Are post-operative obesity and cachexia risk factors for morbidity and mortality after heart transplant : multi-institutional study of post-operative weight change?
Both demographic and clinical factors are related to increased BMI at 1 year after heart transplantation. Post-transplant cachexia and obesity are risk factors for poor clinical outcomes after heart transplantation.
Average total charges for vaginal deliveries [maternal plus total baby charges that includes NICU utilization (X=$17 624.38)] may be higher than average total charges for Cesarean sections [maternal plus total baby charges that includes NICU utilization (X=$13 805.47)]. Specifically, maternal race--being African American--was indirectly associated with overall charges through its association with mode of delivery and NICU utilization patterns. The presence of maternal co-morbidities--Herpes Simplex Virus, hypertension and diabetes--most probably influenced babies' hospital stay charges as well as NICU charges when transferred to NICU following both vaginal and Cesarean section deliveries. Thus, prenatal care targeting co-morbidities management may reduce the odds of a newborn's transfer to NICU thus avoiding greater lengths of stay, medical care and charges. Recommendations for obstetrical practices as well as health care policy on their charges should not assume that Cesarean section deliveries are always costlier than vaginal deliveries.