Post-intensive care syndrome: a state-of-the-art review

2026/01/01 by Yie Hui Lau, Shu Han Chong, Geetha Kayambu +5
Medicine · #Intensive Care Unit Cognitive Disorders #Nosocomial Infections in ICU #Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment

paper · doi:10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2025-099

crossref issued 2026/01/01 · crossref published 2026/01/01 · crossref published-print 2026/01/01 · openalex publication_date 2026/01/01 · crossref published-online 2026/01/24 · crossref created 2026/01/25 · openalex created_date 2026/01/26 · crossref deposited 2026/01/26 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25 · crossref indexed 2026/07/29

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) refers to a constellation of chronic symptoms and deficits experienced by both adult and paediatric survivors of critical illness. These may include impairment in physical, cognitive and mental domains several months after admission to the intensive care unit. Affected patients may experience chronic pain, sleep disturbances and swallowing dysfunction, which may impact their quality of life. Beyond the medical consequences, PICS poses psychological and financial challenges to both patients and their caregivers. This state-of-the-art review provides a comprehensive overview of current evidence on PICS, including key risk factors, screening instruments and potential treatment strategies. Future efforts should prioritise standardised data collection, family-centred care and restoration of health-related quality of life.

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