Published
Jan. 5, 2026
•
Reviewed by
a UI Health Care Provider
on
Jan. 5, 2026
Entry criteria
All infants born less than or equal to 32 GA or <1500 grams or any of the following documented criteria during the NICU admission.
1. Respiratory
- Requiring oxygen > 5 days
- Supplemental oxygen at discharge
- iNO > 4 hours or received pulmonary vasodilatory medication
- Congenial Diaphragmatic Hernia
2. Cardiac
- Hypotension requiring vasopressor support
- PDA ligation or catheterization plug
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) anticipated to require surgery in the first 6 months of life
- Hydrops
3. Neurologic
- History of electrographically confirmed seizures
- Compromise around delivery- pH ≤7.0 on cord blood sample or a blood gas obtained within one hour of life) or Apgar score of less than or equal to 3 at five minutes, or Apgar score of less than or equal to 5 at ten minutes, or receiving epinephrine or chest compressions in the DR, or any patient that received therapeutic hypothermia
- Abnormal neurologic exam around the time of discharge
- Evidence of intracranial pathology-intracranial hemorrhage (grade II or greater), cerebellar hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, cerebral thrombosis, cerebral infarction or stroke, congenital structural central nervous system abnormality (excluding mild ventriculomegaly)
- Toxic in-utero exposures: suspected fetal alcohol effects/FAS, medical treatment of neonatal opiates withdrawal syndrome; confirmed exposure to cocaine, PCP, methamphetamines/MDMA
4. Infection
- Confirmed CNS infection
- Culture positive bacterial or fungal sepsis treated for >5 days
- Congenital CMV, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, rubella, zika, varicella, HSV (disseminated or meningitis)
5. GI issues
- Home with NG/G-tube feedings
- NEC Bell Stage II or greater
- SIP
- Bowel resection due to ischemic bowel
6. Hematology
- Infant requiring total or partial exchange transfusion or concerns for kernicterus
- Twin-Twin transfusion infants requiring intrauterine therapy (amnioreduction or laser)
7. Other
- Prolonged hospitalization past 44 weeks PMA
- Requiring 2 or more surgeries requiring general anesthesia in the newborn period
- Qualifying sibling of multiples set
- <3rd percentile of head circumference and/or weight (Fenton/WHO)
- LIP request