Impact of COVID Pandemic on Pattern and Outcome of Admissions in a Paediatric Emergency Unit in Sokoto, Nigeria

Background: The COVID pandemic had widespread impact on the world population, especially on health-care. This ranged from direct effects of the infection on populace, in addition to changing pattern of morbidity and mortality, children inclusive.

Objectives: To compare the pattern and outcome of admissions during the COVID pandemic period (2020 – 2021) to the preceeding year (2019) in the emergency Paediatric unit (EPU) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto.

Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. The admission records of children aged > 1 month to 15 years were retrieved, relevant information extracted, entered into a study proforma and analysed with SPSS version 24.

Results: Total admissions were 3741. The 1st pandemic year (2020) had the lowest (1116, 29.8%) while 1406 (37.6%) and 1219 (32.6%) patients were admitted in 2019 and 2021.

The lowest admission was between March and June 2020 coinciding with the lockdown, highest was in August 2020 when restrictions had been lifted. The topmost admissions yearly were malaria, acute respiratory infections and acute gastroenteritis. The trend showed that all cases reduced in the pandemic years (2020-2021) but respiratory infections increased. Mortality was highest in 2020 (p=0.001). Malaria was the highest cause of mortality for the 3 years, however, mortality rate from sepsis, cardiac and respiratory diseases rose sharply in the pandemic years. Three confirmed cases of COVID were seen with 1 mortality.

Conclusion: Admission rates reduced during the pandemic year in 2020 however, with increased rate of mortality. There was increase rate of sepsis, cardiac and respiratory mortality following the pandemic.