Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Management and Discharge of a Severely Autistic Patient

摘要

Management of patients with autism and other behavior disorders can be difficult, especially in a hospital setting. A 17 y.o. patient with severe autism developed respiratory failure from status epilepticus and pulmonary aspiration. Following extubation, sedation with propofol was required to control behavior in the ICU. Successful discharge home was achieved via unique cooperation between the ICU and Emergency Department (ED). After transport to the ED, the propofol was discontinued and, following sufficient arousal, the patient left in the care of his family. This case emphasizes the need for active family involvement in the care of behaviorally difficult patients and a willingness to consider novel management strategies for such patients.