Análisis de la demanda asistencial en endocrinología pediátrica en una consulta hospitalaria

Resumen

Background: There are few studies published about the demand for assistance in units of pediatric endocrinology in the world. Studies of frequency and characteristics of the pathologies followed in these units could be of help in the design of programs to the adequacy of resources. Objective: To evaluate the global demand for pediatric endocrine care in the University Hospital of Guadalajara. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of patients under the age of fifteen that were seen in the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit at Guadalajara University Hospital, between January 2009 and December 2011. Patient data recorded included: gender, presenting symptoms, origin of the referral (primary care or hospital), diagnosis (following the classification proposed by the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology), and treatments administered. Results: In the study period (2009-2011) 989 patients with endocrine disorders were seen in the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit at Guadalajara University Hospital. The rate of application for first visit was 5.3/1000 people younger than 15 years. We appreciated a significant increase the number of requests for first consultation. The most frequent presenting symptoms were: short stature (27%) and overweight/obesity (17%). In order of frequency, we found the following diagnostic categories: short stature (24.9%), puberty disorders (20%) and overweight/obesity (18.6%). Boys were diagnosed more frequently with a statistically significant difference of short stature and girls of puberty disorders. Conclusions: Our data show the high frequency and diversity of endocrine disorders among the pediatric population in the area, emphasizing the need for and cost-effectiveness of the existence of pediatric endocrinology units.