Paediatric emergencies and related mortality in Nicaragua: results from a multi-site paediatric emergency registry

Abstract

Background We aim to describe the characteristics and outcomes of the severe spectrum of paediatric emergency visits using a multi-site registry developed as part of an international cooperation project. Methods This observational registry-based study presented descriptive statistics of clinical and outcome data on urgent-emergency paediatric visits from 7 Nicaraguan hospitals, including the national referral paediatric hospital, between January and December 2017. Extensive piloting to ensure data collection feasibility, sustainability and accuracy was carried out in 2016 with substantial input and feedback from local stakeholders. Results Overall, 3521 visits of patients Conclusions The mortality rate of urgent-emergency paediatric visits in Nicaragua is high, with younger children being most at risk and the majority of deaths being eventually caused by septic shock or respiratory failure. Our data provide useful information for the development of a Paediatric Emergency Care network to help direct training efforts, resources and logistic/organisational interventions to improve children’s health in an emergency setting in Nicaragua.