Integrated care in cardiac intensive care unit for noncardiovascular complications in children after open-heart surgery: A comprehensive review

Congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most common major birth defects, undergo effective surgical care in the last decade, enhancing survival. After heart surgery, mechanical, infectious, and noninfectious causes induce pediatric pulmonary problems. Necrotizing enterocolitis and feeding intolerance are frequent digestive issues. Diuretics relieve fluid excess, but early dialysis may help in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. Cumulative insulin dosages improve postoperative hyperglycemia. Noncardiac organ system problems are common in current pediatric cardiac intensive care units including seizures needing anti-epileptics. While, managing the patients in CICU, one must consider noncardiac organ system integrity and function.