Assessment of Circulatory Management in Pediatric Polytrauma According to International Guidelines in Suez Canal University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Among kids older than a year old, trauma is the primary cause of illness and death. Injuries to two or more organ systems that could prove fatal or disabling are unfortunately not out of the ordinary in pediatric patients who have sustained multiple severe injuries. Objective: To improve the circulatory management in pediatric polytrauma by detection of pitfalls according to international guidelines in Suez Canal University Hospital. Patients and Methods: All children with polytrauma who were brought to the Emergency Department (ED) at Suez Canal University Hospital were included in a cross-sectional study. Patients were evaluated and cared for with an emphasis on circulatory management in accordance with Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) standards. Next, the patient's outcome was documented. Results: Obstruction of the airway, breathing difficulties, bradycardia, and extended capillary refill were substantially linked with the 9.5% death rate among pediatric polytrauma patients who presented to ED at Suez Canal University Hospital. Survival of the studied patients was statistically significant associated with higher frequency of performing chest X-ray (p < 0.001), pelvis X-ray (p < 0.012) and Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) study (p=0.024). Conclusion: Adherence to the international guidelines in evaluation and management of pediatric polytrauma patients is a cornerstone in improving outcomes and decreasing mortality.