Hospitalizations of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Polish intensive care units or cardiac intensive care units in the years 2011-2021: a population study.

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with significant comorbidities, including cardiovascular and respiratory complications, leading to increased hospitalization rates in intensive care units (ICUs) and cardiac intensive care units (CICUs). This study examines factors related to ICU/CICU admissions among Polish patients with RA from 2011 to 2021.

Objectives: We aimed to analyze trends in ICU/CICU admissions, identify key factors influencing outcomes, and assess the impact of comorbidities on RA patient ICU/CICU mortality in critical care settings.

Patients and methods: This retrospective population‑based study utilized data from the Polish national hospital morbidity registry. Inclusion criteria comprised ICU/CICU admission and an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision code for RA. A total of 3066 hospitalization records were analyzed, focusing on demographics, length of stay, primary diagnosis, and ICU/CICU mortality rates. A logistic regression was used to evaluate the predictors of ICU/CICU mortality.

Results: The study revealed a rising trend in ICU/CICU admissions, with a significant increase in 2021, potentially due to the COVID‑19 pandemic. The overall ICU/CICU mortality rate was 39.1%, with the highest values observed in patients with gastrointestinal (58.5%) and endocrine / metabolic diseases (61.5%). Urgent admissions and older age were strong predictors of ICU/CICU mortality (P <0.001), while sex was not a significant factor.

Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the need for early intervention and comprehensive management strategies to mitigate severe RA complications. Future research should explore long‑term outcomes and the impact of RA treatments on ICU/CICU care.