A retrospective analysis of the computerized data of patients admitted to our Emergency Unit Inpatient Service in 1991 was conducted to obtain data about age, sex, referred sources, admission period, monthly admission rates, diagnoses and eventual outcome. More than 47% of patients were younger than one year of age. The most common causes for hospital admission were infectious, respiratory and neurological diseases. The mean hospitalization period was 3.26 days. More than 60% of patients were treated by the Emergency Unit staff. The net mortality rate was 2.9%, infectious diseases being the most common cause of mortality. We conclude that demographic and diagnostic data regarding admissions to the Emergency Unit can be utilized to develop new strategies for patient care and to reorganize education programs for pediatric residents.