Early discharge after delivery. A study of safety and risk factors

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in a Semi-Rural Area of the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cohort Study

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH) is a frequent condition that, if left untreated, can lead to neurological disability and death. We assessed the prevalence of NH and associated neonatal and maternal risk factors in 362 mothers and 365 newborns in a semi-rural area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, we explored the knowledge and practices of mothers regarding this condition. We collected demographic data, anthropometric data, and obstetric and medical anamneses. We examined newborns at birth and at 24, 48, and 72 hours and measured bilirubin at birth in umbilical cord and capillary blood and thereafter in capillary blood. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, ABO group, Rhesus factor, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, Hemoglobin S (HbS), and malaria were assessed in mothers and newborns. Among 296 newborns (all time points available), 5.7% developed NH (95% CI: 3.4-9.0) between 24 and 72 hours according to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) UK guidelines. There was a significantly higher risk in newborns with G6PD deficiency (homo- and hemizygous adjusted Odd Ratio [aOR]: 21.0, 95% CI: 4.1-105.9), preterm births (aOR: 6.1, 95% CI: 1.4-26.9), newborns with excessive birth weight loss (aOR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.4-23.2), and hyperbilirubinemia at birth (aOR: 14.8, 95% CI: 2.7-79.6). Newborns with feto-maternal ABO incompatibility and G6PD deficiency had significantly higher bilirubin at birth than others. More than 60% of mothers had adequate knowledge of NH, but compliance with phototherapy in the absence of symptoms was low. Although risk factors for NH are common in this area, prevalence was not high, suggesting a need for better case definition. Implementation of point-of-care devices for diagnosis and awareness programs on risk prevention could help reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with hyperbilirubinemia in these areas.

Umbilical Cord Blood Bilirubin, Albumin, Reticulocyte Count, and Nucleated Red Blood Cells to Predict Subsequent Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Neonates: A Prospective Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Hyperbilirubinaemia is one of the most important causes of re-admission in the early neonatal period. The socioeconomic factors are one of the most common reasons for early discharge in a developing country like India.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate and analyze the statistical correlation of umbilical cord blood bilirubin, albumin, nucleated red blood cells (nRBC), and reticulocyte count as early predictors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

METHOD

A prospective observational study was conducted from November 2015 to April 2017 in a tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka, India. Umbilical cord blood was collected at birth for analysis of bilirubin, albumin, reticulocyte count, and nRBC in term neonates. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels were estimated using the VITROS BuBc Slide method at 72 hours of life. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

RESULTS

A total of 200 term neonates were enrolled in the study, out of which 123 completed follow-ups. Of the 66 newborns who had cord bilirubin levels ≥1.75 mg/dl, 23 (34.8%) developed hyperbilirubinemia after 72 hours of life, whereas 10 of the 57 newborns (17.5%) whose cord bilirubin levels <1.75 mg/dl developed hyperbilirubinemia after 72 hours of life. Cord blood albumin of ≥3.75 g/dl was seen in 93 neonates, of which 18 (19.4%) developed hyperbilirubinemia after 72 hours of life and 15 (50%) with <3.75 g/dl developed hyperbilirubinemia after 72 hours of life. Cord reticulocyte count ≥4.95% was seen in 54 neonates; 20 (37.03%) developed hyperbilirubinemia, whereas in 69 neonates with <4.95%, 13 (18.84%) developed hyperbilirubinemia after 72 hours of life. Of the 62 neonates who had cord nRBC ≥3.5%, 28 (45.2%) neonates developed hyperbilirubinemia after 72 hours of life, whereas 5 of the 61 neonates (8.19%) with cord nRBC <3.5% developed hyperbilirubinemia after 72 hours of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Cord blood bilirubin, albumin, reticulocyte counts, and nucleated RBC can be used as predictors of subsequent neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Association of early discharge with increased likelihood of hospital readmission in first four weeks for vaginally delivered neonates

Aim

The main aim was to determine whether hospital readmission rates by 28 days of age are elevated with early discharge (ED) in Finland. We sought to identify the causes and predictors of ED, readmission rates, admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU) and death.

Methods

The data of 333,321 infants were retrieved from nationwide registers. Vaginally delivered single infants at gestational ages (GAs) of ≥37⁺⁰, born in 2008–2015 and treated in any maternity ward in Finland, were included. ED was defined as discharge on the day of birth or after one night stay on the maternity ward.

Results

During the study period, the ED and hospital readmission rates increased. Low‐risk infants and those born in high population‐density areas were more likely to be discharged early. ED predicted hospital readmission but not ICU admission or death. The most common reason for readmission was jaundice, followed by infection. ED seemed not to predict severe cardiologic problems. Rather than ED, being born at 38⁺⁰–38⁺⁶ weeks’ GA significantly predicted ICU admission or death.

Conclusion

Early discharge seems to be associated with increased hospital readmission. Birth at 38⁺⁰–38⁺⁶ weeks’ GA was a significant predictor of ICU admission or death, as opposed to early discharged infants.

Facilitating discharge from hospital of the healthy term infant

This statement provides guidance for health care providers to ensure the safe discharge of healthy term infants who are born in hospital and who are ≥37 weeks' gestational age. Hospital care for mothers and infants should be family-centred, with healthy mothers and infants remaining together and going home at the same time. The specific length of stay for newborn infants depends on the health of their mother, infant health and stability, the mother's ability to care for her infant, support at home, and access to follow-up care. Many mother-infant dyads are ready to go home 24 h after birth. Parent or guardian education and assessment of discharge readiness are important components of discharge planning. Each infant must have an appropriate discharge plan, including identification of the infant's primary health care provider and assessment by a health care provider 24 h to 72 h after discharge.

Neonatal visits to the pediatric emergency center and its implications on postnatal discharge practices in qatar

BACKGROUND

An early discharge from postnatal policy has been practiced at Women's Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation.

AIM

This observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate the effect of early postnatal discharge practice on neonatal morbidity in the State of Qatar.

SETTING AND DESIGN

This is a data-based cohort study. All neonates ≤28 days visiting the Pediatric Emergency Centers (PEC) were evaluated for the need for re-hospitalization, referral for clinic appointments, or observation at the PEC setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Differences in outcome rates were compared in neonates who visited in the first 24 hours postnatal discharge (2-3 days of life) and those who visited after the third day of life.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Crude differences in incidence rate assessed by χ(2) or Fisher exact test were applicable.

RESULTS

Of 3528 PEC visits for 1915 neonates, 1.7% required admission (3.1% of neonates), 8.4% were observed, 1.1% were referred to a clinic, and the remaining were discharged home. There was no significant difference in re-hospitalization rates of neonates visiting PEC in the first 3 days and those visiting at a later age (OR 0.78, 95% CL 0.19-3.23, P=1). However, early presentations to PEC was more likely to result in periods of observation (OR 1.88, 95% CL 1.17-3.04, P=0.01), or clinic referral (OR 4.96, 95% CL 2.16-11.38, P=0.001) when compared to older neonates. Moreover, those who presented early were significantly more likely to revisit any of the PECs with in the 28 days period (OR 3.20, 95% CL 2.17-4.97, P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

These results clearly demonstrate the need for a structured early post-discharge follow-up service that addresses the needs of all neonates and their families. The results, however, do not provide sufficient evidence that delaying postnatal discharges for apparently healthy neonates will provide significant health benefits to these neonates and their families.

Factors affecting bilirubin levels during first 48 hours of life in healthy infants

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship of delivery type, maternal anesthesia, feeding modalities, and first feeding and meconium passage times with early bilirubin levels of healthy infants.

METHODS

Cord, 24 hours' and 48 hours' total bilirubin levels were measured in 388 study infants.

RESULTS

Infants born with cesarean section were fed later and more often had mixed feeding. First meconium passage was delayed with general anesthesia. Cord, 24 and 48 hours' bilirubin levels were not correlated with first feeding time, meconium passage time, mode of delivery, existence and type of anesthesia, and feeding modalities. Being in high intermediate risk zone at 72 hours of Bhutani's nomogram was only related to first feeding time and high cord bilirubin level. Late preterm infants were more frequently born with cesarean section and offered supplementary formula. Therefore, first meconium passage times and bilirubin levels were similar in the late preterm and term infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Type of delivery or anesthesia, late prematurity, feeding modalities, and first meconium passage time were not related to early bilirubin levels in healthy neonates, but delayed first feeding and high cord bilirubin levels were related to be in higher risk zone for later hyperbilirubinemia.

Development and validation of serum bilirubin nomogram to predict the absence of risk for severe hyperbilirubinaemia before discharge: a prospective, multicenter study

Background

Early discharge of healthy late preterm and full term newborn infants has become common practice because of the current social and economic necessities. Severe jaundice, and even kernicterus, has developed in some term infants discharged early. This study was designed to elaborate a percentile-based hour specific total serum bilirubin (TSB) nomogram and to assess its ability to predict the absence of risk for subsequent non physiologic severe hyperbilirubinaemia before discharge.

Methods

A percentile-based hour-specific nomogram for TSB values was performed using TSB data of 1708 healthy full term neonates. The nomogram's predictive ability was then prospectively assessed in five different first level neonatal units, using a single TSB value determined before discharge.

Results

The 75 ^th percentile of hour specific TSB nomogram allows to predict newborn babies without significant hyperbilirubinemia only after the first 72 hours of life. In the first 48 hours of life the observation of false negative results did not permit a safe discharge from the hospital.

Conclusion

The hour-specific TSB nomogram is able to predict all neonates without risk of non physiologic hyperbilirubinemia only after 48 to 72 hours of life. The combination of TSB determination and risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia could facilitate a safe discharge from the hospital and a targeted intervention and follow-up.

First-time parents' experiences of home-based postnatal care in Sweden

AIM

To gain a deeper understanding of first-time parents' experiences of early discharge from hospital after delivery and home-based postnatal care.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was comprised of focus group interviews, interviews with couples and with fathers. Twenty-one parents participated.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

healthy women who have given birth to their first child after a normal pregnancy and delivery, the women's partners, healthy and full term babies, Swedish-speaking, discharge from the delivery ward within 24 hours, resident in the Uppsala community, the parents cohabited at the time of the delivery. The material was analysed by qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged: The family's strategy, which describes the family's expectations of postnatal care and their experiences of the real situation. Some are flexible concerning going home early, and others have decided in advance. Self-reliance and strength, which explores the parents' feelings of security and uncertainty, freedom and independence, and shared responsibility. Breast-feeding is described as the 'main thing', an interactive learning process. Professional support in the home summarizes the parents' experience of the midwife's support at home. While conflicting feelings may be revealed during the first days, the midwife confirms their new roles as parents. The midwife is seen as a support and adviser to the parents.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that parents welcome home-based postnatal care with professional support from midwives. We conclude that this care suits healthy families. We think it will be more important in the future to discriminate between healthy families and those in need of hospital care, than to focus on the moment when they leave the hospital, early or late.

Is the hour-specific bilirubin nomogram suitable for predicting hyperbilirubinemia

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the effectiveness of the hour-specific serum bilirubin nomogram, described by Bhutani et al, in predicting significant hyperbilirubinemia in term Turkish newborns.

METHODS

A total of 217 healthy term newborns without signs of hemolysis were enrolled. Serum bilirubin levels were obtained at discharge and whenever visible jaundice was observed. According to the percentile-based hour specific bilirubin nomogram the babies were grouped into four categories (high, high/low, intermediate or low risk zone). All babies were followed up for hyperbilirubinemia and examined between 7 to 10 days of life and a bilirubin level was obtained when jaundice was observed.

RESULTS

The mean predischarge bilirubin of cases was 9.71+/-3.4mg/dl. Thirty six patients (16.6%) received phototherapy while none of the cases had an exchange transfusion. The distribution of cases according to the high risk, intermediate, low/high, and low zones and the percentage of babies who received phototherapy were, 21(63.6%), 10(38.5%), 3(4.5%) and 2(2.2%), respectively. The risk of phototherapy decreased to 0.35 times for every increasing week of gestational age. Babies in the high intermediate and high risk zones were more likely to receive phototherapy (OR:24.5 and OR:83.6)

CONCLUSION

The hour-specific serum bilirubin nomogram described by Bhutani et al. predicted clinically significant hyperbilirubinemia in Turkish term newborns.