Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in a Cohort of School-aged Children and Adolescent ICU Survivors: The Importance of Follow-up in the Acute Recovery Phase

Authors

Trevor A. HALL, Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States; Children's Neuropsychological Services, Andover, Massachusetts, United StatesFollow
Rachel K. GREENE, Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
Justin B. LEE, Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
Skyler LEONARD, Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
Kathryn R. BRADBURY, Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
Kurt DRURY, Pediatric Critical Care and Neurotrauma Recovery Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States; Children's Neuropsychological Services, Andover, Massachusetts, United States
Grace RECHT, Children's Neuropsychological Services, Andover, Massachusetts, United States
Julie RANDALL, Children's Neuropsychological Services, Andover, Massachusetts, United States
Megan E. NORR, Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
Cydni N. WILLIAMS, Pediatric Critical Care and Neurotrauma Recovery Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States; Children's Neuropsychological Services, Andover, Massachusetts, United States

Abstract

Objectives: Pediatric ICU survivors experience a collection of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social symptoms named post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). We aimed to quantify PICS morbidities from multiple stakeholder perspectives across domains. Methods: Using physician, neuropsychologist, and parent/caregiver completed outcome measures across domains in a cross-sectional analysis of 186 children between the ages of 8 and 19 years with data from a PICU follow-up clinic 1-3 months after PICU discharge, we quantified PICS morbidities and used Spearman correlation to evaluate interdependence of PICS domains. Results: Compared to pre-hospitalization functioning, new PICS related morbidities were observed and significant correlations were identified between the PICS domains. Results highlight the need to identify and support patients and families for multiple morbidities simultaneously across all relevant PICS domains; moreover, important divergence between caregiver report, physician and neuropsychologist assessment were also found, showcasing the importance of multiple assessments and perspectives. Conclusions: New PICS morbidities across domains are common after discharge from the PICU and timely follow-up care is needed that involves collaboration/integration of physicians, neuropsychologists, youth, and families to effectively identify and treat PICS related issues.

Recommended Citation

HALL, Trevor A.; GREENE, Rachel K.; LEE, Justin B.; LEONARD, Skyler; BRADBURY, Kathryn R.; DRURY, Kurt; RECHT, Grace; RANDALL, Julie; NORR, Megan E.; and WILLIAMS, Cydni N. (2025) "Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in a Cohort of School-aged Children and Adolescent ICU Survivors: The Importance of Follow-up in the Acute Recovery Phase," Journal of Pediatric Intensive Care: Vol. 14: Iss. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://jpic.researchcommons.org/journal/vol14/iss1/4