Hospitalizations for arthritis and other rheumatic conditions: data from the 1997 National Hospital Discharge Survey.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the impact of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions on hospitals by describing the magnitude and characteristics of these hospitalizations.


METHODS
Data from the 1997 National Hospital Discharge Survey were used to examine this impact. Arthritis was defined using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification, codes specified by the National Arthritis Data Workgroup. Arthritis-related hospitalizations were analyzed by principal diagnosis of arthritis and by any-listed arthritis diagnosis.


RESULTS
In 1997, there were an estimated 744,000 hospitalizations with a principal arthritis diagnosis (3% of hospitalizations). Compared with nonarthritis hospitalizations, persons hospitalized with a principal arthritis diagnosis were older, had fewer comorbidities, had shorter hospital stays, were more likely to undergo a procedure, and were more likely to be discharged to short- and long-term care facilities. The most common diagnoses and procedures related to osteoarthritis. This profile was consistent with a healthier-than-average hospital population electively admitted for specific procedures and subsequent rehabilitation. There were an estimated 2.5 million hospitalizations with an any-listed arthritis diagnosis (>9% of hospitalizations). Persons hospitalized with an any-listed arthritis diagnosis were older, had more comorbidities, and had longer hospital stays than those with principal arthritis or nonarthritis hospitalizations. This profile was consistent with a sicker-than-average hospital population nonelectively admitted for reasons other than their arthritis, especially cardiovascular disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Arthritis has a sizable impact on the hospital care system. As our population ages, this impact, in both human and economic terms, is likely to increase.
Lethbridge-Cejku
Margaret
M
Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3724, USA.
Helmick
Charles G
CG
Popovic
Jennifer R
JR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014600:Utilization Review