Abstract :
Background: Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) provide critical care for children with life-threatening conditions. Understanding the clinicodemographic characteristics and clinical severity on admission is essential for risk stratification and outcome prediction.Objectives: To evaluate the demographic profile, clinical features and their association with outcomes in children admitted to the PICU.Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 165 children admitted to the PICU in a tertiary care center from August 2023 to February 2025. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, nutritional status, immunization and underlying diseases was collected. Outcomes were classified as direct discharged from PICU, shifted to ward and discharged from ward, DAMA, LAMA or mortality Results: The majority (45.45%) were aged >5 years, with a male predominance (61.8%) and predominantly from rural areas (58.79%) of lower to middle socioeconomic status (70%). Respiratory system involvement was predominant (28%). Incomplete immunization was observed in 78%. The overall mortality rate was 12%. Mechanical ventilation and use of inotropic support were strongly associated with mortality (p
Keyword :
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Clinico-demographic profile, Patient outcomes, Critical illness in children, Mortality and morbidity