Pediatric Trauma

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Pediatric Trauma - Tiny Terrors, Big Trouble

  • Unique Anatomy & Physiology: Larger head-to-body ratio, thinner chest wall, pliable bones (greenstick fractures), ↑surface area (hypothermia risk).
  • Airway: Large occiput, anterior/cephalad larynx, narrowest at cricoid.
  • Breathing: Diaphragmatic breathers, susceptible to fatigue.
  • Circulation: Compensate well initially, then rapid decompensation. Hypotension is a LATE sign. Tachycardia is an early sign.
    • Estimated blood volume: 80 ml/kg.
  • Disability: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) modified for children.
  • Exposure/Environment: Prevent hypothermia.
  • Common Injuries: Head trauma (most common cause of death), abdominal trauma (liver/spleen), fractures.
  • Non-Accidental Trauma (NAT): Consider if injury pattern inconsistent with history. 📌 TEN-4 FACES P (Torso, Ears, Neck, Frenulum, Auricular, Cheek, Eyelid, Subconjunctival hemorrhage, Patterned bruising).

Pediatric Trauma Patient Assessment

⭐ Waddell's Triad (vehicle vs. pedestrian): 1. Femur fracture, 2. Intra-abdominal/Intrathoracic injury, 3. Contralateral head injury. Indicates severe trauma and high mortality risk in pediatric pedestrian injuries by motor vehicles.

  • Fluid Resuscitation: Isotonic crystalloids 20 ml/kg bolus, repeat up to 2-3 times. Then packed RBCs 10-15 ml/kg if no response.
  • Damage Control Resuscitation: Early blood product use in severe trauma (1:1:1 PRBC:FFP:Platelets).

Initial Assessment - ABCs for Small Fries

  • Primary Survey (ABCDE): Rapidly identify & manage life-threats.
    • 📌 PAT: Appearance, Work of Breathing, Circulation (skin). (Initial visual)
  • A - Airway & C-Spine:
    • Immobilize C-spine.
    • Jaw thrust.
    • ETI (uncuffed): $(Age/4) + 4$; (cuffed): $(Age/4) + 3.5$.
  • B - Breathing:
    • High-flow O2.
    • Assess: RR, effort, SpO2.
    • Needle for tension pneumothorax: 2nd ICS MCL / 5th ICS AAL.
  • C - Circulation:
    • IV/IO access (IO if IV > 90s).
    • Fluid: 20 mL/kg isotonic crystalloid bolus (max 60 mL/kg pre-blood).
    • Control bleeding.

    ⭐ Hypotension: LATE, ominous shock sign in children. Compensatory mechanisms mask it.

Pediatric Assessment Triangle

Key Injury Patterns - Ouchie Hotspots

  • Head Trauma:
    • Leading cause of trauma death.
    • Infants: Assess fontanelles. Ping-pong, growing skull fractures.
    • ↑Risk diffuse axonal injury (DAI) due to large head, weak neck. Pediatric head trauma CT: epidural hematoma & fracture
  • Thoracic Trauma:
    • Rib fractures rare (pliable ribs) but indicate severe force.
    • Pulmonary contusion: Most common chest injury.
  • Abdominal Trauma:
    • Spleen & liver: Most injured solid organs.
    • Handlebar injury → duodenal hematoma, pancreatic injury.
    • Non-operative management (NOM) often preferred.
  • Musculoskeletal Trauma:
    • Physeal (growth plate) injuries: Salter-Harris classification.
    • NAT indicators: 📌 Multiple fractures (varied healing), posterior ribs, corner fractures.
  • Spinal Trauma:
    • Upper C-spine (C1-C3) injuries common. Pseudosubluxation.
    • SCIWORA (Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality) more frequent.

⭐ Waddell's Triad (pedestrian vs. vehicle): 1. Femur fracture, 2. Thoracic/abdominal injuries, 3. Contralateral head injury.

Scoring & Special Scenarios - Numbers & Nuances

  • Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS):
    • Components (each +2, +1, or -1): Weight, Airway, SBP, CNS, Open Wound, Skeletal Fx.
    • Range: -6 to +12.
    • Mortality: ↑ if PTS < 0; Survival good if PTS > 8.
  • Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale (pGCS):
    • Modified for pre-verbal children (Eye opening, Verbal response, Motor response).
    • Score: 3 (min) to 15 (max).
    • Severe TBI: pGCS ≤ 8.
  • Non-Accidental Trauma (NAT):
    • Suspect: Inconsistent history, delayed presentation.
    • Key injuries: Retinal hemorrhages, posterior rib #, metaphyseal #, subdural hematoma.

    ⭐ Posterior rib fractures and metaphyseal corner fractures are highly suggestive of NAT.

  • Waddell's Triad (Pedestrian vs. Vehicle): 📌 HCL
    • Contralateral Head injury, Thoraco-abdominal injury, Femur #. Infant Radiograph: Metaphyseal Corner and Bucket Handle Fx

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Pediatric airway is distinct: smaller, anterior, larger tongue; prioritize patency.
  • C-spine injuries often involve upper vertebrae; consider SCIWORA even with normal X-rays.
  • Blunt abdominal trauma commonly affects liver and spleen; non-operative management is frequent.
  • Head trauma is the primary cause of death; assess with Pediatric GCS.
  • Initial fluid bolus: 20 ml/kg isotonic crystalloid.
  • High risk of hypothermia due to larger surface area to mass ratio.
  • Pulmonary contusions can occur without rib fractures due to chest wall compliance.

Practice Questions: Pediatric Trauma

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Flashcards: Pediatric Trauma

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_____ technique for chest compression is used for resuscitation in children aged >8 years

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_____ technique for chest compression is used for resuscitation in children aged >8 years

Heel of both hands on lower 1/3rd of sternum

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