Seventy-Two-Hour Emergency Department Revisits in the Pediatric Population at King Abdullah Specialist Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Morbidity Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Recent data suggest that pediatric emergency department (ED) revisits within 72 h have increased globally, particularly during recent respiratory illness surges, potentially straining healthcare resources. This study is aimed at identifying reasons for these revisits and describe management outcomes for children aged 0-14 years.

METHODS

A cross-sectional chart review was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Riyadh from March 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. The study included Saudi nationals aged 0-14 years who revisited the ED within 72 h of their initial visit; noncitizen children were excluded. Data captured included demographics, medical history, and details of both initial and revisits (reason for visit, assessment, and management).

RESULTS

Three hundred Saudi children were included; 31% were aged 0-3 years, and approximately 60% were male. Twenty-six percent had chronic medical conditions, with asthma exacerbation being most common (12%). Persistent cough accounted for the highest proportion of revisits (34%). Antibiotics were prescribed in 28% of initial visits and 29% of revisits. Reassurance was provided in 27% of initial visits and 27% of revisits. The 0-3 year age group showed significantly higher rates of admission and discharge.

CONCLUSION

Persistent respiratory symptoms (especially cough and dyspnea) were the most frequent reasons for pediatric ED revisits, with asthma as the prevalent chronic condition. Improving initial diagnosis and management is essential to reduce avoidable revisits. Future research comparing presurge and postsurge periods could clarify if revisit reasons change over time.