Mortality is very high in pediatric wards in many low-income countries. About 30% of children die in hospital and the majority within 24 hours.  Objective: To determine the frequency and factors associated with early deaths of children under 60 months admitted to pediatric emergency units in the city of Kinshasa.  Methodology: Cross-sectional study with an analytical aim which took place in 5 hospitals in Kinshasa researching the early mortality of children aged 1-59 months admitted in vital distress during the study period (August-October 2021). The parameters of interest were collected by interview and observation. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed.  Results: of the 210 patients included in the study, 123 were female (58.6%) with a sex ratio of 1.4. There were 31 deaths or 14.8%, respiratory distress was the main reason for admission . Infants were the most concerned and most came from families with a low socio-economic level. The majority of deaths occurred between 24-48 hours and while on call. No factors were associated with the deaths of these children.  Conclusion: Small infants are the most vulnerable to death. Unfortunately, they die more of respiratory pathologies. Delay in care or late transfer worsens the prognosis of children in life-threatening emergencies. The low socio-economic status of the parents exposes them to a fatal outcome.

Keywords : Early Deaths, Pediatric Emergencies.