Pattern of Admissions, Length of Stay (LOS), and Outcomes in the Pediatric Ward at Ain Al-Khaleej Hospital: A Retrospective Study
Omer Saeed Magzoub Al Haj1*, Emtesal Ibrahim Ahmed Hussien1
1Pediatrician, Ain Al Khaleej Hospital, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
*Corresponding Author: Omer Saeed Magzoub Al Haj, General Pediatrician, Ain Al Khaleej Hospital, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOAPD.2026.05.012
Received: May 16, 2026
Published: June 01, 2026
Citation: Al Haj OSM, Hussien EIA. Pattern of Admissions, Length of Stay (LOS), and Outcomes in the Pediatric Ward at Ain Al-Khaleej Hospital: A Retrospective Study. SVOA Paediatrics 2026, 5:3, 83-92. doi: 10.58624/SVOAPD.2026.05.012
Abstract
Background: This research aims to investigate the patterns of admission, length of stay (LoS), and clinical outcomes among pediatric patients admitted to the Pediatric Ward at Ain Al-Khaleej Hospital in the UAE. Understanding these factors is essential for optimizing resource allocation, improving patient care, and reducing hospitalization durations without compromising treatment efficacy.
Objectives: Describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of hospitalized children aged 1 month to 16 years, examine admission sources, diagnoses, outcomes, and seasonal patterns to identify key trends, and offer insights to enhance resource allocation and support evidence-based pediatric care.
Methodology: The study is a retrospective cross-sectional design, analyzing the medical records of pediatric patients (ages 1 month to 16 years) admitted over a specified period, from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Data on demographic characteristics, admission diagnoses, LoS, and discharge outcomes (recovery, referral, or mortality) was collected and analyzed using Microsoft® Excel® for Microsoft 365 MSO. Factors influencing LoS and outcomes, such as age, diagnosis, and comorbidities, were examined.
Results: In 2024, a total of 2,510 patients were admitted, with males (54%) slightly outnumbering females (46%). Most admissions (68%) came from clinics, with similar patterns across both sexes. The average patient age was 5.49 years, and the mean hospital stay was 1.98 days. October saw the highest admissions (13.3%), while August had the lowest (5.2%). Respiratory & gastrointestinal illnesses were the most prevalent, accounting for 68.8% and 28.2% respectively. Influenza B was the most common flu strain, and rotavirus was a leading cause of gastroenteritis. Nearly all patients (97.25%) were discharged in stable condition.
Conclusion: The data highlights a strong seasonal influence on hospital admissions, with respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses being the predominant cause. Overall, most patients were effectively treated and discharged, reflecting efficient clinical management.
Keywords: Pattern of admission, Length of Stay (LoS), Clinical outcomes.