Venoarterial Extracorporeal Life Support Utilization in a Pediatric Trauma Patient Following a Severe Dog Mauling

Abstract

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, and more than half of these cases affect children. An estimated 1 in 6 dog bites, representing more than 800,000 bite victims each year, requires some form of medical attention. Historically, pediatric trauma patients who suffer devastating injuries and cardiopulmonary collapse requiring heroic salvage efforts have poor outcomes. We present the first case of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation utilized in a pediatric trauma patient following a severe dog bite injury. This case is an extraordinary example of multidisciplinary care of the pediatric trauma patient. It highlights the public health burden of dog bite injuries and the scant literature on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric trauma patients.