Readmission to Paediatric Intensive Care Unit: Frequency, Causes and Outcome

Readmission to intensive care units is considered to be an important quality indicator in ICU settings. This study was carried out at the paediatric intensive unit (PICU) and step down units of paediatric ward at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, to assess the frequency, common causes and outcome of patients readmitted in PICU within 48 hours after discharge from unit. During the study period, 1022 patients were admitted in PICU, out of which 24 (2.34%) patients required readmission. Male to female ratio was 1.2:1. The mean length of stay on paediatric floor before readmission was 24 hours. Fifteen (62%) patients were readmitted due to worsening of primary condition while 9 (38%) developed new problems. Respiratory problems accounted for 15 (62.5%) of readmissions, followed by cardiovascular 4 (16.5%) and sepsis related causes 3 (12.5%). The mortality rate of readmitted patients was 21% (5/24) in this study as compared to overall PICU mortality of 122 (11.93%).