Acute kidney injury as an independent risk factor for unplanned 90-day hospital readmissions

Simon Sawhney, Angharad Marks, Nick Fluck, David J. McLernon, Gordon J. Prescott, Corri Black

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Citations (Scopus)
11 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background Reducing readmissions is an international priority in healthcare. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common, serious and also a global concern. This analysis evaluates AKI as a candidate risk factor for unplanned readmissions and determines the reasons for readmissions. Methods GLOMMS-II is a large population cohort from one health authority in Scotland, combining hospital episode data and complete serial biochemistry results through data-linkage. 16453 people (2623 with AKI and 13830 without AKI) from GLOMMS-II who survived an index hospital admission in 2003 were used to identify the causes of and predict readmissions. The main outcome was “unplanned readmission or death” within 90 days of discharge. In a secondary analysis, the outcome was limited to readmissions with acute pulmonary oedema. 26 candidate predictors during the index admission included AKI (defined and staged 1–3 using an automated e-alert algorithm), prior AKI episodes, baseline kidney function, index admission circumstances and comorbidities. Prediction models were developed and assessed using multivariable logistic regression (stepwise variable selection), C statistics, bootstrap validation and decision curve analysis. Results Three thousand sixty-five (18.6%) patients had the main outcome (2702 readmitted, 363 died without readmission). The outcome was strongly predicted by AKI. Multivariable odds ratios for AKI stage 3; 2 and 1 (vs no AKI) were 2.80 (2.22–3.53); 2.23 (1.85–2.68) and 1.50 (1.33–1.70). Acute pulmonary oedema was the reason for readmission in 26.6% with AKI and eGFR < 60; and 4.0% with no AKI and eGFR ≥ 60. The best stepwise model from all candidate predictors had a C statistic of 0.698 for the main outcome. In a secondary analysis, a model for readmission with acute pulmonary oedema had a C statistic of 0.853. In decision curve analysis, AKI improved clinical utility when added to any model, although the incremental benefit was small when predicting the main outcome. Conclusions AKI is a strong, consistent and independent risk factor for unplanned readmissions – particularly readmissions with acute pulmonary oedema. Pre-emptive planning at discharge should be considered to minimise avoidable readmissions in this high risk group.
Original languageEnglish
Article number9
JournalBMC Nephrology
Volume18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Jan 2017

Bibliographical note

We acknowledge the data management support of Grampian Data Safe Haven (DaSH) and the associated financial support of NHS Research Scotland, through NHS Grampian investment in the Grampian DaSH. SS is supported by a Clinical Research Training Fellowship from the Wellcome Trust (Ref 102729/Z/13/Z). We also acknowledge the support from The Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research. The Farr Institute is supported by a 10-funder consortium: Arthritis Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, the Economic and Social Research Council, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the Medical Research Council, the National Institute of Health Research, the National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (Welsh Assembly Government), the Chief Scientist Office (Scottish Government Health Directorates), the Wellcome Trust, (MRC Grant Nos: Scotland MR/K007017/1). These funders had no role in the study design, in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, in the writing of the report, or in the decision to submit this article for publication.

Keywords

  • acute kidney injury
  • acute renal failure
  • patient readmission
  • heart failure
  • patient discharge
  • decision support techniques
  • prediction model
  • clinical decision making
  • epidemiology
  • prognosis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Acute kidney injury as an independent risk factor for unplanned 90-day hospital readmissions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this