ABSTRACT

A retrospective study was undertaken of 30 mechanical ventilated patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of Ankara University School of Medicine between January 2002-March 2003. Mechanical ventilated patients were 18.1% of all patients. Their ages were between 45 days and 16.5 years, mechanical ventilation time was between 6 hours and 217 days. Patients' indications of mechanical ventilation were respiratory failure (80%), circulation failure (10%), central nervous system disease and respiratory depression (10%). Complications were seen in 46% of mechanical ventilated patients. The percentages of each complication were: atelectasia 30%, ventilator associated pneumonia 23%, pneumothorax 13%. Mortality was seen in 13% of all patients, and 43% of mechanical ventilated patients. In conclusion, experienced personnel are needed to supervise the use of mechanical ventilation in pediatric intensive care units, and a team of well-trained nurses in the pediatric intensive care unit are essential to minimize complications.