Pediatrics

Pediatric Hospital located within the Acibadem Sistina Hospital complex provides Hospital Ward,  Pediatric and Neonatal Outpatient Care and 24/7 Emergency Center including three intensive care units – Neonatal, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and Pediatric Intensive Care. Spread over an area of ​​4,000 square meters, the Hospital includes Pediatric Cardiac Surgery with Intensive Care Unit and Interventional Pediatric Cardiology, Day Hospital, as well as Center for Early Detection and Treatment of Children with all forms of developmental disabilities. The team taking care of children’s health involves 210 leading professionals and 80 nurses. Considering the number of personnel, services and treatment it offers to children, together with the leading staff of renowned doctors, as well as the most advanced technology and equipment, the Pediatric Hospital obtains the primacy as the only and the most modern pediatric hospital of this type in the country and region.

In addition to covering all aspects of the uppermost medical care for children, it is distinctive in its unique universe-themed design. Using this design, the Hospital inserts educational and entertaining contents, providing an additional experience during the visit and stay of the children.

OUTPATIENT CARE

The Outpatient Care has 14 pediatric and 4 neonatal outpatient care units available, providing complete healthcare for children in one place. The children are taken care of by 36 leading and experienced pediatricians – subspecialists in pediatric cardiac surgery, pediatric cardiology, pediatric rheumatology, pediatric pulmonology- allergology, pediatric neurology, pediatric nephrology, and pediatric hematology-oncology. The hospital also covers developmental pediatrics, orthopedics, gastroenterohepatology, as well as special pediatric education, pediatric anesthesiology, pediatric dermatology, pediatric radiology, pediatric otorhinolaryngology and pediatric dietology and nutrition. The Outpatient Care has 10 diagnostic outpatient units, such as examination rooms for echosonography, spirometry, pulmonology-allergology, an EMG examination room and an EEG examination room. There is also an examination room for pediatric bronchoscopy with anesthesia, an examination room for diagnosis of blood diseases (cytomorphological analysis of peripheral smear, bone marrow biopsy with cytomorphological analysis, diagnosis of malignant blood diseases and solid tumors, an examination room for invasive diagnostic procedures, endoscopic examinations, an examination room for pediatric gastroscopy and an examination room for pediatric colonoscopy with anesthesia, an examination room for organ biopsy, radiological and imaging diagnostics, PET-CT, MRI 3 Tesla, MRI 1.5 Tesla, CT 128 SLICE, as well as a catheterization room for performing cardiac procedures in children.

SUBSPECIALITIES

In case of specific diseases, 36 leading and experienced pediatricians – subspecialists take care for the children.  Thanks to their experience, children can have an accurate and timely diagnosis at one place.

Cardiology and Rheumatology. Cardiac healthcare of your child starts even during the pregnancy. Pregnant women at “Acibadem Sistina” have the opportunity to perform fetal echocardiography providing early detection of cardiac anomalies in the fetus. The pediatric cardiologist team performs cardiac screening of newborns and cardiac ultrasound in children. Special emphasis is put on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. By opening the Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, along with the diagnosis of heart defects in children, Acibadem Sistina Hospital provides treatment to pediatric cardiac surgery patients as well. 

Pulmoallergology.  Our experienced pulmonologist-allergist team provides allergy type diagnostics by using allergy skin tests; it also identifies reasons for coughing, makes diagnosis by measuring FeNO (nitric oxide) for allergy bronchial susceptibility level; it detects asthmatic respiratory tract and measures airflow in the respiratory tract by pulmonary function testing.

Neurology. Thanks to its proven experts the Pediatric Hospital provide diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions in childhood (developmental monitoring of premature babies and risky pregnancy babies, epilepsy and epileptic syndromes in childhood, neuromuscular diseases, infections of the neuromuscular system, immune and degenerative diseases of the neurology system, acute and chronic headaches, and developmental disorders). 

Nephrology.  Subspecialist examination by a pediatric nephrologist enables early detection of congenital malformations of the urinary system, neonatal ultrasound nephrology screening, early diagnosis and treatment of urinary infections in children and early detection and monitoring of chronic nephrology diseases. Our hospital provides consultative examinations to make decisions on surgical treatment for a nephrology disease.

Hematology-oncology. Pediatric hematology area offers diagnostics and treatment of all diseases, starting from the red blood cell disorders, all types of anemia, leukocyte disorders in terms of leukocytosis and leucopenia, platelet disorders, most commonly thrombocytopenia, acute and chronic inflammations of the lymph nodes and coagulation disorders. The oncology unit provides possibility for diagnosing malignant diseases in children. The hospital has advanced equipment for solid tumor diagnostics, determining specific tumor markers, performing core-biopsy and making pathohistological diagnosis, possibility for surgical intervention by a pediatric surgeon and a neurosurgeon, as well as the most modern accelerator for radiotherapy.

Gastroenterohepatology Experience in this field gives possibility for diagnosis and treatment of all gastrointestinal tract disorders, hepatic and pancreatic diseases. A variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and diseases are promptly diagnosed and treated, including chronic abdominal pain, reflux, constipation, vomiting and nausea, and nutritional problems. Specialized conditions are treated as well, including inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), biliary atresia, hepatitis, celiac disease, reflux disease, eosinophilic gastrointestinal conditions, obesity, and short bowel syndrome.

Orthopedics. The orthopedic team performs early screening for congenital and acquired diseases of the locomotor system (at the maternity ward); regular orthopedic – clinical and sonography – examinations in the first year; clinical and ultrasound examinations of bone and joint, muscle and tendon apparatus in children. The orthopedic team offers conservative and operative treatment of hip dysplasia and luxation; monitoring and conservative and operative treatment of childhood deformities; conservative and operative treatment of congenital clubfoot by the Ponceti Method; intra-articular application of therapy; punctures of articular and extra-articular changes; diagnosis and treatment of locomotor system infections; diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal tumors; conservative treatment and monitoring as well as corrective interventions in children with special needs.

Anesthesiology. A team of anesthesiologists is available with an aim to enable reliable, safe and painless interventions for your child; they are in charge of administering general anesthesia, regional anesthesia or sedation in all general surgical interventions, cardiac surgeries, ENT interventions and diagnostic imaging in children.

Otorhinolaryngology. The experienced team of otorhinolaryngologists enable prompt and precise diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the tonsils and adenoid vegetations, obstructive sleep apnea, and secretory otitis in childhood. Treatment of congenital malformations, such as choanal atresia, congenital anomalies of the ear, larynx, etc. is also available.

Dermatology. The team of dermatologists provides diagnosis of all pediatric dermatoses and exanthems in childhood, as well as their treatment. Thanks to modern medical technology, including dermatoscopy, all skin changes in children are timely detected. There is possibility for hospitalization at the Pediatric Inpatient Ward for all children who need hospital treatment due to skin diseases in childhood.

Pediatric dietology and nutrition. Fetal nutrition (during pregnancy), infant nutrition, nutrition in early childhood and adolescence are basis for a proper growth and development of your child. Fetal anomalies and inappropriate birth weight could be prevented, micro- and macro- nutritional needs could be corrected and adapted according to the age, sex and physiological conditions individually. Thanks to the high-quality equipment and medical experienced practices the team of doctors will professionally answer and treat symptoms, conditions and diseases that occur or are consequence of problems with the nutrition and its intolerance (gluten, lactose, celiac disease); constipation/diarrhea; diet therapy for hepatic and renal diseases, diabetes, nutritional support of the immune system. The treatment of obesity, low body weight and malnutrition is our top priority in healthcare for the children.

PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CENTER

The most modern Pediatric Emergency Center, including 5 observation rooms and an interventional room, operates within the Hospital with an aim to provide care for sick children at any time. It is designed following the example of world renowned emergency departments. Its multi-disciplinary team of doctors could treat all emergencies in children. The Emergency Center is open 24 hours a day, every day per week. The Emergency Center has all necessary equipment for monitoring children and their treatment, and it is designed and equipped as a pleasant children’s environment in order to reduce the stress and discomfort of staying in a hospital both for the child and its accompaniment.

 DAY HOSPITAL

With a capacity of 5 separate rooms for patient observations, the Day Hospital provides healthcare for sick children who need a short hospital stay. Infusion therapy, medication administration, rehydration and inhalation in pediatric patients as well as monitoring of children following diagnostic procedures that require short-term anesthesia are performed within this area.

CENTER FOR EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Early detection of developmental deviations in children and their timely treatment are of particular importance for further development of these patients. The Center employs a multidisciplinary team made up of a developmental pediatrician, pediatric neurologists and a special educator- speech therapist, providing simultaneous treatment for children, correlation of the obtained results and continuous monitoring of the treatment effects. Each child’s treatment is individualized, following a predetermined plan of activities that delivers successful results. The Center is located in a separate section in order to provide the necessary conditions to work with children with disabilities.

PEDIATRIC INPATIENT WARD

Pediatric Inpatient Ward provides treatment for sick children aged 0 to 16 years. The most modern diagnostics and treatment are performed at this ward, based on worldwide practiced protocols for treating pediatric diseases. It has 16 modern single accommodation capacities, out of which two VIP rooms and one isolation room under negative pressure, meeting the highest healthcare and aesthetic criteria. The rooms and suites accommodate parents’ stay with their children.

NEONATOLOGY

Neonatal Inpatient Ward provides 27 neonatal beds, designed by the principle of mother & baby (Rooming-in), implying 24-hour joint stay of the newborn with its mother after the delivery. Acibadem Sistina has been practicing this concept since the very beginning, earning it the prestigious UNICEF award ​​– Baby-friendly Hospital. The Neonatology Department employs a team of proven neonatologists and nurses who are also available for patronage. Within the Department there is a neonatal outpatient care where regular control examinations are performed to monitor the growth and development of newborns and infants up to one year of age. Parents get expert advices on taking care of the newborn as well as education on the importance of breast milk and breastfeeding. There is a specially equipped room for breastfeeding and milking within the Department in order to provide conditions for unhindered breastfeeding, i.e. use of breast milk in newborns with nutritional difficulties (premature babies and newborns staying at Intensive Care Unit). 

NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has 13 intensive care units, two of which are isolated. It employs the best experts for intensive treatment and monitoring of premature born and critically ill babies, together with highly educated nurses. NICU operates the most up-to-date equipment for infant care and stay (incubator and hot beds, so called infant warmers or babyterm), monitoring (24-hour monitoring of essential vital parameters) and respiratory assistance (so-called machines for invasive and noninvasive ventilation). Accurate diagnostics is made very promptly by using the most advanced diagnostic equipment (ultrasound and X-ray diagnostics set at the place where the baby is staying. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is open to admittance of external patients (newborns born at other medical centers) who require special care and treatment.

NEWBORN EMERGENCY TRANSPORT SERVICE

“Acibadem Sistina” provides transportation of critically ill newborns and infants from one medical center to another within the country and in the region, as well as transportation to and from Acibadem Sistina Hospital. Highly specialized mobile unit for transportation and intensive care has the most modern ambulance and sophisticated equipment such as: transport incubator, transport respirator, monitor, intubation set and infusion pump systems. This service is realized by a medical team consisting of 12 doctors (7 neonatal intensivists and 5 pediatric intensivists) and 10 nurses, specially trained to perform emergency neonatal and pediatric transport.

PEDIATRIC SURGERY

Acibadem Sistina Hospital performs a wide range of surgical procedures in children – surgery in infants and young children, pediatric digestive surgery, pediatric urology and pediatric reconstructive urology, pediatric trauma, pediatric thoracic surgery, pediatric oncology surgery, pediatric plastic surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, ear, nose and throat surgery in children and pediatric orthopedics. Opening of the Cardiac Surgery Department allows to perform the most complicated cardiac surgeries. Thanks to the sophisticated, advanced equipment available at the hospital, most interventions are performed by minimally invasive approach via a small surgical incision resulting in less pain, faster healing and shorter hospital stay for the children.

 PEDIATRIC CARDIAC SURGERY

The Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery with Cardiology of Acibadem Sistina Hospital is the first fully equipped and staffed pediatric cardiac surgery center in the country providing diagnosis and treatment for children with congenital and acquired heart defects aged 0 to 18 years. In a modernly arranged space, it has an Inpatient Ward and Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care equipped with the most modern medical technology that enables highly professional 24-hour care and monitoring of patients. The health of the children is taken care of by an experienced team consisting of cardiac surgeons, pediatricians with experience in pediatric intensive care, pediatric cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists, cardiac perfusionists and nurses trained in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery. The Cardiac Surgery Department also includes Pediatric Intensive Care, consisting of 7 pediatric intensive care units and 7 pediatric cardiac surgery units built in compliance with world protocols.

Thanks to its multidisciplinary approach, infrastructure, staff and technological equipment, the Department provides integrated care for cardiac diseases, from accurate diagnosis (prenatal and/or postnatal) to final treatment, including post-surgical intensive care, which is a rarity in the hospitals in the region. The Department provides surgical treatments for the full range of congenital heart defects, which are usually performed in the first year of life, as well as further monitoring of the patients.

With its infrastructure and staff, for the first time in our country the Department will be able to provide healthcare in the field of pediatric surgery and pediatrics to all children in need of intensive care and resuscitation, from their earliest age up to 18 years.

For the citizens of Macedonia, all cardiac surgery services of the Department are covered by the Macedonian Health Insurance Fund.

PEDIATRIC CARDIAC SURGERY REFERENCE CENTER IN THE REGION

Our doctors cooperate with doctors from the Acibadem Healthcare Group hospitals, Turkey, who have an extensive experience of over 15,000 cardiac surgeries behind them. Thanks to their support, the Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery aims to replicate the successful experience of the Acibadem hospitals, Istanbul, and to grow into a reference center for cardiac surgery patients from across the region.

CARDIAC SURGERY INTENSIVE CARE

The Intensive Care Unit consists of 7 pediatric intensive care units and 7 pediatric cardiac surgery units. Each unit is equipped with invasive monitors displaying vital parameters, connected to a sophisticated central monitoring system that enables monitoring from multiple locations in the Department. Each intensive care unit contains an adequate central gas supply system with the possibility of placing the patient on mechanical ventilators suitable for invasive and non-invasive ventilation. Each unit contains a sufficient number of state-of-the-art perfusors, infusometers, humidifiers, heaters, echotomography machine, gas analyzers, ACT machines, latest technology dialysis machines for children, defibrillators, pacemakers, electrocardiograph.

INPATIENT WARD

The Inpatient Ward is located in close connection with the Intensive Care Unit for the purpose of constant supervision by the professional team. It provides modern diagnostics and treatment in compliance with world protocols for pediatric diseases treatment. The Inpatient Ward consists of 2 patient rooms (apartments) adapted for hospital stay of children with accompaniment.