title: Center variability in risk of adjusted length of stay for very low birth weight infants in the Neocosur South American Network.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To develop a prediction model for hospital length of stay (LOS) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and to compare this outcome among 20 centers within a neonatal network.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from 7,599 infants with birth weights of 500-1,500 g born between the years 2001-2008 were prospectively collected. The Cox regression model was employed to develop two prediction models: an early model based upon variables present at birth, and a late one that adds relevant morbidities for the first 30 days of life.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median adjusted estimated LOS from birth was 59 days - 28 days after 30-day point of survival. There was a high correlation between models (r = 0.92). Expected/observed LOS varied widely among centers, even after correction for relevant morbidity after 30 days. Median observed LOS (range: 45-70 days), and postmenstrual age at discharge (range: 36.4-39.9 weeks) reflect high inter-center variability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A simple model, with factors present at birth, can predict a VLBW infant's LOS in a neonatal network. Significant variability in LOS was observed among neonatal intensive care units. We speculate that the results originate in differences in inter-center practices.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Província de Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Maria J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Luque
authors.forename: Alvaro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.forename: Ivonne
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: D'Apremont
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Musante
authors.forename: Jose L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Tapia
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013020:South America