Status epilepticus
Pearls • A seizure is a paroxysmal central nervous system disorder resulting from excessive hypersynchronous discharge of cortical neurons. • Status epilepticus is a common pediatric neurologic emergency that requires…
Critical care considerations for common neurosurgical conditions
Pearls • Hydrocephalus is a common brain disease characterized by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, causing elevated intracranial pressure. Untreated hydrocephalus can be a medical emergency, requiring…
Acid-base disorders
Pearls • Abnormalities in acid-base balance should be anticipated in all critically ill children due to their underlying disease or intensive care unit therapy and should be monitored closely. •…
Fluid and electrolyte issues in pediatric critical illness
Pearls • Hypotonic maintenance intravenous (IV) fluids are associated with mild to moderate hyponatremia in postoperative patients. Anesthesia, stress, and inflammatory mediators may contribute. Electrolyte monitoring in patients at risk…
Acute neuromuscular disease and disorders
Pearls • Common causes of acute flaccid paralysis in childhood include Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), acute flaccid myelitis, botulism, tick paralysis, periodic paralyses, and organophosphate poisoning. • Risk factors for respiratory…
Ventilation/perfusion inequality
Pearls • Gas exchange is optimized when pulmonary perfusion (Q) and alveolar ventilation (V A ) are tightly matched. The fractal design of the lung and gravitational effects on the…
Coma and depressed sensorium
Pearls • Coma is a state of unconsciousness with lack of awareness and loss of wakefulness. • A Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 15 in children should be…
Pediatric lung transplantation
Pearls • Pediatric lung transplantation is an accepted option for children of all ages who have end-stage, life-threatening disease and all medical options for treatment have been exhausted. • Outcomes…
Diseases of the pulmonary circulation
Pearls • Updated definitions and classification of pulmonary hypertension have helped to advance the understanding of pulmonary hypertensive diseases and facilitate drug trials. • Four classes of drugs have been…
Overview of breathing failure
Pearls • Three pathways to breathing failure are impaired neural control, failure of the muscles of breathing, and dysfunction of the mechanics of breathing. • Dysfunction of the mechanics of…
