807 Hypocortisolemia in Sick Children on Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU): Transient or Cause for Concern

Abstract

Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is a key factor when considering the quality of care received by our patients. Methods All admissions to the PICU during 2011 were examined and all readmissions to the unit were identified. A readmission was defined as those requiring PICU < 48 hours following discharge. Patients who were readmitted for an elective procedure within the specified time were discounted. Results During 2011, 511 children had 615admissions to the PICU. 12 children were readmitted for acute care having deteriorated in the ward setting. 2 of the 12 children required 2 readmissions. 5 of the readmissions took place between April and September. The remaining 9 occurred during October to March. Conclusions It remains a subject of debate as to whether or not any of the redamissions could have been avoided as hindsight is always easy. With nearly double the amount readmissions occuring during the winter months, it could be argued that the children were discharged prematurely due to bed pressures. This a serious concern and one which we will continue to monitor.