Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Inotropes Use in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine
• Hemodynamic Management
• Critical Care Pharmacology

Background:

• Hemodynamic instability in critically ill children is a major challenge in intensive care.
• Standardized protocols for fluid therapy and vasoactive agents are crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the use and impact of inotropic agents in pediatric shock management.
• To identify factors influencing outcomes in critically ill children requiring inotropic support.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
• Enrolled 100 children (1 month to 14 years) requiring inotropic agents.
• Collected demographic, clinical, and treatment data, analyzing outcomes like mortality and length of stay.

Main Results:

• Hypovolemic and septic shock were most common; 56% required escalation of inotropic therapy.
• Use of multiple inotropes was significantly associated with higher mortality (62.5% vs 19.1%).
• Predictors of adverse outcomes included multiple inotropes, mechanical ventilation, and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).

Conclusions:

• Protocol-based management improves outcomes in pediatric shock.
• Early recognition, timely intervention, and individualized, protocol-driven care are vital for improving outcomes in pediatric shock.