No parent ever wants their baby to visit intensive care, but sometimes, things don’t go as planned. In these moments, the best places for babies to receive the care they need are the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Though these units might seem the same, they serve different purposes. In this article, we will try to understand the between a NICU and a PICU.
But, first, let’s understand why babies go to the NICU and PICU.
Why do Babies go to the NICU or PICU?
Normally, babies go to the NICU or PICU for medical care. These units are equipped with advanced monitoring systems and specialised equipment that offer the highest level of care to your babies. Additionally, the staff at these units are trained to provide close supervision and attend to the intense needs of the patients.
What is a NICU?
A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, often referred to as the NICU, is a specialised hospital department that provides intensive care for premature newborn infants that require close medical attention and specialised care for unique health needs.
What is a PICU?
A Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, commonly called a PICU, provides medical care to critically ill infants, children, and teenagers. It is similar to an adult ICU but is specifically designed for children. Thus, the PICU staff includes paediatric specialists with training and experience in paediatric intensive care.
Understanding the Difference Between NICU and PICU
Now that you know the meaning of NICU and PICU, it’s time to understand their differences.
One of the biggest distinctions between NICU and PICU is that the former takes care of newborns, and the latter treats infants and children. Besides that, the NICU provides long-term growth and support to infants. It also focuses on parent education, discharge planning, and follow-up. On the other hand, the PICU provides shorter stays and gives stabilisation during crises. Remember, the length of stay depends on how serious the medical condition is.
Here’s a table summarising the difference between the NICU and PICU:
| Factor | NICU | PICU |
| Patient’s Age | Newborns (up to 28 days old) including premature, ill, or those with specific conditions. | Infants (1-12 months), children, teenagers, and young adults. |
| Type of Condition | Neonatal issues such as prematurity, respiratory distress, infections, and congenital anomalies. | A broader range of paediatric conditions including trauma, severe infections, organ failure, and post-surgical care. |
| Staff Expertise | Neonatologists, specialised nurses, and other experts in newborn care. | Paediatric intensivists, specialised nurses, and respiratory therapists with expertise in critical care for older children. |
| Family Involvement | Encourages parental involvement with possible restrictions due to newborn fragility. | Allows more active family participation in care decisions. |
| Technological Equipment | Specialised equipment for neonates, such as incubators, CPAP machines, and neonatal ventilators. | Advanced paediatric equipment, including high-frequency ventilators, ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), and more. |
| Family Support Services | May offer services like lactation consultation and parent education specific to newborn care. | Typically provides broader support services, including psychological support for families dealing with severe or chronic illnesses. |
If you’re expecting and looking for information on NICU and PICU services, consider visiting Apollo Cradle centres in Karapakkam (Chennai) and Indirapuram (Delhi NCR). These centresprioritise your child’s health and are dedicated to providing expert care and support during this crucial time.
Additionally, their other children’s and hospitals in Kondmaternityapur(Hyderabad), Amritsar, and various locations are equipped with advanced facilities and staffed by a compassionate team committed to the well-being of both mother and child.
