Dermatological emergencies in tropical zones: 189 dermatology cases in Dakar

Abstract

to assess: the frequency of emergencies among patients admitted to dermatology departments in Dakar, their most common causes, mortality rate, and the most frequent dermatoses. This one-year prospective study took place in the two reference departments for the treatment of dermatological diseases in Dakar. We have included all patients with a dermatological emergency, regardless of age and gender, as determined by the doctor receiving the patient. The data were entered in Excel and analyzed with R software, version 3.1.2. the study included 189 patients, 40% of all dermatology department admissions. The sex ratio was 0.89 (M/F) and the average age 49 years. The mean time from arrival to treatment was 30 minutes. Absolute emergencies accounted for 45.4% of these emergencies, and relative emergencies 54.6%. Absolute emergencies were dominated by severe drug eruptions (17%) and relative emergencies by infectious dermatoses (38%). Emergency measures were carried out in all cases, associated with etiological treatment. The mortality rate was 7% (n=14), and 5 (36%) of these deaths were due to severe drug eruptions. Infectious dermatoses and severe drug eruptions are the most frequent emergencies. The high mortality rate, related mostly to drug eruptions, indicates the need for early management and an adequate technical platform.