Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Aim: To evaluate the clinical profile and outcome of patients in PICU (paediatric intensive care unit) at tertiary care unit. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics. 50 children less than 15 years admitted to PICU with complete patient information along with the investigation reports in the medical records were included in the study. Outcome was noted as discharge/against medical advice/referred. History, examination details, investigations done was noted. Results: Maximum numbers of patients were in the age group of more than 28 days to 1 year which constituted 21 (42%) cases. This was followed by 1 year to less than 5 years age group which constituted 14 (28%) cases. The system wise cause of admission of patients to PICU. Central nervous system was the commonest system involved (20%). Next system commonly involved was the respiratory system (18%). Other common causes were infections (14%), cardiovascular (14%), gastro intestinal (10%), haematological (10%) and renal (6%) system causes. This was followed by metabolic causes (4%), Down syndrome (2%) and poisoning in (2%) cases. Out of the 50 patients admitted to PICU, 17 (34%) patients died. 26(52%) cases improved and were shifted to general ward and later discharged. Conclusion: We concluded that the under 5 years children constituted the major load of the patients in our PICU. There was male preponderance of PICU admission. Central nervous system disorders were the commonest cause of admission in the PICU, followed by respiratory, infectious and cardiovascular causes.