Pediatric Intensive Care

Pediatric intensive care is vital for the constant monitoring and rapid treatment of critically ill children, where every second matters. 

At Biruni Hospital, advanced technology and expert teams deliver fast, precise, and personalized care. Modern PICUs combine specialized expertise with cutting-edge equipment, giving children facing severe conditions the best chance of recovery.

What is pediatric intensive care?

Pediatric intensive care is dedicated to children who require continuous observation and immediate medical interventions. In these critical situations, every moment has a direct impact on the child’s health.

Key aspects of pediatric intensive care include:

• Continuous monitoring of heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
• Use of respiratory support devices or mechanical ventilation when necessary.
• Rapid administration of appropriate treatments based on the severity of the condition.
• Application of advanced techniques such as dialysis or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support failing organs.
• A multidisciplinary medical team comprising physicians, nurses, and specialists.
• Tailoring treatment plans according to the child’s age, weight, and overall health status.
• Strict infection-control protocols to safeguard patients in this highly sensitive environment.

Types of pediatric intensive care

The type of pediatric intensive care required depends on the child’s age and the nature of their medical condition. Each category demands specialized equipment, skilled personnel, and tailored management.

1. Neonatal intensive care

This unit provides highly specialized care for newborns, especially premature babies or those with complex medical complications that pose a life-threatening risk in the first days or weeks after birth.

• Thermal incubators: Maintain a stable body temperature, particularly for premature infants who cannot regulate their own temperature.
• Precise vital monitoring: Continuous observation of heart function, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation using advanced technology.
• Mechanical ventilation: Supports breathing in cases of severe respiratory failure until the infant can breathe independently.
• Specialized nutrition: Delivered via total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or nasogastric feeding tubes when oral feeding is not possible.
• Frequent laboratory testing: Regular blood analyses to assess inflammation markers, electrolyte balance, and organ function, with immediate adjustments to treatment as needed.
• Infection prevention: Strict sterilization and isolation protocols to minimize the risk of infection.
• Family support: Ongoing communication and involvement of parents in the care plan to reduce stress and strengthen bonding.
  

2. Intensive care for older children

Designed for critically ill children suffering from severe infections, traffic accidents, burns, or acute exacerbations of chronic diseases.

• Rapid assessment on arrival: Includes urgent physical examination, airway stabilization, and prioritization of life-saving measures.
• Continuous vital signs monitoring: Using advanced equipment to track heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
• Artificial ventilation: Provided as needed, either non-invasively via mask or invasively via an endotracheal tube.
• Intravenous therapy: Administration of fluids, antibiotics, and organ-supportive medications.
• Pain and symptom management: Regular pain assessment and use of safe analgesics for children.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration: Coordinated care between intensive care specialists, surgeons, infectious disease experts, nurses, and respiratory therapists.

3. Pediatric neurocritical care

Dedicated to children with severe brain or central nervous system conditions such as intracranial hemorrhage, encephalitis, or post-neurosurgical cases.

• Electroencephalography (EEG): To detect seizures and abnormal brain activity.
• Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring: Essential for evaluating brain swelling or tumor progression.
• Seizure control: Using anti-epileptic drugs or, in refractory cases, general anesthesia.
• Respiratory support: Mechanical ventilation when needed to reduce cerebral oxygen demand.
• Close neurological monitoring: Includes surgical intervention when required, along with continuous monitoring of the body’s electrolyte and metabolic balance.

4. Pediatric cardiac intensive care

Focused on children with critical heart conditions, either congenital or acquired, such as cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, or post-cardiac surgery recovery.

• Circulatory support: With targeted medications to improve cardiac contraction, or advanced devices such as ECMO in life-threatening cases.
• Continuous cardiac monitoring: Using ECG and real-time vital sign tracking.
• Precise blood pressure management: To prevent cardiogenic shock or ischemia.
• Specialist team approach: Involving pediatric cardiologists, intensive care physicians, and cardiac surgeons.

5. Postoperative pediatric intensive care

For children recovering from major surgeries including cardiac, neurosurgical, or gastrointestinal operations requiring close monitoring to ensure complication-free recovery.

• Post-surgical monitoring: Tracking vital signs, blood circulation, and temperature stability.
• Pain management: Following strict protocols to relieve pain without impairing consciousness or breathing.
• Infection prevention: Monitoring surgical wounds and using antibiotics when indicated.
• Comprehensive organ support: Observing heart, kidney, and lung function while ensuring appropriate nutrition.
• Rehabilitation planning: Developing a recovery program in collaboration with physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers.

Advanced technology and equipment at biruni hospital

In Biruni Hospital’s pediatric intensive care units, advanced technology supports accurate decision-making and rapid intervention for critically ill children. The hospital is equipped with the latest medical devices, ensuring care aligned with international standards.

Advanced monitoring systems

 Multifunctional monitors track vital signs, integrate with electronic medical records for real-time data, and use smart alerts to detect abnormalities early, enabling prompt response.

When used: For critically ill children, post-surgery patients, or any child with unstable vital signs requiring continuous real-time monitoring and early abnormality alerts. 

Mechanical ventilation

A variety of ventilators, from high-frequency to non-invasive CPAP and BiPAP, accommodate patients from premature newborns to adolescents, with settings tailored to lung condition and development.

When used: In severe respiratory distress, pneumonia, trauma, or post-surgery when independent breathing is impaired.

ECMO support

A life-support system that temporarily replaces heart or lung function.

When used: In life-threatening heart or lung failure (e.g., severe ARDS, myocarditis, post-cardiac surgery) when conventional treatments fail.

Pediatric dialysis

Child-specific dialysis units, including continuous renal replacement therapy, remove excess fluids and toxins while maintaining circulatory stability.

When used: For acute or chronic kidney failure, severe electrolyte imbalance, or toxin removal in poisoning cases.

Neonatal incubators

Advanced incubators maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and air quality, reducing infection risks and allowing interventions without breaking sterility.

When used: For premature or low-birth-weight infants, or newborns unable to regulate body temperature.

Precision Infusion Pumps

Electronic pumps deliver medications in highly accurate doses, adjustable to a child’s weight and condition, for both continuous and intermittent treatments.

When used: For critical drugs (e.g., vasopressors, sedatives, antibiotics),chemotherapy, or precise fluid therapy, adjusted to the child’s weight and condition.

Medication and nutrition management

Sterile preparation rooms ensure safe IV medication and total parenteral nutrition, with specialized monitoring for each child’s nutritional needs.

When used: For children unable to eat orally due to surgery, digestive disorders, or severe illness, ensuring tailored nutritional support.

Digital integration

A secure electronic medical record system links all devices and data in real time, supporting efficient clinical decisions and smooth team communication.

When used: In all intensive care cases to support rapid decisions, accurate documentation, and coordinated teamwork

Preparations before admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (picu)

Intensive care requires thorough preparation to ensure a rapid and effective intervention.

• Comprehensive medical assessment: a full examination including medical history and necessary tests to determine the treatment plan.
• Initial stabilization: securing respiratory and circulatory functions before transfer to the unit.
• Parental communication and consent: providing a clear explanation of the child’s condition and obtaining informed consent.
• Logistical and organizational preparation: preparing equipment and medical staff in advance to avoid any delays.
• Adjustment of current treatments: reviewing and modifying medications to ensure the child’s safety during intensive care.

Post–pediatric intensive care phase

 This stage marks a critical turning point in the recovery journey, as the child transitions from acute care to rehabilitation and follow-up. It requires a comprehensive, multidimensional plan to ensure stability and prevent physical and psychological complications.

Short-Term care (days and weeks following discharge from the PICU)

• Continuous Monitoring of Vital Signs: Such as heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature, to detect any early signs of deterioration.
• Careful Pain Management: Using appropriate analgesics and monitoring their effects to avoid side effects, with regular assessment of pain levels using pediatric-approved scales.
• Early Detection of Infections: Through regular testing and monitoring of vital signs, as well as checking catheter sites or surgical wounds.
• Adjustment of the Treatment Plan: Based on the child’s clinical progress, including modifying medication dosages, scheduling tests, and adapting the nutrition plan.
• Monitoring Cardiac and Brain Functions: Using ECG or brain activity monitoring when necessary, especially for children who experienced seizures or cardiac issues during intensive care.
• Prevention of Secondary Complications: Such as blood clots, bedsores, or gastrointestinal disorders, through precise medical and nursing protocols.
  

Long-term care (weeks and months after hospital discharge)

• Regular Follow-Up Visits: With the specialized medical team (critical care, neurology, cardiology, nutrition, physiotherapy) to monitor for late complications or recurrence of symptoms.
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs: Including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy as needed, aiming to restore partially lost motor and cognitive functions.
• Comprehensive Neurological and Behavioral Assessment: To detect any signs of developmental delay, or changes in behavior or cognition, in collaboration with neurologists and psychologists.
• Psychological and Social Support: For the child and family through counseling sessions or support groups, helping them cope with the emotional impact of the PICU experience.
• Gradual Reintegration into Daily Life: Including return to school and participation in social and recreational activities, with preparation of teachers and classmates and provision of necessary support.

Comprehensive care, every step of the way

At Biruni Hospital, pediatric intensive care is more than just advanced technology and expert treatment. It is a commitment to guiding each child and family through every stage of the journey, from the first moments of critical care to full recovery and beyond. 

With round-the-clock monitoring, a multidisciplinary team, and personalized rehabilitation plans, we ensure that every child receives the safest, most effective, and most compassionate care possible. Your child’s health is our highest priority, and we are here to stand by your side every step of the way.