Characteristics, Outcomes and Bed Utilization of 15-to-18-Year-Old Adolescents in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Thailand

Abstract

Objective: There is a trend toward expanding pediatric age range. At the borderline age of 15-18 years, the characteristics of patients requiring intensive care admission in low- and middle-income countries are unknown. Our institution recently changed the cut-off age for pediatric care from 15 to 18 years. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics, outcomes and bed utilization of patients aged 15-18 years admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) after this change. Materials and Methods: This is an observational study at a tertiary medical PICU. Patients aged 15-18 years admitted to PICU in 2019-2020 were eligible. Medical records were reviewed. Results: There were 1030 PICU admissions from all age groups. Fifty-two patients aged 15-18 years were admitted, with a total of 68 admissions. Eighty-seven percent had chronic conditions. The most common acute conditions were septic shock and infection, the most common chronic conditions were systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and hematologic malignancies. Forty-seven percent required mechanical ventilation, 36% required vasoactive medications and 27% required continuous renal replacement therapy. PICU mortality rate in patients aged 15-18 years old was significantly higher than that in the younger age group (13.24% vs 3.64%, p = 0.002). Hospital mortality rate was 22%. Conclusion: Patients aged 15-18 years requiring PICU admission had high prevalence of chronic conditions and high mortality risk. Special attention should be given to the care of this group. The most common acute conditions were septic shock and infection. The most common chronic conditions were SLE and hematologic malignancies.