Initial Vital Signs in Traumatized Children Determine the Length of Stay in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Objective: Vital signs and trauma scores of pediatric trauma patients affect morbidity and length of stay in the intensive care unit; treatment and follow-up of appropriate trauma patients in experienced centers is of great importance. This study aimed to determine the demographic data, clinical findings and scoring systems, and respiratory and circulatory support requirements of trauma patients during their follow-up in the pediatric intensive care unit(PICU) and investigate the effects of these factors on the length of PICU and hospital stay and mortality. Materials and Methods: Demographic and clinical findings of 49 pediatric patients who were hospitalized in the PICU because of trauma were prospectively recorded for 16 months. Data on the length of PICU and hospital stay, trauma mechanisms, and affected organ systems were collected. Results: The most frequent etiology of trauma was falling from heights in 36.7% of the patients. Mechanical ventilation (MV) was necessary in 18.4% of the cases, and the mean duration for MV was 48 (12-306) hours. When MV need was evaluated concerning vital findings, the findings showed that patients with bradypnea needed MV more (p=0.004). MV was needed in 66.7% of hypotensive patients, and there was a statistically significant difference between blood pressure and MV requirement (p=0.005). GCS and length of PICU stay were correlated (p=0.02). PICU (p=0.005, p=0.005, p=0.001) and hospital stay (p=0.02, p=0.01, p=0.04) were statistically significantly longer in patients who had blood products, inotropic agents and MV Conclusion: The effects of initial vital signs and trauma scores on morbidity and length of PICU stay of pediatric trauma patients, as well as the importance of treatment and follow-up of appropriate patients in experienced centers, have been shown in our study.

Keywords

• pediatric trauma
• trauma scores
• vital signs