Caring for critically injured children: An analysis of 56 pediatric damage control laparotomies

Use of Laparoscopy in Pediatric Blunt and Spleen Injury: An Unexpectedly Common Procedure After Cessation of Bleeding

Background: Recently, several series have reported the use of laparoscopy in pediatric trauma, most commonly for bowel and pancreatic injury within the first 12 or 24 hours. During a multicenter trial at 10 Level 1 pediatric trauma centers, selective use of laparoscopy in children with blunt liver or spleen injury (BLSI) was noted. A secondary analysis was performed to describe the frequency and application of these procedures to pediatric BLSI. Patients and Methods: Prospective data were collected on all children age ≤18 years with BLSI presenting to 1 of 10 pediatric trauma centers. An unplanned secondary analysis of children who underwent laparoscopy was done. Results: Of 1008 children with BLSI, 59 initially underwent a laparotomy, but 11 underwent a laparoscopic procedure during their index admission; 1 of these was 22 hours postlaparotomy and 2 others were laparoscopy-assisted and converted to laparotomy. Median age of patients undergoing a laparoscopic procedure was 11.5 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 5.8-16.4). Laparoscopy was performed at 7 of the 10 centers. Median time to surgery was 42 hours (IQR: 8-96). Most patients had a liver (n = 6) injury; 4 had spleen and 1 had both. One of the laparoscopies was for pancreatic surgery, and 2 were for bowel injury (but converted to open). Conclusions: Laparoscopy was utilized in 16% of children requiring abdominal surgery after BLSI, with a median time of 42 hours postinjury. Uses included diagnostic laparoscopy, drain placement, laparoscopic pancreatectomy, and washout of hematoma.

High volume crystalloid resuscitation adversely affects pediatric trauma patients

BACKGROUND

Aggressive fluid resuscitative strategies have been the cornerstone of early trauma management for decades. However, recent prospective adult studies have challenged this practice, underlining the detrimental effect of positive fluid balance on cardiopulmonary function. Fluid overload has been associated with impaired oxygenation and morbidity in critically ill adults, but data is lacking in pediatric trauma patients.

METHODS

We completed a retrospective chart review of all pediatric trauma patients 0-18 years old admitted to a level 1 trauma center from January 2013 to December 2015. Four patient cohorts were established based on volume of fluid administered: <20 ml/kg/day, 20-40 ml/kg/day, 40-60 ml/kg/day, and > 60 ml/kg/day. The primary outcome was death. Secondary outcomes included the number of days on the ventilator, intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS), overall length of stay (LOS), number of days nil per os (NPO) as an indicator of ileus, and incidence of bloodstream infection and/or surgical site infection.

RESULTS

The mean volume of fluid administered over the first 24 h was 41 ml/kg/day, and 28 ml/kg/day over the first 48 h. ICU length of stay and overall length of stay were increased in patients who received more than 60 ml/kg/day in the first 24 h of their hospitalization. Furthermore, ventilator use, ICU length of stay, overall length of stay, and time to resumption of a regular diet were all increased in patients who received >60 ml/kg/day over 48 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Early administration of high volumes of crystalloid fluid greater than 60 ml/kg/day significantly correlates with pulmonary complications, days NPO, and hospital length of stay. These results span the first 48 h of a patient's hospital stay and should encourage surgical care providers to exercise judicious use of crystalloid fluid administration in the trauma bay, ICU, and floor.

TYPE OF STUDY

Therapeutic.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.