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

Authors :: Cresi F
Cocchi E
Maggiora E
Pirra A
Logrippo F
Ariotti MC
Peila C
Bertino E
Coscia A
Source :: Frontiers in pediatrics [Front Pediatr] 2020 Jun 05; Vol. 8, pp. 234. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jun 05 (Print Publication: 2020).
Publication Year :: 2020
Abstract: 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.<br /> (Copyright © 2020 Cresi, Cocchi, Maggiora, Pirra, Logrippo, Ariotti, Peila, Bertino and Coscia.)