Point-of-care ultrasound use in pediatric intensive care units in Turkey.

Background: Point-of-care ultrasound is commonly used in pediatric intensive care units in recent years. The aim of this study was to find an answer to the question `where are we now in Turkish pediatric intensive care units for point-of-care ultrasound use?`.

Methods: This was a multicenter, descriptive study in which we developed an online survey. We asked 45 questions about point-of-care ultrasound using fields and training status of clinicians in pediatric intensive care units.

Results: A total of 29 units responded to the questions completely. Of all included units 41.4% were in public hospitals, 6.9% in city hospitals (public-private partnership) and 51.7% in university hospitals. The most common use of point-of-care ultrasound was central venous catheter insertion. Lung ultrasound use rates for detection of pleural effusion, evaluation of pneumothorax, and diagnosis of pneumonia were 93.1%, 86.2%, and 34.5%, respectively. Critical care echocardiography use rate was 79.3%. In 89.7% of the units, intensive care specialists had been specifically trained for the use of point-of-care ultrasound.

Conclusions: Our study showed that point-of-care ultrasound was not only used for central venous catheterization but also for widespread fields in pediatric intensive care units. With an experienced team, it is possible to perform rapid, noninvasive and repeatable ultrasonographic assessment of patients. In our view point-of-care ultrasound is the new stethoscope of critical care physicians.