Medical and surgical interventions and outcomes for infants with trisomy 18 (T18) or trisomy 13 (T13) at children's hospitals neonatal intensive care units (NICUs)

Abstract

Objectives: To examine characteristics and outcomes of T18 and T13 infants receiving intensive surgical and medical treatment compared to those receiving non-intensive treatment in NICUs.

Study design: Retrospective cohort of infants in the Children's Hospitals National Consortium (CHNC) from 2010 to 2016 categorized into three groups by treatment received: surgical, intensive medical, or non-intensive.

Results: Among 467 infants admitted, 62% received intensive medical treatment; 27% received surgical treatment. The most common surgery was a gastrostomy tube. Survival in infants who received surgeries was 51%; intensive medical treatment was 30%, and non-intensive treatment was 72%. Infants receiving surgeries spent more time in the NICU and were more likely to receive oxygen and feeding support at discharge.

Conclusions: Infants with T13 or T18 at CHNC NICUs represent a select group for whom parents may have desired more intensive treatment. Survival to NICU discharge was possible, and surviving infants had a longer hospital stay and needed more discharge supports.