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J Pediatr Intensive Care 2015; 04(01): 010-015
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1554983
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Blunt Spleen and Liver Trauma

Brian G. A. Dalton
1   Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
,
Jeff J. Dehmer
1   Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
,
Katherine W. Gonzalez
1   Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
,
Sohail R. Shah
1   Department of Surgery, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

03 October 2014

10 November 2014

Publication Date:
13 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Blunt abdominal trauma is an important cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. The spleen and liver are the most common abdominal organs injured. Trauma to either organ can result in life-threatening bleeding. Controversy exists regarding which patients should be imaged and the correct imaging modality depending on the level of clinical suspicion for injury. Nonoperative management of blunt abdominal trauma is the standard of care for hemodynamically stable patients. However, the optimal protocol to maximize patient safety while minimizing resource utilization is a matter of debate. Adjunctive therapies for pediatric spleen and liver trauma are also an area of ongoing research. A review of the current literature on the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of pediatric spleen and liver blunt trauma is presented.

Keywords

blunt abdominal trauma - spleen injury - liver injury - hepatic injury - pediatric - nonoperative management - angioembolization
 

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