Paediatric Critical Care

Contact

Dr Simon Erickson | Paediatric Critical Care Consultant 
Simon.Erickson@health.wa.gov.au

Departmental Overview 

Paediatric Critical Care (PCC) at Perth Children’s Hospital is a multipurpose Intensive Care / High Dependency Unit that offers a state-wide service for critically ill infants, children and young people. With the only tertiary level Paediatric Intensive Care Unit in Western Australia, PCC is a leading centre for teaching and research in Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine. In collaboration with local and international partners, PCC actively participates in world class research projects aimed at improving health care outcomes among the critically ill paediatric population.

Research Projects

Nitric OxideStudy

A multicentre, international trial to determine if Nitric Oxide administered during cardiopulmonary bypass reduces the inflammatory response. This study seeks to reduce complications associated with inflammation and shorten recovery time. If the use of Nitric Oxide is proven to be effective at improving outcomes, this research has the potential to change practice in heart surgery throughout the world.

PROSpect (active)

The PRone and OScillation PEdiatric Clinical Trial is a multicentre, international study investigating the best way to care for children with acute and severe respiratory failure. 1000 Children worldwide will be assigned to receive one of four treatment strategies combining two forms of mechanical ventilation and two forms of positioning. The study aims to identify the strategy that is most effective at reducing the number of days children require mechanical ventilation and improving long term survival and quality of life outcomes. 

ASCEND

ASCEND will use observational data to compare the outcomes of children with paediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) who are supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during their illness, with the long-term outcomes of equally ill children who receive PROSpect’s protocolised therapies.

KIDS THRIVE (active)

The Trans-nasal Humidifed Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange in children requiring emergency intubation is a multicentre trial looking at developing a new method for the intubation of children in an emergency setting. KIDS THRIVE will compare current standard practice with the use of high flow nasal prong oxygen during intubation to reduce complications and increase successful first intubation attempts. 

RESPOND

A worldwide randomised controlled trial in paediatric sepsis which will test the use of metabolic resuscitation (early intravenous administration of Vitamin C and Hydrocortisone) which has shown some promise in improving patient-centred outcomes in adults. The study will assess functional outcomes and quality of life, consumer engagement, and sepsis related costs. 

PERSIST Pilot Study

A pilot study comparing the use of continuous positive airway pressure respiratory support (CPAP) with the use of nasal high flow oxygen in the liberation of children from mechanical ventilation.

ANZPIC Registry Studies

PCC is an active member of the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Paediatric Study Group (ANZICS PSG). Through collaborative research, PCC have contributed to the high-quality collection and analysis of paediatric intensive care data within the central ANZICS Paediatric Intensive Care Registry. Focus areas have included indigenous health and specific childhood diseases such as bronchiolitis and sepsis.

Extra Resources

https://prospect-network.org/

 

Last Updated: 23/06/2022