Pediatric dermatological emergencies in tertiary health care

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the demand for dermatological consultations in the emergency department has increased. However, most of the publications of dermatological emergencies deal with the general population, without taking into account the changes in frequencies found in young children (ages 0-14 years). Dermatological emergencies in pediatric age group are not uncommon. The aim of our study was to analyse the spectrum of dermatological emergencies in the pediatric age group.

Methods: A hospital‑based observational study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology of tertiary care centre, between September 2019 and February 2020. Thirty pediatric patients (age ≤16 years) who had visited Dermatology Outpatient Department (OPD) and emergency department were included in this study.

Results: Total thirty patients were included in this study. The male to female ratio was 2:1. The average age of the study was 7.6 years. Maximum cases were in school-aged children (6 to 12 years), which were 12 (40%). The average duration of illness was 36.04 days. The most common condition was inherited conditions (23%) followed by primary cutaneous infections (20%). The cases were divided as 7 (23%) inherited conditions, 6 (20%) cases of infections, 5 (17%) cases each of vasculitis and cutaneous adverse drug reaction and 7 (23%) miscellaneous cases.

Conclusions: Pediatric dermatological emergencies require an interdisciplinary approach for timely intervention. Standardised protocol should be followed in their management to prevent complications like acute skin failure. Early referral of these patients with primary skin conditions to the dermatologists might result in better clinical outcome and decreased mortality.