Post-intensive care syndrome: A crash course for general practice

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a complex condition affecting ICU survivors.
• PICS involves cognitive, psychiatric, and physical symptoms that can persist long-term.
• PICS-family (PICS-F) refers to the psychological impact on relatives of ICU patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize key aspects of PICS and PICS-F.
• Focus on the incidence and pathophysiology of PICS and PICS-F.
• Highlight the impact of PICS on quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on PICS and PICS-F.
• Analysis of symptom constellations, incidence rates, and underlying mechanisms.
• Discussion of the implications for healthcare providers.

Main Results:

• PICS affects a significant portion of ICU survivors, with symptoms lasting months to years.
• The prevalence of PICS is anticipated to increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• PICS significantly diminishes the quality of life for affected individuals.

Conclusions:

• PICS and PICS-F represent a substantial burden on patients and their families.
• Early diagnosis and management by primary care practitioners are crucial.
• Understanding PICS pathophysiology is essential for developing effective interventions.