Pediatric blast lung injury from a fireworks-related explosion.
Blast injuries related to explosions have been described in the literature but are uncommon in children. We describe a multisystem blast injury in a child resulting from a commercial firework-related explosion in her home. She presented with respiratory failure, shock, altered level of consciousness, and multiple orthopedic injuries. The patient required immediate stabilization and resuscitation in the emergency department and a prolonged hospitalization. This report reviews the spectrum of injuries that are seen in blast-related trauma and the emergency measures needed for rapid stabilization of these critical patients.
Department of Graduate Medical Education, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
Jessica
J
Ratto
Bernadette K
BK
Johnson
Cole S
CS
Condra
Jane F
JF
Knapp
D000061:Accidents, Home; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000209:etiology; D001132:Arm; D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000209:etiology; D005385:Fingers; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D055370:Lung Injury / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D010988:Play and Playthings