Pulmonary artery catheterization in children.

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature addressing use of the pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) in pediatric patients.

DATA SOURCE

All pertinent English language articles dealing with the use of pulmonary artery catheterization in pediatric patients were retrieved from 1979 through 1996.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles were chosen for review if the use of pulmonary artery catheterization in pediatric patients was studied or reviewed.

DATA EXTRACTION

From the articles selected, information was obtained about changes in diagnosis, therapy and outcome associated with PAC use in pediatric patients.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The available literature suggests substantial value from the information made available by use of the PAC in a small group of critically ill infants and children.

CONCLUSION

Until there is substantive evidence in children that outcome is negatively affected by their use, PACs should remain available. Experienced physicians should directly supervise PAC insertion and use.