Predictors of length of stay for initial hospitalization in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and ventilation-associated outcomes after pediatric tracheostomy

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to determine the time to ventilator liberation and decannulation after tracheostomy placement in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pulmonary hypertension.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study included all children (<18 years old) who underwent tracheostomy between 2015 and 2021 with or without a diagnosis of BPD. The primary outcomes were time to ventilator liberation, tracheostomy decannulation, or death with tracheostomy in place.

RESULTS

A total of 303 children met inclusion with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at tracheostomy of 6.9 (IQR: 4.0-49.5) months. A diagnosis of BPD was made for 42% (N = 127) and this group was younger (5.1 vs. 24.5 months, p < .001) and more often had pulmonary hypertension (68% vs. 24%, p < .001). Children with BPD spent a median of 2.9 years (IQR: 1.6-4.0) on ventilation compared to 1.9 years (IQR: 0.9-3.7) for children without BPD (p = .009). The time to decannulation was greater among children with BPD (3.4 vs. 1.8 years, p < .001). However, unadjusted estimates of ventilator liberation (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.77-1.44) and decannulation (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.74-1.66) over time were not prolonged by BPD. Pulmonary hypertension was associated with shorter time to death (adjusted HR [aHR] = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.17-3.38, p = .01), while BPD was associated with longer time to death (aHR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.22-0.67, p = .001).

CONCLUSION

BPD is associated with increased ventilation and duration of tracheostomy but over time many children with BPD will wean off the ventilator and be decannulated. Pulmonary hypertension and not BPD is associated with increased time to death after tracheostomy.

NICU Caregiver Communication Preferences and Disparities by Primary Language: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVES

Effective communication between clinical providers and infant caregivers is vital to family-centered care and engagement in the NICU. Infants in the level IV NICU often have complex medical needs and prolonged lengths of stay, leading to challenges maintaining effective and consistent communication, particularly for families with a primary language other than English. The objective of this qualitative study is to determine the facilitators and barriers to effective communication among English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers in a level IV NICU.

METHODS

This phenomenology qualitative study consisted of interviews with English- or Spanish-speaking caregivers of infants admitted to a single-site level IV NICU for at least 7 days. Interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide that sought to understand the lived experience of parents communicating with providers. Themes from coded interview transcripts were identified using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Nineteen interviews were completed in participants' primary language (English or Spanish), and 5 themes emerged from the analysis. For English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers, we discovered the importance of personal connection, the desire for receiving communication about changes directly from providers, and a strong desire for daily updates. For Spanish-speaking families, we found disparities in the use of communication-related technology and consistent communication from providers in their primary language.

CONCLUSIONS

In this qualitative study, we identified caregiver preferences for communication from providers in a level IV NICU and demonstrated disparate experiences for Spanish-speaking caregivers. Future work should focus on developing interventions that address these identified barriers to communication.

Nissen Fundoplication in Infants With Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common respiratory morbidity among premature infants. Nissen fundoplication may be performed on infants with BPD to protect the lungs from gastroesophageal reflux-related aspiration, but the indications and benefits associated with fundoplication are not well-defined. This study evaluated associations of Nissen with clinical outcomes in infants with severe BPD (sBPD), using propensity score matching to minimize bias and confounding.

METHODS

Infants ≤31 wk gestational age with sBPD (grade 2-3) admitted to a single neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between January 2016 and October 2021 were included. Patients with sBPD who underwent Nissen fundoplication during initial NICU admission were propensity score-matched at a 1:2 ratio with control patients who did not undergo Nissen (no-Nissen). Outcomes were compared, including time to freedom from respiratory support (defined as ≤2 L nasal cannula), time to initial NICU discharge, and incidence of hospital readmission or death within 1 y postdischarge.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, 18 Nissen infants were compared with 30 no-Nissen infants. The Nissen group trended toward longer time to freedom from respiratory support (median 105 versus 70 d, P = 0.09), and had longer initial hospital stays (188 versus 111 d, P = 0.002), more 1-y hospital readmissions (83% versus 50%, P = 0.04), and more tracheostomies (28% versus 0%, P = 0.005). Mortality during first-year postdischarge was similar (6% versus 10%, P = 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite adjustment for confounding variables, Nissen fundoplication was associated with prolonged support and greater resource utilization among infants with sBPD. Prospective studies are needed to clarify indications for fundoplication in this population.

Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and neonatal length of the stay

BACKGROUND

Infants with past NICU admission have a significantly higher risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies have demonstrated an iatrogenic effect of the NICU environment on neurodevelopmental outcomes, even while accounting for physical factors. It is, therefore, critical that an infant's LOS is driven by physical needs versus sociodemographic barriers.

METHODS

We leveraged electronic health records and a backward selection regression model to explore physical and sociodemographic predictors of infant LOS.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that physical predictors (birthweight and ventilator use) accounted for the majority of variance in our model but that a sociodemographic predictor, mean visits per day, was also significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants who were visited more frequently experienced a shorter LOS, possibly due to increased parental involvement resulting in more individualized care and directly impacting infant stability and morbidity. By supporting visitation, we can reduce the costs of lengthy NICU hospitalizations while improving infant and parent health and well-being.

Factors affecting length of stay according to bronchopulmonary dysplasia severity: a nationwide cohort study in Korea

BACKGROUND

Longer hospitalizations for preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) delay developmental outcomes, increase the risk for hospital-acquired complications, and exert a substantial socioeconomic burden. This study aimed to identify factors associated with an extended length of stay (LOS) at different levels of severity of BPD.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted using the Korean Neonatal Network registry of very low birth weight infants with BPD between 2013 and 2017 through retrospective analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 4263 infants were diagnosed with BPD. For mild BPD, infants requiring surgical treatment for patent ductus arteriosus needed a longer LOS [eadjusted β coefficients (adj β) 1.041; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01-0.08] and hydrocephalus (eadj β 1.094; 95% CI 0.01-0.17). In moderate BPD, infants administered steroids or with intraventricular hemorrhage required a longer LOS (eadj β 1.041; 95% CI 0.00-0.07 and eadj β 1.271; 95% CI 0.11-0.38, respectively). In severe BPD, infants with comorbidities required a longer LOS: pulmonary hypertension (eadj β 1.174; 95% CI 0.09-0.23), administrated steroid for BPD (eadj β 1.116; 95% CI 0.07-0.14), sepsis (eadj β 1.062; 95% CI 0.01-0.11), patent ductus arteriosus requiring surgical ligation (eadj β 1.041; 95% CI 0.00-0.08), and intraventricular hemorrhage (eadj β 1.016; 95% CI 0.05-0.26). Additionally, the higher the clinical risk index score, the longer the LOS needed for infants in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The factors affecting LOS differed according to the severity of BPD. Individualized approaches to reducing LOS may be devised using knowledge of the various risk factors affecting LOS by BPD severity.

Birth Admission Length-of-Stay and Hospital Readmission in Children With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with prolonged birth admission length of stay (LOS) and to evaluate the association between these characteristics and readmission in the year following discharge for children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of children with isolated CDH born in the Special Delivery Unit and admitted to the Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from April 2008 to August 2019. Birth admission hospitalization was categorized into 3 groups (≤35, 36-75, and >76 days) based on the data distribution. Participant factors included gestational age (days), side of CDH (right/left), liver position (up/down), CDH repair technique (open/minimally invasive), exposure to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, lung-to-head circumference ratio, and feeding tube at discharge. Chi-squared, t-tests and analysis of variance were used to examine bivariable associations between participant characteristics, birth admission LOS and readmission in the year following initial hospital discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with readmission.

RESULTS

Children hospitalized ≥76 days at birth had 4.33 (95% CI: 1.2, 15.2) higher odds of readmission than those admitted for ≤35 days. Children with a non-operative feeding tube at discharge had 4.12 (895% CI: 1.6, 10.5) higher odds of readmission when compared to those with no feeding tube at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Longer birth hospitalization and non-operative feeding tube are associated with increased readmissions in the year after discharge.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Physical activity during pregnancy and adverse birth outcome: a prospective cohort study in China

Objectives The relationship between prenatal physical activity (PA) and adverse birth outcomes is still inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the association between PA during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes by using data from the Guangxi Zhuang birth cohort (GZBC) in China.Study Design A total of 11,292 mother-infant pairs were included from GZBC in China. The information on PA status, intensity, adequacy, and volume and birth outcomes were collected. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were applied to analyze the effects of PA during pregnancy on birth weight z-scores (BW z-scores) and gestational age and risk of small-for-gestational age (SGA) and preterm birth (PTB), respectively. Cubic spline analysis was conducted to detect a nonlinear dose-response of total weekly activity metabolic equivalents (MET) and birth outcomes.Results Compared to no regular PA during pregnancy, moderate and high-intensity PA (MVPA) was associated with increase BW z-scores (β = 0.08, 95%CI: 0.002, 0.15, p = .044) and associated with a marginal significant decrease in risk of PTB (OR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.51, 1.05, p = .093). However, PA had no relationship with gestational age and risk of SGA, and Nonlinear relationships were not observed between total weekly activity MET and risk of SGA and PTB.Conclusion These finding shows that PA during pregnancy may increase the BW z-score and reduce risk of PTB, supporting the guidelines that pregnant women should be encouraged to engage in appropriate physical activity during pregnancy in China.

Effect of different courses and durations of invasive mechanical ventilation on respiratory outcomes in very low birth weight infants

This multicenter retrospective study was conducted to explore the effects of different courses and durations of invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) on the respiratory outcomes of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) in China. The population for this study consisted of infants with birth weight less than 1500 g needing at least 1 course of invasive MV and admitted to the neonatal intensive care units affiliated with the Chinese Neonatal Network within 6 h of life from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between invasive MV and respiratory outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were computed with the effects of potential confounders. (1) Among the 3183 VLBWs with a history of at least one course of invasive MV, 3155 (99.1%) met inclusion criteria and were assessed for the primary outcome. Most infants received one course (76.8%) and a shorter duration of invasive MV (62.16% with ventilation for 7 days or less). (2) In terms of the incidence of all bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (mild, moderate, and severe BPD), there were no significant differences between different invasive MV courses [For 2 courses, adjusted OR = 1.11 (0.88, 1.39); For 3 courses or more, adjusted OR = 1.07 (0.72, 1.60)]. But, with the duration of invasive MV prolonging, the OR of BPD increased [8-21 days, adjusted OR = 1.98 (1.59, 2.45); 22-35 days, adjusted OR = 4.37 (3.17, 6.03); ≥ 36 days, adjusted OR = 18.44 (10.98, 30.99)]. Concerning severe BPD, the OR increased not only with the course of invasive MV but also with the duration of invasive MV [For 2 courses, adjusted OR = 2.17 (1.07, 4.40); For 3 courses or more, adjusted OR = 2.59 (1.02, 6.61). 8-21 days, adjusted OR = 8.42 (3.22, 22.01); 22-35 days, adjusted OR = 27.82 (9.08, 85.22); ≥ 36 days, adjusted OR = 616.45 (195.79, > 999.999)]. (3) When the interaction effect between invasive MV duration and invasive MV course was considered, it was found that there were no interactive effects in BPD and severe BPD. Greater than or equal to three courses would increase the chance of severe BPD, death, and the requirement of home oxygen therapy. Compared with distinct courses of invasive MV, a longer duration of invasive MV (> 7 days) has a greater effect on the risk of BPD, severe BPD, death, and the requirement of home oxygen therapy.

The Clinical and Cost Utility of Cardiac Catheterizations in Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-utility of catheterization-obligate treatment in preterm infants with pulmonary hypertension, as compared with empiric initiation of sildenafil based on echocardiographic findings alone.

STUDY DESIGN

A Markov state transition model was constructed to simulate the clinical scenario of a preterm infant with echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and without congenital heart disease under consideration for the initiation of pulmonary vasodilator therapy via one of two modeled treatment strategies-empiric or catheterization-obligate. Transitional probabilities, costs and utilities were extracted from the literature. Forecast quality-adjusted life-years was the metric for strategy effectiveness. Sensitivity analyses for each variable were performed. A 1000-patient Monte Carlo microsimulation was used to test the durability of our findings.

RESULTS

The catheterization-obligate strategy resulted in an increased cost of $10 778 and 0.02 fewer quality-adjusted life-years compared with the empiric treatment strategy. Empiric treatment remained the more cost-effective paradigm across all scenarios modeled through one-way sensitivity analyses and the Monte Carlo microsimulation (cost-effective in 98% of cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Empiric treatment with sildenafil in infants with pulmonary hypertension associated with BPD is a superior strategy with both decreased costs and increased effectiveness when compared with catheterization-obligate treatment. These findings suggest that foregoing catheterization before the initiation of sildenafil is a reasonable strategy in preterm infants with uncomplicated pulmonary hypertension associated with BPD.

A systematic review of the factors influencing microbial colonization of the preterm infant gut

Prematurity coupled with the necessary clinical management of preterm (PT) infants introduces multiple factors that can interfere with microbial colonization. This study aimed to review the perinatal, physiological, pharmacological, dietary, and environmental factors associated with gut microbiota of PT infants. A total of 587 articles were retrieved from a search of multiple databases. Sixty studies were included in the review after removing duplicates and articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Review of this literature revealed that evidence converged on the effect of postnatal age, mode of delivery, use of antibiotics, and consumption of human milk in the composition of gut microbiota of PT infants. Less evidence was found for associations with race, sex, use of different fortifiers, macronutrients, and other medications. Future studies with rich metadata are needed to further explore the impact of the PT exposome on the development of the microbiota in this high-risk population.

Short- and Long-Term Complications of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease most commonly seen in preterm infants of low birthweight who required postnatal respiratory support. Although overall incidence rates have not changed, recent advancements in medical care have resulted in lower mortality rates, and those affected are beginning to live longer. As a result, the long-term repercussions of BPD are becoming more apparent. Whereas BPD has been thought of as a disease of just the lungs, resulting in abnormalities such as increased susceptibility to pulmonary infections, impaired exercise tolerance, and pulmonary hypertension, the enduring complications of BPD have been found to extend much further. This includes an increased risk for cerebral palsy and developmental delays, lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores, impaired executive functioning, behavioral challenges, delays in expressive and receptive language development, and an increased risk of growth failure. In addition, the deficits of BPD have been found to influence much more than just physical health; BPD survivors have been noted to have higher rates of health care use, starting with the initial hospitalization and continuing with therapy and specialist follow-up, as well as impairments in quality of life, both physical and psychological, that continue into adulthood. The long-term consequences of BPD may best be addressed through future research, including better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to BPD, further comparisons between newborns with BPD and those without, and long-term assessment and management of BPD patients as adults.

Influences of environmental exposures on preterm lung disease

Introduction: Environmental factors play a critical role in the progression or resolution of chronic respiratory diseases. However, studies are limited on the impact of environmental risk factors on individuals born prematurely with lung disease after they leave the neonatal intensive care unit and are discharged into the home environment.Areas covered: In this review, we cover current knowledge of environmental exposures that impact outcomes of preterm respiratory disease, including air pollution, infections, and disparities. The limited data do suggest that certain exposures should be avoided and there are potential preventative strategies for other exposures. There is a need for additional research outside the neonatal intensive care unit that focuses on individual and community-level factors that affect long-term outcomes.Expert opinion: Preterm respiratory disease can impose a significant burden on infants, children, and young adults born prematurely, but may improve for many individuals over time. In this review, we outline the exposures that may potentially hasten, delay, or prevent resolution of lung injury in preterm children.

In-hospital outcomes of late referrals for established bronchopulmonary dysplasia

OBJECTIVE

To determine the in-hospital outcomes for patients with established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) referred late for severe disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of patients with established BPD referred to our center after 36 weeks PMA.

RESULT

Among 71 patients with BPD referred to our center after 36 weeks PMA between 2010 and 2018, the median PMA was 47 weeks (IQR, 42, 53) and the median respiratory severity score was 8.1 (IQR 4.5, 11.0) on admission. Survival in this cohort was 92%. Most survivors were discharged home without the need for positive pressure respiratory support (77%) or pulmonary vasodilators (89%). For survivors, we observed a significant improvement in median z-scores for length (-6.7 vs -3.3, p < 0.0001) between admission and discharge.

CONCLUSION

Despite presenting relatively late with a high degree of illness severity, nearly all patients in this cohort survived to hospital discharge with improvement in comorbidities.

Factors That Impact the Timing and Removal of Gastrostomy Placement/Nissen Fundoplication in Children with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

OBJECTIVE

 The study aimed to identify factors that impact timing of gastrostomy placement/removal and Nissen fundoplication (NF) in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

STUDY DESIGN

 Clinical data were reviewed retrospectively from patients recruited from the Johns Hopkins Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Clinic (January 1, 2014-December 31, 2018).

RESULTS

 Patients with gastrostomy tubes (GTs) placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were older at discharge (p < 0.001) and less likely to have abnormal upper gastrointestinal series findings (p = 0.005) than those with GTs placed after NICU discharge. Patients with NF had lower mean gestational ages (p = 0.011), longer NICU stays (p = 0.019), more frequent home ventilation requirements (p = 0.005), and greater likelihood of pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.032) compared with those without. Median age of GT removal was 61.6 months. Patients with GTs were weaned from supplemental oxygen and/or home ventilation before GT removal (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

 Patients with GT/NF were more medically complex than those with GT alone. Patients were more likely to be weaned from home respiratory support before GT removal.

KEY POINTS

· Patients with GT/NF were more medically complex than those with GT alone.. · Patients were more likely to be weaned from home respiratory support before GT removal.. · Patients with GTs placed in NICU were older at discharge and less likely to have abnormal upper gastrointestinal series result..

Achievement of maturational milestones among very low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants must achieve several maturational milestones to be discharged home from the NICU.

OBJECTIVE

Describe the timing of maturational milestones in VLBW infants and the impact of clinical variables and milestone achievement on postmenstrual age (PMA) at discharge.

METHODS

For VLBW infants without severe lung disease discharged home from a level IV NICU, we assessed PMA at the achievement of thermoregulation, cardiorespiratory stability, feeding, and discharge.

RESULTS

In 400 infants (median GA 28.4 weeks), lower birth weight, white race, and having multiple comorbidities of prematurity predicted later discharge PMA. The most common milestone sequence was CPAP discontinuation, caffeine discontinuation, thermoregulation, apnea resolution, and full oral feeds. PMA at apnea resolution and full oral feeds correlated highly with discharge PMA.

CONCLUSIONS

In a single-center VLBW cohort, comorbidities of prematurity impacted the timing of NICU discharge through delay in oral feeding and cardiorespiratory stability.

Understanding hydrogen sulfide signaling in neonatal airway disease

INTRODUCTION

Airway dysfunction leading to chronic lung disease is a common consequence of premature birth and mechanisms responsible for early and progressive airway remodeling are not completely understood. Current therapeutic options are only partially effective in reducing the burden of neonatal airway disease and premature decline of lung function. Gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been recently recognized for its therapeutic potential in lung diseases.

AREAS COVERED

Contradictory to its well-known toxicity at high concentrations, H2S has been characterized to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties at physiological concentrations. In the respiratory system, endogenous H2S production participates in late lung development and exogenous H2S administration has a protective role in a variety of diseases such as acute lung injury and chronic pulmonary hypertension and fibrosis. Literature searches performed using NCBI PubMed without publication date limitations were used to construct this review, which highlights the dichotomous role of H2S in the lung, and explores its promising beneficial effects in lung diseases.

EXPERT OPINION

The emerging role of H2S in pathways involved in chronic lung disease of prematurity along with its recent use in animal models of BPD highlight H2S as a potential novel candidate in protecting lung function following preterm birth.

Inhaled bronchodilator exposure in the management of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in hospitalized infants

OBJECTIVE

To determine clinical, demographic, and hospital factors associated with inhaled bronchodilator (IB) use in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and specifically severe BPD.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective multicenter cohort study of 4986 infants born <32 weeks gestation with developing BPD at 28 days of life. We used the Pediatric Health Information System database to compare hospital experience and the demographic and clinical characteristics of infants exposed and not exposed to IBs.

RESULTS

Twenty-five percent of BPD patients (1224/4986) and 48% of severe BPD patients (664/1390) received IBs. IB exposure was higher in infants with the tracheostomy, prolonged steroid and diuretic exposure, and longer duration of respiratory support. IB use varied markedly between hospitals (0-59%). Average annual BPD census was not associated with IB use.

CONCLUSION

Bronchodilator exposure is common in BPD patients with substantial variability in its use. Hospital experience did not account for the between-hospital variation in practice.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia requiring tracheostomy: A review of management and outcomes

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) is a pulmonary disease affecting newborns, commonly those with prematurity or low birth weight. Its pathogenesis involves underdevelopment of lung tissue with subsequent limitations in ventilation and oxygenation, resulting in impaired postnatal alveolarization. Despite advances in care with improved survival, BPD remains a prevalent comorbidity of prematurity. In severe cases, management may involve mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy. BPD's demand for multidisciplinary care compounds the challenges in management of this condition. Here, we review existing literature: the history of disease, criteria for diagnosis, pathogenesis, and modes of treatment with a focus on the severe subtype: that which is associated with pulmonary hypertension (PAH) for which tracheostomy is often required to facilitate long-term mechanical ventilation. We review the current recommendations for tracheostomy and decannulation.

Global Tracheostomy Collaborative: data-driven improvements in patient safety through multidisciplinary teamwork, standardisation, education, and patient partnership

There is growing recognition of the need for a coordinated, systematic approach to caring for patients with a tracheostomy. Tracheostomy-related adverse events remain a pervasive global problem, accounting for half of all airway-related deaths and hypoxic brain damage in critical care units. The Global Tracheostomy Collaborative (GTC) was formed in 2012 to improve patient safety and quality of care, emphasising knowledge, skills, teamwork, and patient-centred approaches. Inspired by quality improvement leads in Australia, the UK, and the USA, the GTC implements and disseminates best practices across hospitals and healthcare trusts. Its database collects patient-level information on quality, safety, and organisational efficiencies. The GTC provides an organising structure for quality improvement efforts, promoting safety of paediatric and adult patients. Successful implementation requires instituting key drivers for change that include effective training for health professionals; multidisciplinary team collaboration; engagement and involvement of patients, their families, and carers; and data collection that allows tracking of outcomes. We report the history of the collaborative, its database infrastructure and analytics, and patient outcomes from more than 6500 patients globally. We characterise this patient population for the first time at such scale, reporting predictors of adverse events, mortality, and length of stay indexed to patient characteristics, co-morbidities, risk factors, and context. In one example, the database allowed identification of a previously unrecognised association between bleeding and mortality, reflecting ability to uncover latent risks and promote safety. The GTC provides the foundation for future risk-adjusted benchmarking and a learning community that drives ongoing quality improvement efforts worldwide.

Hospitalization costs associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the first year of life

OBJECTIVE

To determine costs of hospitalization associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) during the first year in very low birth weight infants.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of California births from 2008 to 2011 linking birth certificate, discharge records, and clinical data from California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative. Inclusion: birth weight 401-1500 g, gestational age < 30 weeks, inborn or transferred within 2 days, alive at 36 weeks corrected, and without major congenital anomalies. Outcomes included cost and length of stay of initial hospitalization and rehospitalizations.

RESULT

Out of 7998 eligible infants, 2696 (33.7%) developed BPD. Median hospitalization cost in the first year was $377,871 per infant with BPD compared with $175,836 per infant without BPD (adjusted cost ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49-1.59). Infants with BPD also had longer length of stay and a higher likelihood of rehospitalization.

CONCLUSION

BPD is associated with substantial resource utilization. Prevention strategies could help conserve healthcare resources.

Impact of SIMPLE Feeding Quality Improvement Strategies on Aerodigestive Milestones and Feeding Outcomes in BPD Infants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Delays with enteral and oral feeding milestones among premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) can be due to provider variation or infant-dependent factors. Our objectives with this study were to compare aerodigestive milestones and length of stay in BPD infants after implementing a quality improvement program to improve feeding outcomes.

METHODS

Using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement model for quality improvement, we implemented the simplified, individualized, milestone-targeted, pragmatic, longitudinal, and educational (SIMPLE) feeding strategy to enhance feeding and aerodigestive milestones among BPD infants. The key interventions addressed were as follows: (1) enteral feed initiation and advancement protocol; (2) oral feeding progression guidelines, optimization of respiratory support, feeding readiness scores, nonnutritive breastfeeding, and cue-based feeding; (3) active multidisciplinary collaboration; and (4) family-centered care. Comparisons were made between baseline (January 2009 to March 2010) and SIMPLE feeding strategy (May 2010 to December 2013) groups. Both groups included infants between 23 0/7 and 32 6/7 weeks' birth gestation, and ≤34 weeks' postmenstrual age at admission and discharge.

RESULTS

The baseline group and SIMPLE feeding group included 92 patients and 187 patients, respectively. Full enteral feeding, first oral feeding, full oral feeding, and length of stay milestones were (all P < .05) achieved sooner in the SIMPLE feeding group. Although the overall prevalence of BPD in the 2 groups is similar, the incidence of moderate BPD has decreased (P < .05) and severe BPD has increased (P < .05) in the SIMPLE feeding group.

CONCLUSIONS

SIMPLE feeding strategy advances postnatal maturation and acquisition of feeding milestones irrespective of the severity of BPD and impacts the length of stay, thereby lowering resource use.