Paediatric admissions to a hospital in the United Arab Emirates

A prospective study was designed to assess the types of illness which resulted in hospital admission in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates, and the background to the admission. The majority of children were admitted for the management of a respiratory condition, particularly asthma. Infections were the next major cause of hospital care. Management of the complications of thalassaemia was also an important reason for admission. The recognition of the importance of this disorder is necessary for future health care planning in the United Arab Emirates. The majority of children were regarded as having a disorder of medium severity at the time of their admission. The results are discussed in light of a similar United Kingdom study