Uninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring (USCOM) in Critically Ill Children: Validation and Prediction of Hemodynamic Instability

Uninvasive Cardiac Output Monitoring (USCOM) in Critically Ill Children: Validation and Prediction of Hemodynamic Instability

Hemodynamically unstable ventilated PICU & PCICU patients, which a decision for commencement in inotropic therapy or fluid bolus has been made, will be recruited. Hemodynamic measurements will be carried out before and after therapy have been made, including customary hemodynamic parameters, echocardiography and USCOM studies.

All parameters will be analyzed for fluid responsiveness or inotropic therapy prediction. Trend in USCOM parameters will be compared to echocardiography CO parameters.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pediatric critically ill ventilated patients admitted to PICU & PCICU
• Hemodynamically unstable which a decision for commencement in inotropic therapy or fluid bolus has been made
• parental concent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cardiac shunt
• Aortal anomaly \ Repair
• Tracheostomy
• Parental refusal to participate