Disease Spectrum and Outcomes of Patients Admitted to the Pediatric Critical Care Unit of Tertiary Care Hospital of Karachi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i9.2403Keywords:
PICU, mortality rates, Mechanical ventilation, National Institute of Child Health (NICH).Abstract
Background: Pediatric intensive care is a relatively new but rapidly developing field, driven by a growing public awareness of health issues and an increasing demand for specialised services. Objective: To determine the disease spectrum and outcomes of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary care referral hospital in Karachi. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Karachi. Data on demographics, diagnoses, and outcomes were collected and analysed using chi-square and ANOVA tests. Outcomes were categorised as discharged, expired, or shifted. Results: A total of 151 children were included. Respiratory (33.8%) and neurological (26.5%) illnesses were the most common reasons for admission. Hematology/oncology (18%) and cardiac (15%) patients had the highest mortality rates. Mechanical ventilation was significantly associated with adverse outcomes. A considerable proportion of respiratory and neurological patients were shifted due to bed limitations. Conclusion: The disease spectrum in this PICU reflects both infectious and specialised conditions. Mortality was consistent with other local studies, underscoring the urgent need to expand pediatric critical care resources in Pakistan.
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