Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Patients Admitted to the Shock Room in a Cameroonian Tertiary Hospital: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study in Douala

Abstract

The question this study addressed. This study characterized the sociodemographic profile, clinical presentations, and outcomes of 124 patients admitted to the shock room at Douala General Hospital over a six-month period. What this study adds to our knowledge. It reveals that shock room admissions represent 4.8% of emergency visits. Patients are predominantly male (sex ratio 1.21), mean age 50.2 years. Over half (56.4%) arrive by non-medical transport (taxis, personal cars). The main admission reasons are altered consciousness (38.7%), respiratory distress (32.6%), and shock (18.2%). Medical conditions predominate (60.5%), with neurological emergencies accounting for 49%. Mortality reaches 21.7%. This publication is available in full in Health Research in Africa.