Perspectives on aetiology, pathophysiology and management of shock in African children.

Paediatric shock is still a common emergency of public health importance with an estimated 400,000-500,000 reported cases annually. Mortality due to paediatric shock has varied over the years. Data in 1980s show that mortality rates due to septic shock in children were over 50%; but by the end of the year 2000 data indicated that though a marked decline in mortality rates had been achieved, it had stagnated at about 20%.