Readmission Rate and Economic Burden in Patients With Acute Congestive Heart Failure and MetS

High 30-day readmission rates exist among patients with acute congestive heart failure (aCHF) and underlying metabolic syndrome (MetS) but with no statistical significance with a slightly higher mortality rate seen during readmission, according to research presented at the National Lipid Association (NLA) Scientific Sessions, from June 2nd through 5th, in Scottsdale, AZ.

A greater risk for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) may be indicated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM), atrial fibrillation (AF), atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD); a greater risk for hypertensive heart failure in patients with aCHF and MetS was also found.

Patients with heart failure (HF) often have MetS, a cardiovascular disease independent risk factor whose significance for HF outcomes lacks full understanding, the study authors wrote. They sought to investigate the 30-day readmission rate (30-DRr) for aCHF with co-existing MetS, the outcomes, and health care consumption.

To accomplish this, they conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the 2016 and 2017  National Readmission Database  of patient discharges with aCHF and coexisting MetS that included 530 index hospitalizations (mean age, 62.2 years; 48.4% women) for aCHF with MetS, and 71 readmissions (mean age, 60.6 years; 38.9%women) within 30 days. The primary end point was 30-DRr, and secondary end points included readmission death rate, reason for readmission, and resource consumption.

Analyses revealed that the 30-DRr was 13.6%. The index admission in-hospital mortality rate was 1.7% and the readmission in-hospital mortality rate was 2.2%, a statistically insignificant difference, the investigators noted. The health care in-hospital cost was more than $1 million, and the patient economic load more than $3.5 million.

Researchers concluded that among patients with aCHF and underlying MetS, there was a significant 30-DRr, and although the readmissions were associated with an increased mortality rate, there was no statistical significance. They added, “A higher risk for hypertensive heart failure among MetS patients and a greater proportion of patients with CKD, ASCVD, AF, Type 2 DM and other comorbidities may indicate a higher risk for HFpEF.”

Reference

Fatuyi M, Pereira L, Khoklov L, et al. Rate of 30-day readmission and economic burden of patients with acute congestive heart failure with coexisting metabolic syndrome. Presented at: National Lipid Association (NLA) Scientific Sessions 2022; June 2-5, 2022; Scottsdale, AZ. Abstract #69.