Does Duration Off Respiratory Support Prior to Discharge from NICU Predict Hospital Readmission among Extremely Low Gestational Age Neonates?

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine if the duration off respiratory support prior to discharge home from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) would impact hospital readmission rates among extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGAN). STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective chart review, we examined readmission rates for ELGAN admitted to the Montefiore-Weiler NICU between 2013 and 2015. RESULTS: Of 140 infants born at <29 weeks' gestational age, 30 (21%) of these infants were subsequently readmitted within 90 days, primarily for respiratory complaints. Readmitted infants were born at an earlier gestational age (median = 26 weeks; interquartile range [IQR] 24-27 weeks) compared to infants who did not require readmission (median = 27 weeks; IQR 25-28 weeks), p = 0.03. Birth weights were smaller among infants who required readmission, 800 ± 248 g compared to 910 ± 214 g (p = 0.02). Infants with Hispanic ethnicity and those discharged during the spring season were likely to be readmitted. Duration off respiratory support prior to discharge did not predict 90-day readmission rates. Lower gestational age and birth weight were associated with higher rates of readmissions after NICU discharge. CONCLUSION: Duration off and invasiveness of respiratory support prior to discharge did not predict risk of 90-day readmission nor did discharge during months with traditionally higher prevalence of respiratory viruses.