Abstract
Background: Various dermatological conditions can be life threatening and may require admission in the intensive care unit for monitoring and management. We carried out this study to assess the profile of dermatological admissions in the intensive care unit. Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional retrospective study in which the records of all patients of various dermatological disorders admitted in the intensive care unit over a period of three years was studied and the clinical details were assessed. Results: Over a period of three years, a total of 16 patients (M:F 10:6), aged between 16-71 years (mean 46±2.31 years) were admitted with an underlying dermatological disorder. The most common condition requiring admission was Stevens Johnsons Syndrome (n=5), followed by Pemphigus vulgaris (n=4), erythroderma(n=2), pustular psoriasis, dermatomyositis, necrotizing faciitis, dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome and cutaneous lymphoma in 1 each. Interventions like mechanical ventilation were required in 2 patients, inotropic support in 2 patients, central venous line placement, renal replacement therapy and tracheostomy in one patient each. The mean duration of ICU stay was 14.2 days and mortality was the outcome in 2 patients of pemphigus vulgaris which was attributed to septicemia and shock. Conclusions: Dermatological disorders can cause significant morbidity and may require proper care in the intensive care unit. Timely initiation of intensive care can help in reducing the morbidity and preventing mortality.
Highlights
Dermatological conditions are usually not considered life threatening by the general population and other medical specialties but certain skin conditions can cause significant morbidity and require specialized care and monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU)
The mean duration of ICU stay was 14.2 days and mortality was the outcome in 2 patients of pemphigus vulgaris, which was attributed to septicemia and shock
Various skin conditions require intensive care owing to their severity and extent
Summary
Dermatological conditions are usually not considered life threatening by the general population and other medical specialties but certain skin conditions can cause significant morbidity and require specialized care and monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU). Dermatological conditions like Stevens Johnsons syndrome, pemphigus vulgaris, erythroderma can cause acute skin failure which can result in temperature dysregulation, electrolyte imbalance and can predispose to secondary infections. These conditions require specialized care in the ICU and can lead to mortality in the absence of proper monitoring and care [1,2]. We carried out this study to assess the profile and outcomes of patients with dermatological disorders admitted in the ICU. Initiation of intensive care can help in reducing the morbidity and preventing mortality
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