Predischarge Car Seat Tolerance Screening in Preterm and At-Risk Full-Term Infants

Is routine predischarge car seat tolerance screening (CSTS) associated with fewer adverse postdischarge outcomes in preterm and at-risk full-term–born infants?In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies, including 3 nonrandomized intervention studies with 54 358 participants, CSTS was not associated with reduced 30-day mortality or hospital readmission. Approximately 9% of infants failed the first test and 24% of those failed a repeat test 24 to 72 hours later.These findings suggest that routine CSTS may prolong hospitalization when infants fail CSTS, without clear evidence of postdischarge benefit, suggesting the need to reevaluate its widespread use.

Corresponding Author: Brian C. King, MD, Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215 (bking6@bidmc.harvard.edu).

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