Disease Profile and Death Pattern Among Children Admitted in a Medical College Hospital

Background: An understanding of epidemiological trend in hospital admissions, including diseases and death pattern, is critical for health care planning, appropriate resource allocation & improving existing services facilities. Objectives: To evaluate the disease and death pattern of children admitted in the department of Child Health, Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH), Chittagong. Methods: This was a retrospective study. The case records of all patients admitted in the department from Jan 1, 2008 to Dec 31, 2010 were analyzed. Total 38,692 children were admitted during this study period; among them total 1897(4.9%) patient died. Infant and under five age groups constitute 45.2% and 75.9% respectively, total admission whereas deaths from the same groups were 43.7% & 79.3% respectively. Bronchopneumonia (22%), acute watery diarrhea (15%),hereditary hemolytic anemia (12%), and bronchiolitis (10%), topped the first four positions in each of the three years of admission.