Readmission in Cirrhosis: a Growing Problem

Abstract

Patients with cirrhosis are at risk for several complications that require readmission. Readmissions are a direct burden on the patient and the family and are associated with negative outcomes to the patient, family, and health care system. Several recent studies have shown a high rate of readmission in patients with cirrhosis and a trend towards an increase in cost of health care delivery. Physicians and hospitals should recognize the patient at high risk for readmission not only at dismissal from hospital but also at admission. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score may be used as a tool for risk stratification for readmission among patient with cirrhosis. Frailty, comorbidity, socioeconomic status, and type of health care delivery system are probable independent risk factors. Strategies to prevent readmission should target the high-risk patient.

Keywords: Cirrhosis; Complications of cirrhosis; Costs; Health care delivery; MELD score; Readmission.