OUTCOMES OF PEDIATRIC SEPTIC SHOCK MANAGEMENT IN A RESOURCE-LIMITED REGIONAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Background: Pediatric septic shock is a leading cause of critical illness and mortality in low- and middle-income country settings. Timely, protocol-guided management is essential to improving outcomes in resource-limited environments. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 56 children under 18 years admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of Fergana Regional Multidisciplinary Children's Hospital from January 2023 to December 2024. Patients were classified into severe sepsis (n = 24) and septic shock (n = 32). Clinical profiles, management parameters, and outcomes were compared. Results: Overall 28-day mortality was 19.6%. Septic shock patients showed higher mortality (28.1% vs. 8.3%), longer PICU stay (median 9 vs. 5 days), and greater rates of mechanical ventilation and vasopressor use. Median time to first antibiotic was 1.8 h. Conclusion: Structured, protocol-guided management was associated with improved survival, highlighting the critical value of early antibiotic administration and targeted resuscitation in children with septic shock.