Medical coma in a secondary health centre in Benin City, Nigeria: A 3-year review

Abstract

Background: Medical coma is an emergency requiring prompt decision and immediate intervention. Knowledge of the commoner causes of coma would improve the treatment outcome. Aim: The aim of our study was to describe the frequency and pattern of medical coma in a secondary health center in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: It was a retrospective review of the medical records of all comatose adult patients, admitted between January 2012 and December 2016 at the Central Hospital Benin. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the medical records of each patient. Data was analyzed using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results: Ninety patients presented in coma within the 3-year period under review and, this constituted 1.7% of all medical admissions. There were 49 (54.4%) males and 41 (45.6%) females with a mean age of 64.6 ±17.0 years. The Glasgow coma score ranged from 3 – 8. The commonest cause of coma was stroke (57.9%), followed by metabolic and toxic causes (23.3%) and central nervous system infections (11.1%). The main presenting complains were sudden collapse (85.6%) and fever (31.6%). The most predisposing co-morbid conditions were hypertension (71.1%) and diabetes mellitus (24.4%). Conclusion: Stroke was the most frequent cause of coma. With the high mortality associated with the comatose state, it is hoped that preventive measures to identify and treat risk factors for stroke be vigorously pursued.