Preemies are going home quicker than   before. These infants are at high risk of rehospitalization. The risk of going back to the hospital depends on the underlying condition and it drops after the first year of life.

You have to keep in mind that when babies are discharged from the hospital, they may still have special needs and being at home presents the family with a new set of challenges.

Common reasons why preemies are rehospitalized  ?

Respiratory infections : They are the most common reasons  why preemies may be admitted back to the  hospital. This is because they may  be in continual need of supplemental oxygen, ventilator support, respiratory treatments  and/or medications for reactive airway disease (similar to asthma). Common cold, an upper respiratory infection may also result in significant respiratory distress.

Lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia can also have a great impact on the baby’s body, requiring re-admission to the hospital.

Babies who are exposed to smoking at home are at high risk of respiratory infection than  those who are not.

Feeding difficulties :  This can lead to re admission to the hospital. Babies may not meet their nutritional requirement if they are :

• nippling poorly
• burning a lot of calories working or breathing
• experiencing gastroesophageal  reflux disease

In some cases some babies may need an occupational therapist to help with feeding problems. If reflux is the problem, the baby may be re-admitted for further evaluation or a surgical procedure known as  fundoplication may be performed.

Gaining the right amount of weight is essential for the baby to fight off infections as well as lower oxygen requirement , decrease the work required to breath and attain developmental milestones.

Episodes of apnea and bradycardia : If your baby is on an apnea monitor at home and you notice intense periods of apnea and bradycardia, report it immediately to your pediatrician. If this is accompanied by signs of other infections, the baby will be re admitted for further evaluation and monitoring.

Neurodevelopmental problems, hearing and vision impairment as well as cosmetics surgery may sometimes require re-hospitalization in your child especially when he is older. A child with cerebral palsy may  require orthopedic surgeries to release tight tendons. A child with a blocked tear duct may need a minor surgical procedure to open it up.

What you can do to prevent rehospitalization

You can take steps to reduce your child’s risk of re hospitlization.

Before your baby is discharged , you have to learn about his  special needs care. Ask  questions where you are not sure or have concerns. It may be uneasy when your  baby comes home at first. However things are a lot easier if you are familiar with how to care for him.

It also helps to choose a pediatrician who is more familiar  with NICU  babies.  You may need to go the hospital often in the beginning so that your baby can be monitored for weight gain and general health.  Early detection of diseases and good communication with your doctor  can help reduce your baby’s risk of re admission to the hospital.