ABSTRACT

Intensive care unit (ICU) readmissions after coronary bypass (CABG) operations occur in a significant number of patients, and the prognosis is poor. We analyzed the risk factors for ICU readmissions after CABG operations in a single institution.

We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected data of 679 coronary bypass patients operated in a single institution in order to evaluate the risk factors for readmittance to the ICU with logistic regression analysis. The outcome results of patients readmitted to the ICU (Group R) and others (Group N) were compared.

Thirty-six (5.3%) patients were readmitted to the ICU. Postoperative in-hospital mortality and pulmonary and neurologic morbidity occurred in 43 (6.3%), 135 (19.9%), and 46 (6.8%) patients, respectively. The comparison of groups showed that mortality and morbidity were significantly higher in Group R compared to Group N (mortality 16.7% vs. 5.9, p=0.029; pulmonary morbidity 66.7% vs. 17.3%, p=0.0001; neurologic morbidity 38.9% vs. 5.0%, p=0.0001). Features associated with readmission included presence of left ventricular dysfunction preoperatively[odds ratio (OR)=4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.4-12.5; p=0.013], advanced NYHA Class (OR=5.3; 95% CI=1.3-21.7; p=0.022), pulmonary complications (OR=7.3; 95% CI=2.1-25.5; p=0.002), and neurologic complications (OR=4.6; 95% CI=1.3-16.7; p=0.021).

Patients readmitted to the ICU postoperatively have higher rates of mortality and pulmonary and neurologic morbidity after coronary bypass operations. Left ventricular dysfunction, advanced NYHA class, and postoperative pulmonary and neurologic complications are significant risk factors for readmission to the ICU.

Keywords: Coronary artery bypass, readmission, intensive care, risk factors