Acute Diarrhea in a Tertiary Emergency Department: From Readmission Determinants to Antibiotic Prescription

TL;DR

This study examines factors influencing readmission and antibiotic use in adults with acute diarrhea treated in an emergency department.

Contribution

The study identifies age-specific risk factors for readmission and antibiotic prescription patterns in acute diarrhea management.

Findings

Age > 65 years and comorbidities are key factors for readmission in acute diarrhea patients.

Antibiotics were prescribed in 25% of cases, with fluoroquinolones being the most common despite unclear etiology.

Probiotics were linked to higher readmission rates in elderly patients.

Abstract

Acute diarrhea represents a major public health issue, and the management of adult patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) for this problem is still challenging. In a retrospective analysis on more than 20,000 patients visiting a tertiary ED for acute diarrhea and then being discharged home, we found that age > 65 years, onset of symptoms > 24 h since ED admission, refusal of hospitalization, and a history of chronic renal and liver diseases were independently associated with ED readmission for abdominal symptoms within 7 days. In the younger group, the presence of comorbidities significantly impacted on ED readmission, while fever and alteration of serum creatinine were the main determinants in the older group. Antibiotics were prescribed in about 25% of patients, although diarrhea etiology (viral or bacterial) was usually not available. According to international guidelines, fluoroquinolones were the most prescribed class, showing an inverse correlation to ED readmission. However, β-lactams and probiotics were also commonly prescribed; the latter were independently correlated to ED readmission in the elderly group. A comprehensive, guideline-based approach, including a detailed clinical history and laboratory and comorbidity assessment, should be encouraged to support physicians in the management of different age subgroups of adults admitted to the ED for acute diarrhea.

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