Association of gestational age at birth with reasons for subsequent hospitalisation: 18 Years of follow-up in a Western Australian population study

Abstract

Background: Preterm infants are at a higher risk of hospitalisation following discharge from the hospital after birth. The reasons for rehospitalisation and the association with gestational age are not well understood. Methods: This was a retrospective birth cohort study of all live, singleton infants born in Western Australia between 1st January 1980 and 31st December 2010, followed to 18 years of age. Risks of rehospitalisation following birth discharge by principal diagnoses were compared for gestational age categories (<32, 32-33, 34-36, 37-38 weeks) and term births (39-41weeks). Causes of hospitalisations at various gestational age categories were identified using ICD-based discharge di..