Factors associated with follow-up of infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in a high-risk infant clinic in California

Objective To determine the rates of high-risk infant follow-up (HRIF) attendance and the characteristics associated with follow-up among infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in California. Study design Using population-based datasets, 1314 infants with HIE born in 2010-2016 were evaluated. The characteristics associated with follow-up were identified through multivariable logistic regression. Results 73.9% of infants attended HRIF by age 1. Follow-up rates increased and variation in follow-up by clinic decreased over time. Female infants; those born to African-American, single, less than college-educated, or publicly insured caregivers; and those referred to high-volume or regional programs had lower follow-up rates. In multivariable analysis, Asian and Pacific Islander race/ethnicity had lower odds of follow-up; infants with college- or graduate school-educated caregivers or referred to mid-volume HRIF programs had greater odds. Conclusion Sociodemographic and program-level characteristics were associated with lack of follow-up among HIE infants. Understanding these characteristics may improve the post-discharge care of HIE infants.