The Profile and Outcome of Children admitted in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of a Public Hospital in Karachi

Abstract

Objective: To determine the profile and outcome of children admitted in paediatric intensive care unit of a public hospital in Karachi.

Study Design: Descriptive / Observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at PICU of Civil Hospital Karachi from July 2013 to June 2014.

Materials and Methods: Data of the admitted patients was collected from the file records. It included demographic profile, admitting diagnosis, length of stay and outcome. Descriptive statistics were applied to describe the results.

Results: Overall 243 children were admitted in PICU during the study period. Among which 133 were admitted in 1^st half and 110 during the later half of the year. 126 (51.85%) were male, whereas 117 were female. According to the age group, 91 (37.44%) were under 1 year where as 152 (62%) were more than 1 year among which 92 were between 1-5 years of age. Majority, 160 (67%) were admitted through emergency. Duration of stay in the hospital was varied, and 176 (72.42%) patients stayed for more than 24 hours, of these, 60 stayed for 3- 5 days. Upon admission, 83 (34.15%) needed ventilatory support. 16 (6.58%) children needed fluid boluses for resuscitation, whereas inotropic support was required by 49 (20.16%) children. Most of the cases i.e. 68 (27.98%) had respiratory illness as reason for admission. CNS diseases were present in 44 (18%) patients followed by sepsis/infection in 35 (14.40%) cases and Cardiovascular diseases in 22 (9%) cases. Out of total admission, 174 (71.60%) were shifted to the ward. Mortality was recorded in 59 (24%) cases, among which 40 occurred during 1^st half of year and 19 during later half of the year, resulting in mortality of 30% in 1^st half and 17% in 2^nd half, respectively. Out of 59 expiries, 24 (40%) died within 1^st 24 hours due to poor status at admission. Sepsis was the most common cause seen in 42 (71%) of non survivors. 7 cases were referred to other specialized centers for further management after initial stabilization, whereas 3 cases left against medical advice.

Conclusion: Respiratory system, central nervous system and infectious disease/sepsis were the commonest reasons for admission. PICU showed improved working in later half of year after its beginning.