Abstract:
The need for mechanical ventilation is a frequent reason for admission to an intensive care unit. Every year, hundreds of research papers are published that help us better understand the epidemiological trends, prognostic factors, and outcomes of patients on mechanical ventilation and also how our treatment strategies interact and thus alter a patient’s course. It is mandatory for clinicians to understand the outcome and characteristics of mechanically ventilated patients so as to provide quality care for the critically ill patients.
Objective: The objective of the study is to assess the outcome and characteristics of mechanically ventilated patients in central intensive care unit at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital from January 1, 2017 to January 31, 2019. Data was collected from January 1 to January 31, 2020.
Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the outcome and characteristics of mechanically ventilated patients in central intensive care unit at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital admitted from January 1, 2017 to January 31, 2019. Data was collected from the patients’ medical record by trained health professionals using a checklist. Statistical packages for social sciences version 21 version software was used for analysis. The results are depicted using tables and figures, and summarized using mean, standard deviation or percentage.
Result: The main reason for initiation of mechanical ventilation was respiratory failure 34(51.5%). The most common diagnosis leading to MV was coma secondary to moderate to severe head injury 20(30.3%). Hypertension was the commonest comorbidity in 6(9.1%). SIMV 49(74.2%) was the frequently used mode. The preferred weaning mode was CPAP 25(37.9%). Complication occurred in 5(7.6%) of cases. Twenty nine (43.9%) patients did not survive. Severe head injury was the leading cause of death 9 (13.6%).
Conclusion and recommendation: The mortality rate of mechanically ventilated pediatric patients was high. Respiratory failure was the main indication for initiation of mechanical ventilation. Severe head injury was the leading cause of death. It is better to improve the quality of care and use severity score while admitting patients to central ICU
