EVDs were placed for TBI, ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure and new-onset hydrocephalus. The overall complication rate was 26%. Complication rates were similar in TBI and hydrocephalus patients, and with EVDs inserted in either the PCCU or OR. Prophylactic antibiotics or antimicrobial-impregnated catheters directed against coagulase-negative Staphylococcus may reduce EVD infections.
To determine the incidence of anemia among pediatric critical care survivors and to determine whether it resolves within 6 months
of discharge. Design. A prospective observational study. Patients with anemia upon discharge from the pediatric critical care unit (PCCU) underwent
in hospital and post hospital discharge followup (4–6 months) for hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Setting. A medical-surgical PCCU in a tertiary care
center. Patients. Patients aged 28 days to 18 years who
were treated in the PCCU for over 24 hours. Measurements and Main Results. 94 (24%) out of 392
eligible patients were anemic at time of discharge. Patients with anemia were older, median 8.0 yrs [(IQR 1.0–14.4)
versus 3.2 yrs (IQR 0.65–9.9) (P < 0.001)], and had higher PeLOD [median 11 (IQR 10–12) versus 1.5 (1–4) (P < 0.001)], and PRISM [median 5 (IQR 2–11) versus 3 (IQR 0–6) (P < 0.001)] scores. The Hb level normalized in 32% of patients before discharge from hospital. Of the 28 patients who completed followup, all had
normalization of their Hb in the absence of medical intervention. Conclusions. Anemia is not common among patients discharged from the PCCU and
recovers spontaneously within 4–6 months.
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