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Pediatric Trauma

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Update in Pediatrics

Abstract

Pediatric traumatic injuries remain a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While primary injury prevention is the best way to reduce the burden of disease, a coordinated and systematic approach is essential in effectively caring for injured patients. The approach to a traumatically injured patient involves rapid assessment and correction of immediate life-threatening injuries. The primary survey assesses for injuries to the airway, breathing and circulation. The secondary survey is an assessment of a patient’s disability, extremities and a head to toe evaluation for any additional injuries. The use of adjunct diagnostic modalities such as labs, X-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans are essential in the initial work-up of a trauma patient. Pediatric patients have unique anatomical and physiologic characteristics that lead to specific injury patterns. Though the majority of pediatric trauma patients have favorable outcomes, there is a narrow margin for error making appropriate interventions essential for providing high quality care.

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Ramjist, J.K., Beno, S., Rosenfield, D. (2023). Pediatric Trauma. In: Beckwith, S. (eds) Update in Pediatrics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41542-5_13

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