What Role Does Body Mass Index Play in Hospital Admission Rates From the Pediatric Emergency Department?

• DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e3182a21a23
• Publication Date: 2013-08-23T09:37:44Z
• Authors: Sara Wyrick; Casey Hester; Amy Sparkman; Kathleen M. O’Neill; Greg Dupuis; Michael Anderson; Jared Cordell; Amanda Bogie
• Keywords: Underweight; Growth chart

The primary objective of this study was to determine if children with abnormal body mass index (BMI) percentiles for age were admitted the hospital from emergency room at greater frequency than normal-weight children. This also sought evaluate what specific diagnoses both underweight and overweight being with, a discrepancy exists.A prospective observational chart review conducted evaluated in department Children's Hospital University Oklahoma during month October 2011 (n = 1747). One thousand nine hundred thirteen patient charts reviewed, but 166 excluded because inability obtain height or weight within 3-month period child seen department.Thirty-five (24.5%) patients, 82 (14.6%) obese, 173 (16.6%) patients department. more frequently (P 0.0206) obese 0.0046). In addition, respiratory infections 0.0279) 0.0509) patients. fractures 0.0278). There no statistical difference between admissions any diagnostic categories.Underweight (BMI ≤5%) have an increased risk hospitalization department, even when adjusted sex. particular, among those fractures. No admission rates ≥85%) ≥95%) warrants need counsel their families on dangers not only obesity, underweight. Emphasis should be placed healthy lifestyles that include well-balanced meals exercise.