Pediatric Intensive Care

The majority of patients in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are straightforward medical and surgical patients with single-system organ dysfunction. This chapter provides an overview of disease processes and therapies provided in the PICU that are pertinent to perioperative care of children. It outlines the relationship between the PICU and the operating room, and highlights the significance of family-centered care in the PICU. Mortality in the PICU has remained low and measurements of quality have turned to morbidities and complications of care, including central line-associated bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and pressure ulcers. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome represents the leading final pathway to death in children who suffer critical illness triggered by acute insults. The chapter discusses the various categories of diseases including cardio vascular, respiratory, and neurological for PICU-admitted patients as well as other related issues such as extracorporeal life support and transfusion therapy.