P15 Scabies in pediatric population in Nepal: a study from tertiary-care referral children's hospital.

Abstract

Scabies is one of the neglected diseases which has global impact and long-term health sequelae. Despite it being a common dermatological problem in Nepal, there has been a lack of research conducted determine the prevalence of this disease. As a result, we remain unaware of the true impact it has on the population.The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of scabies in pediatric population which is currently lacking. The comlications are an important aspect of the disease which largely goes unreported so the issue has not have a needed focus from the government. This retrospective study was conducted at Kanti Children's Hospital, the only pediatric referral government run hospital of Nepal. All patients who visited department of Dermatology from November 2019 to June 2021 and diagnosed with scabies clinically were selected as cases. Patients were further categorized according to sex, age group, season of scabies acquisition, and presence of complications. Our study revealed the prevalence of scabies to be at 5.29% according to the hospital data. The most common age group for scabies was in age group 1-3 years (30.4%) followed by the age group 1month-1 year (24.6%). More than half of patients (n = 178, 57.6%) got infected during the winter season followed by spring season (n = 77, 24.9%). Secondary infections were present in 28 (9.1%) patients. Secondary eczematization was present in 23 patients (7.4%). Scabetic nodules were present in 40 patients (12.9%).