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Penetrating thoracic trauma in a pediatric population

M Reinhorn1, H L Kaufman, E F Hirsch

  • 1Boston City Hospital, Boston University Medical Center, Massachusetts, USA.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|May 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Penetrating chest trauma in children is rising. High Injury Severity Score and low pH predict worse outcomes, indicating a need for specialized trauma care. Autotransfusion may aid treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Trauma Surgery
  • Thoracic Injury Management
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Pediatric penetrating thoracic trauma is a growing concern.
  • Understanding this patient demographic is crucial for effective care.
  • Identifying prognostic factors aids in managing these critical cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the pediatric population with penetrating thoracic trauma.
  • To identify prognostic factors influencing patient outcomes.
  • To inform management strategies for these injuries.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart and trauma registry review.
  • Analysis of 65 patients aged 18 years or younger.
  • Inclusion criteria: admission for penetrating thoracic trauma.

Main Results:

  • Adolescent males comprised the majority of patients.
  • Injury Severity Score > 25 and corrected admission pH < 7.3 correlated with increased mortality and surgical intervention.
  • Isolated thoracic injuries had a high mortality rate.

Conclusions:

  • Injury Severity Score and corrected admission pH are independent predictors of mortality and operative need in pediatric penetrating chest injuries.
  • Penetrating thoracic wounds require focused trauma team attention.
  • Autotransfusion shows potential benefit in pediatric trauma patients.
Abstract

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