Risk factors for delayed discharge home in very-low-birthweight infants - A population-based study

Gil Klinger*, Brian Reichman, Lea Sirota, Ayala Lusky, Nehama Linder

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aim: To identify risk factors for delayed discharge home in a population-based cohort of very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants. Methods: Demographic, pregnancy, perinatal, and neonatal data were collected in a national population-based database on VLBW infants born from 1995 through 2002. Multivariate analysis determined association with delayed discharge (discharge at a postmenstrual age >42 completed weeks). Results: 882 infants with delayed discharge comprised 9.4% of survivors but accounted for 19.8% of total hospital days utilized until discharge home. Infants with delayed discharge compared to those discharged by term were born at an earlier mean gestational age, at a lower mean birthweight, and had a longer mean hospital stay. Delayed discharge was independently associated with decreasing birthweight (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.19, 1.31), congenital anomalies (OR 4.80, 95% CI 3.66, 6.28), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR 5.88, 95% CI 4.60, 7.57), intraventricular hemorrhage grades 3-4 (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.34, 2.36), sepsis (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.54, 2.26), and surgically treated necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 20.20, 95% CI 12.85, 32.03). Conclusion: VLBW infants with congenital anomalies or severe complications of preterm birth are at increased risk for delayed discharge home. Early identification of these infants may enable interventions aimed at reducing the detrimental effects of prolonged hospitalization and promoting optimal transition from the hospital to the home environment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1674-1679
Number of pages6
JournalActa Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics
Volume94
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2005

Keywords

  • Delayed discharge
  • Neonatal intensive care unit
  • Very low birthweight

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