Post-intensive care syndrome: a state-of-the-art review

Area of Science:

• Critical care medicine
• Patient outcomes
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is a complex condition affecting adult and pediatric survivors of critical illness.
• PICS involves persistent physical, cognitive, and mental health impairments months after ICU discharge.
• These deficits significantly impact patient quality of life and pose challenges for caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of current evidence on Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).
• To identify key risk factors, screening instruments, and treatment strategies for PICS.
• To highlight areas for future research and clinical focus.

Main Methods:

• State-of-the-art literature review.
• Synthesis of evidence on PICS etiology, clinical manifestations, and management.
• Analysis of current screening tools and therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• PICS encompasses a range of chronic symptoms including pain, sleep disturbances, and swallowing dysfunction.
• Risk factors for PICS include severity of illness, duration of mechanical ventilation, and pre-existing conditions.
• Various screening tools exist, but standardized data collection is lacking.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of PICS requires a multidisciplinary approach.
• Future research should focus on standardized data collection and family-centered care.
• Restoring health-related quality of life is a primary goal in PICS management.