Ankit Soni1, Sandeep Kadam2, Anand Pandit3, Sanjay Patole4. 1. Resident, Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital , Pune, India . 2. Senior Consultant, Department of Paediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital , Pune, India . 3. Professor, Department of Paediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital , Pune, India . 4. Professor, Centre for Neonatal Research and Education, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia, Australia .
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Early home discharge of preterm infants is a priority in developing countries due to bed shortage and poor socio-economic status. There is wide variation in home discharge policies for preterm infants. Limited data exists on optimal timing for discharging such infants. In view of the socio-economic and medico-legal importance of the issue, we aimed to study the outcomes of our ex-preterm infants discharged home 'early', to guide our clinical practice. AIM: To study the rates of re-admissions/mortality within 4 weeks after discharge in preterm (born <34 weeks) infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an analysis of retrospectively collected data on all ex-preterm infants (gestation <34 weeks at birth) discharged home from our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the study period. Infants enrolled were stratified based on their gestation age: Group I (n=54): 26-29 weeks, Group II (n=181): 30-34 weeks. Data on demographic characteristics, hospital course and outcomes were analysed for infants meeting inclusion criteria. Re-admission and/or mortality within 4 weeks after discharge were studied. RESULTS: The mean±(SD) duration of stay was 42±19 vs. 19±14 days in group I vs. II infants. Five (2.7%) infants were re-admitted within the first four weeks after discharge in group II; none in group I. CONCLUSION: Early home discharge for preterm infants born <34 weeks was feasible and safe in our set-up. Large prospective studies are required to confirm these benefits.
INTRODUCTION: Early home discharge of preterm infants is a priority in developing countries due to bed shortage and poor socio-economic status. There is wide variation in home discharge policies for preterm infants. Limited data exists on optimal timing for discharging such infants. In view of the socio-economic and medico-legal importance of the issue, we aimed to study the outcomes of our ex-preterm infants discharged home 'early', to guide our clinical practice. AIM: To study the rates of re-admissions/mortality within 4 weeks after discharge in preterm (born <34 weeks) infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an analysis of retrospectively collected data on all ex-preterm infants (gestation <34 weeks at birth) discharged home from our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the study period. Infants enrolled were stratified based on their gestation age: Group I (n=54): 26-29 weeks, Group II (n=181): 30-34 weeks. Data on demographic characteristics, hospital course and outcomes were analysed for infants meeting inclusion criteria. Re-admission and/or mortality within 4 weeks after discharge were studied. RESULTS: The mean±(SD) duration of stay was 42±19 vs. 19±14 days in group I vs. II infants. Five (2.7%) infants were re-admitted within the first four weeks after discharge in group II; none in group I. CONCLUSION: Early home discharge for preterm infants born <34 weeks was feasible and safe in our set-up. Large prospective studies are required to confirm these benefits.
Authors: H Cruz; N Guzman; M Rosales; J Bastidas; J Garcia; I Hurtado; M E Rojas; J E Hodgman Journal: J Perinatol Date: 1997 Jan-Feb Impact factor: 2.521
Authors: D Brooten; S Kumar; L P Brown; P Butts; S A Finkler; S Bakewell-Sachs; A Gibbons; M Delivoria-Papadopoulos Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 1986-10-09 Impact factor: 91.245