C-Reactive Protein Predicts Early Readmission After Bacterial Infection in Patients with Cirrhosis

Patients with cirrhosis, especially those with hepatic decompensation, generally have a high rate of hospitalization. A common cause of hospitalization is bacterial infection, which is not only a source of significant morbidity and mortality in this population, but also a frequent reason for early hospital readmission.

In the current prospective cohort study, investigators evaluated predictors of 30-day readmission and 6-month mortality among some 200 consecutive patients with cirrhosis hospitalized for an episode of bacterial infection. Follow-up duration was at least 6 months postdischarge.

The 30-day readmission rate (primary endpoint) was 35%. Independent predictors of early readmission were an admission diagnosis of acute-on-chronic live…