Published online Jun 9, 2023. doi: 10.5492/wjccm.v12.i3.116
Peer-review started: December 28, 2022
First decision: March 1, 2023
Revised: March 30, 2023
Accepted: April 12, 2023
Article in press: April 12, 2023
Published online: June 9, 2023
Processing time: 162 Days and 5.5 Hours
Acute neurologic injuries represent a common cause of morbidity and mortality in children presenting to the pediatric intensive care unit. After primary neurologic insults, there may be cerebral brain tissue that remains at risk of secondary insults, which can lead to worsening neurologic injury and unfavorable outcomes. A fundamental goal of pediatric neurocritical care is to mitigate the impact of secondary neurologic injury and improve neurologic outcomes for critically ill children. This review describes the physiologic framework by which strategies in pediatric neurocritical care are designed to reduce the impact of secondary brain injury and improve functional outcomes. Here, we present current and emerging strategies for optimizing neuroprotective strategies in critically ill children.
Core Tip: Acute neurologic injuries are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill children. A fundamental goal of pediatric neurocritical care is to mitigate the impact of secondary neurologic injury in critically ill children. Here, we discuss strategies for optimizing neuroprotective strategies in critically ill children.