Risk factors associated with intubation and readmissions in patients with angioedema: A single-center experience al. / Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 127 (2021) xxx-xxx"?>.

BACKGROUND

Given the heterogeneity of etiologies, pathophysiology, and presentation of angioedema, variations in clinical outcomes, such as intubation and hospital readmissions, need further clarification.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the factors associated with intubation and hospital readmissions in patients with angioedema.

METHODS

Retrospective study of patients evaluated with a diagnosis of angioedema in a 6-year period. Demographic and clinical data, such as medication use, family history, comorbidities, and symptoms, were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with intubation, whereas Cox regression was used to analyze readmissions.

RESULTS

Of 636 patients, the most common cause of angioedema was that induced by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) at 58%. The overall mortality was 0.5%. After adjusting for sex, race, comorbidities, and type of angioedema, smoking (odds ratio [OR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.93; P = .02), calcium channel blocker therapy (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.18-3.10; P = .009), histaminergic symptoms (OR, 3.21; 95% CI, 1.93-5.33; P < .001), and age (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04; P = .02) were independently associated with increased odds of intubation. Involvement of either the pharynx, larynx, or tongue was associated with higher odds of intubation (OR, 20.96; 95% CI, 10.63-41.33; P < .001). A total of 10% of the patients had a readmission for angioedema within 90 days, and 75% occurred within 30 days. After multivariable Cox regression analysis, only chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.12-4.07; P = .02) and ACEI-related angioedema (OR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.33-6.47; P = .008) were significantly associated with readmissions.

CONCLUSION

Smoking, calcium channel blocker use, histaminergic symptoms, age, and upper airway involvement were markedly associated with intubation. The presence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and ACEI-related angioedema were independently associated with increased odds of readmission.