Post intensive care syndrome in paediatrics PICS-p: symptoms, severity and prevalence

Introduction. Interest in post-intensive care syndrome – pediatrics (PICS-p) has been relatively recent. It is described by dysfunctions in the physical, mental, cognitive and social spheres persisting months or even years after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU). Aim. The aim of this study is to compile the available data on post-intensive care syndrome in children treated in the ICU and introducing nurses and midwives to the relatively new topic of PICS-p in a synthetic and accessible way. Method. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database. The key words used included: post‐intensive care syndrome paediatric, PICS‐p, cognitive impairment, mental impairment, physical impairment, child, PICU. Conclusions. Due to variations in the studies, the research tools used and the variables considered, it is difficult to determine the exact prevalence of the phenomenon. Motor dysfunction is observed in 15%-65% of children following ICU discharge, cognitive dysfunction is observed in 9%-50% of subjects, and psychiatric symptoms are present in 13%-40% of children. Further research is needed to understand PICS-p more comprehensively, to find ways to prevent it, for a rapid and reliable diagnosis standardized in terms of the tools used, and for its comprehensive management.