Readmission rate is an important quality measure and can inform patient care. However, readmission of S. aureus bacteremia in children requires further research.

We performed a population-based longitudinal observational study using the State Inpatient Database from New York, Florida, and Washington, 2009-2015. Children aged 18 years or younger hospitalized with S. aureus bacteremia were included. The outcome of non-elective readmission was assessed by developing Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Of 1240 children with S. aureus bacteremia, 223 (18.0%) and 351 (28.3%) had non-elective readmission within 30 days and 90 days after discharge, respectively. On multivariable analysis, catheter related infection (hazard ratio, HR: 1.79, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.31-2.45) was associated with 30-day readmission. The median cost of the original hospitalization for S. aureus bacteremia was $29 914 (interquartile range, IQR: $13 276-$71 284), and that of 30 day readmission was $10 956 (IQR: $5765-$24 753).

S. aureus bacteremia is associated with a high rate of readmission in children, particularly in those with catheter related infection. Hospitalization with S. aureus bacteremia and readmission are costly. Future research should seek interventions to improve outcomes of S. aureus bacteremia in children, and the results of this study can serve as a benchmark.