Factors Associated with Hospital Readmission in the First Year After Liver Transplantation

Objectives: Liver transplantation is the primary treatment for various cases of advanced liver disease. The occurrence of complications within the first year post-transplant influences patient survival and quality of life, in addition to increasing healthcare costs. This study aims to analyze potential factors associated with the incidence of hospital readmission after liver transplantation. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using data from liver transplant recipients at Hospital Felício Rocho who underwent transplantation between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2022. The study assessed their readmissions and one-year survival, as well as the relationship between these outcomes and donor and recipient data, surgical procedure details, and hospitalization duration for transplantation. Results: The sample comprised 128 cases, with a median age of 57.5 years. Most patients experienced at least one readmission within the first year, totaling 141 readmissions during the period, with infection being the leading cause. In univariate analysis, risk factors for readmission included the need for renal replacement therapy (p = 0.038), intensive care unit (ICU) stay > 8 days (p = 0.023), and hospital stay exceeding 20 days (p = 0.029). In multivariate analysis, ICU stay > 8 days remained associated with readmission, while readmission frequency and underlying liver disease were linked to survival at the end of the period. Conclusion: An ICU stay longer than 8 days is the primary risk factor associated with readmissions within the first year post-transplant. Additionally, readmission frequency and underlying liver disease are factors related to reduced one-year survival.