Beyond Survival: Evolution of Functional Status After a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Stay
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64478/8rhm6m54Keywords:
Intensive Care Units, Pediatrics, Functional Status, Functional Status Scale, Critical IllnessAbstract
Introduction: The reduction in mortality rates in pediatric intensive care units has increased the number of survivors with potential functional impairments associated with Pediatric Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS-p). Systematic assessment of functional status allows these changes to be identified and supports rehabilitation planning. Objective: To assess the functional status of critically ill pediatric patients from admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) through hospital discharge at Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel between August and October 2025. Methods: An observational, descriptive, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted. Of the 66 patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit between August and October 2025, a sample of 37 patients aged 1 month to 14 years who met the inclusion criteria was selected. Functional status was assessed using the Functional Status Scale (FSS) at three time points: before hospitalization (through interviews with family members), at PICU discharge (by direct patient assessment), and at hospital discharge (through patient reassessment). Results: All patients had normal baseline functional status (FSS = 6). At PICU discharge, a significant increase in the mean FSS score was observed (mean = 10), indicating acquired functional impairment, mainly affecting the motor, respiratory, and feeding domains. By hospital discharge, functional status had improved (mean FSS = 7), although some patients continued to exhibit residual impairments. Higher FSS scores were associated with longer PICU and hospital stays. Conclusions: Critically ill pediatric patients experience functional impairments during their PICU stay, followed by partial recovery at hospital discharge. The Functional Status Scale (FSS) is a useful tool for identifying functional changes and supporting follow-up and rehabilitation planning.
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