Functional Outcome of Nonoperatively Managed Renal Injuries in Children

The incidence of hypertension among children after renal trauma: A matched cohort analysis

PURPOSE

To describe the intermediate-term incidence of hypertension following pediatric renal trauma relative to that in an extremity (control group) trauma cohort.

METHODS

This was a single-institution matched cohort study of pediatric patients presenting to a Level I trauma center between 2010 and 2019. The primary cohort included patients who sustained renal trauma, and a comparator cohort of sex- and age-matched patients with isolated extremity fracture was identified. The primary outcome was new hypertension, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted of any elevated blood pressure (EBP). Conditional logistic regression was performed and adjusted for overweight/obese status.

RESULTS

There were 62 renal trauma patients included, representing 35% of all eligible patients seen in the study period. Hypertension was not found to be more prevalent with renal trauma (OR 1.18, 95% CI: 0.41, 3.39). The incidence of hypertension (9.7-11.3%) and EBP (22.6-32.3%) was comparable between renal trauma and control groups.

CONCLUSION

Despite a high incidence of EBP and hypertension in pediatric patients after renal or extremity trauma, we did not observe an association between renal trauma and postinjury hypertension. We identified no cases of malignant or symptomatic hypertension, and no surgical interventions for renovascular hypertension was performed. Our findings suggest that only select patients, rather than most renal trauma patients, may benefit from monitoring for postinjury hypertension.

Discussion of Follow-Up and Treatment Results of Children With High-Grade Renal Trauma

PURPOSE

The aim of the study is to examine the follow-up and treatment results of late renal functions in children with high-grade (Grades 4, 5) renal trauma resulting from blunt abdominal injury.

METHODS

The follow-up and treatment reports of 41 patients with renal trauma admitted to our clinic between the years 2005 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Eight of the 41 cases had Grade 1, five had Grade 2, and 12 had Grade 3 renal trauma. The remaining 16 cases (12 of which were Grade 4, four were Grade 5) had high grade renal trauma. Four (25%) patients with high-grade renal trauma were operated (JJ stent placement was performed on one, renorraphy was performed on two, pyeloplasty and urinoma drainage were performed on one), and 12 patients were followed conservatively. In the long-term follow-up (>1 year), Tc-99m mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG3) kidney scintigraphy examination of three (30%) patients out of the 10 patients who were followed up conservatively, the affected kidneys were found to be nonfunctional (renal differential function 0%). The mean differential renal function in four patients who underwent surgery was 31% (between 25% and 40%).

CONCLUSION

It should be kept in mind that kidneys may become atrophic or non-functional in the late period of follow-up in cases that are followed conservatively due to high-grade renal trauma. There is no standard algorithm or treatment method in the management of high-grade renal trauma. In order to achieve a good outcome, the treatment should be individualized as much as possible.

Trauma in pediatric urology

In pediatric trauma, the kidney is the most commonly injured organ of the urinary tract. Renal trauma occurs in 10% to 20% of all pediatric blunt abdominal trauma cases. The vast majority of renal injuries can be treated conservatively. However, cases associated with hemodynamic instability require operative interventions. Injuries to the ureter, bladder or urethra are almost exclusively encountered in polytraumatized children. The aim of this article is to give an overview on traumatic injuries to the pediatric urinary system.

Implementation of a clinical guideline for nonoperative management of isolated blunt renal injury in children

Background

The aim was to evaluate the impact of a standardized nonoperative management protocol by comparing patients with isolated blunt renal injury before and after implementation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the trauma registry at our Level 1 pediatric trauma center. We compared consecutive patients (≤ 18 years) managed nonoperatively for blunt renal injury Pre (1/2010–9/2014) and Post (10/2014–3/2020) implementation of a clinical guideline. Outcomes included length of stay, intensive care unit admission, urinary catheter use, and imaging studies.

Results

We included 48 patients with isolated blunt renal injuries (29 Pre, 19 Post). There were no differences in age, sex, injury grade, or mechanism (P > .05). Postprotocol had decreased length of stay (P = .040), intensive care unit admissions (P = .015), urinary catheter use (P = .031), and ionizing radiation imaging (P < .001).

Conclusion

These data suggest improved outcomes and resource utilization following implementation of a nonoperative management protocol of pediatric isolated blunt renal injuries.

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Implementation of a standardized nonoperative management protocol for pediatric patients with isolated blunt renal injury improved outcomes and resource utilization.

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Protocol implementation was associated with decreased length of stay, ICU admissions, urinary catheter use, and ionizing radiation imaging.

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There were no differences in demographics, mechanism, or grade of injury between pre- and postprotocol groups.

"Functional outcome in pediatric grade IV renal injuries following blunt abdominal trauma salvaged with minimally invasive interventions"

BACKGROUND

Non-operative management of higher-grade renal injuries has gradually become accepted in pediatric circles following multiple studies over the past decade which showed good renal salvage rates. However, some children do fail this conservative approach and need interventions which are mostly minimally invasive. There is still paucity of studies on the functional outcomes in this unique subgroup of patients. In this study, we review our management and functional outcome of children with grade IV renal injury due to blunt trauma of abdomen managed with minimally invasive interventions (MII) in a tertiary referral center.

AIM

The present study seeks to summarize contemporary management of pediatric grade IV renal injury due to blunt trauma at our tertiary care center and to assess the functional outcomes in the subgroup who needed MII.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on children≤18 years with abdominal blunt trauma managed at our tertiary care facility over the past 10 years (January 2008-January 2018) to identify those with grade IV renal injuries. Data collected included demographic data like age, sex, mechanism of injury, incidence of hematuria, incidence of pre-existing urologic conditions, associated non-renal injuries, transfusion requirements, imaging findings, type of interventions, length of hospital stay, complications and outcomes on follow up.

RESULTS

Review of our institutional database identified 10 children with grade IV renal injury. Mean age was 11.7 ± 3.6 years (range, 6-18) and majority (6/10) were male. Motor vehicle collision and fall from heights were the commonest mechanisms of injury. While one patient responded to non-operative management, one girl needed emergency renal exploration and later nephrectomy. Eight needed minimally invasive interventions following initial non-operative management. One patient needed nephrectomy due to delayed hemorrhage while three patients needed delayed open reconstruction. The salvage rate in the group which needed interventions was 87.5% (7 of 8) however, the functional outcome was good only in 50% (4 of 8) of patients. The outcomes were better in those who were managed with MII earlier (3/4) compared to those who underwent delayed intervention (1/4). The median hospital stay was 11.5 days (range 7-34 days).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric patients with non-exsanguinating grade IV renal injuries due to blunt trauma who fail non-operative management and need minimal invasive interventions have good renal salvage rates however, the functional outcomes are poorer. Judicious and early use of these minimally invasive interventions, instead of persisting with non-operative management can possibly improve these functional outcomes.

Kidney and uro-trauma: WSES-AAST guidelines

Renal and urogenital injuries occur in approximately 10-20% of abdominal trauma in adults and children. Optimal management should take into consideration the anatomic injury, the hemodynamic status, and the associated injuries. The management of urogenital trauma aims to restore homeostasis and normal physiology especially in pediatric patients where non-operative management is considered the gold standard. As with all traumatic conditions, the management of urogenital trauma should be multidisciplinary including urologists, interventional radiologists, and trauma surgeons, as well as emergency and ICU physicians. The aim of this paper is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) kidney and urogenital trauma management guidelines.

Spontaneous renal hemorrhage: critical analysis of different lines of management in non-traumatic patients: a single tertiary center experience

PURPOSE

To assess clinical presentation and outcomes of different treatment strategies in cases of spontaneous renal hemorrhage (SRH).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with SRH between 2000 and 2018 was performed. Patients' demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory and radiological investigations, and different lines of treatment were retrieved. The primary outcome was to assess the predictors of the success of conservative treatment. The secondary outcome was to assess the long-term renal function outcome comparing serum creatinine, e GFF, and CT-assessed renal volume at last follow-up with baseline values.

RESULTS

The study included 42 (23 males and 19 women) patients with mean ± SD age was 48.1 ± 17.8 years. Conservative management was successful in 19 (46%) patients. Trans-arterial embolization (TAE) was performed in 13 patients (30%) to control active bleeding. Ten patients (25%) required surgical exploration and nephrectomy. Lower serum creatinine (P = 0.003), higher prothrombin concentration (P = 0.04), lower hematoma size (P = 0.02), and non-AML lesions (P = 0.03) were independent predictors of conservative management success. Unlike the TAE-treated group, serum creatinine increased significantly (P = 0.04) with a significant decrease in e-GFR (P = 0.02) and renal volume (P < 0.001) of affected kidneys at last follow-up after conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Although SRH is a life-threatening condition, conservative treatment is successful in a certain subset of patients. However, it is associated with significant deterioration of the affected kidney function as well as renal volume.

Non-operative management of solid organ injuries in children: An American Pediatric Surgical Association Outcomes and Evidence Based Practice Committee systematic review

PURPOSE

The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) guidelines for the treatment of isolated solid organ injury (SOI) in children were published in 2000 and have been widely adopted. The aim of this systematic review by the APSA Outcomes and Evidence Based Practice Committee was to evaluate the published evidence regarding treatment of solid organ injuries in children.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy was crafted and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized to identify, review, and report salient articles. Four principal questions were examined based upon the previously published consensus APSA guidelines regarding length of stay (LOS), activity level, interventional radiologic procedures, and follow-up imaging. A literature search was performed including multiple databases from 1996 to 2016.

RESULTS

LOS for children with isolated solid organ injuries should be based upon clinical findings and may not be related to grade of injury. Total LOS may be less than recommended by the previously published APSA guidelines. Restricting activity to grade of injury plus two weeks is safe but shorter periods of activity restriction have not been adequately studied. Prophylactic embolization of SOI in stable patients with image-confirmed arterial extravasation is not indicated and should be reserved for patients with evidence of ongoing bleeding. Routine follow-up imaging for asymptomatic, uncomplicated, low-grade injured children with abdominal blunt trauma is not warranted. Limited data are available to support the need for follow-up imaging for high grade injuries.

CONCLUSION

Based upon review of the recent literature, we recommend an update to the current APSA guidelines that includes: hospital length of stay based on physiology, shorter activity restrictions may be safe, minimizing post-injury imaging for lower injury grades and embolization only in patients with evidence of ongoing hemorrhage.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic Review.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Levels 2-4.

Pediatric blunt renal trauma practice management guidelines: Collaboration between the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma and the Pediatric Trauma Society

BACKGROUND

Injury to the kidney from either blunt or penetrating trauma is the most common urinary tract injury. Children are at higher risk of renal injury from blunt trauma than adults, but no pediatric renal trauma guidelines have been established. The authors reviewed the literature to guide clinicians in the appropriate methods of management of pediatric renal trauma.

METHODS

Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to aid with the development of these evidence-based practice management guidelines. A systematic review of the literature including citations published between 1990 and 2016 was performed. Fifty-one articles were used to inform the statements presented in the guidelines. When possible, a meta-analysis with forest plots was created, and the evidence was graded.

RESULTS

When comparing nonoperative management versus operative management in hemodynamically stable pediatric patient with blunt renal trauma, evidence suggests that there is a reduced rate of renal loss and blood transfusion in patients managed nonoperatively. We found that in pediatric patients with high-grade American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade III-V (AAST III-V) renal injuries and ongoing bleeding or delayed bleeding, angioembolization has a decreased rate of renal loss compared with surgical intervention. We found the rate of posttraumatic renal hypertension to be 4.2%.

CONCLUSION

Based on the completed meta-analyses and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation profile, we are making the following recommendations: (1) In pediatric patients with blunt renal trauma of all grades, we strongly recommend nonoperative management versus operative management in hemodynamically stable patients. (2) In hemodynamically stable pediatric patients with high-grade (AAST grade III-V) renal injuries, we strongly recommend angioembolization versus surgical intervention for ongoing or delayed bleeding. (3) In pediatric patients with renal trauma, we strongly recommend routine blood pressure checks to diagnose hypertension. This review of the literature reveals limitations and the need for additional research on diagnosis and management of pediatric renal trauma.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Guidelines study, level III.

High grade renal trauma due to blunt injury in children: do all require intervention?

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to analyze the presentation and management of major grade renal trauma in children.

Method:

A retrospective study was performed including data collected from the patients who were admitted in Pediatric surgery with major grade renal injury (grade 3 and more) from January 2015 to August 2018. Demography, clinical parameters, management, duration of hospital stay and final outcome were noted.

Results:

Out of 13 children (9 males and 4 females), with age range 2-12 years (mean of 8 years), reported self-fall was the commonest mode of injury followed by road traffic accident. The majority (10/13, 75%) had a right renal injury. Eight children had a grade IV injury, one had a grade V injury, and four children had grade III injury. Duration of hospital stay varied from 3 to 28 (mean of 11.7) days. Three children required blood transfusion. One child required image guided aspiration twice and two required pigtail insertion for perinephric collection. All the 13 children improved without readmission or need for any other surgical intervention.

Conclusion:

Children with major grade renal trauma due to blunt injury can be successfully managed without surgical intervention and minimal intervention may only be needed in select situations.

Pediatric renal injury: which injury grades warrant close follow-up

PURPOSE

Most children who suffer renal trauma recover fully; however, some have long-term consequences. We sought to determine what grades of injury carry concern for complication and warrant close follow-up.

METHODS

Data on children with grade II or higher renal injuries from a single center over 20 years were reviewed. Demographics, presenting symptoms, lab values, clinical course, management, and follow-up data were analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-one children suffered renal injuries: 75% boys, aged 11.6 ± 3.5 years. Falls-54 and sports-43 were leading injury mechanisms. Presentations included pain only-61, pain and hematuria-28 and hematuria alone-11. Eight had pre-existing abnormalities. Injury grades were: grade II-88 (52%), grade III-49 (29%), grade IV-28 (16%), and grade V-6 (3%). No grades II or III patient underwent intervention or suffered sequelae. Grade IV patients underwent: stenting-5, surgery-2, embolization-1, and drainage-1. Grade V patients underwent: surgery-2, embolization-1, and drain-1. Two grade IV patients underwent late interventions: nephrectomy-1 and stenting-1. Six patients, all grades IV-V, were newly hypertensive at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Grades II and III renal injuries carry a low risk of complication and repeat imaging and close follow-up are likely not necessary. However, grades IV and V injuries carry a meaningful risk of adverse outcome and close follow-up is warranted.

Management of paediatric high-grade blunt renal trauma: a 10-year single-centre UK experience

OBJECTIVE

To report the management and outcome of paediatric patients sustaining high-grade blunt renal trauma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records were examined for all American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade III-V blunt renal trauma cases admitted to a paediatric trauma centre from 2005 to 2015. Data collected and analysed included: demographics, imaging modalities, management, length of hospital stay (LOS), complications, and follow-up outcomes.

RESULTS

In all, 18 children (12 boys, six girls) with mean (range) age 11 (4-15) years were included. According to the AAST grading criteria, 39% (seven of 18) of the patients had grade III, 50% (nine of 18) grade IV, and 11% (two of 18) grade V injuries; 44% (eight of 18) had concomitant injuries. Most of the patients were managed conservatively (89%, 16 of 18), although two of the 16 subsequently needed JJ-stent insertion during inpatient stay for symptomatic urinoma(s). In all, 11% (two of 18) of the patients required interventional radiology service(s), involving selective embolisation for life-threatening renal tract haemorrhage. Blood transfusion for renal injury exclusively was required in 11% (two of 18) of the patients. In all, 89% (16 of 18) of the patients had at least one follow-up imaging study before hospital discharge; most (13 of 16) had ultrasonography and three required computed tomography. The median (range) LOS was 11 (4-31) days. In all, 17% (three of 18) of the patients required hospital re-admission within 30 days for complications and all required interventional procedures: JJ stent for urinoma (one), embolisation of renal arterio-venous fistula (one), and embolisation for a post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm (one). Overall, the median (range) follow-up was 6 (2-60) months. In all, 78% (14 of 18) of the patients had dimercaptosuccinic acid studies, with 11 showing reductions in renal function (range 3-44%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports a care pathway strategy advocating conservative management of high-grade renal injuries in children. However, patients may experience a relative decline in renal function with higher grade injuries indicating the need for monitoring and follow-up.

Outcomes of an accelerated care pathway for pediatric blunt solid organ injuries in a public healthcare system

PURPOSE

An accelerated clinical care pathway for solid organ abdominal injuries was implemented at a level one pediatric trauma center. The impact on resource utilization and demonstration of protocol safety was assessed.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively on patients admitted with blunt abdominal solid organ injuries from 2012 to 2015. Patients were subdivided into pre- and post-protocol groups. Length of hospital stay (LOS) and failure of non-operative treatment were the primary outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

138 patients with solid organ injury were studied: 73 pre- (2012-2014) and 65 post-protocol (2014-2015). There were no significant differences in age, gender, injury severity score (ISS), injury grade, or mechanism (p>0.05). LOS was shorter post-protocol (mean 5.6 vs. 3.4days; median 5 .0 vs. 3.0days; p=0.0002), resulting in average savings of $5966 per patient. Patients in the protocol group mobilized faster (p<0.0001) and experienced fewer blood draws (p=0.02). On multivariate analysis, protocol group (p<0.001) and ISS (p<0.001) were independently associated with LOS. There were no differences between groups in the need for operation, embolization, or transfusion.

CONCLUSION

An accelerated care pathway is safe and effective in the management of pediatric solid organ injuries with early mobilization, less blood draws, and decreased LOS without significant morbidity and mortality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, cost effectiveness, level III.

Management of pediatric blunt renal trauma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Blunt trauma remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. The use of conservative management for blunt renal trauma is widely accepted in adult trauma literature and is now increasingly accepted for use in the pediatric patient population. This study aimed to review current practices in pediatric blunt renal trauma management and to highlight current practices in conservative protocols, success rates of conservative management strategies, as well as short- and long-term outcomes of blunt renal trauma management.

METHODS

This is a systematic review of PubMed, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library. The following search was performed in each of the three databases: (Renal or Kidney) AND (Pediatric or Children) AND Trauma AND Management. Publications were limited to publish date after January 1, 2000. Inclusion criteria were (1) original research articles regarding management of pediatric blunt renal trauma, (2) involvement of cases of high-grade renal (Grades IV and V) trauma, and (3) more than one patient presented per study. Literature reviews and meta-analyses were excluded.

RESULTS

Titles and abstracts (n = 308) were screened to identify scientific articles reporting original research findings. A total of 32 articles met the selection criteria and were included in the review.

CONCLUSION

The literature supports application of conservative management protocols to high-grade blunt pediatric renal trauma. Criteria for early operative intervention are not well understood. At this time, emergent operative intervention only for hemodynamic instability is recommended. Minimally invasive interventions including angioembolization, stenting, and percutaneous drainage should be used when indicated. Short- and long-term outcomes are favorable when using conservative management approaches to Grade IV and V renal injuries. Further studies including prospective studies and randomized control trials are necessary. Cost analyses of current treatment protocols are also necessary to guide efficient management strategies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, level III.

Evolving Mechanisms of Injury and Management of Pediatric Blunt Renal Trauma--20 Years of Experience

OBJECTIVE

To review 20 years of a prospectively maintained trauma database to identify changing trends in mechanisms of renal injury, demographics, and management outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following the approval from the institutional review board, a prospectively maintained trauma database was reviewed for renal trauma patient demographics, management, and mechanisms of injury. Data were reviewed first for the entire cohort and then incrementally to identify mechanisms of injury associated with increasing frequency or grade of injury.

RESULTS

A total of 228 graded renal injuries were identified from 1993 to 2013. The majority of renal injuries occurred in males (77.2%) >6 years of age (85.1%). Low grade (I-III) injuries were more common (70.6%). The most frequent mechanisms of injury identified were falls, recreational motor vehicle (RMV) accidents, bike accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and sports accidents, in descending order of frequency. RMV-related injuries have become frequent with time despite recommendations against use in the pediatric age population. Surgical intervention was rarely necessary. Over the 20 year study period, 5 nephrectomies (1.4%) were required, whereas 10 endoscopic interventions or percutaneous drainage procedures were needed (2.4%).

CONCLUSION

The majority of blunt pediatric renal injuries are low grade and can be managed nonoperatively. Nephrectomy is rarely required but is indicated for hemodynamic instability refractory to resuscitation. Pediatric blunt renal trauma secondary to RMV use is increasing despite recommendations against their use in the pediatric population.

The incidence of long-term hypertension in children after high-grade renal trauma

INTRODUCTION

It is generally accepted that there is a risk of hypertension after renal trauma, particularly in high-grade and devascularizing injuries. Hypertension following renal trauma is estimated to occur in five percent of adults, however, the incidence is unknown in the pediatric population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of all pediatric trauma patients at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah between 2002 and 2012. We included all children age ≤17years old with American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade 3-5 renal injury. Hypertension was defined as persistent hypertension that required anti-hypertensive medications. Our primary outcomes were incidence of hypertension during the acute trauma and in long-term follow.

RESULTS

A total of 62 children were identified with AAST grade 3-5 renal injuries during our study period. Follow up blood pressures were recorded in 36 (58%) of these children with a median follow of 4.1years (IQR 2.1-5.1years) after trauma. Four children (6.5%) were identified to have some degree of hypertension while hospitalized after trauma and started on anti-hypertensive medication. Two out of these four children remained on hypertensive medication at follow up, while the remaining two children's hypertension resolved. No children who were normotensive in the immediate post-trauma period, developed delayed hypertension during long-term follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a low risk of developing hypertension following severe renal trauma in the pediatric population. Patients who develop long-term problems with hypertension after renal trauma manifest it during the initial hospitalization, rather than subsequently during the long-term.

Late evaluation of the relationship between morphological and functional renal changes and hypertension after non-operative treatment of high-grade renal injuries

Objective

To evaluate the anatomical and functional renal alterations and the association with post-traumatic arterial hypertension.

Methods

The studied population included patients who sustained high grades renal injury (grades III to V) successfully non-operative management after staging by computed tomography over a 16-year period. Beyond the review of medical records, these patients were invited to the following protocol: clinical and laboratory evaluation, abdominal computed tomography, magnetic resonance angiography, DMSA renal scintigraphy, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The hypertensive patients also were submitted to dynamic renal scintigraphy (^99mTc EC), using captopril stimulation to verify renal vascular etiology.

Results

Of the 31 patients, there were thirteen grade III, sixteen grade IV (nine lacerations, and seven vascular lesions), and two grade V injuries. All the patients were asymptomatic and an average follow up post-injury of 6.4 years. None had abnormal BUN or seric creatinine. The percentage of renal volume reduction correlates with the severity as defined by OIS. There was no evidence of renal artery stenosis in Magnetic Resonance angiography (MRA). DMSA scanning demonstrated a decline in percentage of total renal function corresponding to injury severity (42.2 ± 5.5% for grade III, 35.3 ± 12.8% for grade IV, 13.5 ± 19.1 for grade V). Six patients (19.4%) had severe compromised function (< 30%). There was statistically significant difference in the decrease in renal function between parenchymal and vascular causes for grade IV injuries (p < 0.001). The 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring detected nine patients (29%) with post-traumatic hypertension. All the patients were male, mean 35.6 years, 77.8 % had a familial history of arterial hypertension, 66.7% had grade III renal injury, and average post-injury time was 7.8 years. Seven patients had negative captopril renography.

Conclusions

Late results of renal function after conservative treatment of high grades renal injuries are favorable, except for patients with grades IV with vascular injuries and grade V renal injuries. Moreover, arterial hypertension does not correlate with the grade of renal injury or reduction of renal function.

Conservative management vs early surgery for high grade pediatric renal trauma--do nephrectomy rates differ?

PURPOSE

Guidelines for management of pediatric high grade renal injuries are currently based on limited pediatric data and algorithms from adults, for whom initial nonoperative management is associated with decreased nephrectomy risk. Using a national database, we compared nephrectomy rates between children with high grade renal injury managed conservatively and those undergoing early surgical intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All children with high grade renal injuries were identified in the National Trauma Data Bank®. High grade renal injuries were defined as American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade IV or V renal injuries. After excluding fatalities within 24 hours of hospitalization, 419 pediatric patients comprised our study cohort. A total of 81 patients underwent early (within 24 hours of hospitalization) surgical intervention, while 338 were initially treated conservatively. Using stratified analysis with adjustment for relevant covariates, we compared nephrectomy rates between these groups.

RESULTS

Nephrectomy was performed less often in patients treated conservatively (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.36, adjusted for age, renal injury grade and injury mechanism). The decreased risk of nephrectomy was more marked among children with grade IV vs grade V renal injuries (adjusted RR 0.16, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.23). Multiple procedures were more common in patients initially observed. Of pediatric patients with grade IV and V renal injuries 11% still underwent nephrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative management of high grade renal injuries is common in children. Although mechanism of injury and renal injury grade impact initial clinical management decisions, the risk of nephrectomy was consistently decreased in children with high grade renal trauma managed conservatively regardless of injury characteristics.

[Outcome of severe closed kidney injuries in children]

AIMS

To analyze the results of treatment of major renal injuries according imaging data in order to determine their function after follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 22 cases of fracture of the kidney (grade V) in two pediatric surgical services that were reviewed over a period of 16 years. After initial conservative treatment in 19 patients (86.5%), a scan and/or Uro-MRI were realized in all patients in monitoring evolving. Three children with vascular injury were treated by interventional radiology. The morphology and functional evolution of the injured kidney were determined.

RESULTS

A DMSA scan investigation was performed in 21 patients (95.5%) associated with Uro-MRI in two cases; one patient was only explored with Uro-MRI. A complete restitution of the renal parenchyma was confirmed in 10 children (45.5%), we noted an atrophy of the upper pole in 30%, a lower pole atrophy in 4.5%, two complete renal atrophy in 9%. An urinoma was present in six patients (27%) that required drainage in five cases and declined during the surveillance in one case. Normal function of the injured kidney was noticed in half of grade V (11 of 22 patients) with a mean follow-up of 19 months. None of our patients did present hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Non-operative conservative treatment in severe renal trauma was efficient, morphological and functional sequelae were present in 50% on scintigraphy and/or Uro-MRI.

[Functional damages after blunt renal trauma in children]

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term functional outcome of renal injuries.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients under 16 sustaining renal trauma and admitted to our department between 1990 et 2010. There were 66 renal lesions categorized as follows: grade I to III, 33, grade IV, 28 and grade V, 5. Whatever their initial status, all children were followed using ultrasonography or computed tomography. After complete healing, data of technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid nuclear were collected.

RESULTS

There was no bilateral injury. Thirteen patients proceeded to laparotomy leading to nephrectomy in three cases, partial nephrectomy in two others cases. Four renovascular injuries required interventional radiologic management. Nine urinomas were managed with eight stentings and one percutaneous drainage. Percentage of renal function by technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid nuclear scanning concerning 26 patients was analysed. Split percentage of renal function was 43.4% (±6.2%), 35.7% (±5.3%) et 30.3% (±12.2%) (mean±SD); P=no significant, for grade I-III, IV and V, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Functional outcome after blunt renal trauma appeared influenced by injury grade. Functional sequelae existed even with low-grade traumas. In keeping with literature, these results justified a close follow-up in which radionuclide study was the essential element.

Angiographic embolization is safe and effective therapy for blunt abdominal solid organ injury in children

BACKGROUND

: Angiographic embolization (AE) is used to control hemorrhage in adult blunt liver, spleen, and kidney (ASO) injuries. Pediatric experience with AE for blunt ASO injuries is limited. We reviewed our use of AE to control bleeding pediatric blunt ASO injuries for efficacy and safety.

METHODS

: A 5-year review (trauma registry and charts) of children (age < or = 16 years) who had AE for hemorrhage from blunt ASO injuries. Nonoperative management was attempted in all stable children with blunt ASO injuries. Children with ongoing hemorrhage underwent AE. The success of AE and complications were evaluated. Data were reviewed on injury type and grade, injury severity score, length of intensive care unit stay (LOS-ICU) and length of hospital stay (LOS), and complications.

RESULTS

: One hundred twenty-seven patients with 149 blunt ASO injuries were identified (72 spleen, 51 liver, and 26 renal). Two children had immediate splenectomies. Seven children underwent AE: two spleen (grades IV and V), two liver (grades III and IV), and three grade IV renal injuries. Three children received blood before embolization. Mean age and injury severity score were 12.3 years +/- 3.7 years and 22.4 +/- 10.0,respecyively. Mean intensive care unit stay was 4.8 days +/- 5.5 days with a mean length of hospital stay of 12.8 days +/- 5.5 days. Embolization was successful in all children; there were no procedure-related complications. Four minor complications occurred; two pleural effusions and two patients with transient hypertension. A nephroblastoma was later found in one renal injury requiring nephrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

: AE is a safe and an effective technique for controlling hemorrhage from blunt ASO injuries in select pediatric patients.

Nonoperative management of grade 5 renal injury in children: does it have a place?

BACKGROUND

Nonoperative treatment of blunt renal trauma in children is progressively gaining acceptance; grade 5 renal trauma is associated with a significant rate of complications.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility and outcome of initial nonoperative management of grade 5 blunt renal trauma in children.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective study included 18 children (12 boys and 6 girls; mean age: 8.4+/-3.4 yr) who presented to the authors' institutes with grade 5 blunt renal trauma between 1990 and 2007.

MEASUREMENTS

An intravenous contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated grade 5 renal trauma in all patients. Associated major vascular injuries were suspected in four patients. All were initially managed conservatively. Indications for intervention included hemodynamic instability, progressive urinoma, or persistent bleeding. Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scans were performed at a mean time of 3.1 yr (range: 1-17) following the injury in nine patients.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Four patients (22%) with suspected major vascular injuries required nephrectomy 1-21 d following the trauma. Two patients with continuing hemorrhage required selective lower-pole arterial embolization (11%). Three patients (17%) had their progressive urinoma drained percutaneously, and two of them required delayed reparative surgery for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) avulsion. Nine patients (50%) were successfully managed nonoperatively. Kidneys were salvaged in 78% of patients. DMSA scanning showed a split function >40% in 44% of evaluated kidneys. Two patients (22%) had split function <30%. At last follow-up, none of the children were hypertensive or had any abnormality on urine analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonoperative management of grade 5 renal trauma is feasible. Prompt surgical intervention is required for those with major vascular injuries. Superselective arterial embolization can be an excellent option in patients with continuing hemorrhage and who have pseudoaneurysms. Patients with UPJ disruption can be salvaged by initial drainage of the urinoma followed by deferred correction.

Review of the evidence on the management of blunt renal trauma in pediatric patients

Due to the size and location within the pediatric patient, the kidneys are susceptible to injury from blunt trauma. While it is clear that the goal of management of blunt renal trauma in children is renal preservation, the methods of achieving this goal have not been well established in the current literature. Therefore, we have set out to summarize and clarify the current published information on the management strategies for blunt renal trauma in children. While there is extensive literature available, it consists mostly of retrospective series documenting widely varied management styles. The purpose of this review is to display the current information available and delineate the role for future studies that may allow us to develop consistent management strategies of pediatric patients, who have sustained blunt renal trauma, in a safe and cost-effective manner.

Comparison of short- and long-term functional outcome of nonoperatively managed renal injuries in children

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to better determine the long-term functional outcome of nonoperatively managed renal injuries in children.

METHODS

After Institutional Review Board approval, all children with blunt renal injuries were retrospectively reviewed. Renal function, after complete healing had been documented radiographically (3 months postinjury), was evaluated through measurements of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, blood pressure, and split percentage of renal function using technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid nuclear scanning. Repeated data at 1 year postinjury were compared with the early follow-up results.

RESULTS

Sixteen consecutive children (mean age, 10 years; range, 3-16 years) had complete follow-up over the study period. All children were managed without laparotomy. Injury grades were as follows: grades I to III, 4; grade IV, 9; and grade V, 3. No child had an abnormal blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, or blood pressure measurement at follow-up. Consistent with previous results, percentage of renal function by technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid scanning was influenced by injury grade at the early 3-month follow-up (46.5% +/- 4.5%, 42% +/- 7.1%, and 32.7% +/- 5.9% [mean +/- SD] for grades I-III, grade IV, and grade V, respectively). One-year functional results for the high-grade injuries also correlated to initial injury grade and were not significantly different from the results at early follow-up (43.8% +/- 4.8%, 41.9% +/- 6.6%, and 31.35 +/- 5.7% [mean +/- SD] for grades I-III, grade IV, and grade V, respectively; P = not significant). No child required delayed surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term (1 year) functional outcome in nonoperatively managed renal injuries in children appears preserved and is influenced by injury grade.

Management of high grade renal trauma: 20-year experience at a pediatric level I trauma center

PURPOSE

In the last 20 years the management of high grade, blunt renal trauma at our institution has evolved from primarily an operative approach to an expectant nonoperative approach. To evaluate our experience with the expectant nonoperative management of high grade, blunt renal trauma in children, we reviewed our 20-year experience regarding evaluation, management and outcomes in patients treated at our institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied all patients sustaining renal trauma between 1983 and 2003. Medical records were reviewed for mechanism of injury, assigned grade of renal injury, patient treatment, indications for and timing of surgery, and outcome. Injuries were categorized as either low grade (I to III) or high grade (IV to V).

RESULTS

We reviewed the medical records of 164 consecutive children who sustained blunt renal trauma between 1983 and 2003. A total of 38 patients were excluded for inadequate information. Of the remaining 126 children 60% had low grade and 40% had high grade renal injuries. A total of 11 patients (8.7%) required surgical or endoscopic intervention for renal causes, including 2 for congenital renal abnormalities and 1 for clot retention. Eight patients (6.3%) required surgical intervention for isolated renal trauma, of whom 2 (1.6%) required immediate surgical intervention for hemodynamic instability and 6 (4.8%) were treated with a delayed retroperitoneal approach. Only 4 patients (3.2%) required nephrectomy. All patients receiving operative intervention had high grade renal injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial nonsurgical management of high grade blunt renal trauma in children is effective and is recommended for the hemodynamically stable child. When a child has persistent symptomatic urinary extravasation delayed retroperitoneal drainage may become necessary to reduce morbidity. Minimally invasive techniques should be considered before open operative intervention. Early operative management is rarely indicated for an isolated renal injury, except in the child who is hemodynamically unstable.

Emergency Department Hypotension is not an Independent Risk Factor for Post-Traumatic Acute Renal Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Hypotension has been considered to be associated with renal dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to characterize the association of Emergency Department Hypotension (EDHypo) with post-traumatic renal insufficiency (RI) and renal failure (RF).

METHODS

A Level I center Intensive Care Unit database was analyzed. We reviewed all adult trauma patients surviving for more than 24 hours. EDHypo was defined as admission systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm Hg, RI was defined as a peak serum creatine of > or = 2.0 mg/dL, RF was defined as requiring dialysis.

RESULTS

There were 2,574 admissions studied and RI occurred in 8.3% (213) of these patients whereas RF occurred in 1.1% (28). The mortality rate with RI was 41.0% (89) and 50.0% (14) with RF. There was no significant change in the incidence of RI, RF, or RI associated mortality during the study period. EDHypo was present in 7.9% (203) of patients and the incidence of RI was significantly higher than that of non-EDHypo patients (12.2% vs. 7.9%, p = 0.028). The incidence of RF was not different (1.0% vs. 1.1%). EDHypo was not independently associated with RI or RF but Injury Severity Score > 16, renal injury, age > 55, Body Mass Index > 30, male gender, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission creatine kinase > or = 5,000 U/L had an independent association with RI. No risk factor in patients with RI could reliably predict RF.

CONCLUSIONS

EDhypo is not independently associated with post-traumatic RI or RF but severity of injury, renal injury, age, Body Mass Index, male gender, and elevated creatinine kinase are independently associated with RI. In critically ill trauma patients the incidence of RI and RF and the associated mortality rate has not changed significantly during a 6-year period despite, presumably, better understanding of resuscitative strategies.

Pediatric blunt renal trauma: Its conservative management and patterns of associated injuries

OBJECTIVES

To review the conservative management of pediatric renal trauma and investigate the significance of associated nonrenal injuries.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 63 pediatric patients with blunt renal injury who were treated expectantly. A comparison was made between operative and nonoperative management, mechanism of injury, treatment complications, requirement for blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, associated injuries, and incidence of pre-existing urologic conditions.

RESULTS

The renal injury grade was grade I in 31 patients, grade II in 12, grade III in 8, grade IV in 10, and grade V in 2. Two patients underwent acute surgical exploration; one for nonrenal causes and one (2%) for life-threatening renal bleeding (grade V injury). Renorrhaphy was not performed, and 98% of patients were initially treated nonoperatively. Three patients (5%) underwent delayed renal surgery: one nephrectomy for Wilms' tumor, one partial nephrectomy for nonhealing grade IV injury, and one attempted repair of a renal pelvis injury with subsequent nephrectomy. Excluding 1 patient who died and one nephrectomy for tumor control, our renal salvage rate was 97% (59 of 61). The overall mean hospital stay was 7.7 days and was similar across all grades (grade I, 7.7 days; grade II, 7.8; grade III, 6.1; grade IV, 9.2; and grade V, 10.5 days).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study have shown that pediatric patients with blunt nonexsanguinating renal injuries treated conservatively do well. The length of hospital stay did not increase with worsening severity of renal injury and, instead, was determined by the severity of the nonrenal associated injuries. This report adds to a growing body of published data that suggest that conservative management of pediatric blunt renal trauma is safe.

Complications of Renal Trauma

Renal trauma is rare, and significant complications from renal trauma are generally rarer still occurring in less than 5% in modern series. Close follow-up of injured patients and scrupulous use of imaging, including computed tomography scan, arteriogram, or retro-grade pyelogram when appropriate, increase detection rates and establish the diagnosis in most patients. Treatment varies by etiology and may range from watchful waiting to percutaneous drainage to, in rare cases, nephrectomy.

Outcomes from pediatric solid organ injury: role of standardized care guidelines

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Recent advances in the delivery of trauma and critical care in children have resulted in improved outcome following major injuries. It is imperative that physicians who treat injured children familiarize themselves with current treatment algorithms for abdominal trauma. Important contributions have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of children with abdominal injury by radiologists and endoscopists.

RECENT FINDINGS

This report examines the impact of consensus guidelines in the treatment of blunt abdominal solid organ injuries. Consensus guidelines for treatment of children with isolated spleen and liver injury are reviewed demonstrating conformity of care and significant reduction of resource utilization without adverse sequelae. Review of large datasets indicate contrasting rates of splenectomy depending on the expertise of the institution, emphasizing the need for wide dissemination of guidelines.

SUMMARY

Clinical experience and published reports addressing specific concerns about the nonoperative treatment of children with solid organ injuries and recent radiologic and endoscopic contributions have made pediatric trauma care increasingly nonoperative. Although the trend is in this direction, the pediatric surgeon should remain the physician-of-record in the multidisciplinary care of critically injured children.