TRAUMA - PAEDIATRIC
SHARP ABDO TRAUMA - PAEDS
PromptPotential injuries in 8yo – child vs stick on bike


ResponseThoracic:
- Haemothorax
- Pneumothorax
- Pulmonary contusion or laceration
- Diaphragmatic perforation
- Bronchopleural fistula
- Cardiac contusion or laceration (unlikely given clinical state)
- Hollow viscous perforation
- Solid organ penetration (Liver, Kidney, unlikely splenic)
- Vascular injury (IVC, abdominal aorta)
- Ureteric laceration
- Bladder perforation
- Uterine laceration
- Ovarian injury
PromptManagement of penetrating abdominal injury in paeds
Response
- Seek and treat immediate life threats: haemo-pneumothorax and hypovolaemia.
- Minimal volume resuscitation: End point: Cap refill < 2sec; PRC 10ml/kg aliquots
- Analgesia: Parenteral most appropriate in this patient
- Fentanyl 1mcg/kg q10 min until analgesia
- Morphine 0.1mg/kg q 15 min until analgesia
- Ketamine 0.2mg/kg repeat x2 if required
- Investigations: Radiological: CXR (portable) +/- CT(chest/abdo/pelvis) if stable to define injury
- Investigations: Bloods: VBG – for lactate; Cross match
- Urgent notification to General/Trauma Surgeons: High risk penetrating abdominal injury; Requires OT for laparotomy.
- IV Ab’s: Ampicillin 50mg/kg qid + Gentamicin 5mg/kg od + Metronidazole 12.5mg/kg bd
- NBM +/- NGT
- Check immunisation for ADT and manage accordingly