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


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


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


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


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Thompson
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Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
D002302:Cardiac Output; D002407:Catheterization, Swan-Ganz / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D012769:Shock / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome