Study examines pediatric intensive care unit admissions and mortality in low- and middle-income countries

Access to pediatric critical care varies substantially worldwide, contributing to differences in childhood mortality and morbidity. While data regarding childhood critical illness mortality is well documented in high-income countries, such data are lacking for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To address this knowledge gap, St. Jude investigators, in collaboration with members of the PALISI Global Health Subgroup, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of pediatric intensive care unit admissions, mortality and temporal mortality trends in LMICs. The study consolidated evidence published over 21 years across multiple biomedical literature databases. 

The analysis, published in eClinicalMedicine, found that the leading causes of intensive care unit admission and death were largely treatable conditions. Yet, mortality among children admitted to intensive care units remains high, particularly in resource-limited settings. The findings highlight the need to strengthen critical care systems through early recognition of critical illness, timely referral and equitable access to essential therapies.

“Many of the conditions bringing children to intensive care units in LMICs are potentially treatable, yet mortality remains unacceptably high,” said corresponding and co-first author Alejandra Gabela, MD, St. Jude Hospitalist Medicine Program and Department of Global Pediatric Medicine. “Our findings provide evidence to guide investments in timely, accessible pediatric emergency and critical care services — an essential step toward reducing preventable deaths and improving child survival worldwide.”

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