Age at Time of Craniosynostosis Repair Predicts Increased Complication Rate

Objective:This study uses administrative data to assess the optimal timing for surgical repair of craniosynostosis and to identify factors associated with risk of perioperative complications.Design:Statistical analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database (2006, 2009, 2012).Setting:KID-participating hospitals in 44 states. Patients: Children 0 to 3 years of age with ICD-9 codes for surgical correction of craniosynostosis (756 and 0124, 0125, 0201, 0203, 0204, or 0206).Main Outcome Measure:Age-based cohorts were assessed for perioperative complications. We performed a multivariable analysis to determine characteristics associated with increased risk of complications.Results:21 million admissions were screened and 8417 visits met criteria for inclusion. Seventy-five percent of procedures occurred before age 1. Complications occurred in 8.6% of patients: 6.6% of patients at age 0 to 6 months, 10.3% of patients aged 7 to 12 months, and 13.9% of patients 12 to 36 months. Pati...