Predictors of hospital readmission in US children and adults with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Background: Decreasing readmissions is a health care priority in the United States. However, little is kanown about the determinants of hospital readmissions for atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective: To determine readmission rates among inpatients hospitalized for AD in the United States.

Methods: We analyzed the 2012-2014 Nationwide Readmission Database, including a representative, cross-sectional sample of hospital readmissions in the United States.

Results: Overall, 17.0% of inpatients with AD were readmitted within 1 year for all causes, including 12.5% with only a single readmission and 4.6% for AD. In multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models, hospital readmission for AD was associated with below-median household income, being uninsured, having a prolonged initial hospitalization, but inversely associated with older age and a diagnosis of infection. Inpatients admitted for AD on a weekend, in the summer, or in autumn were more likely to be readmitted for AD. Hospital characteristics associated with readmission for AD included nonmetropolitan hospital location and hospital teaching status.

Conclusion: One in 5 inpatients with AD are readmitted within 1 year for all causes. There are socioeconomic and health care disparities in readmission rates for AD.