Pediatric Trauma Patients Research Articles

Predictors of Conservative Management Failure in Pediatric Renal Trauma: National Trauma Database Insights

Aim of the studyThis study aimed to evaluate contemporary management strategies of pediatric renal trauma, focusing on the failure of conservative management and identifying its predictors. MethodsThe National Trauma Database (2018–2021) was queried for pediatric patients (≤18 years) with renal injury, identified via AIS codes aligned with the AAST kidney injury grading system. Urological surgical procedures were identified via ICD-10 Procedure Codes. Patients were categorized into immediate surgical management (within 4 h), conservative management (no surgery), and failed conservative management (surgery after 4 h). Demographics, injury characteristics, and clinical data were analyzed using descriptive and univariate statistical analyses (Wilcoxon Rank Sum, Chi-square, Odds Ratios). ResultsOf 7266 pediatric renal trauma patients, most were white (63.4 %) males (69.1 %), aged 12–18 (76.6 %), suffering from unintentional blunt trauma (86.9 %). Most (n = 6610, 95 %) received conservative management; however, 4.5 % (n = 298) failed. Common surgical interventions included ureteral stent placement (n = 200, 59 %), renal IR procedures (n = 44, 13 %), and nephrectomy (n = 33, 9.7 %). Nephrectomy rates at low AAST kidney injury grades (I–II) were higher with upfront surgical management (n = 7, 3.5 %) than with failed conservative management (n = 0). Predictors of failed conservative management included higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) and higher AAST kidney injury grades (III–V) (p < 0.05). ConclusionConservative management failed in 4.5 % of paediatric renal trauma cases, associated with higher AAST kidney injury grade and ISS. Upfront surgical management correlated with a higher nephrectomy rate at lower injury grades compared to failed conservative management. Refinement of pediatric trauma protocols is needed for optimal care. Level of EvidenceIII.

Evaluation of incidence and outcomes of compressive extradural haematoma-related infarcts in the paediatric population.

Traumatic extradural haematoma (EDH) is one of the neurosurgical emergencies in the paediatric population. One of the rare complications of extradural haematoma is adjacent parenchymal infarct from the compressive effect of haematoma leading to further morbidity. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of this rare complication in paediatric trauma patients. We undertook a retrospective review of all operative extradural haematoma cases in single centre paediatric neurosurgical unit between the years 2008 and 2024. Cases with postoperative imaging were analysed for demographics, age, sex, dimensions of haematoma and underlying infarct, pre-operative GCS and pupillary abnormality and time interval from scan to surgery. Infarct was defined as well-defined parenchymal hypodensity corresponding to vascular territory and not attributable to contusions on postoperative CT head performed at 24-72 h. All patients suspected of stroke had further MRI brain for evaluation. Statistical analysis was then performed comparing groups with and without infarct. Overall, 115 cases of extradural haematoma were identified during the study period. Eighty cases had adequate postoperative imaging to allow assessment for infarcts; 7.5% demonstrated evidence of infarct underlying extradural haematoma. Mean age in the infarct group was 1.8 years (M:F ratio 2:1) with mean EDH dimensions of 77 mm × 31.4 mm × 79.7 mm). Mean age in the non-infarct group was 8.6 years (M:F ratio 2:1) with mean EDH dimensions of (57.5 mm × 19.6 mm × 62.6 mm). Children with infarcts were significantly younger with larger haematoma dimensions and hada higher proportion of pupillary abnormalities. There was no significant difference in pre-operative GCS and scan-to-surgery time-lapse between the groups with and without infarct. Compressive effect of EDH can lead to underlying parenchymal infarct. Children with extradural haematoma-related infarct were younger with larger haematoma size and a higher proportion of pupillary abnormalities.

Pediatric safety profile of low titer O whole blood with increasing Anti-A and Anti-B titers

Abstract Objectives To add additional evidence to the safety of using low-titer O whole blood (LTOWB) in the massively hemorrhaging pediatric population, even with increasing allowance of anti-A and anti-B titers, up to 200. Methods A retrospective review from December 2021 to March 2023 of the blood bank and surgical massive transfusion protocols was performed with IRB approval to identify patients less than 18 years old who had received LTOWB as part of trauma resuscitation. In addition to patient characteristics, volume of LTOWB and other components were assessed, as well as Day 1-3 of serum potassium, creatinine, and total bilirubin. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed to compare continuous variables and Fisher’s exact tests were performed to compare categorical variables between group O blood groups patients and non-O blood group patients. Results Only ten patients were identified under 18 years of age who had received LTOWB during trauma resuscitation, with five being blood group O and five non-O. Patient characteristics were similar between the two groups; however, only 10% were female and 10% self-reported as Black or African American. Age in the non-O group was 15 +/- 3.0 and 16.2 +/- 1.3 in the O group, p=0.75. Weight was 56.16 kg +/- 7.17 in the non-O group and 64.02+/- 14.23 in the O group, p=0.35. LTOWB transfused was 10.46 mL/kg +/- 2.42 in the non-O group and 10.32 +/- 6.53 in the O group, p=0.25. Potassium, creatinine, and total bilirubin were similar on Days 1-3 in both groups, except a single high total bilirubin in the non-O group, and this value normalized on Day 3. Conclusion A small data set was extracted from the available massive transfusion protocol data, reflecting the small amount of pediatric patients requiring massive transfusion for trauma compared to adults. Moreover, the predominance of males requiring massive transfusion for trauma corresponds with general trauma trends in the United States. These data reflect and are similar to previous safety reviews of pediatric trauma patients receiving LTOWB. This retrospective review records, however, a time period when the titer of anti-A and anti-B had been relaxed to 200 (rather than 50 in previous studies). This study, although small, reflects an additional Level I trauma site delivering LTOWB at potentially higher titers without negative sequelae in potassium, creatinine, or total bilirubin. With upcoming randomized controlled trials, such as Massive Transfusion in Children (MATIC-2), these data continue to reassure that the practice of using LTOWB is likely safe during the resuscitation period.

The Clinical Value of Computed Tomography of Facial Bone Injuries in Pediatric Trauma Patients.

Head trauma is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric trauma population. There are validated guidelines which indicate the necessity for computed tomography of the head (CTH), but the indication for a dedicated CT of the facial bones (CTF) is less clear. We sought to identify our population of head trauma patients who would clinically benefit from the addition of CTF. Using the electronic medical record, pediatric trauma patients who underwent CTH and/or CTF from 2016 to 2021 were identified. We collected information on demographics, traumatic mechanism, subspecialty consultation, and operative and procedural interventions. 2117 pediatric patients were evaluated. A total of 372 patients received CTH and 173 patients received both CTH + CTF. Patients with CTH + CTF were older (P < 0.001), involved in high-velocity blunt trauma (P < 0.001), and had a longer length of stay (P < 0.001). There were no fractures identified in 73 (42.2%) patients with both CTH + CTF. Of patients with fractures, there were 204 fractures identified and 73.0% (149/204) of fractures were seen on both the CTH + CTF. There were 19.6% (40/204) read only on CTF and 10 patients (5.7%) had a fracture requiring intervention. 8 of the 10 fractures requiring operative intervention were mandibular bone fractures. Computed tomography of the head can be used as a screening tool for facial fractures. A negative CTH can eliminate the need for additional radiation from a CTF. Computed tomography of the facial bones will identify more fractures, but few requiring intervention. We suggest that CTF be limited to a subset of pediatric trauma patients with facial injury.

Neurosurgical management of spinal cord injuries in pediatric trauma patients.

Neurosurgical management of spinal cord injuries in pediatric trauma patients.

Electrosurgical Adjunct for Soft Tissue Management of the Paediatric Dental Trauma Patient

The interface between dental restorations and the neighbouring soft tissue is of key significance for restorative success and longevity. Trauma-related enamel–dentine fractures are frequently present with the restorative challenge of subgingival margins and little remaining tooth structure. This report looks at two paediatric dental trauma patients with extensive crown fractures resulting in subgingival margins, which posed a poor long-term tooth survival. Electrosurgery was used before definitive composite restorations to allow for supragingival margins and access. Each patient attended the Child Dental Health Department at the University of Manchester Dental Hospital for assessment and treatment provision. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article identifies electrosurgery as an increasingly useful adjunct to restorative management of traumatized permanent incisor teeth in paediatric patients.

Beyond Physical Injury: Routine Screening for Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Pediatric Trauma Patients – A Longitudinal Cohort Pilot Study

IntroductionEarly identification of children at risk for PTSD is critical for improving mental health outcomes after traumatic injury. Currently, there is no standard PTSD screen for pediatric trauma patients and limited data on long-term quality of life for those who screen positive. MethodsIn 2022, we piloted a comprehensive routine screening program for ASD and PTSD at our Level I PTC. All admitted trauma patients ≥8 years old were eligible for screening. Inpatients were administered the ASC3. Those who screened positive were referred for follow-up and repeat mental health evaluation. PTSD screening (CTSQ, CPSS) and quality-of-life screening (PedsQL™) surveys were administered to eligible discharged trauma patients at 1-month post-injury. Children who screened positive on the CTSQ or CPSS were referred for behavioral health services. Results205 children were screened for ASD using the ASC3. 49/205 children (23.9 %) had a positive screen (score ≥3). 56 children completed PTSD screening at 1-month post-discharge. 14/54 children (25.9 %) screened positive on CTSQ, and 8/50 children (16 %) screened positive on CPSS. There was a significant positive correlation between CTSQ and CPSS scores (r 0.76, ∗P<0.0001). When stratified by screening results, patients who screened positive on CTSQ and CPSS were found to have the most significant correlations with poor School and Emotional Functioning on their quality-of-life inventory. ConclusionEarly screening for ASD may be predictive of later development of PTSD in children. Screening using previously validated tools (ASC3, CTSQ, CPSS) were effective in identifying children with negative emotional functioning lasting beyond the acute phase of physical recovery following injury. CTSQ and CPSS both performed well for screening at one-month post-discharge. Early identification can facilitate timely referral to mental health services to potentially minimize long-term socioemotional impact of PTSD.

Cochrane Corner

The Cochrane Collaboration has produced three new reviews relevant to bone and joint surgery since the publication of the last Cochrane Corner. These are relevant to a wide range of musculoskeletal specialists, and include reviews in lateral elbow pain, osteoarthritis of the big toe joint, and cervical spine injury in paediatric trauma patients.

Prehospital Reverse Shock Index Times Glasgow Coma Scale as a Predictor for Trauma Intervention in Paediatric Trauma Patients

BackgroundPrevious studies have identified the reverse shock index x Glasgow Coma Scale (rSIG) as a tool for predicting the need for trauma intervention in pediatric patients. This study sought to investigate the utility of prehospital rSIG as a triage tool to predict the need for trauma-center level of care in a large pediatric cohort. MethodsData from the American College of Surgeons National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) (2018–2020) were used. Patients aged 1–18 with valid values for prehospital systolic blood pressure (EMS SBP), prehospital heart rate (EMS HR), and EMS total GCS, were included. Prehospital rSIG was calculated as (EMS SBP/EMS HR) x EMS total GCS. Abnormal values for rSIG were defined as: ≤13.1, ≤16.5, and ≤20.1 for patients aged 1–6, 7–12, and 13–18, respectively. Injury severity was determined by Injury Severity Score (ISS). ISS 1–8 represented minor injury, 9–15 moderate injury, and 16 severe injury. Rates of hemorrhage control surgery, embolization, transfusion at 4 hours, mechanical ventilation, ICU stay 3 days, and mortality was compared between patients with abnormal vs. normal prehospital rSIG. Results120,941 patients were included in the analysis; 60269 (49.8 %) had an abnormal prehospital rSIG. Patients with abnormal prehospital rSIG had significantly higher rates of 1 trauma intervention (23.3 % vs 8.3 %, p < 0.0001) and mortality (2.7 % vs 0.1 %, p < 0.0001). When stratified by injury severity, rates of 1 trauma intervention were significantly higher for patients with abnormal prehospital rSIG in minor (2.8 % vs. 1.5 %, p < 0.0001), moderate (18.9 % vs 10.5 %, p < 0.0001), and severe injury (69.8 % vs 43.1 %). ConclusionPrehospital rSIG appears to be an independent predictor of both trauma intervention and mortality, regardless of injury severity, in the pediatric trauma population. Use of prehospital rSIG may prove useful in triage situations, particularly mass casualty incidents, to determine need for trauma-center care.

Scoping it Out: The Use of Laparoscopy After Penetrating Trauma in Stable Children

IntroductionIn stable children with penetrating abdominal trauma, literature regarding the use of laparoscopy (LAP) remains limited. Given increasing evidence in favor of LAP for selective adult trauma patients, we reviewed contemporary practices and outcomes in pediatric trauma patients. MethodsThe American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Programs data was utilized to identify children (<18 years) from 2016 to 2021 with a penetrating abdominal injury who underwent surgery within 24 h of admission. Patients with non-abdominal abbreviated injury score (AIS) ≥3, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 13, or instability using a shock index pediatric adjusted (SIPA) cutoff were excluded. Patients were compared based on whether they had LAP, open, or laparoscopic converted to open (LCO) exploration. Primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and complications, including missed injuries. ResultsAmong 1945 patients who underwent abdominal surgery for penetrating trauma, 32% were stabbed and 68% had gunshot wounds (GSW). LAP occurred in 235 (12%) and LCO in 145 (7.4%) patients. The proportion of LAP did not change over the study period. LAP was used more in patients presenting with stab wounds than GSW (24 vs. 7%, p < .01). There was higher use of LAP at pediatric centers (p < .01). Although there was no difference in mortality or complications by operative type, open patients were more severely injured, had a longer LOS (p < .01), and had more subsequent procedures (11% of open, 2 % LAP, 7% LCO, p < .01). ConclusionIn stable children with penetrating abdominal trauma, LAP is most often utilized after stabbing and at pediatric trauma centers, but its overall use remains uncommon. LAP patients had lower rates of subsequent procedures and no increase in unexpected operations suggesting low rates of missed injuries. Criteria are needed to identify stable patients presenting after penetrating trauma who can benefit from a LAP approach. Level of EvidenceIII.

Incidence of Ipsilateral Femoral Neck and Shaft Fractures in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients

OBJECTIVES: To identify the incidence, patient characteristics, and effectiveness of radiographic screening methods for detecting ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures in pediatric and adolescent trauma patients. METHODS: Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: This study was conducted at a tertiary pediatric trauma hospital. Patient Selection Criteria: Patients younger than 18 years treated for a femoral shaft fracture between 2004 and 2018 were reviewed. Pathologic (metabolic bone disease or bone lesion), periprosthetic, and penetrating traumatic femoral shaft fractures were excluded. Outcome Measurements and Comparisons: Patient demographics, mechanisms of injury, treatment methods, and associated injuries were analyzed. Pretreatment x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed for the identification of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures. RESULTS: Among the 840 pediatric patients included in this study, 4 patients (0.5%) sustained ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures. All the femoral neck fractures were observed in adolescents (aged 13–17 years) and involved in high-energy traumas. In adolescents involved in high-energy trauma, the incidence increased to 1.7%. Pretreatment sensitivity of both x-rays and CT scans was only 50% for the detection of femoral neck fractures. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures in pediatric patients are rare, occurring in adolescents involved in high-energy trauma. The findings suggest the need for a selective, rather than routine, use of CT scans based on the patient's age and the mechanism of injury. The use of alternative imaging methods such as magnetic resonance imaging should be considered to balance diagnostic accuracy while minimizing radiation exposure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

SIPA Poorly Predicts Outcomes in Young Pediatric Trauma Patients

SIPA Poorly Predicts Outcomes in Young Pediatric Trauma Patients

Outcomes of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Pediatric Trauma Patients.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is one of the interventions that have been in practice for ARDS for decades. The purpose of the study was to investigate the outcomes of ECMO in pediatric trauma patients who suffered from ARDS. Observational cohort study. The Trauma Quality Improvement Program database for years 2017 to 2019 and 2021 through 2022 was accessed for the study. All children younger than 18 years old who were admitted to the hospital after trauma and suffered from ARDS were included in the study. Other variables included in the study were patients' demographics, clinical characteristics, Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, comorbidities, and outcomes. ECMO is the exposure, and the outcomes are in-hospital mortality and hospital complications (acute kidney injury [AKI], pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis [DVT]). Of 453 patients who qualified for the study, propensity score matching found 50 pairs of patients. There were no significant differences identified between the groups, ECMO+ vs. ECMO- on patients' age in years (16 yr; interquartile range [IQR], 13.25-17 yr vs. 16 yr [14.25-17 yr]), race (White; 62.0% vs. 66.0%), sex (male; 78% vs. 76%), ISS (23 [IQR, 9.25-34] vs. 22 [9.25-32]), and GCS (15 [IQR, 3-15] vs. 13.5 [3-15]), mechanism of injury; and comorbidities. There was no difference between the groups, ECMO+ vs. ECMO-, in-hospital mortality (10.0% vs. 20.0%; p = 0.302), hospital complications (AKI 12.0% vs. 2.0%; p = 0.131), pneumonia (10.0% vs. 20.0%; p = 0.182 > ), and DVT (16% vs. 6%; p = 0.228). No difference in mortality was observed in injured children who suffered from the ARDS and were placed on ECMO when compared with patients who were not placed on ECMO. Patients with trauma and ARDS who require ECMO have comparable outcomes to those who do not receive ECMO. A larger sample size study is needed to find the exact benefit of ECMO in this patients' cohort.

Survey of pediatric massive transfusion protocol practice at United States level I trauma centers: An AABB Pediatric Transfusion Medicine Subsection study.

Trauma remains the leading cause of pediatric mortality in the United States. Although use of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) in this population is widespread, optimal pediatric resuscitation is not well established. We sought to assess contemporary pediatric MTP practice in the United States. A web-based survey was designed by the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) Pediatric Transfusion Medicine Subsection and distributed to select American College of Surgeons (ACS) Level I Verified pediatric trauma centers. The survey assessed current MTP policy, implementation, and recent changes in practice. Response rate was 55% (22/40). Almost half of the respondents were from the South. The median RBC:plasma ratio was 1 (interquartile range 1-1.5). Protocolized fibrinogen supplementation was common while integration of antifibrinolytic therapy into MTPs was infrequent. Viscoelastic testing (VET) was available at most sites, 71% (15/21, one site did not respond), and was generally utilized on an ad-hoc basis. Roughly, a third of sites had changed their MTP in the past 3 years due to blood supply issues, and about a third reported having group O Whole Blood on-site. MTP practice is similar throughout the United States. Though fibrinogen supplementation is common-other emerging interventions such as antifibrinolytic therapy or utilization of routine viscoelastic testing-are not widespread. Pediatric transfusion medicine experts must continue to follow practice change, as contemporary large trials begin to characterize new supportive modalities to optimize resuscitation in pediatric trauma patients.

Basic is Better? An Assessment of National Outcomes in Prehospital Airway Management in Critical Acuity Pediatric Trauma: Outcomes of Pediatric Prehospital Airway

BackgroundConsensus is lacking regarding prehospital airway management in pediatric trauma patients (PTPs). ObjectivesThis retrospective study compared prehospital basic-airway procedures (B-AP) versus advanced-AP (A-AP) among PTPs, comparing scene time, transport time and improvement in acuity from scene to emergency department. MethodsThe 2020 National Emergency Medical Services Information System was used to study patients 1-18 years-old with pre-hospital AP. A-AP were compared with B-AP using Chi2, Wilcoxon rank sum, multivariable logistic and linear regression models in terms of improvement in acuity, and transport and scene times. Results3325 cases included 672 A-AP and 2653 B-AP; 39 esophageal combi- or dual lumen tubes, 48 LMA, and 585 orotracheal intubations. Overall failure rate: A-AP 8.77% vs B-AP 1.09% (p<0.0001). Adjusted models identified reduction in scene time for B-AP vs. A-AP (estimate: 4 minutes 51 seconds, 95% CI 9 minutes 49 seconds - 6 seconds; p= 0.01). B-AP were associated with improved acuity (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.11-1.27; p< 0.001) after adjusting for revised trauma score, provider type, urbanicity, time spent at scene, and demographic variables. ConclusionPrehospital B-AP were associated with shorter scene time and improvement in acuity compared to A-AP in PTPs. Variability in airway management practices across US regions is high, leaving room for improvement in standardization of care and training.

Reducing Blood Draws in Pediatric Patients With Solid Organ Injury Through Protocolized Transcutaneous Hemoglobin Monitoring

BackgroundManagement of pediatric solid organ injuries continues to evolve, decreasing the need for serial hemoglobin measurements, repeat imaging, and operative intervention. Transcutaneous continuous hemoglobin monitoring (TCHM) has been shown to effectively monitor hemoglobin levels in children with solid organ trauma. MethodsA 6-year, single-center, retrospective chart review was conducted of pediatric solid organ injury patients aged 30 days to <18 years admitted to a quaternary children's hospital following implementation of a highly protocolized TCHM system. A laboratory hemoglobin measurement was obtained at the time of diagnosis and additional measurements were determined based on injury grading. Adverse events were tracked and included: central or arterial line placement, blood product(s) administration, percutaneous embolization procedures, transfer to the pediatric ICU and operative intervention. ResultsA total of 97 patients met the inclusion criteria. Blood draws were significantly reduced following TCHM protocol implementation (3.0 [IQR 2.0–5.5] vs 2.0 [IQR 1.0–4.5], p 0.01) without a significant increase in blood product administration (p = 0.30), central or arterial line placement (p = 1), or operative intervention (p = 0.29). Length of stay was not impacted (p = 0.36). The rate of unplanned ICU transfers and percutaneous embolization procedures were too low for statistical evaluation. ConclusionTCHM safely reduces the need for serial blood draws in pediatric trauma patients when utilized within a well-defined protocol for solid organ injury. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of TCHM in shortening or eliminating hospital admission for low-grade solid organ injuries in children. Level of EvidenceLevel III. Type of StudySingle-center, retrospective chart review cohort study.

Stressing the System: Pediatric Trauma Centers May Be Unready to Implement Comprehensive Acute Stress Screening Programs for Pediatric Trauma Patients.

Children experiencing trauma are at risk of developing acute and chronic stress disorders. In 2022, the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma required verified pediatric trauma centers to screen at-risk patients and provide mental health provider referrals as needed. The study objective is to assess the current readiness of pediatric trauma centers to meet the new American College of Surgeons requirements. This study used an exploratory, electronic, cross-sectional survey design. The Pediatric Trauma Society distributed a survey on mental health screening practices to its members in February 2023. Results were summarized with descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used to compare responses of Levels I and II pediatric trauma centers. There were 91 survey responses from the PTS membership of 1247 (response rate of 7.3%). Fifty-nine participants were from Level I and 27 from Level II pediatric trauma centers. 63.8% of Level I and 51.9% of Level II center respondents currently screened for acute stress (χ2(1)=1.09, p =.30). Of these, 75.7% of Level I and 57.1% of Level II center respondents routinely screened all admitted trauma patients (χ2(1)=1.68, p =.19). However, only 32.4% of Level I and 21.4% of Level II respondents reported having outpatient acute stress referral protocols. For pediatric trauma centers currently without screening, 65% of Level I and 46.2% of Level II pediatric trauma center respondents felt they needed more than six months to establish a program (χ2(1)=1.15, p =.28). Most respondents (68.9%) reported staff shortages as a barrier to the delivery of acute stress services. Pediatric trauma center compliance with acute stress screening requirements for verification is variable. Pediatric trauma centers may benefit from technical assistance with acute stress screening.

Evaluating the Benefits of Ventriculostomy Compared to Intracranial Pressure Monitoring for Severe Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

BackgroundIn this study, we compared outcomes between intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP) only versus ventriculostomy (VT) using a nationwide database of pediatric trauma patients. MethodsPediatric patients (<18 years) with severe blunt TBI who underwent ICP monitoring with or without VT were identified from the 2017–2021 ACS Trauma Quality Programs. We excluded patients who experienced death or craniotomy/craniectomy within 48 h. The primary outcome was discharge disposition. Secondary outcomes were subsequent intracranial surgery, length of stay (LOS), and infectious complications. Competing risks survival analysis was used to evaluate the multivariable association between ICP vs. VT and outcomes. ResultsOf 1719 eligible patients, 65.9% were male and 54.1% had VT. Between the ICP and VT groups, there were no differences in mean age (11.4 vs. 11.0 years, p = 0.145), injury severity score (30.9 vs. 30.9, p = 0.937), or median GCS (3 vs. 3, p = 0.120). Multivariable analysis showed a robust association between VT and discharge home (compared to rehabilitation center; sHR 0.85, 95% CI 0.74–0.97, p = 0.017). VT use was not associated with increased mortality compared to ICP (p = 0.342). Finally, VT patients had longer median LOS (20.5 vs. 18.0 days, p < 0.001) but there was no difference in subsequent craniotomy/craniectomy (8.6 vs. 6.5%, p = 0.096) or infectious complications (1.2 vs. 0.9%, p = 0.549). ConclusionVT was associated with greater discharge to home. Although VT patients had a greater LOS, the risk for other secondary outcomes did not vary, suggesting that VT may have benefits for the treatment of severe TBI with respect to discharge disposition. Level of EvidenceIII.

Obesity is a predictor of abdominal computed tomography imaging in pediatric trauma patients.

Computed tomography (CT) has helped to reduce the morbidity due to missed injuries. However, CT imaging is associated with radiation exposure and thus has limited indications in pediatric patients. In this study, we aimed to identify the association between obesity and abdominal CT imaging in pediatric trauma patients. We performed a 4-year retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement 2017-2020. We identified all pediatric trauma patients aged between 7 and 17 years presenting with isolated abdominal trauma (nonabdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale score, 0). We excluded patients undergoing hemorrhage control surgeries and those with missing information in height and weight. Patients were stratified by body mass index into four groups (underweight, normal, overweight, and obese [body mass index, ≥30 kg/m2]). Outcomes were predictors of undergoing CT imaging of the abdomen. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. We identified a total of 10,204 pediatric trauma patients. The mean age was 13 years, 68% were male, and 77% were White. The median abdominal Abbreviated Injury Scale score in all the four groups was 2. On univariate analysis, underweight patients had lowest rates (25%), whereas obese patients had highest rates of CT imaging (38%) (p < 0.001). On multivariable regression analysis, increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.10; p < 0.001), male sex (aOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03-1.26; p = 0.009), White race (aOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76-0.92; p < 0.011), penetrating injury (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03-1.32; p = 0.017), obesity (aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.07-1.57; p = 0.008), and management at American College of Surgeons level II (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.44-1.85; p < 0.001) and level III or lower centers (aOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.26; p = 0.002) were identified as independent predictors of receiving CT imaging. Obesity is associated with increased odds of undergoing CT imaging in pediatric trauma patients independent of injury characteristics. Future efforts to define the appropriate indications for CT imaging in pediatric trauma patients are warranted to reduce the adverse effects of CT radiation. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.

Are We Imaging Gently in Indiana? A System-Wide Population-Based Study of Chest CT Use in the Pediatric Trauma Population.

Over the past decade, there has been a significant effort to decrease radiation exposure in pediatric trauma patients. The objective of this study was to determine if trauma centers (TCs) and nontrauma centers (non-TCs) are practicing in line with this effort. We hypothesized that TCs would demonstrate a significant decrease in the use of chest computed tomography (CT) during the study period, whereas non-TC would show no change in chest CT use. We queried a state-wide database from 2010 to 2020 for pediatric trauma encounters at TCs and non-TCs within a single large health system. All transfer encounters were excluded. Chest CTs and chest radiographs (CXRs) were performed, and injury diagnosis codes were extracted for each encounter. Chest CT use and incidence of thoracic injuries were compared between TCs and non-TCs. A total of 13,014 encounters were included, of which 85.8% occurred at TCs and 14.2% occurred at non-TCs. There were significant differences between TC and non-TC encounter demographics. During the study period, the percentage of trauma encounters in which chest CT was obtained increased yearly at both TCs and non-TCs. Among encounters where both modalities were performed in the first 24 hours, chest CT was performed before CXR in 0.4% of TC and 0.1% of non-TC encounters (P = 0.086). Among encounters without thoracic injury, chest CT was performed in 5.2% of cases at non-TCs and 4.5% of cases at TCs (P < 0.001). In the trauma encounters studied, chest CT was performed prior to CXR more frequently at TCs compared to non-TCs. These data may reflect regional trauma triage protocols, availability of chest CT, or differences in education between institutions. Whereas TCs may see more severely injured patients more frequently, education regarding conservative CT imaging principles should be reinforced through multidisciplinary efforts.