Postpartum Readmission in Maryland by Race and Ethnicity [ID: 1358223]

INTRODUCTION: In Maryland, 81% of pregnancy-related deaths occurred in the postpartum period. We sought to compare postpartum readmission by race and ethnicity to better understand disparities in maternal mortality. METHODS: In this retrospective study (2016–2019), childbirth hospitalizations from the Maryland State Inpatient Database for childbearing age patients were analyzed. Indication for readmission was described. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to determine race and ethnicity differences in postpartum readmissions, adjusting for maternal and obstetric characteristics (Johns Hopkins IRB00320807). RESULTS: Among total deliveries (n=260,778), 3,914 patients (1.5%) were readmitted within 60 days of delivery. The most common primary diagnoses at readmission were hypertension and infection. The prevalence of readmission was 1.2% for White patients, 2.3% for Black patients, and 1.2% for Hispanic patients (P<.0001). Black patients had the highest rates of readmission for hypertensive disorders (37%, P<.0001). In adjusted models, Black patients were more likely to be readmitted than White patients (odds ratio 1.64, CI 1.52–1.77). The majority of readmissions occurred in the first week after delivery; however, Black patients had higher rates of readmission in the second week relative to all other groups (P<.0001). CONCLUSION: Hypertension is a leading factor for postpartum readmission in Maryland. Black patients were more likely to be readmitted for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and to have delayed readmission relative to other race/ethnic groups. Maryland public health officials should address disparities with interventions targeting racial and ethnic minorities, patients at risk for hypertensive disorders, and barriers to timely care.