Ultrasound is an effective triage tool to evaluate blunt abdominal trauma in the pediatric population.
BACKGROUND
Although computed tomography has been considered the diagnostic modality of choice for pediatric patients with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT), it is costly, time-consuming, requires sedation, and may be associated with complications in young children. Abdominal ultrasonography (US) is a promising modality in the evaluation of BAT that is quick, noninvasive, repeatable, and cost-effective. We hypothesized that emergency department US, performed by trauma surgeons, is a useful triage tool for pediatric BAT that reduces the need for computed tomography.


METHODS
The 230 children (<18 years old) with suspected BAT were initially evaluated with US in the emergency department by surgeons. Subsequent computed tomographic scan or exploratory laparotomy was performed as indicated by the key clinical pathway.


RESULTS
Twelve children (5.2%) had documented intra-abdominal injuries. All five injured children with significant intraperitoneal fluid were identified by US. Of the seven patients who had intra-abdominal injury not detected by US, six sustained solid organ injuries that were managed nonoperatively. Extrapolated reductions in hospital charges due to the decreased number of computed tomographic scans total $130,000.


CONCLUSIONS
Using US as a triage tool may dramatically reduce the cost of pediatric BAT evaluation while being able to quickly identify significant intraperitoneal fluid that requires further evaluation and possible laparotomy.
Partrick
D A
DA
Department of Surgery, Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 80204, USA.
Bensard
D D
DD
Moore
E E
EE
Terry
S J
SJ
Karrer
F M
FM
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003120:Colorado; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014193:Trauma Centers; D014218:Triage / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*