Karen Choong, MB, BCh; MSc
SPECIALTY AND TITLE
Professor, Pediatric Critical Care
HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS
McMaster Children’s Hospital
UNIVERSITY AFFILIATIONS
McMaster University
AREA OF RESEARCH
My current research is focused on Pediatric ICU-based Rehabilitation, patient and family centered outcomes, and sepsis interventions. I am the lead investigator of the “Exercise and Early Rehabilitation in Critically Ill Children, a Systematic Evaluation (EXERCISE)” program of research, which is focused on reducing PICU-acquired morbidities and improving functional and quality-of-life outcomes in critically ill children, from within to beyond the PICU.
MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO SCIENCE AND/OR HEALTH CARE DELIVERY
PICU Outcomes and Rehabilitation: established foundational evidence for post-intensive care sequalae and priority outcomes for critically ill children and families. Established evidence for early rehabilitation, consensus practice recommendations and implementation in critically ill children. Lead investigator, COVID-19 long-term outcomes research. Fluids: Lead investigator of landmark RCT that established isotonic fluids as the safer fluid choice for maintenance IV fluid management in children. Ongoing research on fluid management during and post resuscitation. Sepsis: I led one of the first pediatric RCTs evaluating vasopressor use in pediatric septic shock. Co-investigator on multiple sepsis studies. Methodologist and panel member for Pediatric Surviving Sepsis Campaign International guidelines (3rd edition). End-of-life Care in ICU: Lead author on a framework for conflict resolution.