Readmission rates in HIV-associated burkitt lymphoma patients in the USA: a nationwide readmission database (NRD) analysis

BACKGROUND: People with human immunodeficiency virus have an increased risk of developing AIDS-defining malignancies including Burkitt lymphoma.

Survival outcomes in HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma remain worse than non-HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma, despite widespread implementation of antiretroviral therapy.

We aimed to determine the association between HIV status and risk for 30-day and 90-day readmission in the US after index hospitalization for Burkitt lymphoma.

METHODS: Data were abstracted from the 2010–2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database; hospitalizations included patients with a primary BL diagnosis and were stratified by comorbid HIV.

The primary outcome was all-cause readmission (30-day and 90-day).

Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and hospital cost.

Between-HIV differences were evaluated via logistic and log-normal regression; multivariable models adjusted for comorbid kidney disease, hypertension, fluid and electrolyte disorders, and sepsis.

RESULTS: Overall, there were 8,453 hospitalizations for BL and 6.0% carried an HIV diagnosis.

Of BL hospitalizations, 68.4% were readmitted within 30-days post index BL hospitalization and 6.8% carried a HIV diagnosis.

HIV-associated BL was associated with 43% higher adjusted odds of 30-day readmission (aOR 95% CI: 4% higher to 97% higher, p = 0.026).

For 90-day readmission, 76.0% of BL patients were readmitted and 7.0% carried a HIV diagnosis.

HIV-associated BL was not statistically associated with all-cause 90-day readmission (aOR 1.46, aOR 95% CI: 0% higher to 115% higher, p = 0.053).

CONCLUSIONS: HIV-positive status is associated with an increased risk for 30-day readmission after index hospitalization for Burkitt lymphoma.