Abstract: TH-PO1198
Clinical and Caregiver Factors Associated with 30-Day Readmission in Pediatric Patients with CKD
Session Information
- Pediatric Nephrology: CV Health, CKD, AKI, Dialysis, Transplantation, and Health Services Research
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Pediatric Nephrology
- 1800 Pediatric Nephrology
Authors
- Villegas, Leonela A., Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut, United States
- Judge, Eliana Saetta, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Modi, Zubin J., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Amaral, Sandra, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Cervantes, Lilia, University of Colorado Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications take a profound toll on children, with hospitalizations contributing to significant psychosocial stress. Despite the complexity of pediatric CKD care, limited data exist on clinical and caregiver-related factors associated with hospital 30-day readmission in this population.
Methods
We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of pediatric patients (1 month-21 years) with CKD hospitalized at CT Children’s and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia between September 1, 2022 and September 1, 2023. Caregivers completed the Pediatric Transition Experience Measure (P-TEM) to assess discharge readiness and the PRAPARE survey to assess social determinants. Clinical and demographic data were obtained through chart review. Patients with and without 30-day readmission were compared using descriptive statistics and univariable logistic regression.
Results
Among 222 hospitalized pediatric patients with CKD (43.7% female; 45.0% non-Hispanic White), 43 (19.3%) experienced all-cause 30-day readmission following index hospitalization. Readmitted patients were more likely to have glomerular disease, a mental health comorbidity, longer initial hospitalizations, and a kidney-related complication. Caregiver-reported PRAPARE and P-TEM scores were not associated with readmission. In univariable analysis, increased odds of readmission were observed with >6 medication changes (OR 3.34, 95%CI 1.15-9.74; p=0.03) and larger household size (OR 2.12, 95%CI 1.07-4.17; p=0.03). About 67% of readmissions were for the same indication as index hospitalization.
Conclusion
Approximately 1 in 5 children with CKD were readmitted within 30 days, with readmission associated with clinical severity and select social factors. These findings highlight opportunities to enhance discharge planning and optimize transition-of-care interventions to reduce potentially preventable readmissions and will inform subsequent qualitative caregiver interviews.
Funding
- Private Foundation Support