The Effect of Poverty on Emergency Pediatric ICU Admission

Abstract 247 Poster Session III, Monday, 5/3 (poster 92)

INTRODUCTION: Socioeconomic status (SES) is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality. In the United States, one in four children is below the federal poverty level (FPL). Children of low SES have higher morbidity from asthma and sickle cell disease, poorer immunization status, and higher incidence of hospital readmission. This study was designed to define the incidence of emergency PICU admission and to evaluate the effects of SES on these rates and severity of illness. We hypothesized that low SES children would disproportionately utilize emergency PICU care and present with a higher severity of illness.

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