The Central Nervous System in Pediatric Critical Illness and Injury (PDF)

The field of critical care medicine is in the midst of a dramatic change. Technological and scientific advances during the last decade have resulted in a fundamental change in the way we view disease processes, such as sepsis, shock, acute lung injury, and traumatic brain injury. Pediatric intensivists have been both witness to and active participants in bringing about these changes and it is imperative that all physicians caring for critically ill children in this new era have a thorough understanding of the applicability of these modern developments to the care of patients at the bedside and to keep up with the rapidly evolving field of critical care medicine.

Neurologic emergencies are a common reason for admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). A thorough understanding of the diseases and disorders affecting the pediatric central nervous system is vital for any physician or health care provider working in the PICU. The Central Nervous System in Pediatric Critical Illness and Injury has been written by an international panel of experts to provide readers with an in-depth discussion on the resuscitation, stabilization, and ongoing care of the critically ill or injured child with central nervous system dysfunction. This book is therefore absolutely crucial for anyone working in the PICU, from physicians, residents and fellows in critical care, neurology, and pediatrics to specialist nurses and support personnel on the PICU and all medical professionals who are involved in the management of these patients.