Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Readmissions among children previously hospitalized with pneumonia
Mark I Neuman1, Matthew Hall2, James C Gay3
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts;Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; mark.neuman@childrens.harvard.edu.
Insights
Pneumonia readmissions in children are common, particularly for infants and those with chronic conditions, leading to significant healthcare costs. Understanding these factors is key to reducing hospitalizations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Pulmonology
- Healthcare Economics
Background:
- Pneumonia is a major cause of pediatric hospitalizations and readmissions.
- Identifying factors associated with readmission is crucial for reducing healthcare burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize readmission rates for pediatric pneumonia.
- To identify patient and hospital factors linked to readmission.
- To determine the costs associated with pediatric pneumonia readmissions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 82,566 children hospitalized with pneumonia (2008-2011).
- Analysis of all-cause and pneumonia-specific 30-day readmission rates.
- Multivariable regression models used to identify associated factors and costs.
Main Results:
- Thirty-day all-cause readmission rate was 7.7%; pneumonia-specific was 3.1%.
- Higher readmission rates observed in infants, those with prior hospitalizations, longer index stays, complicated pneumonia, and chronic medical conditions.
- Readmissions accounted for 16.3% of total costs, with a median cost of $11,344 per readmission.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric pneumonia readmissions are frequent, especially in young children and those with chronic conditions.
- Readmissions represent a substantial financial burden on the healthcare system.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to prevent readmissions and manage costs.
Background And Objectives:
Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization and readmission in children. Understanding the patient characteristics associated with pneumonia readmissions is necessary to inform interventions to reduce avoidable hospitalizations and related costs. The objective of this study was to characterize readmission rates, and identify factors and costs associated with readmission among children previously hospitalized with pneumonia.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study of children hospitalized with pneumonia at the 43 hospitals included in the Pediatric Health Information System between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011. The primary outcome was all-cause readmission within 30 days after hospital discharge, and the secondary outcome was pneumonia-specific readmission. We used multivariable regression models to identify patient and hospital characteristics and costs associated with readmission.
Results:
A total of 82 566 children were hospitalized with pneumonia (median age, 3 years; interquartile range 1-7). Thirty-day all-cause and pneumonia-specific readmission rates were 7.7% and 3.1%, respectively. Readmission rates were higher among children <1 year of age, as well as in patients with previous hospitalizations, longer index hospitalizations, and complicated pneumonia. Children with chronic medical conditions were more likely to experience all-cause (odds ratio 3.0; 95% confidence interval 2.8-3.2) and pneumonia-specific readmission (odds ratio 1.8; 95% confidence interval 1.7-2.0) compared with children without chronic medical conditions. The median cost of a readmission ($11 344) was higher than that of an index admission ($4495; P = .01). Readmissions occurred in 8% of pneumonia hospitalizations but accounted for 16.3% of total costs for all pneumonia hospitalizations.
Conclusions:
Readmissions are common after hospitalization for pneumonia, especially among young children and those with chronic medical conditions, and are associated with substantial costs.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology