Outcomes of Pediatric Blunt Liver and Spleen Injury in 1029 patients using the ATOMAC+ Pediatric Trauma Research Network Guideline

BACKGROUND: The ATOMAC+ guideline is an evidence-based guideline for management of pediatric blunt liver and/or spleen injury (BLSI) based on clinical signs of bleeding on arrival.

METHODS: A prospective multi-institutional study of children aged ≤18 years with BLSI was conducted at 10 pediatric trauma centers. Unstable patients without computed tomography were added retrospectively. Demographic data, interventions, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS: Of 1,029 children (median age 10.2 years) with BLSI, 713 (69%) had no signs of clinically significant bleeding upon arrival, and no initially stable patients required surgery for bleeding; 13 (1.8%) required abdominal surgery for other reasons. Of 316 patients with clinical signs of recent bleeding or ongoing bleeding on arrival, 10 patients died in the ED and 17 non-responders underwent surgery directly. Among 168 patients responding initially to transfusion, 22 underwent angiography and 60 went to surgery (9 after angiography). Of the 44 stabilized patients who received >40mL/kg blood products, only 5 (11%) survived without intervention. Additionally, 37 (32%) transfused patients not meeting this threshold also underwent abdominal intervention. Overall mortality was 3.4% including 21% of 42 patients transfused >40mL/kg or 4 units of blood.

CONCLUSION: The frequency of laparotomy or laparoscopy in children with BLSI was 8.2%. Children with no clinical signs of bleeding upon arrival did not later bleed, but 1.6% of these patients ultimately required abdominal surgery for other injuries. Transfusion >40mL/kg was strongly associated with intervention or death, but a substantial number of children who received less blood also required intervention.