Birth Weight and Gestational Age as Modifiers of Rehospitalization after Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admission

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to assess interaction effects between gestational age and birth weight on 30-day unplanned hospital readmission following discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Study Design This is a retrospective study that uses the study site's Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database and electronic health records. Population included patients discharged from a NICU between January 2017 and March 2020. Variables encompassing demographics, gestational age, birth weight, medications, maternal data, and surgical procedures were controlled for. A statistical interaction between gestational age and birth weight was tested for statistical significance. Results A total of 2,307 neonates were included, with 7.2% readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Statistical interaction between birth weight and gestational age was statistically significant, indicating that the odds of readmission among low birthweight premature patients increase with increasing gestational age, whereas decrease with increasing gestational age among their normal or high birth weight peers. Conclusion The effect of gestational age on odds of hospital readmission is dependent on birth weight. Key Points