Factors associated with hospitalization in a sample of chronic hemodialysis patients.

This study examines the hospitalization experience of a sample of chronic hemodialysis patients, using primary data sources. There were multiple causes of hospitalization over the six-month tracking period, with stays extending from 1 to 87 days. Patients were more likely to be hospitalized if they had a negative hepatitis antigen, lower functional status scores, lower phosphate and protein levels, repeated access procedures, other cardiovascular conditions, arthritis, psychiatric disorders, ischemic peripheral vascular disease, lung disease, or larger households. Hospitalization for access-related problems was associated with arthritis, previous access procedures, and blood pressure levels. Sociodemographic and treatment characteristics did not have a significant influence on the risk of hospitalization. Improved management in these clinical areas may improve the quality of life of chronic hemodialysis patients and reduce the high level of expenditures associated with delivering inpatient services to this segment of the Medicare population.