Abstract

BILKIS, Manuel D et al. Estudio multicéntrico de la urgencia pediátrica. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2006, vol.104, n.4, pp.301-308. ISSN 0325-0075.

Introduction. We carried out a description of clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of spontaneous consulting in pediatric emergency services. Population, materials and methods. This work had a prospective descriptive design. During the months of April, August and November of 2003 and in February of 2004, a weekly protocol was applied in a randomized and multicentric fashion in the pediatric emergency services of eight hospitals. Each author recorded ten patients younger than 18 years, who attended consecutively and spontaneously. Results. 1,435 patients were evaluated. Mean age was of 4.55 years and 68.9% were younger than 6 years. 17.6% had an underlying disease, being broncho-obstructive illnesses the most common (59.1%).The mean reasons of consultation (75.8%) were: fever, trauma, respiratory distress, rash, earache, cold symptoms, diarrhea and vomiting. In 34.4% complementary examinations were requested, and in 15.2%, consultations with other specialties were performed. 83.9% of the diagnoses were: 1) upper airway disease (16.5%), 2) asthma crises and bronchiolitis (15.5%); 3) trauma (11.2%); 4) gastroenteritis (8.6%); 5) pharyngitis (7.9%); 6) otitis (7.4%), 7) rash (6.7%); 8) pneumonia (4.5%), and 9) fever without focus (2.7%). Cases of trauma, poisoning and upper airway disease were more prevalent in general hospitals. Five patients attended to the emergency service with life-threatening conditions: 4 with a diagnosis of apnea (1/286) and 1 with a cardiorespiratory arrest (1/1,435). Conclusions. Most of the patients were infants or pre-schoolaged children. The main reason of consultation was fever. Interconsultations were concentrated in a few specialties.

Keywords : Mild diseases; Triage; Emergency services saturation.

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