STUDY OF DERMATOLOGICAL EMERGENCIES AT A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE INSTITUTION

Abstract

Introduction:- Dermatological emergencies represent 8-20% of the emergencies presenting to emergency department. There are varying etiologies for these emergencies from neonatal age to adults . Aims and objectives:- To improve awareness of the need for intensive medical care with a multidisciplinary approach by a team of specialist doctors (physicians , intensivists, paediatricians etc., ) along with dermatologists thus to decline the fatality & morbidity rate in dermatological emergencies . Methodology:- All cases presenting to DVL OP , Casuality , intensive care units of the study centre requiring emergency dermatological consultation were included . The results are analysed for age , sex wise distribution and total number of cases as per etiology and outcome of the disease. Results:- Out of the 158 cases studied over a period of 9 months , 88 were males and 70 were females, among which 35 were children. True dermatological emergencies were 46 , other 112 required dermatological consultation on emergency basis . The main etiological factors are infections(34) , drug reactions (27) , vesiculobullous dermatoses(17) etc. Mortality seen in 4 cases . Conclusion:- During the study we learnt that multidisciplinary approach improves the quality of management and nal outcome. Gaining prociency at an institutional level which has a DICU set up with multidisciplinary approach will enable upcoming dermatologists to establish a hospital set up which can manage dermatological emergencies condently instead of limiting to clinical setup.