# Preventable Infectious Pathology Dominates Neonatal Readmissions: A Retrospective Analysis from a Pediatrics Department in Ploiești, Romania

## TL;DR

A study in Romania found that most newborn readmissions were due to preventable infections, highlighting the need for better post-discharge care and vaccination efforts.

## Contribution

The study identifies preventable infectious diseases as the main cause of neonatal readmissions in a Romanian hospital setting.

## Key findings

- 60.9% of neonatal readmissions were due to preventable infectious conditions.
- Two cases of measles were identified, reflecting low vaccination rates in Romania.
- Male infants and those born via cesarean section were overrepresented in readmissions.

## Abstract

Background: Readmission of newborns within the first 28 days after initial discharge represents a significant healthcare concern, causing distress to families and financial burden on healthcare systems. Understanding readmission patterns and risk factors is essential for implementing preventive strategies. Objective: This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of neonatal readmissions to a pediatric center in Ploiești, Romania, during a 12-month period (1 January 2024–31 December 2024). Methods: We reviewed medical records of all newborns aged 0–28 days admitted to the pediatric hospital after initial discharge from maternity wards. Clinical characteristics, diagnoses, paraclinical findings, and demographic data were analyzed. Results: A total of 131 newborns were readmitted, representing a 1.9% readmission rate, and only the first readmission for each patient was included in the analysis. The majority (60.9%) presented with preventable infectious pathology, including bronchiolitis (18.3%), rhinoconjunctivitis (16%), pyoderma (11.4%), infectious gastroenteritis (8.4%), and COVID-19 infection (6.8%). Males comprised 61.3% of cases, and 74.8% were born via cesarean section. Exclusive breastfeeding rate was 45.8%. Concerningly, two cases (1.5%) presented with measles, reflecting declining vaccination coverage in Romania (the lowest in the European Union at 62%). Conclusions: The predominance of preventable infectious conditions among neonatal readmissions highlights critical gaps in post-discharge care and infection prevention education. The presence of vaccine-preventable diseases underscores the urgent need to address declining immunization rates in Romania. Enhanced parental education on hygiene practices, infection prevention, and improved post-discharge follow-up systems are essential to reduce neonatal morbidity and readmission rates.