The characteristics of dermatology inpatients seen at the quaternary Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban, South Africa, over a 5-year period - 2015 - 2020.

Background: In recent years, dermatology has been offered as an outpatient service, with decreasing inpatient dermatology admissions. However, dermatology consultation services have remained active, offering care to patients admitted for non-cutaneous indications by other specialties.

Objectives: To describe the clinical spectrum and characteristics of inpatient dermatology diseases managed at a quaternary South African (SA) hospital.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed and analysed electronic records of all dermatology inpatients managed by dermatologists from 2015 to 2020 at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) in Durban, South Africa. Demographic and clinical data on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 dermatology diagnosis and admitting specialty were collected and analysed.

Results: A total of 4 867 patients were managed by the IALCH dermatology service during the study period. Females accounted for 2 527 (51.9%), while black African, coloured, Indian/Asian, white and unclassified patients constituted 3 146 (64.6%), 106 (2.2%), 1 129 (23.2%), 431 (8.9%) and 55 (1.1%), respectively. The median (interquartile range) age of the study population was 42.0 (28.0 - 58.0) years. Of 867 patients, 183 (3.8%) were dermatology inpatient admissions, whereas the remainder, 4 684 (96.2%), were seen as consults from other specialties. Most (1 010 (20.7%)) of the dermatology consults were received from plastic and reconstructive surgeons, while bacterial infections, decubitus ulcers and lower limb ulcers were the three most common referred diagnoses overall.

Conclusion: A broad range of diagnoses is managed through the dermatology inpatient service, particularly as consultations. These services remain essential in the holistic management of patients.