[Comparative morbidity study 1984-1989 in the internal medicine department of a second-level general hospital]

In order to determine the changes in the clinico-pathological pattern of admitted patients in an internal medicine department, 240 patients/year were compared during the years 1984 and 1989. A predominant proportion of males was registered (3:2); which did not vary by the year. An increased tendency of the median age (55.78 vs 58.48 years) was also established. The medium time of admission (8.98 vs 9.5 days) and mortality rate (6.3% vs 7.1%) did not change. A high rate (greater than 50%) of cardiovascular and respiratory disease was found on analyzing the cause of admission; in 1989 infection caused by HIV was detected and admissions to optimize the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus were observed which did not exist in 1984. A slight but surprising decrease in admissions due to acute ischemic cardiopathy and significant decrease of admissions owing to respiratory disease were also noted. The majority of the patients admitted had a baseline disease (85% in 1984 and 87.1% in 1989). The knowledge of these data and their variations in every hospital department will, undoubtedly, assist in achieving a better use of technical and human health resources.