Hospital Readmissions Among Infants With Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Source:

Gaither JR, Drago MJ, Grossman MR, et al. Hospital Readmissions Among Infants With Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(9):e2435074. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.35074

Key Points

Question  Does the risk of hospital readmission differ between infants with and without neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS)?

Findings  In this cohort study of 13 855 246 newborns, infants with NOWS had a 90-day readmission rate of 4.2% compared with 3.0% for infants without NOWS. After risk adjustment, infants with NOWS were more likely to be readmitted for serious injuries and confirmed neglect but not physical abuse.

Meaning  These findings suggest that infants with NOWS are at an increased risk of 90-day readmission for trauma and maltreatment.