Early hospital discharge of preterm very low birth weight infants.
The objective of this study was to investigate whether early discharge from the hospital was feasible for selected very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. A randomized clinical trial of discharge of VLBW infants from the neonatal intensive care unit at 1300 gm versus 1800 gm was done comparing weight gain and incidence of infection. Forty-three VLBW infants treated in the neonatal intensive care unit and follow-up clinics of the Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali, Colombia, were entered into the study at 1300 to 1350 gm when they met behavioral criteria for discharge and the family home was approved. There were no differences in weight gain or incidence of infection in the home group compared with the hospital group. A significant saving in hospital days and hospital costs was realized for the home group. Family cooperation was heightened in the home group. Early discharge from the hospital at weights as low as 1300 to 1350 gm is safe for the VLBW infant when properly selected on the basis of behavioral criteria and environmental approval. The potential savings in hospital costs should be considered when resources are allocated for continued support for these infants.