Patient-Associated Predictors of 15- and 30-Day Readmission After Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Identifying readmission predictors in heart failure (HF) patients may help guide preventative efforts and save costs. We aimed to identify 15- and 30-day readmission predictors due to cardiovascular reasons. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 1831 patients with acute HF admission were prospectively followed during a year. Patient-associated variables were gathered at admission/discharge and events during follow-up. A multivariate Fine and Gray competing risk regression model and a cumulative incidence function were used to identify predictors and build a risk score model for 15- and 30-day readmission. The 15- and 30-day readmission rates due to cardiovascular reasons were 7.1% and 13.9%. Previous acute myocardial infarction, congestive signs at discharge, and length of stay > 9 days were predictors of 15- and 30-day readmission, while much weight loss and large NT-ProBNP reduction were protective factors. The NT-ProBNP reduction was larger at 30 days (> 55%) vs 15 days (> 40%) to protect from readmission. Glomerular filtration rate at discharge < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 and > 1 previous admissions due to HF were predictors of 30-day readmission, while first post-discharge control at an HF unit was a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: Previous identified factors for early readmission were confirmed. The NT-ProBNP reduction should be increased (> 55%) to protect from 30-day readmission.

Organ Donation: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.

Spain is a world leader in donation and transplantation. This model has been exported to other countries with favorable results. The objective of this study was to compare the actual donation intention rate with the effective donation figures, and analyze the main reasons why families decline organ donation. To estimate the current donation intention, we conducted 1065 surveys in March 2019, and to calculate effective donation figures in our hospital, we analyzed 1158 interviews conducted with relatives of potential organ donors between 1996 and 2018. Regarding the surveys to estimate donation intention, the mean (standard deviation) age was 51.6 (17-91) years. A total of 58% were women, 26% were health care professionals, and 5.1% were transplant recipients; 89.4% would donate their organs. In the multivariate analysis, having expressed the desire to donate to their family was independently related to the intention to donate (odds ratio, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-5.2; P < .001). Regarding the interviews with relatives of potential donors, 79.4% were finally effective donors. The belief that the possible donor would have rejected the organ donation stands out among the causes of decline. However, only one-half of those surveyed expressed the wish to be a donor to their relatives. In the temporal evolution, a greater acceptance of donation is observed in the first period with a reduction over the last years (P > .001). It is our responsibility to improve transplantation rates because our model has shown to save lives and it is a role model for other nations, promoting information activities that encourage greater discussion of organ donation within families.