Key result
Urgent hospital admission was associated with a significantly higher risk of ICU/CICU mortality compared to nonurgent admission among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (OR 5.483).
Why the study?
Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with significant comorbidities that increase ICU and CICU hospitalizations, but factors related to these admissions and ICU/CICU mortality required examination.
Cohort (n=3,066)
Yes
Odds Ratio: 5.483 (95% CI 4.543–6.619)
Absolute Event Rate: 52.8% vs 16.1%
p-value: p=<0.001
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis admitted to intensive care or cardiac intensive care units face a high mortality rate of 39.1%, strongly driven by older age and urgent admission status.
INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with significant comorbidities, including cardiovascular and respiratory complications, leading to increased hospitalization rates in intensive care units (ICUs) and cardiac intensive care units (CICUs). This study examines factors related to ICU/CICU admissions among Polish patients with RA from 2011 to 2021. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to analyze trends in ICU/CICU admissions, identify key factors influencing outcomes, and assess the impact of comorbidities on RA patient ICU/CICU mortality in critical care settings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective population‑based study utilized data from the Polish national hospital morbidity registry. Inclusion criteria comprised ICU/CICU admission and an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code for RA. A total of 3066 hospitalization records were analyzed, focusing on demographics, length of stay, primary diagnosis, and ICU/CICU mortality rates. A logistic regression was used to evaluate the predictors of ICU/CICU mortality. RESULTS: The study revealed a rising trend in ICU/CICU admissions, with a significant increase in 2021, potentially due to the COVID‑19 pandemic. The overall ICU/CICU mortality rate was 39.1%, with the highest values observed in patients with gastrointestinal (58.5%) and endocrine / metabolic diseases (61.5%). Urgent admissions and older age were strong predictors of ICU/CICU mortality (P <0.001), while sex was not a significant factor. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize the need for early intervention and comprehensive management strategies to mitigate severe RA complications. Future research should explore long‑term outcomes and the impact of RA treatments on ICU/CICU care.
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Domańska-Poboża et al. (2025) conducted a cohort in Rheumatoid arthritis (n=3,066). Urgent hospital admission vs. Nonurgent (elective) hospital admission was evaluated on ICU/CICU mortality (OR 5.483, 95% CI 4.543-6.619, p=<0.001). Urgent hospital admission was associated with a significantly higher risk of ICU/CICU mortality compared to nonurgent admission among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (OR 5.483).
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