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Introduction: Hospital readmission within a short time of discharge is a common phenomenon in internal medicine. Although there are a few reports of intensive care and surgical readmission rates there is almost no information available on the readmission rates of internal medicine patients., Aims: To explore the medical patient readmission rate within 30 days of discharge from a medical center in southern Israel, and determine how it may be related to age, gender, diagnoses and other factors., Methods: Chart review of all 2469 patients admitted to the departments of internal medicine of Barzilai Health Center between May 1st and July 15th 2002. A randomized control group of 87 patients was gathered from patients admitted to hospital during the study period but who were not readmitted within 30 days of discharge., Results: 124 patients (5%) were readmitted. They were significantly older than controls (mean age 68.7+/-14.8 vs. 59.3+/-16.3 years), (p<0.0003), 21% being over 80 years of age (compared with 9% of controls, p<0.05) and had a lower average Functional Independence Measure (FIM). The index hospitalization of readmitted patients was significantly longer than the hospitalization of control patients (6.1+/-5.5 vs. 4.1+/-3.8 days), (p<0.04). Most patients (85%) were readmitted for the same medical reason that prompted the original hospitalization. The 15% readmitted for other reasons were older (74.9+/-12.4 vs. 67.6+/-15.0 years) (p<0.001) and had a lower Functional Independence Measure (mean FIM 4.6+/-2.2 vs. 5.7+/-1.9), (p<0.05). New immigrants (mean age 71.1+/- 12.9 years) had significantly lower readmission rate compared to the general population (3.2% vs. 4.98%), (p<0.05). Veteran Israelis, on the other hand, had a higher readmission rate than the general population (6.8% vs. 4.98%) (p<0.001)., Conclusion: Only 5% of patients required readmission. The original hospitalization period of readmitted patients was significantly longer than controls and most readmissions were for the original medical problem for which they were readmitted originally or because of a low functional status. Hospitalized new immigrants although being older in age are less likely to require readmission, while veteran Israelis are more likely to be readmitted.

Binge alcohol drinking is a pattern of alcohol abuse that is common among young males worldwide. It has been found to be associated with an increased likelihood of injury as a cause of death. Chronic alcohol abuse is known to cause some common hematological manifestations such as macrocytosis, thrombocytopenia, sideroblastic anemia, global marrow suppression, and folic acid deficiency anemia. We present a rare case involving an unusual and severe hematological manifestation of binge alcohol drinking: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The patient we present had severe and prolonged TTP necessitating prolonged treatment with plasmapheresis and plasma exchange. We discuss the relevant medical literature and the possible physiopathology of this complication.

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) have been widely used in the last decade, especially for prophylaxis of deep venous thrombophlebitis. Enoxaparin-induced thrombocytopenia is rarely encountered, in contrast to its high prevalence among patients treated with unfractionated heparin. We report a case of a patient who was admitted because of a pulmonary embolus due to proximal deep vein thrombophlebitis 2 weeks after surgery, despite prophylaxis with low-dose enoxaparin after prostatectomy. The patient's original normal platelet count (255,000/microl) dropped to 30,000/microl while on enoxaparin therapy. Testing for antibodies against heparin was positive. Warfarin was initiated and an inferior vena caval filter was inserted. Within a few days, platelet count increased to 100,000/microl, pulmonary status improved, and the patient was released in good clinical condition. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is discussed, as are alternative treatments for unfractionated heparins and LMWH.

A 78-year-old woman presented with right lobar pneumonia. Six months before, the patient had undergone surgery due to a large mass that was found to be spindle cell thymoma. During the past 6 months, the patient had been admitted to the hospital several times with recurrent pneumonia in both lungs; this was treated successfully with antibiotics. Laboratory examinations revealed lymphopenia, eosinopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and a low count of CD4 T cells and an inverted CD4:CD8 T cell ratio, both on peripheral blood and bone marrow. History and laboratory findings were compatible with the diagnosis of the rare Good syndrome. This syndrome is discussed here.