Campbell JI, Shanahan KH, Bartick M, Ali M, Goldmann D, Shaikh N, Allende-Richter S. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Length of Stay for US Children Hospitalized for Acute Osteomyelitis.
J Pediatr 2023;
259:113424. [PMID:
37084849 PMCID:
PMC10527861 DOI:
10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113424]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To examine the associations between race and ethnicity and length of stay (LOS) for US children with acute osteomyelitis.
STUDY DESIGN
Using the Kids' Inpatient Database, we conducted a cross-sectional study of children <21 years old hospitalized in 2016 or 2019 with acute osteomyelitis. Using survey-weighted negative binomial regression, we modeled LOS by race and ethnicity, adjusting for clinical and hospital characteristics and socioeconomic status. Secondary outcomes included prolonged LOS, defined as LOS of >7 days (equivalent to LOS in the highest quartile).
RESULTS
We identified 2388 children discharged with acute osteomyelitis. The median LOS was 5 days (IQR, 3-7). Compared with White children, children of Black race (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05-1.27), Hispanic ethnicity (aIRR 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02-1.21), and other race and ethnicity (aIRR 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23) had a significantly longer LOS. The odds of Black children experiencing prolonged LOS was 46% higher compared with White children (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.01-2.11).
CONCLUSIONS
Children of Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and other race and ethnicity with acute osteomyelitis experienced longer LOS than White children. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying these race- and ethnicity-based differences, including social drivers such as access to care, structural racism, and bias in provision of inpatient care, may improve management and outcomes for children with acute osteomyelitis.
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