Risk Factors for Pediatric Asthma Readmissions: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review the literature on pediatric asthma readmission risk factors.

Study design: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for published articles (through November 2019) on pediatric asthma readmission risk factors. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts and consensus was reached on disagreements. Full-text articles were reviewed and inclusion criteria applied. For articles meeting inclusion criteria, authors abstracted data on study design, patient characteristics, and outcomes, and 4 authors assessed bias risk.

Results: Of 5749 abstracts, 74 met inclusion criteria. Study designs, patient populations, and outcome measures were highly heterogeneous. Risk factors consistently associated with early readmissions (≤30 days) included prolonged length of stay (OR range, 1.1-1.6) and chronic comorbidities (1.7-3.2). Risk factors associated with late readmissions (>30 days) included female sex (1.1-1.6), chronic comorbidities (1.5-2), summer discharge (1.5-1.8), and prolonged length of stay (1.04-1.7). Across both readmission intervals, prior asthma admission was the most consistent readmission predictor (1.3-5.4).

Conclusions: Pediatric asthma readmission risk factors depend on the readmission interval chosen. Prior hospitalization, length of stay, sex, and chronic comorbidities were consistently associated with both early and late readmissions.

Trial registration: CRD42018107601.

Keywords: asthma exacerbation; pediatric asthma; rehospitalization; status asthmaticus.