pattern of admissions in a medical unit at a tertiary care public hospital of Karachi

ABSTRACT

To study the pattern of diseases in patients admitted in a medical unit of a tertiary care public hospital. A retrospective analysis of patients admitted from December 20th, 1996 to June 20th, 1997. Setting: Medical Unit-11, Ward-VI, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre [JPMC], Karachi. Study of 940 patients more than 12 years of age admitted in the medical unit during six months. Ranking of diseases according to the number of patients and deaths. A total of 940 patients, 439 males [46.7%], 501 females [53.3%] were admitted during a period of 6 months in medical unit-ll of JPMC Karachi. 664 [70.6%] were discharged after recovery. 65 [6.9%] were referred to other units. Since 59.5% [560 patient] were admited through emergency in serious condition, 138 [14.6%] patients expired while 73 [7.7%] left against medical advice [LAMA]. Majority of the patients i.e. 273 [29%] presented with CNS symptoms followed by infectious diseases. 210 [22.3%], GIT and Liver 105 [11.1%], Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus 95 [10.1%], CVS 70 [7.44%], Neoplasm 45 [4.78%], Anaemias and other blood disorders 25 [2.65%], respiratory diseases 20 [2.12%], connective tissue disorders 15 [1.59%], renal diseases 15 [1.59%]. This hospital based study shows that the prevalence of CVA, infections, chronic liver diseases, CCF and complications of diabetes mellitus appears to be significant. This calls for adequate preventive measures, early detection of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and appropriate treatment