Mortality, rehospitalizations and costs in children undergoing a cardiac procedure in their first year of life in New South Wales, Australia

Claire M. Lawley*, Samantha J. Lain, Gemma A. Figtree, Gary F. Sholler, David S. Winlaw, Christine L. Roberts

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Cardiac procedures are part of management for many children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Using population health data, this study explores health outcomes of children undergoing a cardiac procedure in the first year of life to better understand the impact of CHD on children, families and health services. Methods and results A population-based record-linkage cohort study was undertaken. Rate of cardiac procedures in the first year of life over the study period 2001–2012 in New South Wales, Australia, was steady at 2.5 children per 1000 live births, accounting for 2722 children. Excluding those with isolated closure of patent ductus arteriosus (n = 416), 50% required readmission in the first year of life. Over 1/5th had an additional non-cardiac congenital anomaly. Average total cost per infant for initial procedure admission was $67,054 AUD ($63,124–$70,984) with a median length of stay (LOS) 13 days (IQR 8–23). Average cost per readmission in the first year of life was $11,342 (95% CI 10,361–$12,323) with median LOS 2 days (IQR 1–5). Mortality rate in the 30 days following initial procedure was 3.1% (72/2306). Mortality rate by age 1 year was 7.1%, and 13.8% for those who had neonatal surgery. Conclusion Risk of mortality in operatively-managed CHD extends beyond the immediate perioperative period. Children undergoing a cardiac procedure in their first year are often readmitted to hospital for both further planned procedures and unplanned reasons such as infection. These readmissions capture the significant impact of illness and pose substantial financial cost to the health system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)156-162
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology
Volume241
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 15 2017

Funding

Acknowledgement of grant support: This work was supported by Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) (APP1001066) and HeartKids Grants-in-Aid. CLR is supported by a NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship (APP1021025). GAF is co-funded by a NHMRC Career Development Fellowship (APP1062262) and a Heart Foundation (Australia) Future Leader Fellowship. SJL is supported by NHMRC Early Career Fellowship (APP1054751). The funding agencies listed had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Keywords

  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Cardiac surgery
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Health services research
  • Pediatrics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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