Need for Repeat-Hospitalization in Very Low Birth Weight or Very Preterm Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study

Objective: To determine the incidence of repeat-hospitalization amongst neonates with gestation <32 wk or birth weight <1500 g within 6 mo of birth.

Methods: All live births with gestation <32 wk or birth weight <1500 g born at a level-III NICU were prospectively enrolled and followed up through routine visits, multimedia and telephonically, fortnightly for re-hospitalization details till 6 mo of postnatal age. Main outcome measures were incidence, causes and risk factors for repeat-hospitalization.

Results: Of the 131 neonates enrolled, incidence and incidence density of repeat-hospitalization were 16% (95% CI 10.2-23.4) and 3.6 per 100 person-months, respectively. The most common causes for repeat-hospitalizations were pneumonia (n = 8; 29.6%), sepsis (n = 5, 18.5%), gastroenteritis (n = 3, 11.1%) and severe anemia (n = 2, 7.4%). Majority of repeat-hospitalizations (92.6%; 95% CI 74.1-98.5) occurred within 2 mo of discharge. The median hospital stay during repeat-hospitalizations was 4 d (IQR 1-21). On multivariate analysis, lower socioeconomic status was significantly associated with repeat-hospitalization (aOR 5.9, 1.3-23). Death after discharge occurred in 3 (2.3%) infants and were due to sudden infant death syndrome, complex cyanotic heart disease and pneumonia with multiple co-morbidities (one each). All deaths occurred at home.

Conclusions: Nearly one-sixth of very low birth weight (VLBW) or very preterm infants required repeat-hospitalization after discharge, primarily within 2 mo of discharge. Infections, especially pneumonia, being the most common reason. A comprehensive follow-up package of post-discharge care for prevention of morbidities and timely hospital care for ongoing morbidities is required for optimal long-term survival of these infants.