Vipperla et al identified risk factors associated with readmission following a sentinel episode of acute pancreatitis. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from the University of Pittsburgh.
Patient: sentinel episode of acute pancreatitis
Outcome: hospital readmission.
Early hospital readmission: within 30 days
Late hospital readmission: beyond 30 days
Risk factors for readmission and recurrence:
(1) male sex
(2) alcohol-associated disease
(3) severe disease with necrosis and/or organ failures and/or ICU admission
(4) surgical complications
Risk factors for early readmission:
(1) ongoing symptoms
(2) local complications (pancreatic necrosis, peripancreatic fluid collection, etc)
Risk factors for late readmission:
(1) recurrent pancreatitis
Other risk factors:
(1) nosocomial infection
(2) clogging of naso-jejunal tube used for enteral nutrition
(3) pleural effusion with hypoxia
