Although numerous studies have explored factors affecting length of stay (LOS) in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), current predictive models often lack the comprehensiveness needed for precise and effective healthcare planning. This study aimed to review the global literature regarding factors influencing LOS in PICUs, synthesizing the current understanding and identifying key factors that contributed to prolonged stays. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant studies using the PubMed database. The search covered literature published between the years 2016 and 2024, using keywords such as “LOS,” “Pediatric,” “Intensive Care Unit,” and “PICU.” Boolean operators “AND” and “OR” were utilized to refine the search results. A total of 260 studies were identified, and after a rigorous selection process, 39 studies were included in this systematic review. These studies examined various factors influencing LOS in PICU and the associated clinical outcomes, providing important statistical insights and identifying key influences on LOS. Younger age, prematurity, respiratory illnesses, co-infections, healthcare-associated infections, and mechanical ventilation were identified as the significantly prolonged LOS in PICU. Effective management practices, such as trained intensivist involvement and nutritional strategies, were associated with reduced LOS. The findings emphasized the importance of individualized care and optimized resource allocation to improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. Future research should focus on predictive models to anticipate LOS and guide care strategies in diverse settings.
Key words: Factors, length of stay, patients, pediatric intensive care unit, systematic review
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