EVALUATION OF INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR EXPOSURE KERATITIS IN CHILDREN ADMITTED IN PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract

Introduction: To study the prevalence and risk factors for exposure keratitis (EK) in children admitted in Pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)

Method: Retrospective cross- sectional study was in Pediatric intensive care unit of Department of Pediatrics over 15 months from August 2017 to October 2018. All children (28 days to 18 years) admitted in PICU were included for the study. age, male sex, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) Score, Glosgow coma score <8, mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, use of sedatives, length of PICU stay

Results: A total of 310 children were admitted in PICU over 15 months. The mean age of children admitted were 3.5± 1.6 years. The male were 212 (68.3%) and females 98 (31.6%). A total of 34 (10.9%) children were diagnosed to have EK. Risk factors significantly associated with EK were Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) Score, Glasgow coma score <8, mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, use of sedatives, length of PICU stay.

Conclusion: Exposure Keratitis is important morbidity in PICU. All children on mechanical ventilation with prolong Stay should be actively evaluated for Exposure keratitis

Keyword: Exposure Keratitis, Pediatric Intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation