[Care of the critically ill child with heart disease in Spain]

The objective of the present study is to present the organization of the resources of paediatric cardiac critical care in Spain.

Data were collected through questionnaires sent by e-mail to Spanish PICUs.

22 PICUs were enrolled. The median number of beds were 9.5 (4-18 beds). Total cardiac admissions represented a 20 % of total PICUs admissions per year, firstly for congenital heart defects, and secondly for respiratory problems. Cardiac surgical activities were carried out in 16 centres, centralized in PICU in 10 cases. Mechanical support of the myocardium was performed in 7 PICUs. A total of 10 participating PICUs considered echocardiograph training necessary and also an increase in the amount of activity for better results.

Paediatric cardiac critical care involves a significant use of resources, including PICUs with no surgical activity. This study is useful for detecting common problems and for improving clinical care.