Frontiers in Pediatrics (Jun 2020)

Pre-discharge Cardiorespiratory Monitoring in Preterm Infants. the CORE Study

  • Francesco Cresi,
  • Enrico Cocchi,
  • Elena Maggiora,
  • Alice Pirra,
  • Federica Logrippo,
  • Maria Chiara Ariotti,
  • Chiara Peila,
  • Enrico Bertino,
  • Alessandra Coscia

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2020.00234
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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Objective: Ensuring cardiorespiratory (CR) stability is essential for a safe discharge. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a new pre-discharge protocol named CORE on the risk of hospital readmission (RHR).Methods: Preterm infants admitted in our NICU between 2015 and 2018 were randomly assigned to CORE (exposed) or to standard (not-exposed) discharge protocol. CORE included 24 h-clinical observation, followed by 24 h-instrumental CR monitoring only for high-risk infants. RHR 12 months after discharge and length of stay represent the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively.Results: Three hundred and twenty three preterm infants were enrolled. Exposed infants had a lower RHR (log-rank p < 0.05). The difference was especially marked 3 months after discharge (9.09 vs. 21.6%; p = 0.004). The hospital length of stay in exposed and not-exposed infants was 39(26–58) and 43(26–68) days, respectively (p = 0.16).Conclusions: The CORE protocol could help neonatologists to define the best timing for discharge reducing RHR without lengthening hospital stay.

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