# Incidence and influencing factors of 30-day unplanned readmission in chronic heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds that about 18% of chronic heart failure patients are readmitted within 30 days, with factors like age, kidney disease, and diabetes increasing the risk.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive meta-analysis of risk factors for 30-day readmissions in chronic heart failure patients.

## Key findings

- The 30-day unplanned readmission rate in CHF patients is 17.7%.
- Age ≥65, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and other comorbidities are significant risk factors.
- Medications like beta blockers and diuretics also increase readmission risk.

## Abstract

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence and risk factors for 30-day unplanned readmissions in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, CINAHL, and Chinese databases up to February 2025. Data were analyzed by using Stata 17.0.

Among 4,040 screened publications, 21 studies were included. The incidence of 30-day unplanned readmission in CHF patients was 17.7% (95% CI: 13.9%–21.5%). Age ≥65 years (OR = 1.35, P = 0.024), diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR = 1.26, P = 0.000), diabetes (OR = 1.49, P = 0.001), atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR = 1.12, P = 0.005), coronary heart disease (CHD) (OR = 5.28, P = 0.000), cardiomyopathy (OR = 1.44, P = 0.000), NYHA class ≥Ⅲ or Ⅳ (OR = 1.64, P = 0.000), use of beta blockers (OR = 1.25, P = 0.000), loop diuretics (OR = 1.41, P = 0.004), thiazides (OR = 1.22, P = 0.000), LVEF < 40% (OR = 1.44, P = 0.000), and length of stay (LOS) (OR = 1.16, P = 0.000) were risk factors for 30-day unplanned readmission in CHF patients.

The incidence of 30-day unplanned readmissions in patients with CHF is moderate but concerning. Accurate identification of identified risk factors for targeted interventions to reduce the need for readmissions.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024610843, PROSPERO CRD42024610843.