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Updated: Jun 22, 2025
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Who's in the NICU? A population-level analysis
Carolyn S Hughes1, Susan Schmitt2,3, Molly Passarella4
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Objective:
To understand the characteristics of infants admitted to US NICUs.
Study Design:
2006-2014 linked birth certificate and hospital discharge data for potentially viable deliveries in Pennsylvania and South Carolina were used. NICU admissions were identified using revenue codes. NICU-admitted infants were categorized by gestational age (GA), birthweight, and condition severity (for GA 35+ weeks). We also assessed total patient days and trends over time.
Results:
12% of infants were admitted to a NICU; 13.6% were GA < 32 weeks (45.3% of total days); 36.1% were GA 32-36 weeks (31.2% of total days); and 50.4% were GA 37+ weeks (23.5% of total days). 20% of admissions were for infants with GA 35+ weeks and mild conditions. Admissions increased numerically from 11.2% (2006) to 13.0% (2014), with increases among infants 35+ weeks.
Conclusion:
Most NICU admissions are for infants 35+ weeks GA, many with mild conditions who may be accommodated in well-baby units.
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