Risk of 90-Day Readmission for Heart Failure among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Objectives Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk of developing heart failure (HF); however, the risk of readmission due to HF in patients with RA remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify the risk of HF readmission among patients with RA. Methods We included patients with RA aged ≥18 years who were hospitalized for the first time with HF and discharged between January 2012 and December 2019. The incidence of 90-day HF readmission was assessed. We reported the risk factors for HF readmission using the Fine–Gray model as adjusted subdistribution hazard ratios (aSHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The analysis included 1,274 patients (mean age, 76.4 years; 61.5% female; mean Charlson Comorbidity Index [CCI], 4.6). There were 146 (11.5%) cases of 90-day HF readmission in patients with RA who experienced HF complications, associated with the CCI (aSHR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.15), diuretic use (aSHR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03–2.13), and opioid use (aSHR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.11–2.77). Conclusions Patients with RA appeared to have a higher incidence of 90-day HF readmission than the general HF registry population. HF readmission was associated with high CCI scores and the use of diuretics and opioids.