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

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) refers to a constellation of chronic symptoms and deficits experienced by both adult and paediatric survivors of critical illness. These may include impairment in physical, cognitive and mental domains several months after admission to the intensive care unit. Affected patients may experience chronic pain, sleep disturbances and swallowing dysfunction, which may impact their quality of life. Beyond the medical consequences, PICS poses psychological and financial challenges to both patients and their caregivers. This state-of-the-art review provides a comprehensive overview of current evidence on PICS, including key risk factors, screening instruments and potential treatment strategies. Future efforts should prioritise standardised data collection, family-centred care and restoration of health-related quality of life.