Beyond Pediatric Survival: The Disproportionate Impact of Childhood-Onset Complex Chronic Conditions on Adult Hospital Systems

Beyond Pediatric Survival: The Disproportionate Impact of Childhood-Onset Complex Chronic Conditions on Adult Hospital Systems

This study reveals that young adults with childhood-onset complex chronic conditions (4Cs) account for over 10% of hospital bed-days despite being a small patient volume. They face longer stays, higher costs, and frequent readmissions, highlighting a critical gap in adult-oriented management for this vulnerable population.