Risk Factors for Hospital Readmission and Follow Up after NICU Discharge of Infants Born at Extremely Low Gestational Age in Metropolitan Melbourne

Background Extremely preterm infants, < 28 week of gestational age, (ELGANs) continue to need high levels of health-care post-discharge from the NICU. We studied post-NICU hospital contacts of this highly vulnerable population and present data from infants treated in our health network. Method Retrospective cohort study of ELGANs treated at the tertiary NICU of Monash Health (2010-2013) and discharged within our network's catchment area. Demographics, inpatient, and outpatient information (initial NICU and subsequent admission up to 18 months of corrected age) were collated. Comparative analyses were performed for infants who were readmitted compared to those who were not. Results 41 of 76 (54%) infants required hospitalization with 92 admission episodes. 81 episodes were general pediatric ward admissions while 11 were to the PICU/HDU. Viral bronchiolitis was the leading cause for admissions. Meningitis in neonatal period was more common among patients who required hospital re-admission. Conclusions Ex-ELGAN required readmission primarily due to viral bronchiolitis. In our study population, neonatal meningitis was more common in patients who required post NICU discharge hospital re-admission.