Risk Factors for Readmission of Infant For Jaundice Following Early Hospital Discharge

Patient selection: newborn discharged 0-2 days after birth

Outcome: readmission on day 3-14 for jaundice

Risk factors for readmission for jaundice:

(1) gestational age at birth less than 39 weeks (risk for 37 weeks > 38 weeks)

(2) first-time mother (first born infant)

(3) exclusive breastfeeding at discharge

(4) Southeastern Asian ancestry

(5) vaginal birth

Additional factors:

(1) maternal age < 20 years of age

(2) gestational diabetes

The risk of readmission for jaundice is lower in infants discharged 3 days or more after delivery.

Inadequate followup may increase the risk if hyperbilirubinemia develops.

The risk in some infants may be related to a failure to establish adequate breastfeeding since this can lead to dehydration and/or low caloric intake. Some of the risk factors may indicate a mother inexperienced in breastfeeding.