All-cause hospitalizations for inflammatory bowel diseases: Can the reason for admission provide information on inpatient resource use? A study from a large veteran affairs hospital.

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are group of chronic inflammatory illnesses with a remitting and relapsing course that may result in appreciable morbidity and high medical costs secondary to repeated hospitalizations. The study's objectives were to identify the reasons for hospitalization among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, and compare inpatient courses and readmission rates for IBD-related admissions versus non-IBD-related admissions.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with IBD admitted to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center between September 2010 and September 2012.