Pattern and Outcome Dermatological Admission at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Rivers State

Abstract

Introduction: Dermatology is primarily an outpatient clinical and surgical subspecialty, but a substantial number of patients need in patient care for adequate management. In recent years, there is a rise in the number of inpatient dermatological admissions and an increase in spending. Rarely, skin diseases can be fatal. Aims and Objectives: To analyze the disease patterns and clinical outcomes of dermatological patients admitted on the medical wards of a tertiary institution in southern                                     Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study involves a retrospective analysis of the admission records of consecutive in patients with a dermatological diagnosis admitted at the university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital from January 2014 to July 2020. The data obtained were statistically analysed with emphasis on the patient’s demographic profile, clinical diagnosis, final outcome, and duration of admission. Results: A total of 68 patients were admitted into our center during this time. Female outnumbered males with male female ratio of 1: 2.2. Infections (53 patients, 77.9%) were the most frequent reason for admission, followed by autoimmune disorders (5 patients, 7.4%), inflammatory causes, drug reactions and cutaneous manifestation of inter diseases had 3 patients each (4.4%). A patient was classed as idiopathic (1.5%).