Readmission rates within the first 30 and 90 days after severe COPD exacerbations (RACE study)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently results in hospital readmission and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. This multicenter prospective study aimed to identify factors that increase the risk of readmission within 30 to 90 days of severe COPD exacerbation. A total of 415 patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) or general pulmonology ward after discharge due to severe exacerbations from 13 tertiary centers in Turkey were included. Of the participants, 346 (83.4%) were male and 69 (16.6%) were female, with an average age of 69.0 ± 9.1 years. Readmissions within 30 and 90 days after the initial hospitalization occurred in 176 (42.4%) and 191 (46%) patients, respectively. Prospective data collection focused on exacerbation severity, disease severity, and the utility of initial admissions. Factors for 30 to 90 day readmission were analyzed using univariate and multivariate regression models. A 30-day readmission correlated significantly with Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale scores above 16 [odds ratio [OR] 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.9 (1.1-3.6); P = .042], severe exacerbation history in the previous year [OR 95% CI: 1.7 (1.1-2.9); P = .038], hospital-acquired pneumonia [OR 95% CI: 1.9 (1-4.1); P = .049)], and frequent antibiotic use in the previous year [OR 95% CI: 1.8 (1.2-2.7); P = .007]. Risk factors for 90-day readmissions included: Grades 3 to 4 tricuspid regurgitation [OR 95% CI: 2.2 (1.1-4.4); P = .024], 2 or more moderate COPD exacerbations [OR 95% CI: 1.9 (1.2-3.1); P = .010], severe exacerbation history in the previous year [OR 95% CI: 2.5 (1.5-4.2); P = .001], immunosuppression [OR 95% CI: 2.7 (1.2-5.7); P = .013], frequent antibiotic use the previous year [OR 95% CI: 1.5 (1-2.4); P = .048], hospitalization via the ED [OR 95% CI: 1.6 (1.1-2.6); P = .028]. To mitigate complications and readmissions, patients with a history of frequent severe COPD exacerbations, high anxiety and depression scores, frequent antibiotic requirements, immunosuppression, tricuspid regurgitation, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and those admitted to the ED should be prioritized for remote monitoring after initial discharge.