Body roundness index as a predictor of 3-month readmission in elderly patients with first-episode acute heart failure

The study examined whether body roundness index (BRI) at hospital admission can predict readmission within 3 months in 317 elderly patients (over 60 years old) with a first episode of acute heart failure. During follow-up, 3 patients (0.95%) died, 128 patients (40.76%) were readmitted to hospital, and 68 patients (21.73%) were rehospitalized for acute heart failure. Each 1-unit increase in BRI was associated with a 48% higher risk of readmission and a 2.15-fold risk of heart failure rehospitalization. Analysis revealed nonlinear effects: readmission risk increased sharply when BRI exceeded 5.40, and rehospitalization risk surged beyond a BRI of 7.05. BRI is an independent predictor of hospital readmission and may serve as a simple and cost-effective tool for post-discharge risk stratification in elderly patients with acute heart failure.