RT Journal
A1 Berg RB, Salisbury AJ, Kahan R
T1 "Early" discharge of low-birth-weight infants
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1969
FD December 8
VO 210
IS 10
SP 1892
OP 1896
DO 10.1001/jama.1969.03160360038009
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1969.03160360038009
AB In a group of 68 low-birth-weight infants with uncomplicated hospital courses, discharged at a mean weight of 2,041 gm (4 lb 8 oz) after an average hospital stay of 11 days, the incidence of morbidity and of mortality has been found to be zero. None of the infants died nor had any serious illness during a follow-up period which included the first three months of life and the first two months following discharge. A comparison group of 572 low-birth-weight infants with uncomplicated hospital courses were discharged at a mean weight of 2,417 gm (5 lb 5 1/4 oz) after an average hospital stay of 22 days. There are economic implications of the 50% reduction in hospital stay and other potential benefits and hazards to be considered in "early" discharge.