Risk factors for hospital readmission for COPD after implementation of the GOLD guidelines

BACKGROUND: Few updated studies have investigated risk factors for readmission for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) since the implementation of the latest treatment guidelines. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a series of potential risk factors for readmission in patients with COPD and in a subgroup with very frequent readmissions after implementation of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines. DESIGN: Two hundred and fifty patients admitted for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) were recruited over 1 year. The readmission frequency in the ensuing year following hospital discharge was recorded and analysed against potential risk factors collected during the index admission. RESULTS: In the ensuing year, 183 (73.2%) patients were readmitted at least once for AECOPD. Previous non-invasive ventilation for AECOPD (HR 1.56, 95%CI 1.08-2.26), COPD Assessment Test score (HR 1.03, 95%CI 1.00-1.05), 6-minute walk distance (HR 0.98 per 10 m increase, 95%CI 0.97-0.99) and number of admissions for AECOPD in the previous year (HR 1.11, 95%CI 1.06-1.16) were independently associated with time to first readmission. Subgroup analysis showed that anxiety (OR 3.97, 95%CI 1.49-10.57) was strongly associated with very frequent readmissions (⩾4 in 1 year). CONCLUSIONS: AECOPD is associated with high rates of readmission. Anxiety is a potential modifiable factor associated with very frequent readmissions.