LAUSR

RATIONALE Sepsis survivors experience adverse outcomes including high rates of post-discharge mortality and rehospitalization. Given the heterogeneity of the condition, identifying subtypes within this population with different risks of post-discharge outcomes may optimize post-sepsis care. OBJECTIVES To classify individuals into subtypes and assess the association of subtypes with 30-day rehospitalization and mortality. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study between January 2014 and October 2017 among 20,745 patients admitted to one of 12 Southeastern US hospitals with a clinical definition of sepsis. We used latent class analysis to classify sepsis survivors into subtypes, which were evaluated against 30-day readmission and mortality rates using a specialized regression approach. A secondary analysis evaluated subtypes against ambulatory-care-sensitive-condition readmission rate. RESULTS Among 20,745 patients, latent class analysis identified 5 distinct subtypes as the optimal solution. Clinical subtype was associated with 30-day readmission, with the Chronically Ill, Severe Illness subtype demonstrating highest risk (35%) and the Low Functional Needs, Uncomplicated Illness subtype demonstrating the lowest risk (9%). 47% of readmissions in the High Functional Needs, Uncomplicated Illness subtype were for ambulatory-care-sensitive conditions, whereas 17% of readmissions in the Previously Healthy, Severe Illness subtype were for ambulatory-care-sensitive conditions. Subtype was significantly associated with 30-day mortality; highest in the Chronically Ill, Severe Illness subtype (8%) and lowest in the Low Functional Needs, Uncomplicated Illness subtype (0.1%). CONCLUSIONS Sepsis survivors can be classified into subtypes with differential 30-day mortality and readmission risk profiles. Pre-discharge classification may allow an individualized approach to post-sepsis care.