Management of Autism in the Adult Intensive Care Unit. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hsieh, Emily; Oh, Scott S.; Chellappa, Parkavi; Szeftel, Roxy; Jones, Heather D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of intensive care medicine. Volume 29:Number 1(2014:Jan./Feb.)
• Page Start: 47
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: autism -- intensive care unit -- dexmedetomidine -- acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Critical Care -- Periodicals; Soins intensifs -- Périodiques; Soins intensifs; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.02805
• DOI: 10.1177/0885066612470236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-0666

Abstract

Autism comprises a growing segment of the population and can be a management challenge in the intensive care unit (ICU). We present the case of a 22-year-old male with severe autism and intellectual disorder who developed respiratory failure and required a prolonged ICU course. This patient exhibited severe distress, aggression, and self-injurious behavior. Management challenges included sedation, weaning from sedation, and liberation from mechanical ventilation. Success was achieved with a multispecialty team and by tailoring the environment and interactions to the patient's known preferences. The use of dexmedetomidine to wean high-dose benzodiazepines and opiates also permitted successful liberation from mechanical ventilation.