Early Discharge of Preterm Infants- An Indian Perspective
Published: December 1, 2016 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2016/21176.9110
Ankit Soni, Sandeep Kadam, Anand Pandit, Sanjay Patole
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.
Correspondence
Dr. Ankit Soni,
462, Abhinav Apartments, Vasundhara Enclave, Delhi-110096, India.
E-mail: Drankit.pediatrician@gmail.com
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.
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