Additional Bicarbonate Infusion Complements WHO Rehydration Therapy in Children with Acute Diarrhea and Severe Dehydration Presenting with Severe Non-anion Gap Metabolic Acidemia: An Open Label Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of bicarbonate infusion in children with Acute Diarrhea and Severe Dehydration (ADSD) having severe Non-Anion Gap Metabolic Acidemia (sNAGMA). METHODS: Children (aged 1-144 mo) with ADSD and sNAGMA (pH ≤7.2 and/or serum bicarbonate ≤15 mEq/L) were enrolled in an open-label randomized design. Controls (n = 25) received WHO-recommended rehydration therapy with Ringer Lactate, while intervention group (n = 25) received additional bicarbonate deficit correction. Primary outcome was time taken to resolve metabolic acidemia (pH >7.30 and/or bicarbonate >15 mEq/L). Secondary outcome measures were adverse outcome [composite of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) transfer and deaths], acute care area free days in 5 d (ACAFD5), hospital stay, and adverse effects. RESULTS: Time taken to resolve metabolic acidemia was significantly lesser with intervention [median (IQR); 8 h (4, 12) vs. 12 h (8, 24); p = 0.0067]. Intervention led to acidemia resolution in significantly more children by 8 h and 16 h (17/25 vs. 9/25, p = 0.035 and 23/25 vs. 17/24, p = 0.018, respectively). Patients with fluid refractory shock needed lesser inotropes in intervention group [median Vasoactive Inotrope Score (VIS), 10.5 vs. 34]. Intervention led to significantly lesser adverse outcome (0/25 vs. 5/25, p = 0.049), and noticeably more ACAFD5 [median (IQR); 2 (1, 2) vs. 1 (1, 2); p = 0.12]. Two patients died in the control group while none in the intervention group. No adverse effect was documented. CONCLUSIONS: Additional calculated dose of bicarbonate infusion led to significantly early resolution of metabolic acidemia, lesser utilization of critical care facilities, and lesser adverse outcome in children with ADSD and sNAGMA, compared to standard therapy, with no adverse effect.

Congenital Heart Disease: Would It Be the Key Driver of Infant Survival During Amrit Kaal (2022-2047)?

Post-independence, we made significant strides in childhood survival. However, there is an abysmal improvement in survival due to birth defects. Globally, India contributes the largest proportion of under-5 deaths, overall as well as due to birth defects. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the single most common cause of birth-defect related deaths, and is the 7th most common cause of infant deaths. Scarcity of pediatric cardiac care professionals and pediatric cardiac centers has led to a huge demand-supply gap. Understanding the burden of CHD and taking imperative steps at primary, secondary and tertiary levels are essential during Amrit Kaal (2022-2047). Coverage of management of CHD under Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, Rashtriya Bal Suraksha Karyakram and Ayushman Bharat programs offers a huge promise, as shown by the experience from Hridayam program in Kerala.

A Network Meta-analysis of Dexamethasone for Preventing Postextubation Upper Airway Obstruction in Children.

Rationale: Periextubation corticosteroids are commonly used in children to prevent upper airway obstruction (UAO). However, the best timing and dose combination of corticosteroids is unknown. Objectives: To compare effectiveness of different corticosteroid regimens in preventing UAO and reintubation. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase search identified randomized trials in children using corticosteroids to prevent UAO. All studies used dexamethasone. The studies were categorized based on timing of initiation of dexamethasone (early use: >12 h before extubation) and the dose (high dose: ⩾0.5 mg/kg/dose). We performed Bayesian network meta-analysis with studies grouped into four regimens: high dose, early use (HE); low dose, early use (LE); high dose, late use (HL); and low dose, late use. Results: Eight trials (n = 903) were included in the analysis. For preventing UAO (odds ratio; 95% credible interval), HE (0.13; 0.04-0.36), HL (0.39; 0.19-0.74), and LE (0.15; 0.04-0.58) regimens appear to be more effective than no dexamethasone (low certainty). HE and LE had the highest probability of being the top-ranked regimens for preventing UAO (surface under the cumulative ranking curve 0.901 and 0.808, respectively). For preventing reintubation, the effect estimate was imprecise for all four dexamethasone regimens compared with no dexamethasone (very low certainty). HE and LE were the top-ranked regimens (surface under the cumulative ranking curve 0.803 and 0.720, respectively) for preventing reintubation. Sensitivity analysis showed that regimens that started >12 hours before extubation were likely more effective than regimens started >6 hours before extubation. Conclusions: Periextubation dexamethasone can prevent postextubation UAO in children, but effectiveness is highly dependent on timing and dosing regimen. Early initiation (ideally >12 h before extubation) appears to be more important than the dose of dexamethasone. Ultimately, the specific steroid strategy should be personalized, considering the potential for adverse events associated with dexamethasone and the individual risk of UAO and reintubation.

Effect of Sepsis on Iron Parameters in a Population with High Prevalence of Malnutrition and Iron Deficiency: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Pilot Study.

There is lack of data on iron metabolism in critically ill sepsis children from population with high prevalence of iron deficiency (ID). The study was designed to study impact of sepsis on iron parameters in children with ID. Sepsis patients (age 6-59 months) and their apparently healthy sibling/cousin as controls were enrolled in this case-control pilot study. Serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation, ferritin and sTfR were measured in the two groups. sTfR-Ferritin index was calculated. Patients (n = 134) were significantly underweight compared to controls (n = 54) (WAZ score < - 2; 58% vs. 28%; p < 0.001). Serum iron and sTfR (mg/L) were lower [71.5 (51.0, 115.0) vs. 87.0 (64.5, 130.5), p = 0.068; 3.1 (2.1, 4.5) vs. 3.5 (2.8, 4.8), p = 0.026 respectively] while serum ferritin was higher [229 (94, 484.5) vs. 22 (9.2, 51); p < 0.001] in patients compared to controls. sTfR-Ferritin index was lower in patients [1.3 (0.8, 2.3) vs. 2.5 (1.8, 4.5); p < 0.001]. ROC AUC (patients vs. controls) were 0.89 (95% CI 0.83-0.95) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.68-0.85) for ferritin and sTfR-ferritin index respectively. Survivors and non-survivors were similar in terms of iron parameters. Sepsis-induced alterations in iron parameters among ID children are complex. Qualitatively it is similar (with quantitative differences) to non-ID adult population. Lack of correlation of iron parameters with mortality may be due to ID-associated immune dysfunction.

Twenty-four-hour pretreatment with low dose (0.25 mg/kg/dose) versus high dose (0.5 mg/kg/dose) dexamethasone in reducing the risk of postextubation airway obstruction in children: A randomized open-label noninferiority trial.

OBJECTIVE: Multidose dexamethasone pretreatment reduces risk of postextubation airway obstruction (PEAO). However, its optimal dose is not known. We planned to compare 24 h pretreatment with low-dose dexamethasone (LDD) (0.25 mg/kg/dose) versus high-dose dexamethasone (HDD) (0.5 mg/kg/dose) in reducing risk of PEAO. DESIGN: Stratified (for age and intubation duration) randomized open-label noninferiority trial. SETTING: Fifteen-bed pediatric intensive care unit in a lower-middle-income country. PATIENTS: Children (3 months-12 years) intubated for more than or equal to 48 h and planned for first extubation (February 17-March 19). Upper airway conditions, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic NSAID therapy, steroid, or intravenous immunoglobulin in the last 7 days, presence of gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, and hyperglycemia were exclusions. INTERVENTIONS: LDD (n = 144) or HDD (n = 143) (q6h) for a total of six doses. Extubation was planned immediately after fifth dose. Noninferiority margin was kept at 12% from baseline.

Cost analysis of pediatric intensive care: a low-middle income country perspective.

BACKGROUND: Globally, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admissions are amongst the most expensive. In low middle-income countries, out of pocket expenditure (OOP) constitutes a major portion of the total expenditure. This makes it important to gain insights into the cost of pediatric intensive care. We undertook this study to calculate the health system cost and out of pocket expenditure incurred per patient during PICU stay. METHODS: Prospective study conducted in a state of the art tertiary level PICU of a teaching and referral hospital. Bottom-up micro costing methods were used to assess the health system cost. Annual data regarding hospital resources used for PICU care was collected from January to December 2018. Data regarding OOP was collected from 299 patients admitted from July 2017 to December 2018. The latter period was divided into four intervals, each of four and a half months duration and data was collected for 1 month in each interval. Per patient and per bed day costs for treatment were estimated both from health system and patient's perspective. RESULTS: The median (inter-quartile range, IQR) length of PICU stay was 5(3-8) days. Mean ± SD Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score (PRISM III) score of the study cohort was 22.23 ± 7.3. Of the total patients, 55.9% (167) were ventilated. Mean cost per patient treated was US$ 2078(₹ 144,566). Of this, health system cost and OOP expenditure per patient were US$ 1731 (₹ 120,425) and 352 (₹ 24,535) respectively. OOP expenditure of a ventilated child was twice that of a non- ventilated child. CONCLUSIONS: The fixed cost of PICU care was 3.8 times more than variable costs. Major portion of cost was borne by the hospital. Severe illness, longer ICU stay and ventilation were associated with increased costs. This study can be used to set the reimbursement package rates under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Tertiary level intensive care in a public sector teaching hospital in India is far less expensive than developed countries.

Thiamine Status in Children with Septic Shock from a Developing Country: A Prospective Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: Mitochondrial dysfunction is central to sepsis-induced multi-organ dysfunction. Thiamine deficiency may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and thus high mortality. Study was planned to assess thiamine status in children with septic shock in comparison to healthy controls from a developing country and to study the effect of thiamine levels on its outcome. METHODS: A prospective case-control study (April 2017 to May 2018) enrolling consecutive children with septic shock as 'cases' (n = 76), their healthy siblings (n = 51) and apparently healthy children from immunization clinic (n = 35) as 'controls'. Whole blood total thiamine (WBTT) level was measured on days 1, 10 and 1-month post-discharge. Outcome parameters were acute care area free days on days 14 and 28, and mortality. RESULTS: WBTT [nMol/l; median (interquartile range, IQR)] was significantly lower on day 1 in cases compared with sibling controls [23.1 (21.8-26.3) vs. 36.9 (33.6-40.5); p < 0.001]. It fell further on day 10 [20.8 (18.1-21.1); p < 0.02]. Levels rose significantly 1-month post-discharge [35.5 (31.2-36.6)] and became comparable to sibling controls (p = 0.4). Immunization clinic controls also had lower WBTT [42.3 (40.1-45.9)], but was significantly higher than sibling controls and cases at 1-month post-discharge (p < 0.001). Survivors and non-survivors of septic shock were similar. WBTT levels did not correlate with any of the severity indicators of septic shock or its outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: WBTT was significantly low in all children, and fell further during septic shock. Observed severe deficiency might have precluded any further association of thiamine levels with severity of septic shock and its outcome. Data obtained may inform trials on metabolic resuscitation in paediatric septic shock in developing countries. Lay summaryThiamine deficiency may contribute to high mortality in paediatric septic shock as thiamine is an essential factor for functioning of mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cells. This prospective case-control study was conducted to assess thiamine status in children with septic shock in comparison with healthy controls in a developing country. Consecutive children with fluid-refractory septic shock were enrolled as 'cases'. Their apparently healthy siblings, and apparently healthy children from immunization clinic, were enrolled as 'controls'. The whole blood total thiamine (WBTT) level was measured on days 1, 10 and 1 month after hospital discharge. Seventy-six children were enrolled as cases, 51 children as sibling controls and 35 children as immunization clinic controls. WBTT was significantly lower on day 1 in cases as compared with their sibling controls. It fell further on day 10. The level rose significantly after a month of discharge and became comparable to sibling controls. Immunization clinic controls also had lower WBTT but was significantly higher compared with sibling controls and cases at 1-month post-discharge. Survivors and non-survivors of septic shock had similar WBTT levels. Observed severe deficiency might have precluded any further association of thiamine levels with septic shock outcome.

Intensive care needs and long-term outcome of pediatric toxic epidermal necrolysis - A 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reaction. Data on pediatric TEN is limited. METHODS: Case records of 44 children, 1 month-12 years with a diagnosis of TEN (>30% body surface area [%BSA] detachment) admitted to a tertiary pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between 2009 and 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes were organ dysfunction, length of stay (LOS), and long-term sequelae. RESULTS: Median (IQR) age was 6.5 (3.6, 8.0) years, and 25 (57%) were boys. Median (IQR) %BSA involved, SCORTEN score, and PRISM-III were 65% (45, 80); 2 (2, 3) and 13 (10, 16), respectively. Antiepileptics (n = 24, 54.6%) and antimicrobials (n = 8, 18.2%) were the most common offending agents. Twenty-four (54.5%) children had culture positive sepsis. Immunomodulatory therapy was provided in 35 (79.5%) and conservative management in nine (20.5%) children. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was given in 22 (50%), steroids in three (6.8%), and both IVIG and steroids in 10 (22.7%) children. Respiratory failure (n = 14, 31.8%) was the commonest organ failure. Mortality was 15.9% (n = 7), and median (IQR) PICU-LOS in survivors was 8 (4, 11.75) days. There was no association between IVIG, steroids, or conservative management with mortality or LOS. Ocular sequelae (n = 20, 54.1%) were the most common long-term complication followed by skin (18, 40.1%). CONCLUSION: Immunomodulation with IVIG or steroids was not associated with any mortality benefit as compared to conservative management alone. Further research is required to determine the most effective treatment in pediatric TEN.

Comparison of Ventilator-free Days at 14 and 28 days as a Clinical Trial Outcome in Low- and Middle-income Countries.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Reporting ventilator-free days (VFDs) with time frame of 28 days is a popular composite outcome measure (COM) in trials. However, early deaths and shorter pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay predominate in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A shorter time frame may reduce sample size required. We planned to compute sample size requirements for different effect sizes from datasets of previously conducted prospective studies for 28-day and 14-day time frames (VFD28 vs VFD14) to examine the hypothesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The VFD28 and VFD14 were defined. Datasets of five prospective studies from PICU of our hospital were analyzed to estimate sample sizes for target reductions of 1-9 days in VFDs and other COMs for the two time frames. Reconfirmation of results was done with datasets of two other studies from PICUs of two geographical extremes of the country. RESULTS: Time-to-event occurred within 14 days in majority of patients. Sample size required for VFD14 is about one-fifth to one-sixth of what is required for VFD28 for target reductions of 1-9 days for all the enrolled studies. The same was true for other COMs as well. The hypothesis was supported by datasets of two other studies used for reconfirmation. CONCLUSION: Choice of time frame for assessing VFDs and other COMs in clinical trials should be guided by the clinical context. A shorter time frame may be rewarding in terms of smaller sample size in the prevalent clinical setting of LMICs. Further confirmation with more datasets and prospective studies is desirable. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Baranwal AK, Kumar MP, Gupta PK. Comparison of Ventilator-free Days at 14 and 28 days as a Clinical Trial Outcome in Low- and Middle-income Countries. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(10):960-966.

Longitudinal Study of CPK-MB and Echocardiographic Measures of Myocardial Dysfunction in Pediatric Sepsis: Are Patients with Shock Different from Those without?

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction has implications on outcome. For lack of echocardiography in resource-limited settings, myocardial biomarkers may be an alternative monitoring tool. OBJECTIVE: This study was planned to explore the longitudinal behavior of creatine phosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB) in children with sepsis with and without shock, and its correlation with clinical and echocardiographic parameters over the first 10 days. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital in a lower-middle-income economy of South Asia. PATIENTS: Children (3 months to 12 years) with nonshock sepsis (NSS) (n = 40) and septic shock survivors (SSSs) (n = 40) after optimal resuscitation. Patients with catecholamine refractory shock, preexisting heart disease, and cardiorespiratory event within the past 1 month were excluded from the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pediatric logistic organ dysfunction (PeLOD) score, vasoactive inotrope score (VIS), CPK-MB, and echocardiographic measures of myocardial function were recorded on days 1, 3, 7, and 10. Echocardiography was repeated at 1 month. Both groups were similar at baseline. The SSSs had higher CPK-MB (180 vs 53 IU/L; p < 0.001) and PeLOD score (2 ± 0.4 vs 11.7 ± 5.1, p < 0.001) on day 1 compared to the NSS children. More than half of the SSS and none of the NSS patients had myocardial dysfunction. Reduction in CPK-MB over 10 days correlated well with improvement in PeLOD (p < 0.01), VIS (p = 0.04), and echocardiographic measures of myocardial dysfunction (p < 0.05) among SSSs. At 1 month follow-up, all had normal echocardiography. CONCLUSION: The SSSs had markedly elevated CPK-MB, and its fall paralleled the improvement in clinical status and myocardial dysfunctions. The CPK-MB could be a potential monitoring tool for septic cardiomyopathy in resource-limited settings. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Baranwal AK, Deepthi G, Rohit MK, Jayashree M, Angurana SK, Kumar-M P. Longitudinal Study of CPK-MB and Echocardiographic Measures of Myocardial Dysfunction in Pediatric Sepsis: Are Patients with Shock Different from Those without? Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(2):109-115.

Liquid Mosquito Repellent Ingestion in Children.

OBJECTIVES: Hydrocarbons are a common cause of accidental poisoning in children, with kerosene being the most implicated agent in rural parts of India. However, lately, liquid mosquito repellent ingestion is emerging as an important cause of hydrocarbon (kerosene) poisoning in urban households. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series over a 5-y period (January 2013 - December 2017) of children with accidental liquid mosquito repellent ingestion presenting to the pediatric emergency. Epidemiology, clinical profile, management and outcomes are discussed. RESULTS: Twenty-three children with median (IQR) age of 24 (18.8-32) mo presented after mean (SD) interval of 6 (3) h from ingestion. Majority (20, 87%) were seen during summer months (March-June) and all were from urban background. Sixteen (70%) had mild-moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring supplemental oxygen with or without positive airway pressure for a mean (SD) duration of 3.3 (1.9) d. All except one survived. CONCLUSIONS: Children with accidental liquid mosquito repellent ingestion had predominant aspiration pneumonitis due to hydrocarbon content rather than neurological complications attributable to synthetic pyrethroids. Ensuring child-proof containers, appropriate storage, regulatory surveillance and parental awareness are must for prevention.

Suspecting Hyperferritinemic Sepsis in Iron-Deficient Population: Do We Need a Lower Plasma Ferritin Threshold?

OBJECTIVES: Hyperferritinemia is being suggested to identify patients with sepsis-induced macrophage activation syndrome for early intervention. However, data among iron-deficient children are scarce. This study was planned to explore the biological behavior of plasma ferritin in children from communities with a high frequency of iron deficiency with septic shock and its association with the outcome. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary care teaching hospital in a low-middle income economy of South Asia. PATIENTS OR SUBJECTS: Patients (6 mo to 12 yr) (n = 42) with septic shock and their healthy siblings as controls (n = 36). Patients/controls with blood transfusion/iron supplement during last 6 months or with any chronic disease were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ferritin was measured in patients at enrollment and then at 1 month of hospital discharge while they were not on iron supplementation and in controls as indicative of baseline level. Patients' median age was 30 months (13.5-87 mo), 31% were malnourished, majority (86%) had anemia, and two thirds had microcytic hypochromic red cells. Ferritin at admission was 763 ng/mL (480-1,820 ng/mL) in nonsurvivors, whereas 415 ng/mL (262-852 ng/mL) in survivors (p = 0.11). Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction score and C-reactive protein correlated positively with plasma ferritin (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively) at enrollment. Elevated ferritin of greater than 500 ng/mL (relative risk, 2.48; 95% CI, 0.95-6.43) and greater than 1,000 ng/mL (relative risk, 1.94; 95% CI, 0.94-4.02) were associated with higher mortality but not independently. Among survivors, the 1-month follow-up ferritin fell significantly to 97 ng/mL (16-118 ng/mL) (p = 0.001). However, it was still significantly higher than that in sibling controls (19 ng/mL [10-54 ng/mL]) (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Ferritin rises significantly in septic shock patients despite iron deficiency and seems to correlate with the severity of inflammation and organ dysfunction. Even a lower threshold (of 500 or 1,000 ng/mL) could predict higher mortality. It may suggest the need for redefining the plasma ferritin threshold for suspecting hyperferritinemic sepsis and sepsis-induced macrophage activation syndrome in these patients. Larger studies with frequent ferritin measurements are desirable to validate these initial observations.

Child with Allergies or Allergic Reactions.

Incidence of allergic disorders in children has increased significantly over time due to environmental and life-style changes. These include allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, food allergies, bronchial asthma, drug allergies, insect bites and anaphylaxis; most being IgE-mediated type 1 hypersensitivity reactions to common environmental and food antigens. Although most of them are self-limiting, they may adversely affect the quality of life and sometimes become life-threatening as well. These conditions are more likely to get underestimated, or over-diagnosed as recurrent infections. Hence a careful history and physical examination by attending pediatrician are necessary to differentiate it from infections. Diagnostic tests have limited value in identifying the inciting allergen. Management includes avoidance of the inciting allergens (if known), combined with symptomatic relief provided by a combination of pharmacological agents, e.g., antihistamines, anticholinergics, chromones, leukotriene-modifying agents, topical and systemic steroids. Further, specialist consultation needs to be sought, for children with recurrent or persistent symptoms. The scope of this manuscript does not include bronchial asthma.

High-dose Oral Ambroxol for Early Treatment of Pulmonary Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: an Exploratory, Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of high-dose oral ambroxol in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with respect to ventilator-free days (VFD). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded pilot trial. PATIENTS: Sixty-six mechanically ventilated patients (1 month to 12 years) with ARDS who were hand-ventilated for <24 hr before pediatric intensive care unit admission. INTERVENTIONS: Patients randomized to oral ambroxol (40 mg/kg/day, in four divided doses) (n = 32) or placebo (n = 34) until 10 days, extubation or death whichever is earlier. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Majority (91%) had pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Two study groups were similar in baseline characteristics. Mean partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen and oxygenation index were >175 and <10, respectively, with no difference in the two study groups. VFD were similar in the two study groups. Overall mortality was 26%. No adverse events were noted with ambroxol. CONCLUSIONS: Among ventilated pulmonary ARDS patients with oxygenation index of <10, mortality was 26%. Ambroxol did not improve VFD. Study with higher and more frequently administered doses of ambroxol in larger sample is suggested after having generated relevant pharmacokinetic data among critically ill children.

Hypoalbuminemia in critically sick children.

CONTEXT: There is a paucity of data evaluating serum albumin levels and outcome of critically ill-children admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). AIMS: The aim was to study frequency of hypoalbuminemia and examine association between hypoalbuminemia and outcome in critically ill-children. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records of 435 patients admitted to 12 bedded pediatric ICU (PICU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with hypoalbuminemia on admission or any time during PICU stay were compared with normoalbuminemic patients for demographic and clinical profile. Effect of albumin infusion was also examined. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated using SPSS 16. RESULTS: Hypoalbuminemia was present on admission in 21% (92 of 435) patients that increased to 34% at the end of 1(st) week and to 37% (164 of 435) during rest of the stay in PICU. Hypoalbuminemic patients had higher Pediatric Risk of Mortality scores (12.9 vs. 7.5, P < 0.001) and prolonged PICU stay (13.8 vs. 6.7 days, P < 0.001); higher likelihood of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilaton (84.8% vs. 28.8%, P < 0.001), prolonged ventilatory support, progression to multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (87.8% vs. 16.2%) and risk of mortality (25.6% vs. 17.7%). Though, the survivors among recipients of albumin infusion had significantly higher increase in serum albumin level (0.76 g/dL, standard deviation [SD] 0.54) compared with nonsurvivors (0.46 g/dL, SD 0.44; P = 0.016), albumin infusion did not reduce the risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoalbuminemia is a significant indicator of mortality and morbidity in critically sick children. More studies are needed to define role of albumin infusion in treatment of such patients.