Mitchell MA, et al. - Researchers undertook this retrospective cohort study to determine the incidence as well as risk factors for readmission to hospital among cancer patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPE). They utilized the Nationwide Readmissions Database (2014 sample). They found that 108,824 index hospitalizations for MPE were followed by 27,900 unplanned readmissions, a rate of 25.6%. During readmission, the estimated mortality rate was 17.3%. Findings revealed that readmission within 30-days of discharge occurred in one in 4 patients with cancer and MPE. During the readmission, death occurred in approximately one in five. More readmissions resulted from non-definitive management with thoracentesis. Per readmission incurred a mean cost of $15,452 USD (SD ± $415) with overall aggregate expenses of greater than $400 million USD. Having Medicaid insurance status, treatment with thoracentesis only, and discharge to a care-facility or home healthcare were identified as the predictors of early readmission.