Pediatrik yoğun bakım ünitesindeki kritik hasta çocukların profili: üçüncü basamak tek merkezli bir deneyim

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to present a comprehensive overview of the clinical spectrum and outcomes of critically ill pediatric patients admitted to a tertiary-level pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Furthermore, we aimed to assess potential factors that could influence the requirement for PICU admission. The findings of this study may aid in the prompt identification and management of critically ill pediatric patients, thereby reducing the likelihood of PICU admission. Methods: This descriptive study investigated the presentation of critical illness among pediatric patients aged between 1 month-18 years old admitted to the PICU was conducted in Sancaktepe Sehit Prof. Dr. İlhan Varank Training and Research Hospital, from February 2022 to January 2023. Demographic data, clinical variables, and outcome data (alive/expired) were analyzed. Results: A total of 456 patients were analyzed, of which 258 (56.6%) were males and 198 (43.4%) were females. The median length of stay in the PICU was 5 days (1-114). Respiratory diseases (43.2%) were the most common reasons for admission to the PICU, followed by sepsis (13.2%), and neurological diseases (13.8%). We observed a mortality rate of 6.1%, with no association with age or sex. Variables found to be risk factors for mortality were PRISM III score, presence of sepsis and acute renal failure, the requirement for mechanical ventilation, use of inotropic agents, continuous renal replacement therapy and therapeutic plasma exchange requirement, and length of stay (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The profile of patients admitted to the PICU can serve as a basis for developing dedicated protocols for critical care and redistributing the PICUs’ resources.