|
Citation
|
Wasfie T, Maxwell J, Parsons A, Hille J, Yapchai R, Hella J, Cwalina N, Barber KR, Shapiro B. Am. Surg. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub. |
|
Abstract
|
BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and long-term morbidity in trauma patients, with a growing incidence among the elderly. Injury-related disability has many costs, and rehospitalization is a significant part of that. The current study was carried out in an elderly population with TBI to identify risk factors and measures associated with rehospitalization.
METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 299 patients with a primary diagnosis of TBI admitted between 2016 and 2018. Variables selected for analysis encompassed the following: patient age, sex, comorbidities, diagnosis, length of stay, use of anticoagulants, 6-month readmission rate, and diagnosis for readmission. Chi-square analysis was used to identify potential risk factors, and multiple regression analysis was conducted to model the relationship.
RESULTS: 209 patients met inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 69 years (SD ± 18.6 years), with (51.5%) males and (48.5%) females. 188 (62.9%) patients were on anticoagulant therapy. 120 patients were discharged to home (40.1%). 79 patients (26.4%) were readmitted within 6 months of discharge, the majority of whom (48 patients, 60.8%) presented with a subdural hematoma (SDH). 38 readmitted patients (49%) came from home, and 57 patients (80%) were on anticoagulant therapy.
CONCLUSION: In elderly patients with TBI, discharge to a home setting correlates with a higher risk of readmission within 6 months, a majority with a diagnosis of recurrent SDH. Anticoagulant therapy and frequent past readmissions also correlated with a higher risk of subsequent readmission.
Language: en |