Understanding the Patterns of Hospitalization in Dermatology: A retrospective record review from Pakistan: Descriptives of inpatients in dermatology ward

Abstract

Background: Inpatient care in dermatology is often overlooked in low-resource settings despite the significant burden of severe skin diseases requiring hospitalization.

Objectives: This study aims to describe the patterns and demographic and length of stay associations in both years of dermatology admissions in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective record review was conducted at the Dermatology Department of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, affiliated with the Rawalpindi Medical University, reviewing all dermatology admissions from 1st January 2024 till 30th December 2024. Data was collected on demographic details, diagnoses, duration of hospital stay, and outcomes.

Results: Out of 371 patients, the most common causes of admission were autoimmune blistering diseases 15.9 %), extensive plaque psoriasis 15.36%, infections (14.2%), and erythroderma (10.5 %). The mean hospital stay was 7 days. Most patients were discharged successfully, while 4 patients required referral to other departments.

Conclusion: Autoimmune blistering dermatoses and extensive psoriasis were the leading causes of hospitalization in this setting. There were four patients requiring shifting to the medical ICU who later expired.  Early recognition and prompt treatment are essential to reduce complications and hospital stay.

Keywords: Inpatients, Dermatology, Skin diseases, Cross-Sectional Study