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Practice Variance, Prevalence, and Economic Burden of Premature Infants Diagnosed With GERD

Sudarshan R Jadcherla1, Jonathan L Slaughter, Michael R Stenger

  • 1Sections of Neonatology and.

Hospital Pediatrics
|January 18, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects 1 in 10 premature infants in the NICU, increasing hospital stays and costs. Improved diagnostic and management strategies are crucial for this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common concern in preterm infants.
  • Variations in clinical practice and economic impact require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine practice variance, prevalence, and economic burden of clinically diagnosed GERD in preterm infants.
  • To identify factors associated with length of stay and hospitalization costs in infants with GERD.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 18,567 preterm infants (22-36 weeks gestation).
  • Data analyzed from 33 US children's hospitals.
  • Examined GERD prevalence, comorbidities, and demographic factors' association with length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization cost.

Main Results:

  • 10.3% of preterm infants received a GERD diagnosis.
  • Significant 13-fold variation in GERD rates across hospitals.
  • GERD diagnosis associated with increased LOS (29.9 days) and costs ($70,489).
  • GERD linked to bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, congenital anomalies, and lower birth weight.

Conclusions:

  • Approximately 1 in 10 preterm infants in NICUs are diagnosed with GERD.
  • GERD diagnosis significantly increases hospitalization length and costs.
  • Need for improved diagnostic and management strategies for GERD symptoms in preterm infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
GERDeconomic burdenlength of stayneonate

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