Acute and Critical Care

Review Article

Nursing
Implementation of a partnership involving parents in the care of critically ill children: an integrative review: Tuti Seniwati, Nani Nurhaeni, Dessie Wanda; Acute Crit Care. 2025;40(4):521-537. Published online November 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.001896

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Abstract PDF: The admission of a child to an intensive care unit, such as pediatric or neonatal intensive care units, serves as a significant stressor for parents. This condition is exacerbated when the child undergoes treatment in isolation from their parents. One strategy to address this challenge involves positioning parents at the bedside during the child’s care. This study aimed to identify and synthesize qualitative and quantitative research evidence on partnerships involving parents in the care of critically ill children. This research employed an integrative review method, and it was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews as a research-implementation protocol (ID no. CRD42023414924t). Six databases were searched for relevant literature, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProQuest, Sage Journals, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The evaluation of article quality used the 2018 version of the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, while content analysis was employed for data analysis. The results indicated that 18 articles fulfilled the inclusion requirements, out of the 5,435 articles found during the search phase. The analysis resulted in the discovery of three primary themes: partnership components, partnership outcomes and factors influencing partnerships. These three themes collectively constitute the conceptual model of partnerships in treating children with critical illness. It can be concluded that the active participation of parents in a child's critical care will yield positive outcomes for both the child and the parents. Existing empirical data underscore the significance of comprehending the factors influencing this specific situation.

Original Articles

Pediatrics
Post–intensive-care morbidity among pediatric patients in Thailand: prevalence, risk factors, and the importance of the post–intensive-care clinic: Chanapai Chaiyakulsil; Acute Crit Care. 2024;39(4):600-610. Published online November 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2024.01011

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Long-term survival data for critically ill children discharged to post-intensive care clinics are scarce, especially in Asia. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of post–intensive-care morbidity among pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) survivors at 1 month and 1 year after hospital discharge and to identify the associated risk factors.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review of all children aged 1 month to 15 years who were admitted to the PICU for >48 hours from July 2019 to July 2022 and visited a post–intensive-care clinic 1 month and 1 year after hospital discharge. Post-intensive care morbidity was defined using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC). Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted.
Results
A total of 111 children visited the clinic at 1 month, and 100 of these children visited the clinic at 1 year. Only 39 of 111 children (35.2%) had normal PCPC assessments at 1 month, while 54 of 100 (54.0%) were normal at 1 year. Baseline developmental delays were significantly associated with any degree of disability and at least moderate disability at both time points. Mechanical ventilation for >7 days was associated with at least moderate disability at both time points, while PICU stay >7 days was significantly associated with moderate disability at 1 month and any degree of disability at 1 year.
Conclusions
A substantial percentage of PICU survivors had persistent disabilities even 1 year after critical illness. A structured multidisciplinary post–intensive-care follow-up plan is warranted to provide optimal care for such children.

Epidemiology
Implementation and effectiveness of a delirium care protocol in Thai critically ill children: Chanapai Chaiyakulsil, Thananya Thadahirunchot; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(4):488-497. Published online November 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00045

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Abstract PDF

Background
Delirium in critically ill children can result in long-term morbidity. Our main objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness of a new protocol on the reduction, prevalence, and duration of delirium and to identify associated risk factors.
Methods
The effectiveness of the protocol was evaluated by a chart review in all critically ill children aged 1 month to 15 years during the study period. A Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium score ≥9 was considered positive for delirium. Data on delirium prevalence and duration from the pre-implementation and post-implementation phases were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors of delirium.
Results
A total of 120 children was analyzed (58 children in the pre-implementation group and 62 children in the post-implementation group). Fifty children (41.7%) screened positive for delirium. Age less than 2 years, delayed development, use of mechanical ventilation, and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay >7 days were significantly associated with delirium. The proportion of children screened positive was not significantly different after the implementation (before, 39.7% vs. after, 43.5%; P=0.713). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant reduction in the duration of delirium in children with admission diagnosis of cardiovascular problems and after cardiothoracic surgery.
Conclusions
The newly implemented protocol was able to reduce the duration of delirium in children with admission diagnosis of cardiovascular problems and after cardiothoracic surgery. More studies should be conducted to reduce delirium to prevent long-term morbidity after PICU discharge.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Pediatric Delirium in Pediatric Intensive Care Setting: A Review of Recognition and Prevalence
Patricia Savrimuthu, Putri Yubbu
Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.2025; 31(1): 33. CrossRef
Non-pharmacological interventions for delirium in critically ill children: a scoping review
Max Zilezinski, Natascha-Elisabeth Denninger, Antje Tannen, Jan Kottner
BMJ Open.2025; 15(9): e094529. CrossRef
The growing significance of delirium in children
Roberta Esteves Vieira de Castro, Yu Kawai, Alexandria Barry, Dickey Catherine Fuchs, Elizabeth Engstrom, Kristina A. Betters, Heidi A. B. Smith
Critical Care Science.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

Pediatric
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetic ketoacidosis management in the pediatric intensive care unit: Fevzi Kahveci, Buse Önen Ocak, Emrah Gün, Anar Gurbanov, Hacer Uçmak, Ayşen Durak Aslan, Ayşegül Ceran, Hasan Özen, Burak Balaban, Edin Botan, Zeynep Şıklar, Merih Berberoğlu, Tanıl Kendirli; Acute Crit Care. 2023;38(3):371-379. Published online August 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2023.00038

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Abstract PDF

Background
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common endocrine emergency in pediatric patients. Early presentation to health facilities, diagnosis, and good management in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are crucial for better outcomes in children with DKA.
Methods
This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study conducted between February 2015 and January 2022. Patients with DKA were divided into two groups according to pandemic status and diabetes diagnosis.
Results
The study enrolled 59 patients, and their mean age was 11±5 years. Forty (68%) had newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and 61% received follow-up in the pre-pandemic period. Blood glucose, blood ketone, potassium, phosphorus, and creatinine levels were significantly higher in the new-onset T1DM group compared with the previously diagnosed group (P=0.01, P=0.02, P<0.001, P=0.01, and P=0.08, respectively). In patients with newly diagnosed T1DM, length of PICU stays were longer than in those with previously diagnosed T1DM (28.5±8.9 vs. 17.3±6.7 hours, P<0.001). The pandemic group was compared with pre-pandemic group, there was a statistically significant difference in laboratory parameters of pH, HCO3, and lactate and also Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III score. All patients survived, and there were no neurologic sequelae.
Conclusions
Patients admitted during the pandemic period were admitted with more severe DKA and had higher PRISM III scores. During the pandemic period, there was an increase in the incidence of DKA in the participating center compared to that before the pandemic.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Covid 19 and diabetes in children: advances and strategies
Zhaoyuan Wu, Jinling Wang, Rahim Ullah, Minghao Chen, Ke Huang, Guanping Dong, Junfen Fu
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Diabetic Ketoacidosis Patients Treated in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Eva Perak, Dina Mrcela, Josko Markic
Medicina.2024; 60(11): 1775. CrossRef

Epidemiology
Characteristics and timing of mortality in children dying in pediatric intensive care: a 5-year experience: Edin Botan, Emrah Gün, Emine Kübra Şden, Cansu Yöndem, Anar Gurbanov, Burak Balaban, Fevzi Kahveci, Hasan Özen, Hacer Uçmak, Ali Genco Gençay, Tanil Kendirli; Acute Crit Care. 2022;37(4):644-653. Published online November 11, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.00395

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10 Web of Science
10 Crossref

Abstract PDF

Background
Pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), where children with critical illnesses are treated, require considerable manpower and technological infrastructure in order to keep children alive and free from sequelae.
Methods
In this retrospective comparative cohort study, hospital records of patients aged 1 month to 18 years who died in the study PICU between January 2015 and December 2019 were reviewed.
Results
A total of 2,781 critically ill children were admitted to the PICU. The mean±standard deviation age of 254 nonsurvivors was 64.34±69.48 months. The mean PICU length of stay was 17 days (range, 1–205 days), with 40 children dying early (<1 day of PICU admission). The majority of nonsurvivors (83.9%) had comorbid illnesses. Children with early mortality were more likely to have neurological findings (62.5%), hypotension (82.5%), oliguria (47.5%), acidosis (92.5%), coagulopathy (30.0%), and cardiac arrest (45.0%) and less likely to have terminal illnesses (52.5%) and chronic illnesses (75.6%). Children who died early had a higher mean age (81.8 months) and Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III score (37). In children who died early, the first three signs during ICU admission were hypoglycemia in 68.5%, neurological symptoms in 43.5%, and acidosis in 78.3%. Sixty-seven patients needed continuous renal replacement therapy, 51 required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and 10 underwent extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Conclusions
We found that rates of neurological findings, hypotension, oliguria, acidosis, coagulation disorder, and cardiac arrest and PRISM III scores were higher in children who died early compared to those who died later.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Being broken: A qualitative study exploring unexpected death in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and the family experience of care
Arielle Jolly, Ashleigh E. Butler, Simon Erickson, Kristen Gibbons, Kylie Davies, Nick Williams, Yetunde Odutolu, Jacqueline Reid, Kelly Higgins, Linda Thomas, Fenella J. Gill
Australian Critical Care.2026; 39(1): 101515. CrossRef
The Application of Scoring Systems in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for Onco-Hematological Patients Who Have Not Undergone Stem Cell Transplantation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Shereen Abdelmonem Mohamed Mohamed, Hanaa Ibrahim Abdel Fattah Rady, Eman Hany Ahmed Elsebaie, Rana Saber Bastawy Mahmoud
Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Predictors of Mortality Among Pediatric Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia: A Prospective Multi-Center Cohort Study
Abel Temeche Kassaw, Eliyas Addisu Taye, Desalegn Addis Mussie, Getachew Yitayew Tarekegn, Samuel Berihun Dagnew, Tigabu Eskeziya Zerihun
Sage Open Pediatrics.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Mortality in children and adolescents with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit
Tinnapat Buranapattama, Suwannee Phumeetham, Nuntawan Piyaphanee, Maynart Sukharomana, Sirirat Charuvanij
Pediatric Rheumatology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Mortality Pattern and Risk Factors in Pediatric ICU: A Retrospective Study at Mukalla Maternal and Childhood Hospital in Yemen (2021–2024)
Haifa Ali BinDahman
Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Parents’ and nurses’ experiences of end-of-life care in intensive care for children: A systematic review
Melissa J. Bloomer, Ashleigh E. Butler, Laura A. Brooks, Alysia Coventry, Stephen McKeever, Kristen Ranse, Jessie Rowe, Shontelle Thomas, Rebecca Thornton
Australian Critical Care.2025; 38(6): 101455. CrossRef
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Western Black Sea Region of Turkey
Hamdi Metin, Akın Seçkin, Eylem Sevinç
Experimental and Applied Medical Science.2024; 5(4): 193. CrossRef
Association between phosphate and 30-day in-hospital mortality in paediatric ICU: a retrospective cohort study
Yiyi Ding, Yaqin Lei, Yufang Zhu, Hongwei Zhang, Yunbin Xiao
BMJ Paediatrics Open.2024; 8(1): e003171. CrossRef
Descriptive and Clinical Characteristics of Nonsurvivors in a Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Turkey: 6 Years of Experience
Zeynep Karakaya, Merve Boyraz, Seyma Koksal Atis, Servet Yuce, Muhterem Duyu
Journal of Pediatric Intensive Care.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Association between mortality and critical events within 48 hours of transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit
Huan Liang, Kyle A. Carey, Priti Jani, Emily R. Gilbert, Majid Afshar, L. Nelson Sanchez-Pinto, Matthew M. Churpek, Anoop Mayampurath
Frontiers in Pediatrics.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Epidemiology
Incidence and associated factors of pediatric post-intensive care syndrome using the VSCAREMD model: Paweethida Tippayawong, Chanapai Chaiyakulsil; Acute Crit Care. 2022;37(4):627-635. Published online October 19, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/acc.2022.00234

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Abstract PDF

Background
The VSCAREMD model is used for evaluating vaccination, sleep, and parental care burden, which includes daily activity and social interaction, rehabilitation requirements, hearing, mood, and development. It has been proposed to detect post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) in children. This study aimed to outline the incidence of PICS in children using the VSCAREMD model and to describe the associated factors.
Methods
All children ages 1 month to 15 years and admitted to the intensive care unit for at least 48 hours were evaluated using the VSCAREMD model within 1 week of intensive care discharge. Abnormal findings were assorted into four domains: physical, cognitive, mental, and social. Descriptive statistics were performed using chi-square, univariate, and multivariate analyses.
Results
A total of 78 of 95 children (82.1%) had at least one abnormal domain. Physical, cognitive, mental, and social morbidity were found in 64.2%, 26.3%, 13.7%, and 38.9% of the children, respectively. Prolonged intensive care unit stay greater than 7 days was associated with dysfunction in physical (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–11.00), cognitive (aOR, 10.11; 95% CI, 3.01–33.89), and social domains (aOR, 5.01; 95% CI, 2.01–12.73). Underlying medical conditions were associated with cognitive (aOR, 13.63; 95% CI, 2.64– 70.26) and social morbidity (aOR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.06–7.47).
Conclusions
The incidence of PICS using the VSCAREMD model was substantially high and associated with prolonged intensive care. This model could help evaluate PICS in children.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Post-traumatic stress disorder in children after discharge from the pediatric intensive care unit: a scoping review
Maoting Tang, Ping Lei Chui, Mei Chan Chong, Xianliang Liu
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.2025; 34(2): 483. CrossRef
Post intensive care syndrome in paediatrics PICS-p: symptoms, severity and prevalence
Patrycja Krystyna Mazurek, Anna Aftyka
Pielegniarstwo XXI wieku / Nursing in the 21st Century.2025; 24(1): 83. CrossRef
Prevalence of Post-intensive care syndrome among intensive care unit-survivors and its association with intensive care unit length of stay: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Temesgen Ayenew, Menberu Gete, Mihretie Gedfew, Addisu Getie, Abebe Dilie Afenigus, Afework Edmealem, Haile Amha, Girma Alem, Bekele Getenet Tiruneh, Mengistu Abebe Messelu, Ramya Iyadurai
PLOS One.2025; 20(5): e0323311. CrossRef
Pain, Analgesia, Sedation, and the Developing Brain
Callie Marshall, Christopher McPherson
Pediatric Clinics of North America.2025; 72(5): 877. CrossRef
Post–intensive-care morbidity among pediatric patients in Thailand: prevalence, risk factors, and the importance of the post–intensive-care clinic
Chanapai Chaiyakulsil
Acute and Critical Care.2024; 39(4): 600. CrossRef

Low Blood Selenium Concentrations in Critically Ill Children with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Respiratory Dysfunction: Young A Kim, Eun Ju Ha, Won Kyoung Jhang, Seong Jong Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2013;28(2):86-92.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.2.86

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Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Selenium is an essential trace-element with antioxidant and immunological function. We studied the relationship between blood selenium concentrations, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and organ dysfunctions in critically ill children.
METHODS
This was a retrospective, observational study of the blood selenium concentrations of critically ill children at the time of a pediatric intensive care unit admission.
RESULTS
A total of 62 patients with a median age of 18 (5-180) months were included in this study. The mean of blood selenium concentration (microg/dl) was 8.49 +/- 2.42. The platelet count (r = -0.378) and PaCO2 (r = -0.403) showed negative correlations with blood selenium concentration, while PaO2/FiO2 (r = 0.359) and PaO2 (r = 0.355) showed positive correlations (p < 0.05, for all variables). Blood selenium concentrations were significantly lower in patients with SIRS than in those patients without SIRS (8.08 +/- 2.42 vs. 9.45 +/- 2.02, p = 0.011). Patients with severe sepsis and septic shock had showed significantly lower blood selenium concentrations than those without SIRS (7.03 +/- 2.73 vs. 9.45 +/- 2.02, p = 0.042). Patients with PaO2/FiO2 < or = 300 had lower blood selenium concentrations than those with PaO2/FiO2 > 300 (7.90 +/- 2.43 vs. 9.54 +/- 2.17, p = 0.018). Blood selenium concentrations were significantly lower in patient with PaO2/FiO2 < or = 200 than in those with PaO2/FiO2 > 300 (7.64 +/- 2.76 vs. 9.54 +/- 2.17, p = 0.018).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or respiratory dysfunction showed significantly low blood selenium concentrations.

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