Hospital readmission after delivery: evidence for an increased incidence of nonurogenital infection in the immediate postpartum period

Michael A. Belfort, Steven L. Clark, George R. Saade, Kacie Kleja, Gary A. Dildy, Teelkien R. Van Veen, Efe Akhigbe, Donna R. Frye, Janet A. Meyers, Shalece Kofford

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze reasons for postpartum readmission. Study Design: We conducted a database analysis of readmissions within 6 weeks after delivery during 2007, with extended (180 day) analysis for pneumonia, appendicitis, and cholecystitis. Linear regression analysis, survival curve fitting, and Gehan-Breslow statistic with Holm-Sidak all-pairwise analysis for multiple comparisons were used. Probability values of < .05 were considered significant. Results: Of 222,751 women delivered, 2655 women (1.2%) were readmitted within 6 weeks (0.83% vaginal delivery and 1.8% cesarean section delivery; P < .001). A high percentage of these readmittances occurred within the first 6 weeks: pneumonia (84%), appendicitis (43%), or cholecystitis (46%). Cumulative readmission rates were higher in the first 6 weeks after delivery than in the next 20 weeks (pneumonia curve gradient, 3.7 vs 0.11; appendicitis curve gradient, 1.1 vs 0.36; cholecystitis curve gradient, 6.6 vs 1.7). Conclusion: The cause of postpartum readmission is primarily infectious in origin. A recent pregnancy appears to increase the risk of pneumonia, appendicitis, and cholecystitis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)35.e1-35.e7
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume202
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2010

Keywords

  • appendicitis
  • cholecystitis
  • pneumonia
  • postpartum readmission

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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