Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of Non-Infectious Pediatric Dermatological Emergencies at a Tertiary Care Centre in South India

Abstract

Background: Non-infectious pediatric dermatological emergencies comprise a heterogeneous group of uncommon but potentially life-threatening disorders that require prompt recognition and timely intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality. These conditions range from congenital genodermatoses presenting in the neonatal period to severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions and acute inflammatory dermatoses. Data regarding the clinical spectrum of non-infectious pediatric dermatological emergencies from India remain limited. Objectives: To evaluate the clinico-epidemiological profile of non-infectious pediatric dermatological emergencies presenting to a tertiary care centre in South India. Methods: This hospital-based observational study included pediatric patients presenting with non-infectious dermatological emergencies at a tertiary care centre in South India. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, anatomical sites involved, and disease spectrum were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 39 children with non-infectious dermatological emergencies were included in the study. Results: Among the 39 patients, 22 (56.4%) were males and 17 (43.6%) were females (male-to-female ratio 1.29:1). Neonates constituted the largest age group (35.9%). Congenital ichthyoses were the most common diagnosis (17, 43.6%), followed by inherited blistering disorders (9, 23.1%), Stevens Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (9, 23.1%), and acute urticaria with or without angioedema (4, 10.3%). The palms and soles were the most frequently involved anatomical sites (46.2%), followed by the oral mucosa (33.3%), genital mucosa (17.9%), conjunctiva (12.8%), nail apparatus (12.8%), and nasal mucosa (2.6%). Congenital disorders predominated during the neonatal period, whereas acquired conditions such as severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions were more common in older children. Conclusion: Non-infectious pediatric dermatological emergencies are predominantly congenital disorders presenting early in life, with congenital ichthyoses constituting the largest disease category. Early recognition, comprehensive mucocutaneous examination, timely referral, and multidisciplinary management are essential to reduce morbidity and improve clinical outcomes. Larger multicentre studies are needed to further characterize the epidemiology and outcomes of these uncommon but clinically significant disorders.

Keywords: Pediatric dermatology; Dermatological emergencies; Congenital ichthyosis; Epidermolysis bullosa; Stevens Johnson syndrome; Toxic epidermal necrolysis; Urticaria; Genodermatoses; South India.