Kim et al reported predictors of early readmission for a patient receiving home mechanical ventilation. The authors are from Asan Medical Center and University of Ulsan in Seoul.
Patient selection: home mechanical ventilation, status post hospital discharge
Outcome: readmission within 30 days (early readmission)
Rate of early readmission in study: 36%
Primary reason for readmission: pneumonia
Predictors of early readmission:
(1) invasive mechanical ventilation (vs noninvasive)
(2) aspiration
(3) nasogastric tube feeding (OR 3.7)
(4) sequelae of pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome as reason for mechanical ventilation (OR 4.8)
(5) CNS disorder as reason for mechanical ventilation (OR 5.5)
Preventative measures:
(1) caregiver education about suctioning and feeding methods to reduce aspiration episodes
(2) alternative to nasogastric feeding if appropriate
