EARLY DISCHARGE OF THE TERM NEWBORN - A CONTINUED DILEMMA

Objective. To provide the pediatric practitioner with a summary of ava ilable data regarding the appropriate time of hospital discharge of th e term newborn. Methodology. Published series on early discharge were critically reviewed. Results. Heterogeneity and limitations of methodo logy and study design substantially limit conclusions that may be draw n from published studies. Conclusion. Early discharge recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics remain appropriate, and decision s regarding the timing of discharge of the well term newborn should be individualized and made by the practitioner based upon the medical, s ocial, and economic aspects of each case.