Our data appears to be similar with regards to PRISMIII scores and adjusted mortality, length of the PICU stay, and duration of ventilation, to previously published western data. Multiorgan failure remains a major cause of death. As expected, Dengue and malaria were common. Incidence of nosocomial infections was somewhat high. Interestingly, more boys got admitted to the PICU as compared to girls. Clearly more studies are required to assess the overall outcomes of critically ill children in India.

Diastolic dysfunction is common in children with fluid refractory septic shock, and immediate outcomes may be poorer in such patients. Increased central venous pressure after initial fluid resuscitation may be an early indicator of diastolic dysfunction and warrant urgent bedside echocardiography to guide further management.

In addition to "traditional" sepsis, common etiologies of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome included falciparum malaria, fulminant hepatic failure, and dengue shock syndrome. In developing countries like India, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome carries a significant risk of mortality which is directly related to the OFI.

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