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Preventable Infectious Pathology Dominates Neonatal Readmissions: A Retrospective Analysis from a Pediatrics
Daniela-Eugenia Popescu1, Ioana Rosca2, Alina Turenschi2,3
1Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Neonatology, "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
Insights
Neonatal readmissions are often due to preventable infections, highlighting needs for better post-discharge care and parental education. Addressing declining vaccination rates is crucial to prevent diseases like measles in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Public health
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Neonatal readmissions pose significant challenges to families and healthcare systems.
- Understanding readmission patterns and risk factors is key for prevention.
- This study focuses on neonatal readmissions in Ploiești, Romania.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of neonatal readmissions.
- To identify common diagnoses and risk factors associated with readmission.
- To inform preventive strategies for neonatal readmissions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study design.
- Analysis of medical records for newborns aged 0-28 days readmitted to a pediatric center.
- Data collected included clinical characteristics, diagnoses, and demographics.
Main Results:
- A 1.9% readmission rate was observed, with 131 newborns readmitted.
- Preventable infectious pathologies, such as bronchiolitis and rhinoconjunctivitis, predominated (60.9%).
- Two cases of measles were noted, linked to low vaccination coverage in Romania.
Conclusions:
- Preventable infections are a major cause of neonatal readmissions.
- Declining immunization rates are a serious concern, necessitating urgent action.
- Improved parental education and post-discharge follow-up are essential to reduce neonatal readmissions.
Abstract:
Background: Readmission of newborns within the first 28 days after initial discharge represents a significant healthcare concern, causing distress to families and financial burden on healthcare systems. Understanding readmission patterns and risk factors is essential for implementing preventive strategies. Objective: This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of neonatal readmissions to a pediatric center in Ploiești, Romania, during a 12-month period (1 January 2024-31 December 2024). Methods: We reviewed medical records of all newborns aged 0-28 days admitted to the pediatric hospital after initial discharge from maternity wards. Clinical characteristics, diagnoses, paraclinical findings, and demographic data were analyzed. Results: A total of 131 newborns were readmitted, representing a 1.9% readmission rate, and only the first readmission for each patient was included in the analysis. The majority (60.9%) presented with preventable infectious pathology, including bronchiolitis (18.3%), rhinoconjunctivitis (16%), pyoderma (11.4%), infectious gastroenteritis (8.4%), and COVID-19 infection (6.8%). Males comprised 61.3% of cases, and 74.8% were born via cesarean section. Exclusive breastfeeding rate was 45.8%. Concerningly, two cases (1.5%) presented with measles, reflecting declining vaccination coverage in Romania (the lowest in the European Union at 62%). Conclusions: The predominance of preventable infectious conditions among neonatal readmissions highlights critical gaps in post-discharge care and infection prevention education. The presence of vaccine-preventable diseases underscores the urgent need to address declining immunization rates in Romania. Enhanced parental education on hygiene practices, infection prevention, and improved post-discharge follow-up systems are essential to reduce neonatal morbidity and readmission rates.
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