Abstract
<jats:p>INTRODUCTION: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) results from multiple factors during an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay. PICS symptoms can manifest within the first 48 hours and may exacerbate the patient's condition, prolonging the ICU stay. With increasing ICU survival rates, PICS has become a significant concern as it can lead to chronic critical illness. The lack of sufficient understanding of PICS dynamics and contributing factors limits effective prevention. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of clinical, demographic indicators and intensive care parameters on the dynamics of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome development in ICU patients using the PICS index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, prospective, non-comparative cohort study included 80 patients. The severity of PICS was assessed at different time points during the ICU stay using the PICS index. A correlation analysis was performed between the PICS index and factors influencing patient severity. RESULTS: All patients developed PICS signs after 48 hours in the ICU, with 16,25 % exhibiting severe PICS by day 14. The PICS index correlated positively with length of stay (r = 0.60), duration of mechanical ventilation (r = 0.45), and duration of sedation (r = 0.47). Sedation depth correlated inversely with the index (r = –0.31). Demographic variables and comorbidities showed no significant association with the severity of PICS. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of the PICS index revealed that all patients demonstrated signs of PICS after 48 hours in the ICU, with the severity peaking around day 14. The development of PICS was associated with the duration of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and the duration and depth of sedation. Demographic indicators, the initial severity of the condition, and the level of comorbidity did not affect the PICS index value. Post-Intensive Care Syndrome contributes to prolonged hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of clinical and demographic characteristics, as well as intensive care parameters, on the incidence and progression of PICS in patients of a polyvalent ICU using the PICS index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, prospective, non-comparative cohort study included 80 patients from a multidisciplinary hospital ICU. The severity of PICS was assessed at various stages of ICU stay using the PICS severity index [2]. A correlation analysis was performed between the PICS index and factors contributing to the severity of the patient’s condition. RESULTS: All patients who remained in the ICU for more than 48 hours demonstrated manifestations of all PICS domains. By day 14 of ICU stay, 11.11% of patients had severe PICS. Analysis of patient severity dynamics using SOFA, APACHE II, and the PICS index suggests that by day 14, the clinical severity in ICU patients was most likely determined by PICS. No association was found between PICS and demographic factors; however, correlations were established with ICU length of stay (r = 0.60), duration of mechanical ventilation (r = 0.45), and sedation duration (r = 0.47). Depth of sedation showed an inverse correlation with the PICS index (r = –0.31). CONCLUSION: Measurement of the PICS index revealed that all patients after 48 hours in the ICU exhibited signs of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, reaching maximum severity by day 14. The development of PICS is associated with ICU length of stay, mechanical ventilation, and the duration and depth of sedation. Demographic factors, baseline severity of illness, and comorbidity levels did not affect PICS severity. PICS contributes to prolonged ICU hospitalization.</jats:p>