Regional analysis of pediatric admissions with complex chronic conditions in mainland Portugal

Background

The expected rise in the number of children living longer with complex chronic conditions (CCC) and the social relevance of this group prompt the study of the patterns of their inpatient care utilization. We aimed to compare the utilization of inpatient care by children with CCC between regions of mainland Portugal.

Methods

Observational longitudinal retrospective study using anonymized administrative data for mainland Portuguese public hospitals. We selected admissions within the pediatric age limit (<18yo), 2011-15. The variable of interest was the patient region of residence [Alentejo, Algarve, Centre, Lisbon Metropolitan Area (Lisbon MA), or North]. Variables related to condition (number and categories of CCC) and to care utilization [admission type, hospital type (I- community, II- regional, III- tertiary & university, IV- specialized), inpatient days, expenses] were described by region.

Results

A total of 64,918 pediatric admissions with CCC were included (ranging from 2,839 to 23,194 by region). The percentage of admissions with 2 or more CCC ranged from 16% to 22%. Haematologic & Immunologic and Metabolic categories were the ones with the highest range between regions (8%-19%; 5%-10%); the smallest range was seen in Cardiovascular (15%-18%). Urgent admissions ranged from 48% to 70%. Hospital type varied considerably, especially for type II (8%-69%). Median length of stay was 4-5 days, and median expense ranged from €1,256 to €1,467.

Conclusions

The utilization of inpatient care by children with CCC in mainland Portugal varied by region, mainly on type of admission, type of hospital, and distribution of CCC categories. Possible explanatory factors may include differences in CCC prevalence, patterns of care, and available care in each region.

Key messages

Differences in the percentage of urgent admissions require further analysis, aiming at reducing the disruption that healthcare needs may cause in the life of children with CCC and their families. There are considerable differences in the type of hospital where children with CCC in each region receive care. Healthcare system must ensure appropriate resources are available where needed.

Long-term ventilation in children: ten years later

INTRODUCTION

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) represents a treatment option for patients with chronic respiratory failure and has changed prognosis and survival of many disorders in children. The aim of this study was to characterize a group of children on long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) for a period longer than 10 years.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out including patients on LTMV for more than 10 years (LTMV-10) in a tertiary pediatric hospital.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

PASW Statistics 18(®).

RESULTS

Thirty-one children (61% female) belong to the LTMV-10 group. Median age at the beginning of ventilatory support was 3 years (birth to 13 years). Main indications for assisted ventilation were neuromuscular disease (n=12, 39%), metabolic disease (n=7, 23%) and central hypoventilation (n=6, 19%). Volume ventilation was used in 2 children, and positive pressure ventilation in the others, mainly bilevel positive airway pressure (n=25, 81%). Invasive ventilation via tracheostomy was used since the beginning in four cases, and subsequently in two other children. The mean time of ventilatory support was 146 months and the maximum was 219 months. Respiratory morbidity was the most frequent cause of hospitalization and the annual rate of such episodes was 0.17 per child. Global mortality rate was 19%.

CONCLUSIONS

HMV programs provide necessary and safe assistance for children with severe chronic respiratory failure. As shown in our series, it is possible to be kept on this respiratory support modality for long periods with good compliance and a small number of hospitalizations.