Dermatological Disorders in the Intensive Care Unit: A Descriptive Study at a Tertiary Care Centre

Dermatological disorders are common in patients being treated in intensive care units (ICU). However, they are often neglected in context of a critically ill patient. Very few studies focusing on these dermatoses have been undertaken.

To determine the prevalence and spectrum of dermatological disorders in patients being treated in medical ICU of a tertiary care centre.

This was a descriptive study conducted over a period of one year. All the patients admitted in the medical ICU were examined for the presence of any preexisting or newly developed dermatological disorder. Dermatological disorders were initially classified into infective and non-infective disorders. Patients with dermatological findings were classified into two groups: those who survived and those who died; which were compared with each other with respect to age and sex distribution, length of ICU stay and dermatological findings.

Out of 776 cases admitted in ICU during the study period, dermatological disorders were observed in 164 (21.13%) cases. Life-threatening dermatological disorders were seen in 3.05% cases. Twenty nine (17.68%) patients with dermatological findings died. Amongst these cases, infectious dermatological disorders were significantly less common; while no significant difference was noticed in context of reactive dermatological disorders.

Dermatological disorders in ICU are common and have a wide spectrum. They often need treatment and may be indicative of underlying potentially fatal systemic illness. Besides, a subset of cutaneous lesions may develop in response to various medical interventions, immunosuppression and immobility. Knowledge of such dermatoses is thus, essential, both for the intensivist and dermatologist.