Rate and Predictors of 30-day Readmission Following Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A US Analysis.

CONTEXT: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious endocrine emergency, associated with morbidity and mortality. Readmissions play a significant but sometimes preventable role in healthcare cost burden on the US.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe rates and characteristics of nonelective 30-day readmission among adult patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) hospitalized for DKA and also identify predictors of readmission.

METHODS

The study analyzed the 2018 Nationwide Readmission Database. DKA hospitalizations in patients with T1DM were classified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We utilized chi-squared tests to compare baseline characteristics between readmissions and index hospitalizations. Multivariable Cox regression was employed to identify independent predictors of readmission. Following this, we developed a 30-day readmission risk scoring system based on independent predictors.

RESULTS

The 30-day all-cause readmission rate for DKA was 19.4%. A majority of patients (64.8%) had DKA as the principal diagnosis on readmission. Readmitted patients had a significantly higher mean age (35.3 vs 34.9 years, P = .018) and a higher proportion of females (52.8 vs 49.6%, P < .001) than the index admission. Readmission following DKA was associated with higher odds of inpatient mortality (0.69 vs 0.24%, OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.99-4.06, P < .001). Independent predictors of 30-day all-cause readmission included female sex, index hospitalizations with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score of 3 or greater, and being discharged against medical advice (AMA).

CONCLUSION

The readmission rate for DKA in T1DM patients is high, and most patients have DKA as the principal diagnosis on readmission. A CCI equal to or greater than 3, hypertension, female sex, and being discharged AMA were significant predictors of readmission.