Discrepancies in pediatric OSA surgery hospital stay length across regions

• Published in: International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology 2024-09, Vol.184, p.112054, Article 112054
• Main Authors: Kennedy, Dean, Carnino, Jonathan M., Wilson, Nicholas, Mwaura, Amos M., Xi, Tingting, Levi, Jessica R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Databases, Factual; Female; Healthcare Disparities - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Length of Stay - statistics & numerical data; Male; Obstructive sleep apnea; Pediatric healthcare disparities; Race and pediatric admissions; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive - surgery; Socioeconomic factors; Tonsillectomy - statistics & numerical data; Tosillectomy; United States; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0165-5876; 1872-8464; 1872-8464
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.112054

To investigate regional disparities in the length of hospital stay (LOS) for pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the United States. We utilized the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kid Inpatient Database (KID) for 2016, analyzing data on pediatric OSA patients aged 0–20. We compared LOS in different U.S. regions and employed statistical tests to assess significance. Regional variation in LOS was observed among pediatric OSA patients. The Midwest and South regions showed longer LOS compared to the West and Northeast. Notably, standard deviations for LOS in the Midwest and South were substantial, signifying significant variability. Our findings emphasize the importance of addressing regional differences in pediatric OSA care. Prolonged hospital stays can impose significant burdens on children and families. Identifying and mitigating factors driving these disparities is crucial for enhancing the quality and efficiency of care, ultimately striving for more equitable healthcare for pediatric OSA patients nationwide.