Risk Factors Associated with Re-Hospitalization Duration in Post-COVID-19 Patients

Background: Around 10-20% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients require readmission within 30-90 days, posing heightened risks of morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. Research on factors influencing post-COVID-19 readmission and hospital stay duration is limited. Objective: This study describes clinical characteristics and identifies risk factors for prolonged hospital stays in readmitted post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 52 patients readmitted between January and June 2022. Results: Patients had a mean age of 63.5 years. Severe and critical COVID-19 histories were reported in 27% and 11.5% of cases, respectively. Common symptoms leading to readmission included dyspnea, cough, fever, and chest pain. Respiratory support was required for 67.3% of patients (SpO2 < 90%), with 38.5% needing mechanical ventilation. Elevated D-Dimer (2029.07 ± 406.61) and CRP (50.97 ± 8.95) levels were common, and lung consolidation was the predominant chest image finding. The median hospital stay was 24.5 days, with 71.2% of patients staying longer than 14 days. Upon discharge, 96.1% were stable; 1 patient died, and 1 was transferred. Longer hospital stays were positively correlated with severe COVID-19 history, mechanical ventilation, CRP, Urea, and lung consolidation, while Hb and LDH were negatively correlated. Severe COVID-19 and lung consolidation were independent risk factors for extended stays. Conclusion: Readmitted post-COVID-19 patients often experience respiratory complications requiring prolonged hospital stays. Key risk factors include a history of severe COVID-19 and lung consolidation at admission.