A Predictive Analysis of Readmission in Older Adults After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND

Aortic valve stenosis in older adults presents a growing healthcare challenge, with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) being widely used in patients aged ≥75 years owing to its minimally invasive approach. Despite its benefits, readmission remains common and is associated with adverse outcomes. However, evidence from rapidly aging countries such as South Korea is limited, highlighting the need for context-specific strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the key predictors associated with hospital readmission in older adults after TAVR.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 558 older adults who underwent TAVR between 2018 and 2023 at a tertiary hospital in Seoul. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 29.

RESULTS

Of the 558 patients, 21.7% were readmitted. Significant predictors included male sex, hospital stay exceeding 10 days, high N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels, and elevated age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index scores.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the role of patient severity in predicting readmission after TAVR in older adults. Key risk factors include elevated cardiac biomarkers, high comorbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and male sex. Integrating these into discharge planning may enhance nurse-led interventions and support safer care transition.