ABSTRACT
This prospective study was conducted to determine the frequency, etiology, type and outcome of shock in hospitalized children in the age group of 1 month to 15 years. There were 98 cases of shock, constituting 4.3% out of total admissions. Mean age was 2.8 +/-3.4 years. Maximum number of patients (39) was seen in infancy. Hypovolemic shock due to acute diarrheal disease was the commonest type (45.9%) followed by septic, cardiogenic and distributive shock. Compensated stage was common in hypovolemic shock (88.9%) whereas majority of patients with septic shock (73.5%) presented in decompensated stage. Overall survival was 73.6%. The survival rate was best in hypovolemic shock (97.7%;) followed by septic(53.3%) and cardiogenic shock(43.7%). Inotropes and ventilatory support were required in 46% and 23% patients, respectively. Diagnosis and management of shock in compensated stage carried better prognosis than in uncompensated shock irrespective of the age of the patient.