Poisoning in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Poisonings during childhood (both accidental and voluntary) are a common cause of presentation in the emergency departments (EDs) and the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The admission to PICU is warranted both for treatment and for continuous monitoring, as sometimes the evolution of a poisoning could be unpredictable. Sometimes, complications arise that may prolong the patients' hospitalization and may contribute to lowering the survival rate. The staff in these departments must be well trained to ensure patient monitoring, early detection of complications, and rapid intervention. Supporting vital functions is the main objective of the management of a poisoned patient admitted in PICU. In recent years, staff competence and advanced medical technology have helped to improve the prognosis of the patients admitted to these departments, including of the poisoned patients.