Polytrauma des Kindes

The paediatric polytrauma CT-indication (PePCI)-score-Development of a prognostic model to reduce unnecessary CT scans in paediatric trauma patients

BACKGROUND

Whole-Body CT (WBCT) is frequently used in emergency situations for promptly diagnosing paediatric polytrauma patients, given the challenges associated with obtaining precise details about the mechanism and progression of trauma. However, WBCT does not lead to reduced mortality in paediatric patients, but is associated with high radiation exposure. We therefore wanted to develop a screening tool for CT demand-driven emergency room (ER)-trauma diagnostic to reduce radiation exposure in paediatric patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study in a Level I trauma centre in Germany was performed. Data from 344 paediatric emergency patients with critical mechanism of injury who were pre-announced by the ambulance for the trauma room were collected. Patients' symptoms, clinical examination, extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (eFAST), routinely, laboratory tests and blood gas and - when obtained - WBCT images were analysed. To identify potential predictors of severe injuries (ISS > 23), 300 of the 344 cases with complete data were subjected to regression analyses model.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analysis identified cGCS, base excess (BE), medically abnormal results from eFAST screening, initial unconsciousness, and injuries involving three or more body regions as significant predictors for a screening tool for decision-making to perform WBCT or selective CT. The developed Paediatric polytrauma CT-Indication (PePCI)-Score was divided into three risk categories and achieved a sensitivity of 87 % and a specificity of 71 % when comparing the low and medium risk groups with the high risk group. Comparing only the low-risk group with the high-risk group for the decision to perform WBCT, 32/35 (91 %) of patients with an ISS >23 were correctly identified, as were 124/137 (91 %) with lower ISS scores.

CONCLUSION

With the newly developed PePCI-Score, the frequency of WBCT in a paediatric emergency patients collective can be significantly reduced according to our data. After prospective validation, the initial assessment of paediatric trauma patients in the future could be made not only by the mechanism of injury, but also by the new PePCI-Score, deriving on clinical findings after thorough clinical assessment and the discretion of the trauma team.

[Preclinical care of children with multiple trauma]

Severe multiple trauma in children is rare with approximately 380-550 cases per year in Germany. In addition to the S3 guideline "Polytrauma", which was published more than a decade ago, the S2K guideline "Severe multiple trauma care in childhood" was published in 2020. Accidents and especially the resulting traumatic brain injuries still represent the most frequent cause of death in children. While prehospital treatment according to Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS®) is basically analogous to that in adults which is based on the ABCDE concept (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure), knowledge of age-dependent anatomical-physiological characteristics is essential. For simplification, various tools and dosing aids, such as the pediatric emergency ruler and specific emergency tables, are available. Further treatment after initial preclinical care should take place in an interdisciplinary manner in designated pediatric trauma centers.

Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Tomography and Whole-Body Computed Tomography in Pediatric Polytrauma Diagnostics-A Retrospective Long-Term Two-Center Study

Although serious accidents remain the leading cause of pediatric mortality, protocols to orient diagnostic procedures towards a certain type of initial imaging are widely needed. Since 2007, we have performed whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMR) and whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) for diagnoses of severely injured children. We retrospectively reviewed 134 WBMR and 158 WBCT in patients younger than 16 years that were performed at two trauma centers between 2007 and 2018. A higher Injury Severity Score (ISS) was found in WBCT vs. WBMR (10.6 vs. 5.8; p = 0.001), but without any significant difference in mortality. The WBMR was significantly preferred at younger ages (9.6 vs. 12.8 years; p < 0.001). The time between patient's arrival until diagnosis was 2.5 times longer for WBCT (92.1 vs. 37.1 min; p < 0.001). More patients in the CT group received analgesic sedation and/or intubation at 37.3% vs. 21.6% in the MRI group. Of these patients, 86.4% (CT) and 27.6% (MRI) were already preclinically sedated (p < 0.001). Correspondingly, 72.4% of the patients were first sedated in-hospital for MRIs. In conclusion, WBMR is an alternative and radiation-free imaging method for high-energy-traumatized children. Although the selected diagnostics seemed appropriate, limitations regarding longer duration or additional analgesic sedation are present, and further studies are needed.

Management of Children and Adolescents with Chest Trauma in Pediatric and Non-Pediatric Departments—A Claims Data Analysis

Background: To investigate the management of children and adolescents with isolated and combined chest trauma in pediatric (PD) and non-pediatric departments (non-PD). Methods: Anonymized claims data were provided by two large German statutory health insurance funds, covering 6.3 million clients over a 10-year period (2010–2019). Data were extracted for patients who had an inpatient ICD diagnosis of section S20–S29 (injuries to the thorax) and were ≤18 years of age. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed. Results: A total of 4064 children and adolescents with chest trauma were included (mean age 12.0 ± 5.0 years; 55% male). In 1928 cases (47.4%), treatment was provided at PD. Patients admitted to PD underwent CT imaging less frequently (8.1%; non-PD: 23.1%; p < 0.0001). Children with a chest drain treated at university/maximum care hospitals (UM) showed more injuries involving multiple body regions compared with non-UM (25.8% vs. 4.5%; p = 0.0061) without a difference in the length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with chest trauma are treated almost equally often in pediatric and adult departments. CT is significantly less frequently used in pediatric departments. Patients with a chest drain treated at a UM showed more concomitant injuries without a longer hospital stay. However, the clinical validity of this finding is questionable.

Rise of extremity fractures and sport accidents in children at 8-12 years and increase of admittance via the resuscitation room over a decade

INTRODUCTION

In an emergency department, the majority of pediatric trauma patients present because of minor injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate temporal changes in age-related injury pattern, trauma mechanism, and surgeries in pediatric patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients < 18 years of age following trauma from 01/2009 to 12/2018 at a level I trauma center. They were divided into two groups: group A (A: 01/2009 to 12/2013) and group B (B: 01/2014 to 12/2018). Injury mechanism, injury pattern, and surgeries were analyzed. As major injuries fractures, dislocations, and organ injuries and as minor injuries contusions and superficial wounds were defined.

RESULTS

23,582 patients were included (58% male, median age 8.2 years). There was a slight increase in patients comparing A (n = 11,557) and B (n = 12,025) with no difference concerning demographic characteristics. Significant more patients (A: 1.9%; B: 2.4%) were admitted to resuscitation room, though the number of multiple injured patients was not significantly different. In A (25.5%), major injuries occurred significantly less frequently than in B (27.0%), minor injuries occurred equally. Extremity fractures were significantly more frequent in B (21.5%) than in A (20.2%), peaking at 8-12 years. Most trauma mechanisms of both groups were constant, with a rising of sport injuries at 8-12 years.

CONCLUSION

Although number of patients increases only slightly over a decade, there was a clear increase in major injuries, particularly extremity fractures, peaking at 8-12 years. At this age also sport accidents significantly increased. At least, admittance to resuscitation room rose but without an increase of multiple injured patients.

Laboratory Markers in the Management of Pediatric Polytrauma: Current Role and Areas of Future Research

Severe trauma is the most common cause of mortality in children and is associated with a high socioeconomic burden. The most frequently injured organs in children are the head and thorax, followed by the extremities and by abdominal injuries. The efficient and early assessment and management of these injuries is essential to improve patients' outcome. Physical examination as well as imaging techniques like ultrasound, X-ray and computer tomography are crucial for a valid early diagnosis. Furthermore, laboratory analyses constitute additional helpful tools for the detection and monitoring of pediatric injuries. Specific inflammatory markers correlate with post-traumatic complications, including the development of multiple organ failure. Other laboratory parameters, including lactate concentration, coagulation parameters and markers of organ injury, represent further clinical tools to identify trauma-induced disorders. In this review, we outline and evaluate specific biomarkers for inflammation, acid-base balance, blood coagulation and organ damage following pediatric polytrauma. The early use of relevant laboratory markers may assist decision making on imaging tools, thus contributing to minimize radiation-induced long-term consequences, while improving the outcome of children with multiple trauma.

[Thoracic injuries in severely injured children : Association with increased injury severity and a higher number of complications]

BACKGROUND

Severely injured children and adolescents in clinical practice are rare. For adequate treatment of these patients, detailed knowledge of anatomical and physiological peculiarities, as well as abundant injury patterns, are indispensable. Traumatic brain injuries are known to lead to an unfavorable outcome. In addition, thoracic trauma is regarded as prognostically unfavorable.

OBJECTIVES

This study depicts epidemiology and injury patterns of severely injured children and adolescents focusing on peculiarities in the severely injured with associated thoracic injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of underaged patients with suspicion of severe injuries who obtained emergency-room treatment in our level-one trauma center during a four-year time period was performed. The data was collected prospectively using the TraumaRegister® of the German Trauma Society as well as an extended house-internal dataset including data of daily clinical routine. The patients were divided into subgroups with (TT) and without (KT) thoracic trauma based on whether a thoracic injury was present or not. For further analysis, four age groups were established.

RESULTS

In all, 256 patients younger than 18 years were eligible. Of these, 46 patients revealed thoracic injuries. The mean age of patients with thoracic trauma (12.4 ± 4.9 years) was significantly higher than for patients without thoracic trauma (8.0 ± 5.2 years). In both subgroups, most patients were male (TT: 69.9%, KT: 64.8%). Patients with concomitant thoracic trauma showed a significantly higher injury severity score (ISS) than patients without thoracic trauma (ISS: TT: 26.7 ± 15.8 vs. KT: 8.1 ± 6.8 points). Mortality was higher for TT as well (TT: 6.9% vs. KT: 1.9%). For both groups, traffic accidents were the most common cause of injury. Of patients with thoracic injuries, 52.2% developed at least one complication during their hospital stay (KT: 12.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracic trauma is a relevant factor in children with regard to the severity of total injury and complications. Particular attention should therefore be paid to early diagnosis and treatment.

Indication of whole body computed tomography in pediatric polytrauma patients-Diagnostic potential of the Glasgow Coma Scale, the mechanism of injury and clinical examination

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the diagnostic potential of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the mechanism of injury (MOI) and clinical examination (CE) for the indication of whole body computed tomography (WBCT) in pediatric polytrauma patients.

MATERIALS & METHODS

100 pediatric polytrauma patients with WBCT were analysed in terms of age, gender, (MOI), GCS, detected injury, FAST, CE and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Correlations between all clinical variables and patient groups with (p+) and without (p-) injury were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean age was 9.13 ± 4.4 years (28% female patients). Injury was detected in 71% of the patients, most commonly of the head (43%). There was no significant correlation between type or severity of MOI and ISS (p > 0.1). None of the clinical variables had a significant predictive effect on p+. The optimum discrimination threshold of GCS was at 12.5 relating to craniocerebral injuries. Severity of MOI and FAST showed best predictive effects on thoracic and abdominal pathologies, respectively, but with only low sensitivities (<20%).

CONCLUSION

There is no clinical variable, which can be used as sole indication for WBCT in pediatric polytrauma patients. GCS had a significant predictive value for craniocerbral injuries and CCT is recommended at GCS ≤ 13.

What injuries should we expect in the emergency room?

INTRODUCTION

Beside serious and potentially fatal injuries, the majority of pediatric trauma patients present with minor injuries to emergency departments. The aim of this study was to evaluate age-related injury pattern, trauma mechanism as well as the need for surgery in pediatric patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective Study from 01/2008 to 12/2012 at a level I trauma center. All patients <18years of age following trauma were included. Injury mechanism, injury pattern as well as need for surgery were analyzed according to different age groups (0-3 years, 4-7 years, 8-12 years and 13-17 years). Major injuries were defined as fractures, dislocations and visceral organ injuries. Minor injuries included contusions and superficial wounds.

RESULTS

Overall, 15300 patients were included (59% male, median age 8 years). A total of 303 patients (2%) were admitted to the resuscitation room and of these, 69 (0.5% of all patients) were multiply injured (median Injury Severity Score (ISS) 20 pts). Major injuries were found in 3953 patients (26%). Minor injuries were documented in 11347 patients (74%). Of those patients with a major injury, 76% (2991 patients) suffered a fracture, 3% (132 patients) a dislocation and 3% (131 patients) an injury of nerves, tendons or ligaments. The majority of fractures were located in the upper extremity (73%) (elbow fractures 16%; radius fractures 16%; finger fractures 14%). Patients with minor injuries presented with head injuries (34%), finger injuries (10%) and injuries of the upper ankle (9%). The most common trauma mechanisms included impact (41%), followed by falls from standing height (24%), sport injuries (15%) and traffic accidents (9%). Overall, 1558 patients (10%) were operated. Of these, 61% had a major and 39% a minor injury.

CONCLUSION

Almost 75% of all children, who presented to the emergency department following trauma revealed minor injuries. However, 25% suffered a relevant, major injury and 0.5% suffered a multiple trauma with a median ISS of 20. Overall, 10% had to be operated. The most frequently found major injuries were extremity fractures, with elbow fractures as the most common fracture.

[Fractures of the lower extremities in childhood : Part 1: fractures of the thigh and in the proximity of the knee]

Fractures in children are a major challenge in everyday clinical practice. The decision about the correct treatment of fractures follows the consideration of individual factors. The age of the child and the resulting residual growth play an essential role. This article aims to facilitate a structured approach with respect to examination, diagnostics and treatment in clinical practice. This first part of this series deals with fractures of the thigh and in the proximity of the knee joint in children. The peculiarity of pediatric bone lies in its growth, which results not only in a much faster healing tendency than in adults but also possesses a greater correction potential. It is therefore very important for fracture healing to include the tolerance limits for existing axis misalignment as well as the expected spontaneous correction potential and the resulting remodeling in the therapy decision. The various operative measures must be used in a targeted manner. Incongruencies of joints as well as significant length differences should be avoided.

Pediatric trauma care with computed tomography--criteria for CT scanning

Trauma centers, trauma management concepts, as well as integration of whole-body computed tomography (CT) reduced mortality significantly. The accuracy of a trauma care algorithm with emergency CT in children was evaluated. Data of 71 children with emergency CT were recorded retrospectively. In addition to epidemiological data admission date, kind of CT scan, mechanism of injury, missed diagnoses, injury severity score (ISS), admission to and time on intensive care unit (ICU), and time of hospitalization were observed. The algorithm for CT scanning was based on mechanism of injury, pattern of injury, and altered vital signs. Sixty-nine percent of the children reached the ER during on-call service hours. A percentage of 32.4 received a whole-body scan and 67.6 % a cranial scan. The mean ER ISS was 9.9 points (1-57). Children have different trauma mechanisms compared to adults. A percentage of 33.8 of the children had relevant trauma related findings in the CT scan. In 2 children, (2.8 %) 3 diagnoses (2.2 %) were initially missed. After reevaluation of the CT data, all diagnoses were identified. Thus, the accuracy of our algorithm in children was 100 %. In children, our algorithm detected all injuries, but only one third of the children had relevant trauma related findings in the CT scan. In order to reduce radiation exposure but preserve the advantages of CT, a new algorithm was developed with more flexibility taking the child's age and mental status more into account as well as clinical findings. The mechanism of injury itself is not anymore an indication for CT scanning.

[Injuries in children and adolescents in emergency services]

BACKGROUND

A differentiated knowledge of trauma in children and adolescents is essential for the treatment of injured minors. The aim of this study was to present the focus of treatment in trauma emergency services.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Over a period of 2 years all acutely injured children and adolescents (n = 4784) in the emergency service were analyzed prospectively. The data were analyzed according to sex, age, date of examination, indications for x-ray imaging, diagnosis and therapy.

RESULTS

Seasonal differences in the treatment spectrum were detected. In total 34.4 % of the patients presented with bruises/contusions, 23 % wounds, 19.9 % fractures, 14.9 % sprains/strains/ligament ruptures, 4.1 % craniocerebral trauma, 1.5 % dislocations, 1.1 % muscle/tendon injuries and 0.9 % burns. Of the patients 60 % underwent an x-ray examination and 8.3 % were hospitalized. Different injuries were found in the different age groups. Most fractures (25.7 %) were found at the distal forearm and most osteosyntheses (22.5 %) were also carried out at this anatomical location.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the frequency and age dynamics is essential for competent treatment of injuries in children and adolescents. Analysis of the reality of the treatment in emergency services allows a much better evaluation of the requirements with respect to this clientele. The collected data can serve as a basis for the development of major capability foci, training concepts, treatment algorithms as well as prevention measures.