Admission pattern and outcome in a pediatric intensive care unit of Gondar University hospital

Abstract

Background: -Knowledge of the characteristics and outcomes of critically ill children admitted to PICU in low income countries may help with the identification of priorities and the resources required for improvement of the care of critically ill patients.Aim: The objective of this study is to describe the pattern of admission and outcome of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Gondar University Hospital.Methods: - A retrospective study of all children (beyond 30 days of age and <14yrs of age) admitted to the pediatric ICU of Gondar University hospitalwas made for a period of 3 years from August 2013 to July 2016.  Data was retrieved from all available patient Charts and health management information system (HMIS) documentation log of PICU in the study period.Results: Total of 330 (80%) patient case note was available for review out of which 197(59.7%) were male and the rest 133(40.3%) were female giving the male: female ratio was 1.5:1. The median age at admission was 6years (range 1month-14 yrs.). Neurologic (31.1%), infectious (13.3%) and renal (11.2%) disorders are the three commonest reasons for admission.  Median duration of stay in the PICU regardless of outcome was 3 days. The overall mortality among PICU admitted patients was 30.9% and 51% of all death occurs in the first 24 hours..Conclusion: The mortality in PICU was very high. The highest number of deaths occurred within 24 hours of admission. Neurologic and infectious contribute the primary cause of mortality.Â