"Hospitals Play Significant Role In Racial Disparities For Premature Babies In NYC" - Aneri Pattani

Premature babies face a host of dangers. Born before 37 weeks, they often have underdeveloped organs and an increased susceptibility to infection. But some preemies are at even greater risk, simply because of where they're born. A new study from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found that children born at certain New York City hospitals are at significantly greater risk for death or severe complications that can leave them with lifelong disabilities. And those children tend to be black or Hispanic. Previous research has focused on infant factors like gestational age and birthweight as causes for the disparity in outcomes for premature babies. The Mount Sinai study explored hospitals as another contributing factor. "We found infant factors were the biggest contributor to disparity," said co-author Elizabeth Howell, MD, MPP, professor of population health science and policy, psychiatry, obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science, associate dean of academic development and director of the Women's Health Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "But hospital of birth was the second factor." They don't know what's behind that variation. Dr. Howell said it could be anything from quality of care to the use of evidence-based practices. She added that it's an important area for future research.

 - Elizabeth Howell, MD, MPP, Professor, Population Health Science and Policy, Psychiatry, Schizophrenia, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Associate Dean, Academic Development, Director, Women's Health Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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