Factors associated with mortality among critically ill pediatric patients referred to a tertiary hospital in Indonesia

Background

An efficient referral system is an important but often under-recognized determinant of survival in critically ill children. Previous studies have reported high mortality rates among pediatric patients transferred to tertiary care facilities. This study aimed to identify factors associated with Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) mortality among critically ill children transferred and admitted to a tertiary-level referral hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Material and methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted over a 12-month period (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024) and included all critically ill children admitted to the PICU following interhospital referral. Demographic, clinical, referral, and transport data were prospectively collected. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with PICU mortality.