Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Mechanically Ventilated Children in Pediatric Intensive Care Units - A Single Centre Prospective Study

Background: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a common practice in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). The overall prevalence of Indication for mechanical ventilation varies according to country and disease pattern in the locality of the health facility. The main aim of our study is to evaluate the demographic profile, indications, and outcome of mechanically ventilated children and to find out the duration of ventilation and complications of mechanical ventilation. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for 18 months at a tertiary care hospital. Patients admitted, and mechanically ventilated were monitored by clinical examination, pulse-oximeter, and ABG. Patients were investigated and treated for the primary diagnosis and as per the requirement of the case. Results: A total of 120 patients were evaluated and 35% have survived. The highest survival number was seen among age group of 2-12 months. The most common indication for MV was respiratory diseases (40.8%) followed by neurological diseases (30.8%). Among infants, the most common diagnosis for ventilation in survived cases is bronchiolitis, followed by viral meningoencephalitis/Acute encephalopathy. Conclusion: To improve the outcome of MV children in our PICU, we need an early referral from peripheral hospitals and adequate ventilation support. There is also need for productive, organized, and structured educational courses for physicians and nurses involved in the care of critically ill children receiving mechanical ventilation.