Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is not only a life-threatening disease but also a public health issue with significant economic burden. The aim of the study was to identify factors - associated with the length of hospital stay (LOHS), mortality and re-hospitalization within 6 months of patients admitted for PE. 

Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with patients presenting to a Swiss public hospital with PE diagnosed at the hospital between November 2018 and October 2020. Multivariable logistic and zero- truncated negative binomial regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for mortality, re-hospitalization and LOHS. 

Results: A total of 248 patients were analyzed (median 73 years and 51.6% females). On average patients were hospitalized for 5 days (IQR 3-8). Altogether, 5.6% of these patients died in hospital, and 1.6% died within 30 days (all-cause mortality), 21.8% were re-hospitalized within 6 months. In addition to high PESI scores, we detected that, patients with an elevated serum troponin, as well as with diabetes had a significantly longer hospital stay. Significant risk factors for mortality were elevated NT-proBNP and PESI scores. Further, high PESI score and LOHS were associated with re-hospitalization within 6 months. 

Conclusion: Defining the factors that are associated with LOHS in patients with PE has clinical implications and may help clinicians to allocate adequate resources in the management of these patients. Serum troponin and diabetes in addition to PESI score might be of prognostic use for LOHS. PESI score is not only a valid predictive tool for mortality but also for long-term outcomes such as re-hospitalization within 6 months.