Shaheen AA, et al. - In cirrhotic patients, researchers determined readmission rates and hospitalization costs, and identified risk factors for 90-day readmission. They conducted a weighted analysis of the 2014 Nationwide Readmission Database to identify US adults with cirrhosis-related complications and to evaluate readmission rates at 30, 60, and 90 days post-index hospitalization. They noted that a quarter of patients admitted with cirrhosis-related complications were readmitted within 90 days, which represented a significant economic burden associated with the readmission of this population. Ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and bleeding esophageal varices were the main causes of readmission. Male sex, age < 60 years, having private insurance, having ≥ 3 comorbid conditions, and being discharged against medical advice were independent predictors of 90-day readmissions. Among cirrhotic patients, interventions and resource allocations to reduce readmission rates were critical. Findings suggested that the weighted cumulative national cost estimate of the index admission was $1.8 billion vs $0.5 billion for readmission.