Evolution of morbidity and mortality in the Hospital del niño of Lima, 1961-1990

Abstract

Introduction: the massive use of antibiotics and the development of immunization programs must have influenced in the period from 1961 to 1990 on the morbidity and mortality of children admitted in the Children ́s Hospital 

Objective: to describe the frequencies of diseases and mortality rates of hospitalized children in this period. 

Material and Methods: Mortality rates were calculated based on discharges and deaths in patients in the months of November and December of the years 1970, 1980 and 1990. For the frequency of diseases, the Classification International of Diseases version 9 was used (CIE-9). 

Results: mortality rates were: in 1970 of 1 664 hospitalized, 14.9%. In 1980, of 1464 hospitalized 12.3% and in 1990, of 1445 hospitalized 7.8%. Infectious diseases, including vaccine-preventable diseases (Chap.I and related diseases) were 51.1% in 1970, 48.6% in 1980 and 25.5% in 1990. Accidents, burns and poisoning (Chapter XIX) were: 15.0%, 17.5% and 20.5% for the years 1970, 1980 and 1990. The probable causes of death related to infections were: 73.0%, 68.9% and 47.3% for the 1970s. 1980 and 1990.The probable causes of death related to accidents, trauma, burns and poisoning were: 3.4%, 6.1% and 22.5 17,9% in the years 1970, 1980 and 1990. 

Conclusions: Morbidity and mortality have decreased for infectious diseases, including immunopreventable ones and increased for accidents, injuries and poisonings.