Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing (Nov 2021)

Laboratory and Pharmaceutical Data Associated With Hospital Readmission in Persons With Diabetic Foot Ulcers

  • Alyson K. Myers MD,
  • Makeda Dawkins MD,
  • Inthuja Baskaran BA,
  • Stephanie Izard MPH,
  • Meng Zhang PhD,
  • Aditya A. Bissoonauth MPH, MBA, CHES,
  • Sally Kaplan RN, CRCC,
  • Amit Rao MD,
  • Mohammad Elzanaty BS,
  • Alisha Oropallo MD, FACS

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580211060779
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 58

Abstract

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Purpose: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a leading cause of lower extremity amputations among persons with diabetes (PWD) and a common cause of hospitalizations. This study identified demographic characteristics, lab values, and comorbidities associated with 30-day and 90-day hospital readmission in persons with DFU. Methods: A retrospective chart review at our institution examined 397 patients with type 2 diabetes admitted with DFU between January 2014 and December 2018. Variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and logistic regressions. Results: None of the studied demographic, laboratory (including Hemoglobin A1c) or comorbid diseases were associated with 30-day readmission in persons with DFU. Risk factors for 90-day readmission included discharge location to home with health care (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.39, 4.95), anticoagulant use (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.27, 4.39), and SQ insulin use (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.61). Conclusions: None of the variables examined were associated with 30-day readmission; however, potential predictors for 90-day readmission included anticoagulation or insulin use and discharge home with healthcare services. Future studies should devise interventions to improve transition of care in patients with DFU to further assess the role of medications and home health care as a potential predictor of 90-day hospital readmission.