Predictors of hospital readmission in infants less than 3 months old

Abstract

Aim To examine rates and predictors of 7‐day readmission in infants hospitalised before 3 months of age with infectious and non‐infectious conditions. Methods Retrospective population‐based data‐linkage study of 121 854 infants from a 5‐year metropolitan birth cohort (2008–2012). Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine associations between infant and maternal factors with 7‐day readmission. Results A total of 11 669 (9.6%) infants were hospitalised at least once by 3 months of age (median 23 days old, 56% male) with 12 602 total index hospitalisations. Infection‐related conditions accounted for 29.4% (n = 3705). Readmission within 7 days occurred after 4.8% of all index hospitalisations and 5.4% of infection‐related hospitalisations. Age ≤21 days was the strongest readmission risk factor (hazard ratio 7.7 (95% confidence interval 4.7–12.7) compared to infants 61–90 days old). Other risk factors included shorter index hospitalisations, younger maternal age and multi‐gravidity. Conclusion Hospitalisations and readmissions occur for many young infants. Risk factors for readmission should inform risk‐based management guidelines.