Factors leading to rehospitalization for tracheostomized and ventilator-dependent infants through 2 years of age

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors leading to readmission for tracheostomized, ventilator-dependent infants < 2 years of age. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of 117 tracheostomized, ventilator-dependent infants followed through 2 years of age. RESULTS: Home ventilator use (at hospital discharge, 6 and 12 months of age), inhaled steroid use (at 12 and 24 months of age), oxygen dependence (at 6 and 12 months of age) and tracheostomy (at discharge, 6 and 12 months of age) were increased risks for rehospitalization. Equipment malfunction throughout the first 2 years also contributed to readmissions. Viral infection, with rhinovirus/enterovirus the most commonly identified pathogen, was the most common etiology for rehospitalization. Diuretic' use and initial comorbid diagnoses were not associated with increased risk of rehospitalization. CONCLUSION: The risk for rehospitalization for infants requiring tracheostomy and ventilator support was affected by prolonged oxygen use, prolonged ventilator dependence, inhaled steroid use and equipment malfunction, and was equally distributed throughout the first 2 years of life.