Paediatric critical care is a specialised and separate field for managing life-threatening conditions in children. It is a branch of medicine that deals with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents from birth up to 18 and young adults up to 21, who require intensive monitoring and treatment due to severe illness or injury.

Paediatric critical care specialists practice in hospital settings (although some may perform their duties outside of hospitals in areas where medical care is required), where they work with paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) to use specialised medical devices and therapies to stabilise patients and be able to provide high-level care.

What is paediatric critical care?

Paediatric critical care is a medical specialisation focused on the intensive care of children who are seriously ill or injured.

When talking about paediatric critical care physicians, they are educated to treat the various issues of the child and handle dangerous ailments or settings that require intensive care around the clock.

These conditions include acute infections, respiratory compromise, extreme injury, critical systemic disease, and post-operative management after major surgery.

Importance of Paediatric Critical Care

Here are the most important reasons for considering paediatric critical care:

Specialised Care for Critically Ill Children: Paediatric critical care units are specifically designed to address the unique needs of children facing life-threatening conditions. This specialised care ensures that children receive the necessary interventions, monitoring, and treatment tailored to their age, size, and medical condition.

Stabilisation and Monitoring of Vital Signs: Children in critical condition require close monitoring of their vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and neurological status. The team at Paediatric Critical Care is an expert in identifying any deterioration in a child's condition.

Management of Pain and Discomfort: Children sometimes experience pain, discomfort, and distress due to their condition or medical procedure. Paediatric critical care specialists are trained to manage pain in children effectively, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout their intensive care stay.

Support for Recovery and Rehabilitation: Paediatric critical care also plays a vital role in supporting the child's recovery and rehabilitation post-ICU stay. They have comprehensive care plans that address the child's medical needs and their emotional, developmental, and long-term health goals.

Common Conditions Treated In Paediatric Critical Care

This is a list of conditions managed by paediatric critical care teams:

Respiratory failure, such as acute asthma exacerbations or pneumonia.
Cardiovascular emergencies such as heart failure or arrhythmias.
Neurological conditions such as head injuries or seizures
Sepsis and septic shock are infections that cause a massive inflammatory response.
Any trauma or serious injury.

Conclusion

Providing intensive care to sick children is the essence of paediatric critical care, a critical specialty that helps critically ill children recover. Knowing the significance, specifics, conditions, and team involved in paediatric critical care can give parents and carers a sense of relief while they are dealing with their child at the worst phase.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5864848/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/pediatric-intensive-care-unit