High Dependency Care Research Articles

Four years of maternal admissions to a maternity high-dependency unit

There is limited evidence around childbearing women’s experience following a complicated birth requiring maternity high-dependency care. Our objective was to explore women’s experience and wellbeing following a complicated birth within this context.A cross-sectional study captured women’s experience through a postal survey four weeks post birth.A convenience sample of 112 women who received care in the first 24 hours of their stay in a Western Australian maternity high dependency unit.A validated tool designed to explore patients’ intensive care experience was modified and six items were added based upon the literature and in consultation with clinicians.Women felt they were given choice (78%; n = 86); were not glad to be transferred to a ward (62%; n = 68) and were in pain during the first 24 hours of their admission (70%; n = 78). Women who did not feel scared were more likely than those who felt scared to have a clinician explain what had happened (95% vs 78%, P = 0.007); were more likely to feel in control (94% vs 75%, P = 0.006); and were less likely to feel helpless (27% vs 62%, P = <0.001).The transfer experience to a postpartum ward requires further investigation as does the management of pain for these childbearing women regardless of their birth mode.

THUR 213 An unusual case of cluster acetylcholine receptor antibody positive myasthenia gravis

A 73-year-old builder presented with fatigable ptosis and ophthalmoplegia. He was started on pyridostigmine for presumed ocular myasthenia gravis (MG). Despite making an initial improvement he subsequently developed dysarthia, dysphonia and a head drop within 3 weeks. At this time, he also had mild proximal weakness and marked asymmetrical distal weakness of the upper limbs and mild distal lower limb weakness.Conventional serological screening for acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and muscle specific kinase antibodies were negative. However, extended testing using a cell-based cluster assays demonstrated AChR antibody positivity. Repetitive nerve stimulation demonstrated significant decrement more prominent in distal muscles.Despite high dose prednisolone, azathioprine, several courses of IV Immunoglobulins and plasma exchange the patient has had frequent admissions to the high dependency and intensive care setting with respiratory failure.Cluster AChR antibody positive MG has been described only within the last decade and is usually mild and treatment responsive. This is the first case reported to have required intubation and ventilation due to respiratory failure. This case highlights the importance of extending the routine panels for antibody testing in patients with ‘seronegative’ MG and the need to remain vigilant in patients with cluster-AChR positive disease.

Oral status, cognitive function and dependency among New Zealand nursing home residents.

To investigate clinical oral disease and its association with cognitive function and dependency among older New Zealanders in residential aged care. National survey of oral health in aged residential care throughout New Zealand. We classified residents into 1 of 3 levels of care: "low dependency care (or assisted living)"; "high dependency care"; or "specialist dementia care/psychogeriatric care." The Abbreviated Mental Test characterised cognitive function as "unimpaired" (scores of 7-10), "moderately impaired" (4-6) or "severely impaired" (0-3). Intra-oral examinations were conducted, along with a computer-assisted personal interview. Most of the 987 clinically examined participants were either at low or high dependency care level, with another 1 in 6 in psychogeriatric care. Almost half overall had severely impaired cognitive function. Just under half of the sample had 1 or more natural teeth remaining. Negative binomial regression modelling showed that the number of carious teeth was lower among women and higher among those who were older, those with more teeth and in those with severely impaired cognitive function. Oral debris scores (representing plaque biofilm and other soft deposits on teeth) were higher in men, those with more teeth, and in those with severely impaired cognitive function. Impaired cognitive function is a risk indicator for both dental caries and oral debris in aged residential care.

Morbidity of cardiac arrest in the very elderly.

The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to assess mortality and morbidity after cardiac arrest in hospital inpatients aged 80 years or older, in an Australian tertiary hospital. We studied patients aged 80 years or older who suffered an in-hospital cardiac arrest from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2016. The main outcome measures were one-year survival and narrative morbidity. Two hundred and eighty-five patients were identified. Absolute one-year survival after cardiac arrest was, at best, 12.6%. Narrative descriptions of morbidity demonstrate high healthcare utilisation, dependency or residential care, and significant impairments of physical and social function. In conclusion, one-year survival after cardiac arrest in the very elderly is poor. In those who survive, significant morbidity is present.

The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on severity of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic necrosis.

Introduction Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common emergency presentation and can be disabling. There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with AP, and it places a considerable burden on the healthcare system. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to have a protective effect in some elective contexts. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of NSAIDs on the course of AP and the severity of the disease. Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out of 324 patients admitted as an emergency with a diagnosis of AP to two UK hospitals. Patients were divided into two groups: those already taking NSAIDs for other co-morbidities and those not taking NSAIDs. Variables compared included: admission to a high dependency or intensive care unit; pancreatic necrosis; pseudocyst development; need for surgery; serum inflammatory markers; modified early warning scores on days 1, 3 and 5; length of stay; and mortality. Results Patients not taking NSAIDs were more likely to have a C-reactive protein level of ≥150mg/l (p=0.007). Patients in the NSAID group experienced less pancreatic necrosis (p=0.019) and lower rates of pseudocyst formation (p=0.010). Other variables showed no difference between the two groups, specifically length of stay and mortality. Conclusions Routine NSAID use may exert a protective effect on the development of AP, its severity, and complications. Therapeutic use of NSAIDs in acute presentations with pancreatitis should be further evaluated.

High-dependency care: experiences of the psychosocial work environment.

to explore high-dependency care nurses' experiences of their psychosocial work environment. four focus groups were conducted with 23 emergency and critical care hospital nurses in Brunei. All sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive-approach thematic analysis. three major themes were identified. 'Specialisation/specific skills' explained a fundamental requirement for the high-dependency care nurses to work effectively and efficiently in their workplace. 'Task completion' narrated the pressure they experienced to complete their tasks within time constraints exacerbated by a reduced number of staff. 'Acknowledgement' signified their need for fair and adequate reward for their hard work through career progression and promotion. this study facilitates the design of future interventions and policies that promote a healthy psychosocial work environment by ensuring nurses working in these areas have the required specialisation skills, there is a balance of workload and nurse-to-patient ratios, and they are offered fairness and equity in career progression and promotion.

Carga de trabalho de enfermagem em unidade de internação de onco-hematologia

Objetivo: Identificar los factores relacionados con la carga de trabajo de enfermería generada por pacientes onco-hematológicos hospitalizados. &lt;br /&gt;Método: Cohorte prospectivo realizado con 151 pacientes ingresados en unidad de Onco-Hematología de un hospital universitario, en el Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Se utilizó para la colecta de datos una ficha con informaciones demográfico-clínicas y el Nursing Activities Score (NAS). En el análisis de los datos se utilizo estadística descriptiva, inferencial y modelos de regresión linear.&lt;br /&gt;Resultados: La media del NAS en la unidad fue del 47,8% (11,5 horas). Pacientes con enfermedades oncológicas y hematológicas malignas demandaron mayor carga de trabajo de enfermería, comparados a aquellos con enfermedades no malignas (p=0,0034); los pacientes que murieron presentaron mayor puntuación de NAS, comparada con la de los supervivientes (p&amp;lt;0,0001); en la regresión linear, las variables, diagnóstico y condición de salida, determinaron un R2 de 0,26. Conclusión: Pacientes onco-hematológicos demandan asistencia semi-intensiva, información que ofrece subsidios al enfermero para planear recursos humanos en esta especialidad.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;

Gastroenteritis Aggressive Versus Slow Treatment For Rehydration (GASTRO). A pilot rehydration study for severe dehydration: WHO plan C versus slower rehydration

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) rehydration management guidelines (Plan C) for children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and severe dehydration are widely practiced in resource-poor settings, yet have never been formally evaluated in a clinical trial. A recent audit of outcome of AGE at Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya noted that 10% of children required high dependency care (20% mortality) and a number developed fluid-related complications. The fluid resuscitation trial, FEAST, conducted in African children with severe febrile illness, demonstrated higher mortality with fluid bolus therapy and raised concerns regarding the safety of rapid intravenous rehydration therapy. Those findings warrant a detailed physiological study of children’s responses to rehydration therapy incorporating quantification of myocardial performance and haemodynamic changes. Methods: GASTRO is a multi-centre, unblinded Phase II randomised controlled trial of 120 children aged 2 months to 12 years admitted to hospital with severe dehydration secondary to AGE. Children with severe malnutrition, chronic diarrhoea and congenital/rheumatic heart disease are excluded. Children will be enrolled over 18 months in 3 centres in Kenya and Uganda and followed until 7 days post-discharge. The trial will randomise children 1:1 to standard rapid rehydration using Ringers Lactate (WHO plan ‘C’ – 100mls/kg over 3-6 hours according to age, plus additional 0.9% saline boluses for children presenting in shock) or to a slower rehydration regimen (100mls/kg given over 8 hours and without the addition of fluid boluses). Enrolment started in November 2016 and is on-going. Primary outcome is frequency of adverse events, particularly related to cardiovascular compromise and neurological sequelae. Secondary outcomes focus on clinical, biochemical, and physiological measures related to assessment of severity of dehydration, and response to treatment by intravenous rehydration. Discussion: Results from this pilot will contribute to generating robust definitions of outcomes (in particular for non-mortality endpoints) for a larger Phase III trial.

Gastroenteritis Aggressive Versus Slow Treatment For Rehydration (GASTRO). A pilot rehydration study for severe dehydration: WHO plan C versus slower rehydration.

The World Health Organization (WHO) rehydration management guidelines (Plan C) for children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and severe dehydration are widely practiced in resource-poor settings, yet have never been formally evaluated in a clinical trial. A recent audit of outcome of AGE at Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya noted that 10% of children required high dependency care (20% mortality) and a number developed fluid-related complications. The fluid resuscitation trial, FEAST, conducted in African children with severe febrile illness, demonstrated higher mortality with fluid bolus therapy and raised concerns regarding the safety of rapid intravenous rehydration therapy. Those findings warrant a detailed physiological study of children's responses to rehydration therapy incorporating quantification of myocardial performance and haemodynamic changes. Methods: GASTRO is a multi-centre, unblinded Phase II randomised controlled trial of 120 children aged 2 months to 12 years admitted to hospital with severe dehydration secondary to AGE. Children with severe malnutrition, chronic diarrhoea and congenital/rheumatic heart disease are excluded. Children will be enrolled over 18 months in 3 centres in Kenya and Uganda and followed until 7 days post-discharge. The trial will randomise children 1:1 to standard rapid rehydration using Ringers Lactate (WHO plan 'C' - 100mls/kg over 3-6 hours according to age, plus additional 0.9% saline boluses for children presenting in shock) or to a slower rehydration regimen (100mls/kg given over 8 hours and without the addition of fluid boluses). Enrolment started in November 2016 and is on-going. Primary outcome is frequency of adverse events, particularly related to cardiovascular compromise and neurological sequelae. Secondary outcomes focus on clinical, biochemical, and physiological measures related to assessment of severity of dehydration, and response to treatment by intravenous rehydration. Results from this pilot will contribute to generating robust definitions of outcomes (in particular for non-mortality endpoints) for a larger Phase III trial.

Immediate birth – an analysis of women and their babies undergoing time critical birth in a tertiary referral obstetric hospital

BackgroundAt our institution, the emergency obstetric ‘code green’ activates the system for immediate birth, usually by caesarean section. This study aimed to determine the incidence of immediate birth, indications, modes of anaesthesia, and short-term neonatal and maternal outcomes. MethodA review was performed for all women at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, Australia who underwent immediate birth over a two-year period: January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2014. ResultsWithin the study period 14,115 women gave birth, of which 387 women underwent an immediate birth, the majority (83%) by caesarean section. The commonest indication for immediate birth was prolonged fetal bradycardia (53%), however cord prolapse (4%) produced the most rapid decision-to-delivery interval, with a median [IQR] time of 14 [13–16] min versus 18 [14–23] min for all immediate births (P<0.01). Epidural top-up was the most common anaesthesia method. Conversion to general anaesthesia following inadequate neuraxial anaesthesia occurred in 6.2% of women. Among 103 general anaesthetics, there was one failed intubation (successful ventilation) and one dental injury. Nine women (2.3%) were admitted to the high dependency or intensive care units, and there were no maternal deaths. Babies born by caesarean section with a decision-to-delivery interval of less than 30min were more likely to have longer times to establish respiration (22.6% vs 16.7%, P<0.001). ConclusionRequest for immediate delivery is a common obstetric emergency. Epidural top-up has become the most common anaesthetic technique. Rapid delivery times can be achieved with an integrated emergency response system.

Cerebral salt wasting following traumatic brain injury.

SummaryHyponatraemia is the most commonly encountered electrolyte disturbance in neurological high dependency and intensive care units. Cerebral salt wasting (CSW) is the most elusive and challenging of the causes of hyponatraemia, and it is vital to distinguish it from the more familiar syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Managing CSW requires correction of the intravascular volume depletion and hyponatraemia, as well as mitigation of on-going substantial sodium losses. Herein we describe a challenging case of CSW requiring large doses of hypertonic saline and the subsequent substantial benefit with the addition of fludrocortisone.Learning points:The diagnosis of CSW requires a high index of suspicion. Distinguishing it from SIADH is essential to enable prompt treatment in order to prevent severe hyponatraemia.The hallmarks of substantial CSW are hyponatraemia, reduced volume status and inappropriately high renal sodium loss.Substantial volumes of hypertonic saline may be required for a prolonged period of time to correct volume and sodium deficits.Fludrocortisone has a role in the management of CSW. It likely reduces the doses of hypertonic saline required and can maintain serum sodium levels of hypertonic saline.

Brain death during pregnancy and prolonged corporeal support of the body: A critical discussion.

To discuss corporeal support of the brain-dead pregnant woman and to critically examine important aspects of this complex situation that remain as yet unexplored. When brain death of the woman occurs during pregnancy, the fetus may be kept inside the corporeally supported body for prolonged periods to enable continued fetal growth and development. This has been increasingly reported in medical literature since 1982 and has received considerable media attention in the past few years. Sophisticated advances in medical technologies have altered the boundaries of conception and birth, life and death, Western biomedical and cultural conceptions of women and their bodies, fetal personhood, fetal rights and fetal patienthood, profoundly influencing maternal behaviors, medical decisions and the treatment of pregnant women. This is especially so in the rare, but fraught instance of brain death of the pregnant woman, where nurses and midwives working in High Dependency Care units undertake the daily care of the corporeally supported body that holds a living fetus within it. This discussion enables critical and ethical conversation around the complexities of developing appropriate discourse concerning the woman who suffers brain death during pregnancy and considers the complexities for nurses and midwives caring for the Woman/body/fetus in this context. The potential impact on the fetus of growing and developing inside a 'dead' body is examined, and the absence in the literature of long-term follow up of infants gestated thus is questioned.

The effect of obesity on clinical and economic outcomes in robotic endometrial cancer surgery.

The aim of this study was to compare the financial and clinical outcomes in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for primary endometrial cancer between obese and nonobese women. The hospital finance department assessed the total admission costs for robotic surgery for endometrial cancer in 54 women. This included a subanalysis for costs over nine areas (ward and clinics, drugs and pharmacy, medical staff, theaters, blood products, imaging, pathology, rehabilitation therapy, and high dependency costs). Furthermore, a prospective collection of morbidity and surgical outcome data was performed. The study group included 21 nonobese and 33 obese women (body mass index >30). Obese women were more likely to stay for more than one night in hospital (20/33 [60.6%] compared to 4/21 [19.0%], P=0.032) and to have high dependency care (25/33 [75.8%] compared to 10/21 [47.6%], P=0.032). Theater time was on average 35 min longer (95% confidence interval [CI] 5–65 min, P=0.0252). Both the groups were comparable for comorbidities except for the presence of diabetes being present in the obese group (13/33 [39.4%] compared to 0/21 [0.0%], P=0.007). There were six Clavien-Dindo grade II complications in the obese group and two in the nonobese group. The average overall costs were £1,852 greater (95% CI £431–£3,277, P=0.012) in the obese group. Diabetes and hypertension were associated with increased costs, but obesity was the only independent variable. In conclusion, greater resource should be allocated to obese women undergoing primary surgery for endometrial cancer.

Peer support to improve recovery following critical care discharge: a case-based discussion

We report the case of a self-employed builder aged 58-years, with a medical history of ischaemic heart disease and type II diabetes. He was transferred to our intensive care unit...

Midwives’ experiences of working in an obstetric high dependency unit: A qualitative study

Objectivesto understand the challenges experienced by midwives providing obstetric high dependency care and identify the training they perceive is needed for work in an obstetric high dependency unit. Designsixteen midwives who worked in the obstetric high dependency unit participated in one of three focus groups. Focus groups lasted 60–90minutes and were conducted in the workplace and facilitated by author (IE). Data were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed manually by author (IE), specifically using a ‘codebook’ model to generate codes, categories and themes. Settinga purpose built, two-bed obstetric high dependency unit located in the delivery suite of a large, urban tertiary teaching hospital in New Zealand. Findingsfive themes were conceptualised: Theme 1: ‘high dependency care is not our bread and butter’; the midwives felt that working in the obstetric high dependency work did not constitute ‘normal’ midwifery work. Theme 2: ‘we are family… embracing the baby and partner in HDU’; the midwives recognised that an obstetric high dependency unit enabled the mother and infant to be cared for together, was beneficial for maternal psychosocial wellbeing, and supported mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding. Theme 3: ‘primum non nocere; First, do no harm’; the midwives voiced concern that they lacked the skills and training to provide obstetric high dependency care and considered this a potential risk to sick women in their care. Theme 4: ‘graceful swans and headless chickens’; the midwives reported feelings of stress, anxiety, fear and of being overwhelmed by the demands of obstetric high dependency care. The more experienced midwives were able to portray calmness and poise despite lots going on beneath the surface. This was in contrast to other, often less experienced midwives, who appeared confused and less organised. Theme 5: ‘please sir, can I have some more training?’; the midwives unanimously sought training in the provision of obstetric high dependency care and saw facilitation of training to be a responsibility of the hospital. Key conclusionsmidwives who are competent in obstetric high dependency care are well placed to provide holistic care to sick women within an obstetric high dependency unit. Midwives found this work challenging and identified the need for specific knowledge and skills beyond those required in the provision of care to well women. The midwives sought post-registration training in obstetric high dependency care. These findings are consistent with other studies reported in the literature. Implications for practicepost-registration training must be made available to midwives providing high dependency care to sick women to ensure they have the specialised skills and knowledge for practice. Responsibility to facilitate training rests with hospitals providing this service.

Progressing care in the Medical High Dependency Unit: unit configurations, staffing, standards, and daily routine

There are currently various models of care for provision of high dependency care for acutely ill medical patients across the UK. Acute Physicians are integral to the development and progression of this both challenging and rewarding area of medicine. This article outlines current standards, best evidence, and our own experience of both setting up and developing a medical high dependency unit (MHDU).

The clinical utility of kinetic glomerular filtration rate.

Background: In acutely unwell patients with rapidly changing renal function, estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and predicting adverse renal outcomes are challenging and often inaccurate. Kinetic GFR (kGFR) is an estimate of immediate biomarker clearance derived from two discreet measurements that may better represent acute function. Our objective is to assess the clinical utility of kGFR as a predictive tool and examine the association of kGFR to adverse renal outcomes compared with measurements to traditional estimates. Methods: We compared the association of kGFR and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) with acute kidney injury (AKI), renal replacement therapy (RRT), cardiovascular morbidity, 30-day mortality and new chronic kidney disease development. A total of 107 acute admissions to a medical high dependency and intensive care unit were assessed retrospectively. Creatinine measurements and outcomes were recorded and kGFR was calculated at the earliest possible time point. This was then compared with simultaneous MDRD estimated GFR. Results: Mean age was 60 years old, AKI occurred in 25% of patients, acute cardiovascular events occurred in 13%, RRT was initiated in 15% and 30-day mortality was 30%. kGFR predicted the AKI more accurately than MDRD [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.86 versus AUC = 0.64]. kGFR predicted the need for RRT more accurately than MDRD (AUC = 0.901 versus AUC = 0.79). Neither kGFR nor admission MDRD was associated with 30-day mortality or cardiovascular morbidity. Conclusions: Measuring kGFR in the acute setting could help clinicians better predict adverse renal outcomes.

Maternity high-dependency care and the Australian midwife: A review of the literature.

Maternity high-dependency care has emerged throughout the 21st century in Australian maternity hospitals as a distinct sub-speciality of maternity care. However, what the care involves, how and why it should be provided, and the role of midwives in the provision of such care remains highly variable. Rising levels of maternal morbidity from non-obstetric causes have led midwives to work with women who require highly complex care, beyond the standard customary midwifery role. Whilst the nursing profession has developed and refined its expertise as a specialty in the field of high-dependency care, the midwifery profession has been less likely to pursue this as a specific area of practice. This paper explores the literature surrounding maternity high-dependency care. From the articles reviewed, four key themes emerge which include; the need for maternity high-dependency care, maternal morbidity and maternity high-dependency care, the role of the midwife and maternity high-dependency care and midwifery education and preparation for practice. It highlights the challenges that health services are faced with in order to provide maternity high-dependency care to women. Some of these challenges include resourcing and budgeting limitations, availability of educators with the expertise to train staff, and the availability of suitably trained staff to care for the women when required. In order to provide maternity high-dependency care, midwives need to be suitably equipped with the knowledge and skills required to do so.

Development of a core outcome set for epilepsy in pregnancy (E-CORE): a national multi-stakeholder modified Delphi consensus study.

To develop a set of core outcomes for studies on pregnant women with epilepsy. Delphi consensus study. Healthcare professionals, and patient representatives with lived experience of epilepsy in the UK. We used a modified Delphi method and a consultation meeting to achieve consensus. Potential outcomes were identified by systematic review, and were scored using a Likert scale anchored between 1 (least important) and 5 (most important). We included outcomes that scored ≥4 by >70% of participants, and outcomes that scored ≤2 by <15% of participants. Outcomes in studies on epilepsy in pregnancy. Seventy-five healthcare professionals completed the first round, 48 (64%) completed the second round, and 37 (49%) completed the third round of the survey. Twenty-four patient representatives participated. The final core outcome set included 31 outcomes in three domains: neurological, offspring, and obstetric. Outcomes in the neurological domain were seizure control in pregnancy and postpartum, status epilepticus, maternal mortality, drowning, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, postnatal depression, and quality of life. Offspring domain included congenital abnormalities (major and minor), fetal anticonvulsant syndrome, neurodevelopment, autism disorder, neonatal clinical complications, admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, and anthropometric measurements. The obstetric domain included live birth, stillbirth, miscarriage, ectopic, termination of pregnancy, admission to a high dependency or intensive care unit, breastfeeding, mode of delivery, preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia. Outcomes specific for studies on anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) included maternal AED toxicity, AED compliance, neonatal withdrawal symptoms, and neonatal haemorrhagic disease. Embedding this core set in future clinical trials will promote the standardisation of reporting to inform clinical practice. A Delphi method identifying core outcomes for epilepsy in pregnancy. Final core set includes 31 outcomes.

Current State of Pediatric Intensive Care and High Dependency Care in Nepal.

To describe the state of pediatric intensive care and high dependency care in Nepal. Pediatric intensive care is now a recognized specialty in high-income nations, but there are few reports from low-income countries. With the large number of critically ill children in Nepal, the importance of pediatric intensive care is increasingly recognized but little is known about its current state. Survey. All hospitals in Nepal that have separate physical facilities for PICU and high dependency care. All children admitted to these facilities. None. A questionnaire survey was sent to the chief of each facility. Eighteen hospitals were eligible and 16 responded. Two thirds of the 16 units were established in the last 5 years; they had a total of 93 beds, with median of 5 (range, 2-10) beds per unit. All 16 units had a monitor for each bed but only 75% could manage central venous catheters and only 75% had a blood gas analyzer. Thirty two percent had only one functioning mechanical ventilator and another 38% had two ventilators, the other units had 3-6 ventilators. Six PICUs (38%) had a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:2 and the others had 1:3 to 1:6. Only one institution had a pediatric intensive care specialist. The majority of patients (88%) came from families with an income of just over a dollar per day. All patients were self funded with a median cost of PICU bed being $25 U.S. dollars (interquartile range, 15-31) per day. The median stay was 6 (interquartile range, 4.8-7) days. The most common age group was 1-5. Sixty percent of units reported respiratory distress/failure as their primary cause for admission. Mortality was 25% (interquartile range, 20-35%) with mechanical ventilation and 1% (interquartile range, 0-5%) without mechanical ventilation. Pediatric intensive care in Nepal is still in its infancy, and there is a need for improved organization, services, and training.