Predictive factors for readmission due to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: A retrospective case-control study

TL;DR

This study identifies factors that predict hospital readmission in newborns due to high bilirubin levels after discharge.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into specific risk factors for readmission due to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Findings

Preterm birth, ABO hemolysis, G6PD deficiency, and high TSB at discharge predict readmission.

Lower birth weight slightly increases the risk of readmission.

Prolonged hospitalization and post-discharge monitoring are recommended for high-risk neonates.

Abstract

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common cause of hospital readmission among neonates, but the factors contributing to post-discharge readmission remain unclear. Our study aimed to identify predictive factors associated with readmission for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

This retrospective case-control study included 421 neonates born at ≥ 35 weeks of gestation with hyperbilirubinemia between January and December 2021. The neonates were divided into a readmission group and a control group, and logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors associated with readmission.

Among the 421 neonates studied, 32 (7.6%) were readmitted. Logistic regression analysis identified preterm birth (<37 weeks), ABO hemolysis, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and Total Serum Bilirubin (TSB) level at discharge as significant predictive factors for readmission due to hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. Additionally, a decrease in birth weight was significantly linked to an increased risk of readmission (OR = 0.998, P = 0.013), although the effect size was relatively small.

Prolonging hospitalization and implementing robust post-discharge monitoring may be essential for neonates with prematurity, ABO hemolysis, G6PD deficiency, or elevated TSB levels at discharge.

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