Center-level factors associated with shorter length of stay following stage 1 palliation: An analysis of the national pediatric cardiology quality improvement collaborative registry

Background Stage 1 single ventricle palliation (S1P) has the longest length of stay (LOS) of all benchmark congenital heart operations. Center-level factors contributing to prolonged hospitalization are poorly defined. Methods We analyzed data from infants status post S1P included in the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative Phase II registry. Our primary outcome was patient-level LOS with days alive and out of hospital before stage 2 palliation (S2P) used as a balancing measure. We compared patient and center-level characteristics across quartiles for median center LOS, and used multivariable regression to calculate center-level factors associated with LOS after adjusting for case mix. Results Of 2,510 infants (65 sites), 2037 (47 sites) met study criteria (61% male, 61% white, 72% hypoplastic left heart syndrome). There was wide intercenter variation in LOS (first quartile centers: median 28 days [IQR 19, 46]; fourth quartile: 62 days [35, 95], P <.001). Mortality prior to S2P did not differ across quar tiles. Shorter LOS correlated with more pre-S2P days alive and out of hospital, after accounting for readmissions (correlation coefficient -0.48, P <.001). In multivariable analysis, increased use of Norwood with a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit (aOR 2.65 [1.1, 6.37]), shorter bypass time (aOR 0.99 per minute [0.98,1.0]), fewer additional cardiac operations (aOR 0.46 [0.22, 0.93]), and increased use of NG tubes rather than G tubes (aOR 7.03 [1.95, 25.42]) were all associated with shorter LOS centers. Conclusions Modifiable center-level practices may be targets to standardize practice and reduce overall LOS across centers.