1. Who's in the NICU? A population-level analysis.
- Author
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Hughes CS, Schmitt S, Passarella M, Lorch SA, and Phibbs CS
- Subjects
- Humans, Infant, Newborn, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Female, Male, Infant, Premature, Length of Stay statistics & numerical data, Intensive Care Units, Neonatal statistics & numerical data, Gestational Age, Birth Weight
- Abstract
Objective: To understand the characteristics of infants admitted to US NICUs., Study Design: 2006-2014 linked birth certificate and hospital discharge data for potentially viable deliveries in Pennsylvania and South Carolina were used. NICU admissions were identified using revenue codes. NICU-admitted infants were categorized by gestational age (GA), birthweight, and condition severity (for GA 35+ weeks). We also assessed total patient days and trends over time., Results: 12% of infants were admitted to a NICU; 13.6% were GA < 32 weeks (45.3% of total days); 36.1% were GA 32-36 weeks (31.2% of total days); and 50.4% were GA 37+ weeks (23.5% of total days). 20% of admissions were for infants with GA 35+ weeks and mild conditions. Admissions increased numerically from 11.2% (2006) to 13.0% (2014), with increases among infants 35+ weeks., Conclusion: Most NICU admissions are for infants 35+ weeks GA, many with mild conditions who may be accommodated in well-baby units., (© 2024. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)
- Published
- 2024
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