Faculty Collaboration Database

Socioeconomic Factors, Perioperative Complications, and 30-Day Readmission Rates Associated With Delayed Cranial Vault Reconstruction for Craniosynostosis. J Craniofac Surg 2018 Oct;29(7):1767-1771

Date

07/31/2018

Pubmed ID

30059426

DOI

10.1097/SCS.0000000000004787

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85054451689 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   19 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Premature fusion of the cranial sutures can lead to significant neurocognitive, developmental, and esthetic consequences, especially if not corrected within the first year of life. This study aimed to identify the drivers of delayed cranial vault reconstruction (CVR) and its impact on complication and 30-day readmission rates among craniosynostosis patients.

METHODS: The medical records of all children who underwent CVR for craniosynostosis between 2005 and 2017 at an academic institution were retrospectively reviewed. A delay in operation was defined by surgery performed >12 months of age. Patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative complication rates, and 30-day readmission rates were collected.

RESULTS: A total of 96 patients underwent primary CVR, with 79 (82.3%) patients undergoing nondelayed surgery and 17 (17.7%) patients undergoing surgery >12 months of age. Children undergoing delayed surgery were significantly more likely to be non-White (P < 0.0001), have Medicaid insurance (P = 0.023), and have a non-English primary language (P < 0.005). There was increased incidence of developmental disability identified at first consult (no-delay: 3.9% vs delay: 41.2%, P < 0.0001) and increased intracranial pressure (no-delay: 6.3% vs delay: 29.4%, P < 0.005) among children undergoing delayed surgery. The delayed cohort had a significantly higher unplanned 30-day readmission rate (no-delay: 0.0% vs delay: 5.9%, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that craniosynostosis patients who are non-White, have a non-English primary language, and have Medicaid insurance are at risk for delayed primary surgery, which may lead to increased 30-day readmission. Interventions are necessary to reduce craniosynostosis patients' barriers to care to minimize the sequelae associated with delayed surgery.

Author List

Sergesketter AR, Elsamadicy AA, Lubkin DT, Kemeny H, Harward SC, Krucoff KB, Krucoff MO, Fuchs H, Thompson EM, Allori AC, Marcus JR, Muh CR

Author

Max O. Krucoff MD Assistant Professor in the Neurosurgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Child, Preschool
Craniosynostoses
Developmental Disabilities
Female
Healthcare Disparities
Humans
Incidence
Infant
Intracranial Hypertension
Language
Male
Patient Readmission
Postoperative Complications
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Skull
Socioeconomic Factors
Time-to-Treatment