AbstractObjectives: To study the incidence, aetiology, and outcome of non-traumatic coma in children. Materials and Methods: 100 consecutive cases of non-traumatic coma between 6 months and 15 years of age were selected for the study. Aetiology of coma is determined on the basis of clinical history, examination, and relevant laboratory investigations by the treating physician. These children were followed up till they discharged from the hospital. Results: A total of 100 cases of children admitted to the hospital with Non- raumatic coma was included in the study. Majority of the children were in the age group of 1-5yrs (41%), males were slightly more affected than females. Mortality was high in the age group of 1-5 yrs. CNS infections accounted for 70% of cases . Toxic/Metabolic group constituted 19% of cases, followed by other causes. Mortality was high in children with intracranial space occupying lesions and intracranial bleeds.CNS infections had slightly better survivals as compared to toxic/metabolic and IC bleeds. Conclusion: Acute non-traumatic coma is one of the most common pediatric emergencies, which arouses much anxiety and apprehension in both parents and physicians. Due to heterogeneity of causes in these patients , prediction of outcome is difficult and unfortunately no single clinical, laboratory or electrophysiological parameters singly predicts their outcome. We have attempted to delineate neurological signs to predict the prognosis in this study.
Keywords: CNS infections; Non- raumatic coma; Intracranial bleeds; Mortality.