Pediatric Trauma Score. Predictor of hospital resource use?
The Pediatric Trauma Score has been recommended to triage children with scores of 8 or less to a level 1 pediatric trauma center. The Injury Severity Score correlates well with the Pediatric Trauma Score. During a 36-month period ending December 31, 1985, paramedics saw 983 pediatric trauma patients (aged 17 years and younger) and intervened with advanced life support procedures in 196 (20%). One hundred forty-four patients receiving advanced life support were transported to either a level 1 adult trauma center or a pediatric community hospital. Our data confirm the correlation between Pediatric Trauma Score and Injury Severity Score and support recommendations to transport patients with Pediatric Trauma Scores of 8 or less to trauma facilities. We also conclude that Pediatric Trauma Scores may be useful in predicting hospital resource use.
Aprahamian
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Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Cattey
R P
RP
Walker
A P
AP
Gruchow
H W
HW
Seabrook
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G
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015599:Trauma Severity Indices; D014218:Triage / Q000379:methods