OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical course of pediatric patients treated at a pediatric emergency room in a university hospital. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted between January 1st and December 31st, 2004. Data retrieved were: demographical and clinical characacteristics, diagnostic hypotheses, need of tracheal intubation, deaths, transfers and need of hospitalization of children between zero and 14 years old. Patients were divided in four groups: no deaths; deaths <24 hours; deaths >24 hours; transfers to other hospitals after initial care. RESULTS: 203 children were treated: 59.1% boys; mean age of 3.4 years; 65% previously healthy. The most common diagnosis was respiratory failure (31.1%). Of the 22 deaths, 3.5% took place during the first 24 hours and 7.4% after this; 172 children (84.7%) were discharged after a mean hospital length of stay of 19.2 days. Nine children (4.4%) were transferred to other hospitals. Among the 203 children, 50 children (24.6%) were intubated after admission and 86 children (42.4%) had to be admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: The patients who died early were younger and mainly shock victims. Girls who suffered from previous diseases and respiratory failure were predominant among the patients who died 24 hours after initial care. Patients who survived the emergency crisis were mainly males, older and also presented respiratory diseases. The need for invasive procedures (tracheal intubation) and hospitalization in intensive care units was significant in this population, underscoring the need for adequate equipment and specialized professionals in the emergency pediatric hospital services.
emergency medicine; death; child; cardiopulmonary resuscitation
