Aster CMI Hospital has announced the launch of PEARL (Pediatric Emergency and Advanced Response for Liver Care) -Pediatric Liver Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This specialised unit has been purpose-built to exclusively manage children with severe and life-threatening liver conditions, bringing a new level of focused, timely, and highly specialised care to pediatric healthcare. The unit was inaugurated by M Maheshwar Rao (IAS), Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), in the presence of senior leadership and clinical experts from Aster Hospitals.
Pediatric liver emergencies often escalate rapidly, leading to complications such as brain swelling, infections, organ failure, and metabolic disturbances. Addressing these complexities requires coordinated, specialist-led approach centered on liver health. Equipped with advanced monitoring systems and supported by a multidisciplinary team of pediatric hepatologists, liver transplant surgeons, intensivists, anesthetists, infectious disease specialists, and specially trained liver ICU nurses, PEARL aims to enable rapid response, precision care, and continuous monitoring during critical moments.
Speaking on the launch, Prof. (Dr) N. Karthik Nagesh, Program Director-Pediatric Centre’s of Excellence, Aster CMI Hospital, Karnataka, said, “In pediatric liver emergencies, every minute is crucial. With PEARL, we are able to initiate early, targeted interventions and provide continuous, liver-focused critical care tailored specifically for children. This approach significantly improves clinical outcomes and, in some cases, supports recovery without the need for liver transplantation”.
Dr Sonal Asthana, Program Director, Hepatobiliary Surgery and Multiorgan Transplantation,Aster CMI Hospital, Karnataka,said, “The Aster Integrated Liver Care Team is Karnataka’s largest liver care and transplant provider, treating more than 7000 patients with liver disease annually. The ILC performs more than 100 liver transplantation procedures in Bangalore annually, of which a significant number are for Pediatric liver failure. Many children from non-affordable families are offered lifesaving transplants under an innovative affordable liver transplant program. The launch of a dedicated Pediatric liver ICU highlights our commitment to providing world class interdisciplinary care for these very sick children”.
Dr Prashanth N, CEO, Aster Hospitals, Karnataka, added, “The launch of PEARL reflects our commitment to redefining pediatric critical care. By establishing a dedicated liver ICU backed by expert multidisciplinary teams, we are strengthening our ability to deliver timely, specialised, and comprehensive care for critically ill children, while setting new benchmarks in pediatric healthcare”.
PEARL is structured around the unique needs of children with liver failure, ensuring that every aspect of care from monitoring and medication to intervention protocols is precisely aligned. This focused approach enables early detection, faster intervention, and improved recovery outcomes, which may avoid the requirement for transplantation in some children. The unit also emphasises family-centered care, offering clear communication, emotional support, and guidance to families during critical times.