Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Burjeel Cancer Institute provides specialized, round-the-clock care for critically ill children with cancer and other serious conditions. Our highly trained team of pediatric intensivists, nurses, and specialists use state-of-the-art technology to monitor and treat children with complex medical needs, ensuring the highest level of care. The PICU is equipped to manage both acute and chronic conditions, with a focus on providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care tailored to the needs of each child and family.
Conditions We Treat
Our PICU is designed to provide care for children with a wide range of life-threatening and serious conditions, including:
- Cancer-related complications (e.g., sepsis, organ failure)
- Severe infections
- Respiratory failure
- Post-surgical care for complex cancer surgeries
- Multi-organ dysfunction
- Severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalances
- Trauma care (in children undergoing cancer treatment)
- Neurological emergencies (e.g., seizures, brain tumors)
- Critical care for children with rare genetic conditions
- Bone marrow transplant recovery
PICU Services
Our PICU offers a full range of services to manage critically ill children, including:
Mechanical Ventilation
Advanced respiratory support for children with respiratory failure or lung conditions.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
Specialized dialysis for children with kidney failure, often required during cancer treatment or in critically ill children.
Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring
Monitoring of the cardiovascular system to manage children with heart or blood pressure issues, especially after major surgeries.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
A life-saving therapy that provides heart and lung support for children with severe heart or lung failure.
Advanced Medication Administration
Delivery of critical medications through intravenous (IV) lines, central lines, or other specialized techniques.
Sedation and Pain Management
Expert pain control and sedation for children undergoing complex procedures or recovering from surgery.
Our Approach to Care
At Burjeel Cancer Institute, our approach to pediatric intensive care is centered on providing personalized, compassionate, and comprehensive care:
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Our PICU team collaborates closely with pediatric oncologists, surgeons, pediatric specialists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver the most effective care for critically ill children.
Family-Centered Care
We involve families in every step of the decision-making process, offering emotional support and ensuring they are informed about their child’s condition and treatment plan.
Focus on Recovery
Our team works closely with rehabilitation specialists, nutritionists, and psychologists to support the child’s recovery and ensure a smooth transition from intensive care to regular pediatric care.
Advanced Technology
Our PICU is equipped with the latest medical technologies to monitor vital signs, administer treatments, and manage complex conditions with precision and care.
Diagnostic and Monitoring Tools
The PICU at Burjeel Cancer Institute is equipped with cutting-edge technology to ensure continuous monitoring and precise diagnosis:
Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring
Real-time monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs.
Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
Used to assess the child’s oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, helping guide respiratory therapy.
Portable Imaging
On-site ultrasound, X-ray, and CT imaging available in the PICU to monitor internal organs and detect any complications.
Invasive Pressure Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of pressure in critical areas such as the heart and lungs, providing essential data to manage complex conditions.
Neurological Monitoring
Specialized tools to monitor brain function, particularly in children with brain tumors or neurological complications.
Supportive Care and Patient Services
In addition to medical interventions, we offer a wide range of supportive care services to ensure the well-being of critically ill children and their families:
Pediatric Palliative Care
Specialized care focused on improving quality of life for children with life-threatening illnesses, managing symptoms, and providing emotional support.
Nutritional Support
Tailored nutrition plans to support growth and healing in critically ill children, with the assistance of a pediatric dietitian.
Rehabilitation Services
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help children regain strength and mobility during or after critical illness.
Psychosocial Support
Counseling and emotional support for children and families navigating the stress of critical illness and intensive care.
Family Support Services
Our team provides resources and emotional support for families, helping them understand their child’s condition and stay involved in the care process.
Advanced PICU Technologies
Our PICU is equipped with the latest technologies to ensure the highest level of care for critically ill children:
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
A life-saving system used to support children with severe heart or lung failure when traditional treatments are insufficient.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
A form of dialysis used to treat kidney failure in critically ill children, allowing for continuous blood purification.
Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring
Provides real-time data on the cardiovascular system, enabling our team to manage children with complex heart and circulation problems.
Portable Imaging Devices
Allowing quick and accurate diagnosis of internal complications without moving the child from the PICU.
Mechanical Ventilation
A full range of ventilators for children with breathing difficulties, including advanced modes for premature babies and children with lung injuries.
Patient Journey
Our PICU provides continuous care for critically ill children from admission to recovery:
Admission and Initial Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation of the child’s condition by our PICU team, including diagnostics and stabilization.
Treatment and Monitoring
Continuous monitoring and treatment by our pediatric intensivists, using advanced technologies to manage life-threatening conditions.
Ongoing Support
Families receive regular updates, emotional support, and guidance throughout the child’s stay in the PICU.
Transition to Recovery
Once stabilized, children transition from intensive care to regular pediatric care, with ongoing rehabilitation and follow-up to support long-term recovery.
