An occurrence of apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation events resulting in a delay of discharge in late preterm and full term infants

Abstract

Abstract Abstract: Background: Respiratory events including apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation (ABD) have been well described in early preterm infants. Minimal data are available regarding the epidemiology of such events that result in delayed discharge in the late preterm (>34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks gestational age (GA)) and term (> 37 weeks GA) population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 59,968 infants born at ≥34 weeks GA at two tertiary hospitals between January 2009 and December 2013. Infants who experienced ABD events that resulted in delay of discharge were identified and analyzed. Results: Among 59,968 late preterm and term infants, 1.2% were diagnosed with discharge-delaying ABD events. Persistent ABD events resulting in delayed discharged was not associated with prior respiratory support. Conclusions: Discharge-delaying ABD events affect a small proportion, but large absolute number of late preterm and term infants highlighting the opportunity for quality improvement via a standardized management approach.