Admission Patterns and Outcome of critically ill children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Al-Mukalla District - Yemen

Abstract

Background: Critically ill patients are those who experiences hemodynamic instability requiring frequent monitoring of vital signs and rapid titration of intravenous medication are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) to reduce morbidity and mortality. The trend of causes of admission to PICU is continuously changing from period to period.

Patients and Methods: A Cross sectional observational study conducted at the PICU of Hadhramout University Hospital for Mother and Child Health, and Al-Mukalla Maternity and Children Hospital at Al- Mukalla city-Hadhramout, included the admitted children to the PICU from January 2021 to June 2021.

Results: A total of 102 children enrolled, 57 males and 45 females. Most patients (41.1%) were < 1 year. Respiratory disorders were the most common cause of admission, followed by CVS, and CNS causes. Pediatric Emergency Department was the common source for admission to PICU in (44.1%).About 12.7% of critically patients needed mechanical ventilation.73.5 % of patients improved and 15.7 % died. The mortality was high among CVS with death of (30.8%) of admitted patients   followed by the hematology/oncology (28.6%) and then CNS (20 %).

Conclusion: Early transfer of critically ill children to PICU and timely management is critically important to improve survival.