Aneela Ahmed, Inkisar Ali.
Neurological cases admitted into a General Pediatrics Ward.
Pak J Med Sci Jan ;24(1):86-90.

Objectives: To see presentation of neurological cases admitted into a general pediatrics ward and review the findings, investigations, complications and treatment provided. Methodology: This is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted during the year 2006 in Pediatrics ward of Civil Hospital Karachi. All patients older than one month of age with a final diagnosis of a neurological problem were included. Patients with metabolic fits and neonates were excluded from the study. Results: A considerable proportion of all patients admitted into the pediatrics ward are neurological illnesses (67/687 or 8.9%). Commonest neurological problems were CNS infections (42/67 or 62.5%). Other causes of hospitalization were cerebral palsy with complications (7/67, 10.4%), febrile fit (5/67 or 7.5%) and epilepsy (7/67;10.4%) etc. Commonest symptom was fever with or without seizures (59; 87.9%). All patients suspected of a CNS infection were treated with intravenous antibiotics. Patients with cerebral malaria were treated with intravenous quinine. Conclusion: Neurological problems in children less than five years of age are an important reason for hospital admission, infections being most frequent. Bacterial infections of the nervous system are more common than viral or protozoal infections. This study results will help in better planning regarding management of such patients in wards and in emergency.

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