Predictive model for the risk of paediatric intensive care utilization in children with medical complexity: A longitudinal retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background: Children with medical complexity (CMC) are at increased risk of admission in intensive care. Despite improvements in mortality rates, there remains a burden of morbidity, long-term health care needs and hospital readmissions. Beyond clinical factors, socio-demographic determinants could impact utilization of acute services. Aim: To identify risk factors that can differentiate CMC who are admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Study Design: A 6-year longitudinal retrospective cohort study evaluated clinical, socio-demographic and health care utilization. Results: A total of 248 CMC were included, with a median age of 13 years (9.75–17.00). Intensive care admission rate was 47.2%. The risk of PICU admission was higher for children undergoing surgical interventions (HR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.34–1.86, p