Inside the PICU: What Is a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit?

December 3, 2020

You must have heard of a NICU, but have you heard of a PICU? Here’s everything you need to know about the pediatric intensive care unit.

If you haven’t ever heard of a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), think of it as a magical, multidisciplinary harbour for critically ill or injured infants, children and adolescents requiring a little extra love and care.

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What’s So Special About a PICU?

Oh, so many things. For starters, PICU physicians, nurses and allied medical specialists have unique knowledge and skillsets to assess, diagnose and treat your child swiftly for the best possible medical outcomes; enhancing survival, augmenting recovery, minimizing pain and mitigating the risk of disability. Cutting-edge PICUs are also armed with the latest technologies and infrastructure to enable superlative treatment plans rooted in globally aligned innovations.

When Would a PICU Be Required?

A PICU is usually necessary to manage post-operative care or treat serious illnesses and injuries including:

  • Food poisoning
  • Medication overdose
  • Physical trauma
  • Severe infection
  • Complex surgery
  • Congenital abnormalities
  • Autoimmune disorders

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What Are the Levels of PICU Care?

Just as NICU care levels define the various standards of neonatal care, PICUs can be classified into two main types – Level I and Level II, the main distinguishing feature between the two is the complexity of services offered.

A Level I PICU is considered the more superior of the two, capable of providing a full-spectrum suite of services including intensive, high-level care to seriously ill or injured children.

A Level II PICU, conversely, is equipped to handle cases that are less complex and more stable.

A PICU can be a healing cocoon for your child, but it’s worth measuring the expertise of the hospital in question before banking your emotions and finances in one. A true PICU should carry the hallmarks of superlative technology, multidisciplinary physicians and round-the-clock support. When you’ve chosen a hospital that fits your faith and your family, you’ll realize before long, that having your child cared for in a hopeful, healing environment is the best choice you’ve made yet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of patients are in PICU?

PICU stands for Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Infants and children up to the age of 18, who require advanced medical treatments and surgical interventions, are treated in the PICU. The PICU also cares for children with complex health conditions and respiratory issues that require support.

What is the purpose of the PICU?

The PICU is a specialised unit in the hospital that provides intensive care and treatments for children with very unstable medical or life-threatening conditions. It is very similar to the ICU, which cares for adults. PICU offers advanced multidisciplinary medical care, close monitoring, and surgical treatments for children who are critically ill.

What are the different types of PICU?

The levels of PICU are categorised based on the type of care the child requires. In most hospitals, you will find levels 2 and 3. Level 2 cares for medically stable children who require close monitoring. Level 3 cares for critically ill children by providing comprehensive care and advanced therapies. Some big hospitals may have a level 4 – to care for the most complex medical issues and critically ill children who may require organ support and other specialised procedures.

What is the age limit for PICU admission?

Children over a year old, up to 12 years are eligible for care in the PICU. In some cases, children up to 18 years of age also receive care in the PICU. In certain hospitals, they may admit even young adults up to the age of 21 years, depending on the severity of the issue and how long they have been receiving care and treatment from the PICU over the years.

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