Abstract
Current achievements in medical science and technological advancements in intensive care medicine have allowed better support of critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and have increased survival probability. Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a relatively new term introduced almost 10 years ago, defined as “new or worsening impairments in physical, cognitive, or mental health status arising after critical illness and persisting beyond acute care hospitalization”. A significant percentage of critically ill patients suffer from PICS for a prolonged period of time, with physical problems being the most common. The exact prevalence of PICS is unknown, and many risk factors have been described well. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors seem to be at especially high risk for developing PICS. The families of ICU survivors can also be affected as a response to the stress suffered during the critical illness of their kin. This separate entity is described as PICS family (PICS-F). A multidisciplinary approach is warranted for the treatment of PICS, involving healthcare professionals, clinicians, and scientists from different areas. Improving outcomes is both challenging and imperative for the critical care community. The review of the relevant literature and the study of the physical, cognitive, and mental sequelae could lead to the prevention and timely management of PICS and the subsequent improvement of the quality of life for ICU survivors.
Highlights
Accepted: 10 January 2022The consequences of critical illness can have a prolonged effect on intensive care unit (ICU) survivors, involving their physical, psychological and cognitive health
There is no time frame for post-intensive care syndrome” (PICS) and it can last for a prolonged period of time [2], it is usually described during the time period following ICU discharge
Even when healthcare workers were performing their duties without any psychological issues expressed, they were still exposed to increased risk for anxiety and depression, those working in the frontline and treating patients with COVID
Summary
The consequences of critical illness can have a prolonged effect on intensive care unit (ICU) survivors, involving their physical, psychological and cognitive health. As well as by most clinicians, the term “PICS” is used to describe the “new or worsening impairments in physical, cognitive, or mental health status arising after critical illness and persisting beyond acute care hospitalization” [1]. This definition includes patients who live in rehabilitation facilities, specialized nursing units, or at home. We will describe the modern concepts of its pathophysiology, prevention, and management, including the new concept of “post-COVID-19 PICS”
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