Related Experiment Videos
Race and outcomes in gastroschisis repair: a nationwide analysis
Ye Kyung Song1, Omar Nunez Lopez1, Hemalkumar B Mehta1
1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX.
Insights
Black neonates face higher risks for complex gastroschisis and increased healthcare costs. This highlights racial disparities in gastroschisis outcomes, necessitating targeted public health interventions for at-risk populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatal Care
- Health Disparities Research
Background:
- Gastroschisis incidence has risen 30%, with a notable increase among Black neonates.
- Previous research indicates racial disparities in surgical outcomes for adult and pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between race and clinical outcomes in neonates with gastroschisis.
- To examine healthcare resource utilization in relation to race for gastroschisis patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the Kid's Inpatient Database (KID) from 2006, 2009, and 2012.
- Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to assess associations with race, socioeconomic status, and outcomes.
- Study included neonates under 28 days old diagnosed with gastroschisis.
Main Results:
- Black neonates showed increased odds of complex gastroschisis and intestinal atresias, even after controlling for confounding factors.
- Higher mortality rates were observed in patients with complex gastroschisis, lower income quartiles, and Medicaid insurance.
- Increased length of stay and hospital charges were associated with complex gastroschisis, lower birth weight, and Medicaid patients, with higher charges for Black and Hispanic neonates compared to Whites.
Conclusions:
- Race is significantly associated with the development of complex gastroschisis, intestinal atresias, and total healthcare charges.
- Socioeconomic and payer status are linked to mortality, complications, length of stay, and hospital charges.
- Public health and prenatal interventions are crucial to address disparities and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Background:
The incidence of gastroschisis has increased 30% between the periods 1995-2005 and 2006-2012, with the largest increase in Black neonates born to Black mothers younger than 20years old.
Objective:
Racial disparities in peri- and post-operative outcomes have been previously identified in several types of adult and pediatric surgical patients. Is there an association between race and clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilization in neonates with gastroschisis?
Methods:
Retrospective study using national administrative data from the Kid's Inpatient Database (KID) from 2006, 2009, and 2012 for neonates (age<28days) with gastroschisis. Multivariable logistic regression was constructed to determine the association of race and socioeconomic characteristics with complications and mortality; linear regression was used for length of stay and hospital charges.
Results:
We identified 3846 neonates with gastroschisis that underwent surgical repair, including 676 patients with complex gastroschisis. When controlling for birth weight, payer status, socioeconomic status, and hospital characteristics, Black neonates had increased odds of having complex gastroschisis and associated atresias. Mortality was higher in patients with complex gastroschisis, patients from the lowest income quartiles, and patients with Medicaid as primary payer (compared to those with private insurance). Length of stay (LOS) was increased in patients with complex gastroschisis, birth weight <2500g, and Medicaid patients. Hospital charges were higher in complex gastroschisis, Black and Hispanic neonates (as compared to Whites), males, birth weight <2500g, and Medicaid patients.
Conclusions:
There is an association between race and complex gastroschisis, associated intestinal atresias, and total charges in neonates with gastroschisis. In addition, income status is associated with mortality and hospital charges while payer status is associated with complications, mortality, LOS, and hospital charges. Public health and prenatal interventions should target at-risk populations to improve clinical outcomes.
Prognosis Study:
Level of Evidence: II.