Racial and Ethnic Differences in Length of Stay for US Children Hospitalized for Acute Osteomyelitis.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the associations between race and ethnicity and length of stay (LOS) for US children with acute osteomyelitis.

STUDY DESIGN

Using the Kids' Inpatient Database, we conducted a cross-sectional study of children <21 years old hospitalized in 2016 or 2019 with acute osteomyelitis. Using survey-weighted negative binomial regression, we modeled LOS by race and ethnicity, adjusting for clinical and hospital characteristics and socioeconomic status. Secondary outcomes included prolonged LOS, defined as LOS of >7 days (equivalent to LOS in the highest quartile).

RESULTS

We identified 2388 children discharged with acute osteomyelitis. The median LOS was 5 days (IQR, 3-7). Compared with White children, children of Black race (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.15; 95% CI, 1.05-1.27), Hispanic ethnicity (aIRR 1.11; 95% CI, 1.02-1.21), and other race and ethnicity (aIRR 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23) had a significantly longer LOS. The odds of Black children experiencing prolonged LOS was 46% higher compared with White children (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.01-2.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Children of Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and other race and ethnicity with acute osteomyelitis experienced longer LOS than White children. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying these race- and ethnicity-based differences, including social drivers such as access to care, structural racism, and bias in provision of inpatient care, may improve management and outcomes for children with acute osteomyelitis.