P=0.64) at 6 months after cell transplantation. Conclusions: Transendocardial CD34 + cell therapy appears to be associated with improvement of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with HFpEF.

scholarly journals The role of cytomegalovirus infection in ischemic heart failure progression

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Grakova ◽  
S.N Shilov ◽  
E.N Berezikova ◽  
K.V Kopeva ◽  
A.A Popova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ischemic Heart ◽  
Interleukin 1Β ◽  
Ischemic Heart Failure ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Heart Failure Progression ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Abstract Objective To study an association between cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) and molecular biomarkers (NT-proBNP, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β) and evaluate prognostic role of CMV infection in ischemic heart failure (HF) progression during the 12-month follow-up period. Methods A total of 104 patients (61.5% men, median age of 59 [53; 62.5] years) with stable coronary artery disease and baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 43% [36; 57]% were enrolled in the study. At baseline evaluation HF patients were of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I (7.7%), class II (61.0%), and class III (31.3%). Sixty five percent of patients had prior myocardial infarction and 70.2% received prior myocardial revascularization (coronary artery bypass graft/stent). Cytomegalovirus DNA concentrations in EDTA whole-blood samples were measured using a polymerase chain reaction baseline and at 12 months of follow-up period. Serum levels of NT-proBNP, Interleukin-1β, TNF-α were measured baseline using an enzyme immunoassay. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline and at the 12 months. Results At baseline, all patients were divided into 2 groups: group A comprised CMV seropositive patients (n=52); group B comprised CMV seronegative patients (n=52). Plasma concentration of cytomegalovirus DNA was 1709.4 [615; 3176] copies/mL. The values of cytomegalovirus DNA significantly correlated with NT-proBNP (r=0.781), TNF-α (r=0.799) and Interleukin-1β (r=0.756). Levels of NT-proBNP were higher (p=0.0001) in group A by 36.6% than in group 2 (559 [364; 756] vs. 354.5 [279; 545.5] pg/mL, respectively). Levels of TNF-α were also higher (p&lt;0,001) by 35.3% (8.5 [6.5; 10.9] vs. 5.5 [4.1; 7.3] ng/mL, respectively) and levels of Interleukin-1β (p&lt;0,001) by 17.6% (19.3 [15.8; 23.75] vs. 15.9 [13.15; 18.7] ng/mL, respectively) in group A than in group B. During the 12-month follow-up period in group A the rate of HF progression was 51.6% cases, and in group B 26.9% (p=0.009). Based on ROC-analysis, baseline plasma concentration of cytomegalovirus DNA ≥2020 copies/mL (AUC=0.798; specificity 67%, sensitivity 82%; p&lt;0.001) were identified as a cut-off values predicting development of HF progression during the 12-month follow-up period. 12-month levels of cytomegalovirus DNA did not differ (p=0,678) in comparison to baseline ones and were 1737.9 [321; 3384] copies /mL. In group A LVEF significantly increased by 18.8% from 50.5 [36.5; 56.0] to 41.0 [35.0; 50.0]%, end-systolic dimension significantly increased by 7.3%, end-diastolic dimension by 9.6% (p&lt;0,0001), while in group B these parameters did not change. Conclusion Our data suggest that values of cytomegalovirus DNA are associated with NT-proBNP, TNF-α, Interleukin-1β levels, and may be considered as non-invasive biomarker for prediction of ischemic heart failure progression during the 12-month follow-up period. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Burden and Correlates of Hospital Readmissions among U.S. Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abyalew Sahlie ◽  
Bernard G. Jaar ◽  
Lilian Galarza Paez ◽  
Tahsin Masud ◽  
Janice P. Lea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Peritoneal Dialysis ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Peripheral Arterial Disease ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Arterial Disease ◽  
Index Admission ◽  
Peripheral Arterial

Background Hospital readmissions are common among in- center hemodialysis patients, but little is known about read-missions among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Using national administrative data, we aimed to examine the burden and correlates of hospital readmissions among U.S. PD patients. Methods Among 10,505 adult U.S. PD patients with an index admission (first admission after 120 days on dialysis) between 31 January 2011 and 30 November 2014, readmissions were defined as new hospital admissions within 30 days of index discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for readmission. Results Overall, 26.8% of index admissions were followed by a readmission. Readmitted patients were more likely to have congestive heart failure (31.0% vs 25.4%; p < 0.001) and peripheral arterial disease (11.6% vs 8.6%; p < 0.001) and had longer index admission length of stay (median = 4 vs 3 days; p < 0.001) than those who were not; age, sex, and race did not differ by readmission status. After adjustment for patient and index admission characteristics, longer length of stay (≥ 4 vs < 4 days, OR = 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35 – 1.62), peripheral arterial disease (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 – 1.57), congestive heart failure (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.13 – 1.39), and ischemic heart disease (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 – 1.24) were associated with higher likelihood of readmission; index admission due to peritonitis vs other causes was associated with lower likelihood of readmission (OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.70 – 0.92). Conclusions Our results suggest that, particularly in the absence of a PD-related cause of hospitalization such as peritonitis, PD patients may be at high risk for readmission and may benefit from closer post-discharge monitoring.

Abstract 14106: Assessment of Right Ventricular to Pulmonary Circulation Uncoupling at Peak Exercise in Heart Failure Patients by the Relationship Between Pulmonary Systolic Pressure vs Right Ventricular Longitudinal Strain

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valeria Donghi ◽  
Francesco Carbone ◽  
Valentina Labate ◽  
Greta Generati ◽  
Marta Pellegrino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Right Ventricular ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Systolic Pressure ◽  
Peak Exercise ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Speckle tracking analysis is an emerging technique that can be useful to assess abnormalities in cardiac contractility before traditional echo parameters. Purpose: To investigate whether right ventricular (RV) 2D speckle tracking analysis at peak exercise could stratify a heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) population in different functional phenotypes, with particular emphasis on RV to pulmonary circulation relationship. Methods: 36 HFrEF patients (mean age 69±12; male 69%; NYHA I-II-III-IV 19-17-25-5 %) underwent a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing evaluation (bike, incremental ramp protocol) combined with Echo-Doppler and off-line speckle tracking analysis. Study population was divided in two groups according to median value of 2D right ventricle longitudinal strain at peak exercise (Group A RVLG at peak < -16, 17 patients vs Group B ≥ -16, 19 patients). In all patients we performed traditional echo and 2D longitudinal speckle tracking analysis at rest and peak exercise. Results: Despite similar left ventricle ejection fraction (Group A 36± 9% vs Group B 32±9%, p=ns) and global right ventricle longitudinal strain (RVLG) at rest (Group A -18.6±5.6% vs Group B -14.5±8.2%, p=ns), Group B patients showed a similar exercise performance (Peak VO 2 Group A 31.6±7.4 vs Group B 11.6±3.4 mlO 2 /Kg/min, p=ns) but more impaired ventilation (VE/VCO2 slope Group A 31.6±7.4 vs Group B 37.4±8.8, p<0.05), and a clear RV to PC uncoupling at peak exercise as assessed by the relationship between pulmonary systolic pressure vs RVLG (see figure below). Conclusions: In HFrEF RV speckle tracking analysis at peak exercise seems a useful technique for unmasking RV to PC uncoupling and the unfavorable gas exchange and ventilatory phenotypes.

scholarly journals Serum uric acid levels in patients of acute myocardial infarction

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Hardeep Singh Deep ◽  
Jasmine Kaur ◽  
Gaurav Chopra ◽  
Jaskiran Kaur ◽  
Jasleen Kaur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Uric Acid ◽  
Serum Uric Acid ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Background: Following Myocardial Infarction some proteins and enzymes, CPK-MB/ Troponin-I, T, are released into the blood from the necrotic heart muscle. Serum Uric Acid (SUA) may be a risk factor and negative prognostic marker for cardiovascular diseases. Aim of the study was to study serum uric acid levels in patients of acute Myocardial infarction with congestive heart failure, its relation with stages of congestive heart failure as per Killip classification and the role of serum uric acid levels as a marker of mortality.Methods: The case control study was conducted on 120 patients divided into two groups. Group A included 60 patients of acute Myocardial infarction. Group A was further divided into two categories. One includes 30 patients of with congestive heart failure and another includes 30 patients without congestive heart failure. Group B consists of 60 control patients. Serum uric acid levels were measured in Group A on 1st, 3rd and 7th day of hospital admission and in Group B on 1st day.Results: The study showed females have higher degree of hyperuricemia than males. SUA was significantly higher in patients of acute myocardial infarction than control group patients. SUA were also higher in patients with history of IHD, in patients with BNP >100 and it correlates with Killip class and mortality rates. Patients of acute myocardial infarction with diabetes mellitus had higher degree of hyperuricemia than nondiabetic and control group. No significant difference in SUA levels were observed with regard to age, alcohol intake, lipid profile, ejection fraction and hypertension.Conclusions: In acute myocardial infarction, patients with hyperuricemia had higher mortality and may be considered as poor prognostic biomarker.

Abstract 088: Characteristics of Congestive Heart Failure Patients Included in The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra J Coromilas ◽  
Ryan W Thompson ◽  
Jagmeet P Singh ◽  
Gregory D Lewis ◽  
Timothy G Ferris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Systolic Dysfunction ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Index Admission ◽  
General Medical Service ◽  
Inpatient Service ◽  
Reduction Program

Background: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP) has created financial penalties for hospitals with higher risk-standardized readmission rates after hospitalization for specific conditions, including congestive heart failure (CHF). Identification and risk-standardization is performed with administrative data. Both to evaluate the utility of this metric for improving quality and to inform efforts by providers to reduce readmissions, more granular clinical information about patients included in the penalty is needed. Methods: All patients who contributed to the CHF component of the HRRP penalty at our hospital between June, 2012 and December, 2013 were identified and medical records were reviewed by a physician (A.J.C.). Information extracted included index inpatient service, cause of readmission, medications, scheduled follow-up, whether echocardiogram was performed, NT pro-BNP as measured at admission and discharge, weight documented during index hospitalization, last known ejection fraction, and discharge disposition. Results: During this time period, 212 readmitted CHF patients contributed to the HRRP penalty. Of those, 31 (14.6%) were excluded due to readmission to an outside hospital. Of the remaining 181, 6 (2.8%) were excluded as the cause of index admission was not confirmed to be CHF. These patients were excluded from all analyses. Of the remaining 175 patients, 79 (45.1%) were readmitted for recurrent CHF exacerbation while 96 (54.8%) were readmitted for reasons other than CHF. Seventy (40%) patients were discharged home with visiting nurse services, 44 (25.1%) discharged home without services, and 61 (34.9%) discharged to a skilled nursing facility. Of the 114 patients discharged home, 44 (38.6%) had follow-up scheduled at the time of discharge. The median length of time between the index admission and readmission was 13 days. Among the 79 patients readmitted for CHF-related causes, 39 (49.4%) initially had been hospitalized on the cardiology service while 40 (50.6%) were hospitalized on a general medical service. Of those 79 patients, 32 (40.5%) had left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). At time of index discharge, 28 (87.5%) of patients with LVSD had been prescribed a beta blocker and 12 (37.5%) had been prescribed an ACE inhibitor or ARB. Conclusions: About half of patients who contributed to the CHF component of the HRRP penalty at our hospital were readmitted for recurrent CHF, the other half for different diagnoses. Of those who were readmitted with recurrent CHF, more than half did not have systolic dysfunction. Many of the patients with recurrent CHF due to systolic dysfunction were not initially discharged on ACE or ARB therapy, largely due to hypotension or renal dysfunction. These findings underscore the challenges of reducing preventable hospital readmission in this HRRP penalty population.

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