When children require emergency medical care, it can be a distressing experience for parents. Critically ill children, especially those dealing with developmental issues, infectious diseases, cancer, orthopedic problems, genetic disorders, etc., often need specialized treatment in hospitals. Neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICU and PICU) play a crucial role in providing dedicated care to newborns and children up to 18 years of age, respectively.
Dr. Manish Arya, a consultant at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute in Mumbai, explains the distinctions between NICU and PICU. He emphasizes that both units have highly specialized staff devoted to the care of critically ill newborns and children.
Dr. Arya describes NICU as a unit staffed by neonatologists available around the clock for newborn care. This is particularly essential for perinatal care in high-risk pregnancies. The NICU addresses cases such as preterm births, newborns with respiratory distress, extremely low birth weight, congenital defects requiring surgery, and those in need of oxygen and ventilation.
Conversely, PICU is staffed by pediatric intensivists and certified pediatric critical care nurses. They offer medical and surgical specialties, catering to critically ill children up to 18 years old. Dr. Arya highlights the sensitivity of PICU staff to the needs of both parents and children, providing support to alleviate the stress caused by illness and medical emergencies. The PICU offers various pediatric subspecialty services.
In advanced PICUs, facilities like extracorporeal life support (e.g., ECMO) and renal replacement therapy (RRT) are available to handle life-threatening situations. Dr. Arya stresses the importance of early nutritional support for timely recovery and improved outcomes.
Counseling family members is identified as a crucial aspect of ICU care. Dr. Arya emphasizes the regular updating of family members about the child’s condition and treatment plans. This approach helps build understanding and trust in the physician, guiding families in decision-making during challenging times.
