Affiliation:
1. Duke University
2. Pediatrix Center for Research, Education, Quality, and Safety
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
To characterize demographics and trends in length of stay (LOS), morbidities, and mortality in late preterm infants.
Study design
Cohort study of infants born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation between 1999 and 2018 without major congenital anomalies at Pediatrix Medical Group neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Results
307 967 infants from 410 NICUs met inclusion criteria. The median (25th -75th percentile) LOS was 11 (8–16) days in the entire period. Postmenstrual age (PMA) at discharge increased over time for all gestational ages (p < 0.001). There was a decrease in invasive ventilation, receipt of phototherapy, and reflux medications observed (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
In this large cohort, late preterm infants had an increased PMA at discharge and no significant improvement in LOS during the study period. Multiple practice changes were observed. There continue to be opportunities to improve morbidities among late preterm infants and to potentially decrease hospital stays.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC