Clinical and economic outcomes associated with hospitalizations for acute idiopathic pericarditis in the United States.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Outcomes-based data regarding the management of hospitalized U.S. patients with acute idiopathic pericarditis (AIP) are lacking. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to elucidate the clinical and economic outcomes associated with the inpatient care of AIP. METHODS: Cohort study of adults with AIP; multivariable analyses of clinical and economic outcomes (inpatient mortality, surgical or medical complications, length of stay, and medical charges). RESULTS: Surgical or medical complications, pericardiocentesis, and pericardiotomy were each independently associated with a significantly higher odds of inpatient mortality (p<0.05). Pericardiocentesis, pericardiotomy, and pericardiectomy were also independently associated with significantly higher odds for complications (p<0.001) and, overall, surgical or medical complications were associated with longer lengths of stay and higher charges (p < 0.001). A higher odds of inpatient mortality was associated with micropolitan or rural patient residence, Medicaid payor, and African American race (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: U.S. inpatient cases of AIP are associated with significant use of healthcare resources, disparities, morbidity, and mortality.