Anesthetic Considerations for the Critically Ill Pediatric Patient

In comparison to adults, critical illness is relatively uncommon in the pediatric population. Many facilities may be unprepared or ill-equipped for treating these rare conditions. The conventional anesthesiologist may not be familiar with the common pathologies of critical illness in children. These patients may need complex and life-saving urgent procedures to stabilize them. It is logistically challenging to have pediatric trained personnel readily available at all hospitals and care centers. These patients have special perioperative needs that the anesthesiologist should consider. They may potentially present to the operating room, emergency department, or pediatric intensive care unit. Here, we offer a direct and practical approach to managing the care of these younger patients.