Brain-Focused Critical Care Expands Beyond the NICU

This narrative review argues that neurodevelopmental care bundles once confined to neonatal units should become routine practice across pediatric and cardiac ICUs, with an explicit role for pharmacists on interdisciplinary developmental teams.

NIDCAPdevelopmental careneuroprotectiondeliriumsedationanalgesiaPANDEMICU Liberationcongenital heart diseasepediatric critical carecardiac ICUnarrative reviewfamily-centered careearly mobility Critical Care / ICU

Background Information

Shifting pediatric critical care towards brain-focused outcomes.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes are critical for pediatric ICU survivors, influencing long-term quality of life and functional status. Evidence supports that neurodevelopmental care may reduce delirium rates, enhance functional recovery, and improve early developmental outcomes. This review highlights the importance of integrating brain-focused care across all pediatric critical care settings, though evidence strength and outcomes vary. Implementing brain-focused critical care may improve long-term outcomes for pediatric ICU patients.

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Authors: Morag S, Bernstein T, Jones MB, Wernovsky G, Pollak U

Citation: Morag S, Bernstein T, Jones MB, et al. Neurodevelopmental care across pediatric critical care settings: toward brain-focused critical care. European journal of pediatrics. 2026;185(7). doi:10.1007/s00431-026-07203-y

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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Executive Summary

Study Design

Patient Population

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile

Pharmacist Implications

Clinical Pearls

Limitations

Controversies & Evidence Gaps

Cost & Logistics

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