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Pediatric blunt abdominal trauma: recognition and management in the emergency department

Nicole Schacherer1, Jill Miller2, Kelli Petronis1

  • 1Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Norfolk, VA

Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice
|January 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Blunt abdominal trauma in children is a common, often unrecognized cause of death. This review focuses on diagnostic strategies and management techniques for pediatric blunt abdominal trauma to improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Trauma Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Diagnostic Imaging in Pediatrics

Background:

  • Blunt abdominal trauma is the third leading cause of pediatric trauma mortality.
  • It is frequently an unrecognized fatal injury in children.
  • Effective diagnostic workup relies on history, physical examination, and injury mechanism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review common mechanisms and injuries in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma.
  • To examine current evaluation and management techniques.
  • To address controversies regarding diagnostic study utility and risks.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of diagnostic approaches for pediatric blunt abdominal trauma.
  • Analysis of the role of laboratory testing, sonography, and computed tomography (CT).
  • Discussion of risks associated with diagnostic imaging, including radiation exposure.

Main Results:

  • History, physical exam, and mechanism of injury are crucial for directing diagnosis.
  • Diagnostic evaluation may include laboratory tests, ultrasound, and CT scans.
  • Routine use of all diagnostic studies may not be necessary due to potential risks.

Conclusions:

  • A thoughtful, directed diagnostic workup is essential for pediatric blunt abdominal trauma.
  • The benefits and risks of imaging studies require careful consideration.
  • Optimizing evaluation and management can improve outcomes for injured children.

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