What are the criteria for discharge of high-risk newborns hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit?

Given their social and biological risk factors, premature, small, or sick newborns must meet certain criteria for safe hospital discharge.

Based on scientific evidence, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommends granting hospital discharge when the infant reaches certain milestones in feeding, growth, and clinical stability. Furthermore, before discharge from the institution, a series of requirements must be met, such as vaccination and administration of specific antibodies (palivizumab), screening, training in the "skin-to-skin" technique, and assessment of their social risk.

The criteria for discharge of high-risk newborns can be found in PAHO's Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Follow-up of Newborns at Risk.