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Published on: May 11, 2015
Pulmonary artery catheterization in children
1Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Insights
The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) provides valuable information for critically ill children. Until evidence shows harm, PACs should remain available under expert supervision.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Cardiovascular monitoring
Background:
- The pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) is a tool used for hemodynamic monitoring.
- Its application in pediatric patients has been a subject of review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the use of pulmonary artery catheters in pediatric patients.
- To assess the impact of PAC use on diagnosis, therapy, and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted for English language articles from 1979 to 1996.
- Articles focusing on the study or review of PAC use in children were selected.
- Data on diagnostic changes, therapeutic interventions, and patient outcomes associated with PAC use were extracted.
Main Results:
- The literature suggests that PACs offer significant benefits by providing crucial information in a select group of critically ill infants and children.
- PACs aid in diagnosis and management decisions for complex pediatric cases.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary artery catheters should remain accessible for pediatric use due to their demonstrated value.
- Continued availability is recommended pending evidence of negative outcome effects in children.
- Direct supervision by experienced physicians during PAC insertion and use is essential.
Objective:
To review the literature addressing use of the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in pediatric patients.
Data Source:
All pertinent English language articles dealing with the use of pulmonary artery catheterization in pediatric patients were retrieved from 1979 through 1996.
Study Selection:
Articles were chosen for review if the use of pulmonary artery catheterization in pediatric patients was studied or reviewed.
Data Extraction:
From the articles selected, information was obtained about changes in diagnosis, therapy and outcome associated with PAC use in pediatric patients.
Data Synthesis:
The available literature suggests substantial value from the information made available by use of the PAC in a small group of critically ill infants and children.
Conclusion:
Until there is substantive evidence in children that outcome is negatively affected by their use, PACs should remain available. Experienced physicians should directly supervise PAC insertion and use.
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