Blunt Trauma in Children: Efficacy and Safety of Transarterial Embolization, 10-Year Experiences in a Single Trauma Center
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Published on: September 20, 2020
Seyoung Ko1, Hoon Kwon1, Chang Won Kim1
1Department of Radiology, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea.
Insights
Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is safe and effective for pediatric blunt trauma. Injury severity and transfusion needs predict successful outcomes in children undergoing this minimally invasive procedure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Interventional Radiology
- Trauma Surgery
- Vascular Embolization Techniques
Background:
- Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is a standard treatment for adult hemorrhage from trauma.
- Its use in pediatric blunt trauma remains less established.
- This study investigates TAE's safety and efficacy in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for blunt trauma in pediatric patients.
- To identify predictors of clinical success in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients (<18 years) undergoing TAE for blunt trauma (February 2014 - July 2022).
- Analysis of patient demographics, injury severity, transfusion requirements, and clinical outcomes.
- Subgroup analysis based on age and body weight.
Main Results:
- TAE demonstrated high technical (100%) and clinical (83.6%) success rates.
- Low mortality (4.1%) and complication (1.4%) rates were observed.
- Injury severity and transfusion requirements were significant predictors of clinical success.
Conclusions:
- Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is a safe and effective treatment for blunt pediatric trauma.
- The procedure is particularly successful in younger, lighter patients.
- Injury severity and transfusion needs are key factors influencing treatment outcomes.
Background:
Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is an established approach for controlling hemorrhage in adults with acute abdominal and pelvic trauma. However, its application in pediatric trauma is not well established. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of TAE in a population of pediatric patients with blunt trauma.
Methods:
This retrospective study was conducted in pediatric patients (<18 years) who underwent TAE for blunt trauma between February 2014 and July 2022. The patients were categorized into subgroups based on age and body weight. Patient demographics, injury severity, transfusion requirements, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.
Results:
Exactly 73 patients underwent TAE. Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%), and clinical success was achieved in 83.6%. The mortality and complication rates were 4.1% and 1.4%, respectively. The mean duration of hospitalization was 19.3 days. Subgroup analysis showed that age, body weight, and sex did not significantly affect clinical success. The injury severity score and transfusion requirement were predictors of clinical success, with lower values associated with better outcomes.
Conclusions:
TAE is effective and safe for managing blunt pediatric trauma in younger and lighter patients. Injury severity and transfusion requirement are predictors of clinical success.
