Anesthetic Considerations for the Critically Ill Pediatric Patient

In comparison to adults, critical illness is relatively uncommon in the pediatric population. Many facilities may be unprepared or ill-equipped for treating these rare conditions. The conventional anesthesiologist may not be familiar with the common pathologies of critical illness in children. These patients may need complex and life-saving urgent procedures to stabilize them. It is logistically challenging to have pediatric trained personnel readily available at all hospitals and care centers. These patients have special perioperative needs that the anesthesiologist should consider. They may potentially present to the operating room, emergency department, or pediatric intensive care unit. Here, we offer a direct and practical approach to managing the care of these younger patients.

Keywords: Acute sickle cell crisis, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Cardiac shunts, Cerebral edema, Congenital cardiac diseases, Critical illness myopathy, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Enteral feeding and nutrition, Increased intracranial pressure, Propofol related infusion syndrome, Patent ductus arteriosus, Respiratory distress in tracheostomy patients, Sepsis, Septic shock, Seizure disorders, Status epilepticus, Sickle cell disease, Status asthmaticus.