Evaluation of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit due to neurological problems

Abstract

Objective: The principal objective of this study was to produce a profile of the patients hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit due to neurological problems and to identify the major etiologies most commonly leading to mortality. Methods: We detected that 293 of 2843 patients hospitalized in our hospital's pediatric intensive care unit over the 3-year period between 2011 and 2013 were admitted for neurological reasons Patients' etiologies, comorbidities, and dates of admission to the pediatric intensive care unit and of discharge were evaluated. Results: The most frequently seen neurological morbidity was convulsion in 39% (n=114) of the cases. Neurological problems were the sole cause of admission in 186 (63.7%) cases, while 106 (36.3%) patients had a comorbid condition in addition to neurological problems. The most common of these comorbidities was infection in 68.8% (n=73) of the cases. One hundred and sixteen (39.7%) patients were discharged in a healthy condition, while abnormal neurological findings were present in 131 (44.9%) patients. While 28 (9.6%) patients exited during admission. Respiratory problems were the most common cause of death. Mortality, and hospitalization rates in patients under 3 years of age were found to be higher when they are compared with other groups. They are an important cause of admissions to the particularly pediatric intensive care unit and of mortality. Conclusion: Neurological problems constitute a significant group in admissions in pediatric intensive care. They constitute an important cause of admission into the pediatric intensive care unit and of mortality, particularly children under 3 years of age. Effective treatment of infections may reduce mortality rates.