Frequency and Outcome of Adverse Events in Hospitalized and Critically ill Patients

Authors

Abstract

To identify Frequency and outcome of adverse events in hospitalized critically ill patients

Methods

This is a retrospective case-control study of critically ill ICU patients was conducted from January-December 2019 at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Pakistan. Data was collected from patients’ medical records using a pre-approved pro forma. Variables included demographics, patient and hospitalization characteristics and laboratory investigations. Any adverse event during the admission was also noted. Outcome measures included in-hospital mortality and length of stay.

Results

  773 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study; 504 (65.2%) were males and 269 (34.8%) females; mean age was 57.3 ± 16.6 years. Overall mortality rate was 33%. The most common adverse events during a patients hospital stay were acute kidney injury (22%), shock (18%) and electrolyte imbalance (18%). Risk factors for mortality in these patients included mechanical ventilation, septic shock, acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia, seizures, acute liver failure, ARDS and metabolic acidosis.

Conclusion

  Our study reveals a high mortality rate for critically ill ICU patients. Adverse events during admission were frequent and also associated with increased mortality. We hope this study sets the stage for larger scale studies in developing countries to drive improvements in accurate risk stratification and optimal patient management.

Keywords:

Critical care, ICU, shock, outcome

Published

2021/07/03