Readmissions After Cardiac Surgery: Experience of the National Institutes of Health/Canadian Institutes of Health Research Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network

This study assessed risk factors, frequency, and timing associated with readmission after cardiac surgery using data for 5,158 pts from 10 participating centers.  The overall readmission rate was 19%, and was highest for combined CABG and valve operations.  Readmissions were more common in the first 30 days after discharge (80% of total), and were most often due to fluid overload, infection, and arrhythmia.  Baseline conditions associated with readmission were female sex, AKI, COPD, diabetes, anemia, and prolonged operating time.