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A retrospective cohort study of dermatological problems observed in paediatric intensive care unit
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics Dermatology, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.
Insights
Critically ill children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) frequently develop skin issues, with infections like dengue being the most common cause. Understanding these dermatological problems is crucial for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dermatological conditions are common in pediatric intensive care units (PICU).
- The full range of skin problems in critically ill children is not well understood.
- This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding pediatric dermatoses in the ICU.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of dermatological problems in critically ill children.
- To describe the distribution of various pediatric skin conditions within an ICU setting.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted.
- Data from children admitted to a tertiary level ICU in South India were analyzed.
- All pediatric dermatological conditions observed during admission were documented.
Main Results:
- Out of 1180 PICU admissions, 318 children had 361 skin manifestations.
- Most skin lesions were minor and secondary to underlying systemic diseases.
- Infections were the primary cause of dermatoses, with dengue accounting for 64% of cases. Stevens-Johnson syndrome was the sole primary dermatological condition leading to PICU admission.
Conclusions:
- The types and frequency of skin conditions in pediatric ICUs differ from those in adult ICUs.
- Further extensive research is required to characterize infections and other conditions impacting critically ill children in the ICU.
- Understanding these dermatological manifestations is vital for improving care and reducing mortality in pediatric intensive care.
Background:
Dermatological manifestations are often encountered in paediatric intensive care units (PICU). Spectrum of dermatological problems that may arise in critically ill children in intensive care unit remains unknown.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to find out the burden of dermatological problems and to describe the proportional distribution of paediatric dermatoses in ICU set-up.
Methods:
In a retrospective cohort study, we analysed all types of paediatric dermatological conditions manifesting in children admitted to a tertiary level ICU in South India.
Results:
During the study period of 25 months, 1180 new cases were admitted to PICU. A total of 318 children with 361 skin manifestations were observed. Majority of the skin lesions were minor and were secondary to systemic disease. Infection was the leading cause of dermatoses in ICU. Dengue infection was detected in 64% of total cases included in the study. Stevens-Johnson syndrome was the only primary dermatological condition leading to PICU admission in the present cohort.
Conclusions:
The spectrum and proportional distribution of skin conditions in children differ from adult ICU-data. Further large-scale investigations are needed to define the characteristics and distribution of infections along with other disease conditions leading to ICU-admissions and mortality among critically ill paediatric patients.
