Predictors and reasons for unplanned early rehospitalization in lung transplant recipients: A retrospective cohort study

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Key findings

• Lung transplant recipients with higher preoperative Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 scores and longer postoperative mechanical ventilation (MV) duration had a greater risk of unplanned early rehospitalization within 30 days after initial discharge.

What is known and what is new?

• The incidence of unplanned early rehospitalization after lung transplantation remains high. The occurrence of any post-transplant complication and frailty at discharge increases the risk of unplanned early rehospitalization. However, there are still many potential factors that need to be further explored.

• We aim to explore the impact of preoperative nutritional risk status, postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in the intensive care unit on unplanned readmission in lung transplant patients.

What is the implication, and what should change now?

• Improving preoperative nutritional risk status and shortening the duration of MV may help to reduce unplanned early rehospitalization in lung transplant patients. More research is needed to determine the conclusion.