Center variability in risk of adjusted length of stay for very low birth weight infants in the Neocosur South American Network [Variabilidade do risco do tempo de permanência ajustado para lactentes de muito baixo peso ao nascer entre centros da Neocosur South American Network]

Objectives: to develop a prediction model for hospital length of stay (los) in very low birth weight (vlbw) infants and to compare this outcome among 20 centers within a neonatal network. methods: data from 7,599 infants with birth weights of 500-1,500 g born between the years 2001-2008 were prospectively collected. the cox regression model was employed to develop two prediction models: an early model based upon variables present at birth,and a late one that adds relevant morbidities for the first 30 days of life. results: median adjusted estimated los from birth was 59 days - 28 days after 30-day point of survival. there was a high correlation between models (r = 0.92). expected/observed los varied widely among centers,even after correction for relevant morbidity after 30 days. median observed los (range: 45-70 days),and postmenstrual age at discharge (range: 36.4-39.9 weeks) reflect high inter-center variability. conclusion: a simple model,with factors present at birth,can predict a vlbw infant's los in a neonatal network. significant variability in los was observed among neonatal intensive care units. we speculate that the results originate in differences in inter-center practices. copyright © 2012 by sociedade brasileira de pediatria.