Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

Mortality pattern within twenty-four hours of emergency paediatric admission in a resource-poor nation health

M A Adeboye1, A Ojuawo, S K Ernest

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, PMB 1459, Ilorin, Nigeria. adeboyeman@yahoo.co.uk

West African Journal of Medicine
|October 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

High mortality in emergency paediatric admissions within 24 hours is a critical issue in resource-poor settings. Understanding the causes, like malaria and malnutrition, is key to developing effective interventions and reducing childhood mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Paediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Global Child Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Childhood mortality remains high in resource-limited nations, particularly among emergency paediatric admissions.
  • Defining the causes and scale of this problem is essential for effective intervention planning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mortality patterns of emergency paediatric admissions within the initial 24 hours at a Nigerian health facility.

Main Methods:

  • A six-month observational study monitored post-neonatal patients admitted to the emergency paediatric room.
  • Data collected included patient diagnosis and management outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Out of 606 admissions, 51 (8.4%) died, with 57% of deaths occurring within 24 hours.
  • Late hospital presentation and loss of consciousness were significant risk factors for early mortality.
  • Malaria (89.0%) and protein-energy malnutrition were the leading causes of death within 24 hours.

Conclusions:

  • A substantial proportion of paediatric emergency deaths occur within the first 24 hours.
  • Malaria and protein-energy malnutrition are strongly associated with early mortality, necessitating targeted intervention strategies.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest04:55

Pediatric Animal Model of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Prolonged Circulatory Arrest

Published on: May 26, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight, compared...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult01:21

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when a person's heart has stopped beating or they are no longer breathing. The foundation of CPR is Basic Life Support (BLS), which focuses on the early recognition of cardiac arrest, the immediate start of high-quality chest compressions, and the timely use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).Assessing Responsiveness and Checking the Carotid PulseWhen approaching an unresponsive person, first ensure...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...