Predictors of length of stay for simple gastroschisis: analysis of ACS NSQIP-P database

Purpose We aimed to assess predictors of length of stay for simple gastroschisis utilizing the NSQIP-Pediatric Database. Methods The NSQIP-P Participant Use Data File was queried to identify patients with simple gastroschisis. We defined short length of stay (LOS) as patients discharged home <= 30 days from birth. We compared patients with short LOS versus prolonged LOS > 30 days. Predictors and outcomes were evaluated. Results There were 888 patients with simple gastroschisis identified. Half of patients had LOS <= 30 days. Patients with LOS <= 30 were younger at repair (median age 1 day vs. 3 days, p = 0.0001), had higher birth weight (median 2.5 kg vs. 2.4 kg, p = 0.0001), and were less premature (37 week vs. 36 weeks, p = 0.0001). However, only gestational age and weight at birth were significant predictors of LOS on multivariate analysis (p = 0.0001). Prolonged LOS patients had more instances of ventilation, oxygen supplementation, sepsis (n = 2/446 or 0.4% vs. n = 9/442 or 2%, p = 0.003), bleeding/transfusion (n = 7/446 or 1.6% vs. n = 43/442 or 9.7%, p = 0.0001), line infections (n = 1/446 or 0.2% vs. n = 12/442, p = 0.001), and reoperations (n = 9/446 or 2% vs. n = 26/442 or 5.9%, p = 0.003). Conclusion Prematurity and birth weight are significant predictors of length of stay in simple gastroschisis patients. Prenatal counseling should continue to be one of the main factors to improve the outcomes for patients with gastroschisis. Type of study Retrospective cohort study. Level of evidence Level IV.