title: Gunshot injuries in children.
abstract: Ninety consecutive patients between 2 and 15 years of age sustaining gunshot wounds were analyzed and a management algorithm evolved. Key management steps included fluid resuscitation in the field by trained paramedical personnel and recognition of the severity of the wound when large-caliber or shotgun injuries were encountered. Arteriograms were most helpful in locating vascular injuries; venograms were inaccurate. Morbidity was directly related to missile size and impact area, and to the number of organs injured. Any hospitalization beyond 2 weeks' duration should have social service, home-bound school service, psychiatry, and physical therapy in consultation. During a 5-year period only two of the 90 patients died secondary to hemorrhagic shock.
mesh_terms: D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000628:therapy; D005121:Extremities / Q000293:injuries; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries; D012151:Resuscitation; D012771:Shock, Hemorrhagic / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*