FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL COST OF BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infants with neonatal respiratory disease significantly increases the duration of hospitalization and co st of medical care. Early discharge on home oxygen therapy results in cost savings for third-party payers and the hospital, but adds financi al and emotional burdens for the family. The median cost of initial ho spitalization for 59 infants was $173,160 each. The median duration of home oxygen therapy was 92 days; the median cost was $5,195, compared with a projected cost of $46,920 for hospitalization for the same per iod. Two thirds of the 59 families experienced increased financial str ess associated with marital status, reduced income, type of health ins urance, and/or lack of respite or nursing help. Emotional stress was a ssessed in 26 (44%) of the families; one half coped well. Parents' per ception of adequate insurance and stable income was significantly asso ciated with positive coping. Providing home care for an infant with BP D on oxygen therapy is rewarding in many respects, but success require s appreciating its financial and emotional impact on families and prov iding them with social and financial support.