•  
  •  
 

Subject Area

Pediatrics

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives To assess fluid imbalance among critically septic children and its relation to the prognosis of these critically ill children. Background Fluid imbalance is a common adverse event in critically ill children, which may lead to oxygenation failure, mortality, and in bad need for more fluid for resuscitation. Patients and methods This prospective cohort study was conducted on 74 critically septic children admitted into the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Pediatric Index of Mortality II, Pediatric Risk of Mortality, and Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were calculated. Fluid measurements were assessed daily for 5 days. Children were subgrouped regarding the balance of fluid into a balanced fluid versus unbalanced fluid either hypovolemia or hypervolemia. Results Normovolemic cases represented 43 (58.1%) children, 14 (18.9%) children were in the hypovolemic group, and 17 (23%) children were in the hypervolemic group. There was a highly significant increase in mechanical ventilation need, Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, and incidence of mortality in hypovolemic children compared with other groups (P < 0.001 for all); moreover, Pediatric Risk of Mortality and Pediatric Index of Mortality II showed a significant increase in hypovolemic children compared with the other two groups (all P < 0.05). Pediatric Intensive Care Unit showed a significant increase in hypervolemic children compared with other children (P = 0.041). Conclusion Fluid imbalance is a common adverse effect during fluid therapy in septic children and is linked to substantial morbidity and mortality.

Download

Share

COinS