Length of hospitalization of patients with transient ischemic attacks.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate factors that influence length of stay (LOS) in patients hospitalized for transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). This may help to reduce unnecessary days of hospitalization.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
A large, non-academic general hospital.


METHODS
All patients hospitalized for TIAs during the years 1996-1998 were retrospectively studied. We analyzed the relationship between demographic, clinical and management features and LOS.


RESULTS
We studied 157 patients. Median LOS was 8 days (range, 1 to 21 days). Statistical analysis showed that female sex, being hospitalized in 1996, hospitalization from Wednesday through Saturday, and second-level cardiological, neuroradiological and miscellaneous investigations significantly increased LOS.


CONCLUSIONS
The LOS of patients with TIAs may be reduced through measures that accelerate the diagnostic work-up and by scheduling the admission to the first days of the week, when this is possibile.
Censori
B
B
Neurologia 2, Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy.
Casto
L
L
Partziguian
T
T
Cesana
B
B
Camerlingo
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000191:economics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors