Abstract
BACKGROUND: Contrary to popular perception, several dermatological conditions may be associated with lethal outcome in the absence of timely intervention or due to complications. AIMS: The aim was to estimate the number of deaths and analyze their causes due to skin disorders at a tertiary level inpatient dermatology ward. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, record-based observational study involving 538 patients spanning over 4 years (2013-2016) at our dermatology indoor setup. RESULTS: There were 45 deaths (male:female = 1.5:1), accounting for 8.4% or total admissions, occurring mostly in patients in their 7(th) decade. Vesiculobullous disorders were the most frequent cause of mortality (57.8%), followed by drug reactions accounting for 17.8% of cases. In the former group pemphigus vulgaris accounted for most deaths (31.1%) followed by bullous pemphigoid (17.8%) and pemphigus foliaceus (8.9%), whereas toxic epidermal necrolysis was the most frequent cause of death from drug reactions (8.9%). Almost half of all deaths (48.9%) occurred due to septicemia followed by cardiopulmonary complications (40%). Most of the cases presented to us at an advanced state of the disease previously being treated inappropriately. CONCLUSION: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of such dermatological conditions are mandated, preferably in an intensive care set-up, to reduce mortality rates. Advanced age, the area of skin involvement, mucosal involvement, and septicemia were adverse prognostic factors in these patients.