Abstract Rationale Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that affects premature infants. It occurs in approximately 21-35% of infants born before 32 weeks gestation, and in more than 50% of those born weighing less than 750 grams. BPD is associated with increased healthcare costs and rehospitalization rates. This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with emergency department (ED) visit and hospital readmission rates within the first two years of life among infants with BPD. Methods This retrospective chart review included patients with a diagnosis of BPD who were followed in a multidisciplinary BPD clinic at a tertiary care center. The patients included in our study were born between January 2021 and August 2023. Data was collected from the electronic medical record system and a chart review. A logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with the odds of healthcare utilization (at least one ED visit or hospital readmission). Results The study included 279 infants with BPD (53.4% male). The hospital readmission rate was 60.6% and the emergency department (ED) visit rate was 46.6%. Overall, 70.6% of patients experienced at least one ED visit or hospital readmission within the first two years of life. Infants born at Riley Hospital had significantly lower odds of experiencing an ED visit or hospital readmission compared with those born at other hospitals (OR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.08-0.64; p = 0.0056). Female infants had marginally lower odds of ED visit or readmission compared with males (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.37-1.05; p = 0.0746). No other variables were significantly associated with ED visit or readmission rates. Conclusion The diagnosis of BPD is a strong predictor of healthcare utilization within the first two years of life. Those born outside of tertiary care centers appear to be at increased odds for readmission or ED visits. Male infants may have higher healthcare utilization within the first two years of life. Future studies should examine specific reasons for readmission, as well as potential correlations between BPD severity and readmission risk, to guide intervention development. Identifying modifiable risk factors may inform targeted interventions to reduce healthcare utilization in this vulnerable population. This abstract is funded by: None
Parod et al. (Fri,) studied this question.