Icu

About ICU

People are admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) because they need intense support for failing organ systems, treatment, constant monitoring and frequent nursing care. In some hospitals ICUs are called intensive therapy units (ITUs) or critical care units (CCUs). Critical illness is different from any illness that most people are likely to have encountered before. It is often unexpected and sudden, and can strike the previously fit as well as the frail. It is often life-threatening, and high levels of treatment and support may be required, especially in the early stages. People with critical illness basically suffer from failure of one or more of their body's organ systems such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, or even the brain. All of these organs work closely together in the healthy body, so it is not surprising that when one fails, others often follow. This is called multiple organ failure.