Comparison of pediatric patients managed in the pediatric intensive care unit and other intensive care units

Abstract

Introduction: Korean children are often treated in intensive care units (ICUs) other than the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). However, pediatric critical care (PCC) in ICUs other than PICU may have an effect on the outcomes. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the PCC outcomes of pediatric patients in the PICU and other ICUs. Methods: The participants of this study were children aged Results: Among the 429 ICU cases, 306 were PICU and 123 were other ICU patients. The age (18mo vs. 26mo; p=0.104) and sex ratio (57% vs. 54%; p=0.587) were not statistically different between PICU and other ICU patients. PICU patients (73%) were commonly admitted from another hospital compared with other ICU patients (63%, p=0.043). The PIM-3 was not statistically different between the PICU and other ICU patients (-4.3 vs. -4.1, respectively; p=0.128); the ICU and hospital length of stay were 5 vs. 5 days (p=0.357) and 11 vs. 11 days (p=0.317); and ICU mortality was 4% vs. 11% (p=0.008), respectively. Respiratory and neurologic complications were 5% vs. 11% (p=0.021) and 4% vs. 2% (p=0.282), respectively. The odds of mortality was higher for other ICUs than for PICUs (odds ratio, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.11–5.87), adjusted source of ICU admission, and type of ICU. Conclusions: Pediatric patients treated at PICUs show lower mortality.