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Archivos de Pediatría del Uruguay
Print version ISSN 0004-0584On-line version ISSN 1688-1249
Abstract
AGORIO, Maite et al. Impact of the pandemic at the Emergency Ward of the Police Pediatric Hospital (from march 13th 2019 to july 14th 2019 and from march 14th 2020 to july 14th 2020). Arch. Pediatr. Urug. [online]. 2022, vol.93, n.nspe1, e211. Epub June 01, 2022. ISSN 0004-0584. https://doi.org/10.31134/ap.93.s1.6.
Introduction:
the WHO declared the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 pandemic on 3/11/2020. A Public Health Emergency was declared in Uruguay and as of 3/13/2020 and different measures were adopted to prevent the spread of the virus, including the establishment of reduced mobility measures. This led, among other things, to a decrease in attendance levels at all health centers, including pediatric emergency consultations.
Objective:
to describe the characteristics of the consultations in the Emergency Service of the Police Hospital during 3/14/20-07/14/20 within an epidemiological context and to compare it with the same period in 2019.
Methodology:
we carried out a retrospective descriptive observational study from March 14 to July 14, 2019 and 2020. We included all children and adolescents from 0 to 14 years old including those who consulted in the Emergency Service of the Police Hospital. We considered epidemiological, clinical and evolutionary variables. Data source: medical records. Statistical analysis: frequency distribution, summary measures and significance.
Results:
the absolute frequency of consultations in the period analyzed was 2,765 in 2019 compared to 576 in 2020.
A 79% reduction in consultations was identified in 2020 compared to 2019. Respiratory infections decreased by 53%, even though obstructive bronchial crises did not. On the other hand, we recorded a significant increase 87.5% in trauma/cutting injuries. A significant rise of 427% in consultations for scabies was observed. No significant growth in consultations for mistreatment/abuse was identified.
Conclusions:
pediatric emergency consultations decreased compared to the previous year, which matches the international literature. Respiratory infections continue to be the main reason for consultation. There was a significant increase in both lesions and scabies, which can be linked to the confinement measures.
Keywords : SARS-Cov-2; Pandemics; Emergencies; COVID-19.