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Patterns of pediatric thoracic penetrating injuries: A single-trauma-center experience in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Suliaman M Alaqeel1, Abdulaziz A Howsawi1, Mohammad K Al Namshan1

  • 1From the Department of Pediatric Surgery (Alaqeel, Al Namshan, Al Maary), King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City and from the Department of Family Medicine (Howsawi), Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Medical Journal
|February 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric thoracic penetrating injuries, often from stabbings or gunshots, are common in trauma centers. Most cases can be managed non-operatively with good outcomes, emphasizing prompt resuscitation for critical injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Trauma Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Penetrating thoracic injuries in children are a significant concern in trauma care.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and management patterns is crucial for improving outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the patterns and outcomes of pediatric thoracic penetrating injuries.
  • To identify key management strategies and associated mortality factors.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with thoracic penetrating injuries.
  • Data collected from King Abdulaziz Medical City Emergency Department (KAMC-ED) between 2001 and 2016.

Main Results:

  • Eighty-nine pediatric patients identified; mean age 15.5 years.
  • Stabbing and gunshot wounds were the most common causes; pneumothorax and hemothorax were prevalent injuries.
  • Most patients (65/89) required tube thoracostomy; only 15 needed surgery. Overall mortality was 3.4%, primarily due to associated cardiac or great vessel injuries.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric thoracic injuries constitute 25% of all penetrating traumas in this age group.
  • Non-operative management is often successful, with favorable outcomes.
  • Rapid resuscitation and timely intervention are vital for managing life-threatening thoracic injuries.
Abstract

Keywords:
outcomepediatricpenetrating injurythorax

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