Analysis of ingestion admissions in a midsized pediatric intensive care unit.

Background: Pediatric ingestion of toxic substances is a complicated cause of morbidity. Currently, there is limited literature on toxic ingestions resulting in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to quantify the number and financial costs of admissions for toxic ingestion.

Implementation of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy Outside the Intensive Care Setting.

Background: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is an option for respiratory support in patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure. To improve patient outcomes, reduce ICU-associated costs, and ease ICU bed availability, a multi-phased, comprehensive strategy was implemented to make HFNC available outside the ICU under the supervision of pulmonology or trauma providers in cooperation with a dedicated respiratory therapy team. The purpose of this study was to describe the education and implementation process for initiating HFNC therapy outside the ICU and to convey key patient demographics and outcomes from the implementation period.