Dr Kiran Kumar G

Continental Hospitals,
India

Abstract Title:Transforming Critical Care: The Impact of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs)

Biography:

Dr. Kiran Kumar G is a distinguished Pediatrician, Pediatric Intensivist, and Healthcare Strategist at Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad, India, with over 15 years of clinical experience in pediatric critical care. Renowned for his innovative approach, he has been instrumental in integrating point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and non-invasive biosensing technologies into routine neonatal and pediatric intensive care workflows. A passionate educator and national speaker, Dr. Kiran actively advocates for POCUS training across India and leads capacity-building initiatives in pediatric emergency care. His interests span allergy and skin health, digital health innovation, and strategic healthcare planning. He is widely recognized for his leadership in pediatric workshops and transformation projects that blend clinical excellence with technology-driven solutions. Dr. Kiran has received multiple awards for excellence in pediatric practice and regularly contributes to academic platforms focused on advancing child healthcare through research, innovation, and education.

Research Interest:

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) has revolutionized bedside diagnostics and clinical decision-making in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs), offering a real-time, radiation-free, and repeatable modality for critically ill children. In recent years, POCUS has become an indispensable extension of the pediatric intensivist’s clinical examination, aiding in the assessment of hemodynamic instability, respiratory distress, and guiding life-saving procedures. Recent guidelines from organizations such as the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM), European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC), and Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) emphasize the integration of POCUS for rapid evaluation and intervention in pediatric emergencies. From lung ultrasound for diagnosing pneumonia, effusions, or pneumothorax to targeted cardiac scans for volume status and contractility, POCUS enhances precision in critical care. Moreover, POCUS supports procedural safety, including vascular access, pleural taps, pericardiocentesis, reducing iatrogenic complications and improving outcomes. The BLUE, FALLS, and RUSH protocols adapted for pediatrics further illustrate structured approaches for common PICU challenges. Despite its proven utility, barriers such as training, standardization, and credentialing remain. However, structured POCUS training programs and credentialing pathways are increasingly being adopted globally to ensure safety and proficiency. This presentation will review the evidence-based impact of POCUS in PICUs, highlight practical case applications, and suggest a roadmap for widespread integration in pediatric critical care settings. Keywords: Pediatric POCUS Critical Care Ultrasound Lung Ultrasound in PICU Hemodynamic Assessment Bedside Procedures