Low socio‐economic conditions and prematurity‐related morbidities explain healthcare use and costs for 2‐year‐old very preterm children. (6th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meregaglia, Michela; Croci, Ileana; Brusco, Carla; Herich, Lena C.; Di Lallo, Domenico; Gargano, Giancarlo; Carnielli, Virgilio; Zeitlin, Jennifer; Fattore, Giovanni; Cuttini, Marina
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 109:Number 9(2020)
• Page Start: 1791
• Page End: 1800
• Publication Date: 2020-02-06
• Subjects: economic burden -- healthcare use -- rehospitalisation -- very preterm -- Italy; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.15183
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To estimate healthcare use and related costs for 2‐year‐old very preterm (VP) children after discharge from the neonatal unit. Methods: As part of a European project, we recruited an area‐based cohort including all VP infants born in three Italian regions (Lazio, Emilia‐Romagna and Marche) in 2011‐2012. At 2 years corrected age, parents completed a questionnaire on their child health and healthcare use (N = 732, response rate 75.6%). Cost values were assigned based on national reimbursement tariffs. We used multivariable analyses to identify factors associated with any rehospitalisation and overall healthcare costs. Results: The most frequently consulted physicians were the paediatrician (85% of children), the ophthalmologist (36%) and the neurologist/neuropsychiatrist (26%); 38% of children were hospitalised at least once after the initial discharge, for a total of 513 admissions and over one million euros cost, corresponding to 75% of total healthcare costs. Low maternal education and parental occupation index, congenital anomalies and postnatal prematurity‐related morbidities significantly increased the risk of rehospitalisation and total healthcare costs. Conclusion: Rehospitalisation and outpatient care are frequent in VP children, confirming a substantial health and economic burden. These findings should inform the allocation of resources to preventive and rehabilitation services for these children.