Background:

NSQIP and NRD are two widely used databases that provide valuable information regarding the quality of healthcare. However, the two differ in sampling methodology, which may result in conflicting findings when utilized for research studies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the differences regarding predictors of 30-day readmissions after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior lumbar fusion (PLF).

Methods:

In this case-control study, NSQIP and NRD were queried for patients undergoing elective ACDF and PLF between 2014 and 2015. The outcome of interest was thirty-day readmissions following ACDF and PLF, which were unplanned and related to the index procedure. Subsequently, univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of 30-day readmissions using both databases.

Results:

For ACDF procedures, diagnosis, outpatient status, ASA, and length of hospital stay were found to be significant predictors of 30-day readmissions in NSQIP, while only age and hypertension were significant in NRD. Among patients `undergoing PLF procedures, BMI, functional status , smoking, steroid use, diabetes, dyspnea, dialysis, emergency, discharge to rehab facility and length of hospital stay were found to be significant predictors of 30-day readmissions in NSQIP, while only alcohol abuse and obesity were significant predictors in NRD.

Conclusion:

Two databases differed in terms of significant predictors of 30-day readmissions following ACDF and PLF. This difference may emphasize the differences in the sampling methodology. Further analyses, potentially with an institutional validation, are needed to draw conclusions regarding the accuracy of the two databases for predictive analytics.