A major cohort study has revealed that patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) face significantly higher hospital readmission rates compared to those without the condition, underscoring the urgent need for improved care strategies.
The study, which analysed over 140 million hospital stays in the United States between 2016 and 2021, found that 34% of patients with SCD were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, compared to just 12% of non-SCD patients. Among 37,410 patients with SCD in 2021, younger adults aged 18 to 29 experienced the highest risk of readmission at 35.1%.
Key risk factors included low-income residence areas and public insurance coverage through Medicare or Medicaid. Patients admitted with vaso-occlusive crises also faced a higher likelihood of readmission. Conversely, those who received red blood cell transfusions, either simple or exchange, during their initial admission had a reduced risk of returning to hospital.
The findings, published from data in the Nationwide Readmissions Database, highlight the persistent burden of SCD on healthcare systems and patients, despite advances in treatment.
Researchers stress the importance of expanding preventative, disease-modifying, and potentially curative approaches to reduce avoidable hospitalisations and improve long-term outcomes for this population. With readmission rates for SCD remaining stable over the six-year period, the study underscores a need for targeted policy and clinical interventions.
Helena Bradbury, EMJ
Reference
Goel R et al. Hospital readmissions among people with sickle cell disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(6):e2517974.
