title: Early Discharge of Preterm Infants- An Indian Perspective.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Early home discharge of preterm infants is a priority in developing countries due to bed shortage and poor socio-economic status. There is wide variation in home discharge policies for preterm infants. Limited data exists on optimal timing for discharging such infants. In view of the socio-economic and medico-legal importance of the issue, we aimed to study the outcomes of our ex-preterm infants discharged home 'early', to guide our clinical practice.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the rates of re-admissions/mortality within 4 weeks after discharge in preterm (born <34 weeks) infants.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was an analysis of retrospectively collected data on all ex-preterm infants (gestation <34 weeks at birth) discharged home from our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during the study period. Infants enrolled were stratified based on their gestation age: Group I (n=54): 26-29 weeks, Group II (n=181): 30-34 weeks. Data on demographic characteristics, hospital course and outcomes were analysed for infants meeting inclusion criteria. Re-admission and/or mortality within 4 weeks after discharge were studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean±(SD) duration of stay was 42±19 vs. 19±14 days in group I vs. II infants. Five (2.7%) infants were re-admitted within the first four weeks after discharge in group II; none in group I.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early home discharge for preterm infants born <34 weeks was feasible and safe in our set-up. Large prospective studies are required to confirm these benefits.
authors.affiliation: Resident, Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital , Pune, India .
authors.forename: Ankit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Soni
authors.affiliation: Senior Consultant, Department of Paediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital , Pune, India .
authors.forename: Sandeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kadam
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Paediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital , Pune, India .
authors.forename: Anand
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pandit
authors.affiliation: Professor, Centre for Neonatal Research and Education, University of Western Australia , Perth, Western Australia, Australia .
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patole
keywords: Home; Premies; Re-admission; Safety