OBJECTIVEAcute intracranial hypertension/cerebral edema (ICH/CE) is an increase in brain volume caused by an absolute increase in cerebral tissue water content. Severe ICH/CE is often associated with a higher mortality and higher neurological consequence rate in intensive care unit. However, little relevant information is available on critical condition of central nervous system in children. The aim of this survey was to study the causes, clinical epidemiology and risk factors of critical illness with ICH/CE in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

METHODSCase records of critically ill patients with ICH/CE admitted to PICU in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University during the period from January, 1999 to December, 2003 were reviewed for causes, case fatality rate, prognosis and relationship with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Univariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with ICH/CE.

RESULTSDuring the 5 years, 1446 cases with critical illnesses were admitted and ICH/CE developed in 216 patients. The leading causes of ICH/CE were central nervous system infection (27.8%), accidental injuries (22.4%), and sepsis (10.2%). The overall mortality of the patients with ICH/CE was 29.2%. The mortality showed no significant change during the years from 1999 to 2003 (chi(2) = 0.371, P = 0.985). There was no significant difference in mortality of patients with ICH/CE between those with and without neurological diseases (chi(2) = 0.546, P = 0.460). Univariate analyses involving 12 factors indicated the following risk factors: younger age, number of failed organ, lower pediatric critical illness score, underlying diseases, abnormal respiration and change in size of pupil (P < 0.05 or < 0.001). The following factors were not associated with higher risk of death from ICH/CE: sex, organ of primary disease, Glasgow coma score ( 7) on admission, elevated blood pressure and anterior fontanelle change (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe mortality of ICH/CE remains high since 1999. Central nervous system infection, accidental injuries, and sepsis were leading causes of ICH/CE in PICU of the hospital. Children who had ICH/CE due to younger age, lower pediatric critical illness score, and complicated with MODS had a higher mortality rate.