Mortality and truncal injury: the pediatric perspective.

To determine the extent and consequences of major truncal injury in children, we analyzed data collected prospectively by the National Pediatric Trauma Registry (NPTR) from 1985 to 1991. Of the 25,301 patients entered into the study, 1,553 (6%) had thoracic injuries (T); 2,047 (8%) had abdominal injuries (A). Blunt mechanisms predominated for both groups (86% T, 83% A), with the automobile being the most frequent blunt agent (74% T, 59% A); gunshot wounds were responsible for the majority of penetrating injuries (60% T, 56% A).

Efficacy of pediatric trauma care: results of a population-based study.

To determine concordance between regional outcome and national norms with respect to pediatric injury diagnosis, severity, and mortality in a state lacking a well-organized trauma system, we compared summary data from all pediatric trauma-related hospital discharge abstracts compiled by the [New York State Department of Health] Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative [Mandatory Hospital Reporting] System (SPARCS), with comparable data from pediatric trauma centers participating in the National Pediatric Trauma Registry (NPTR), for similar epochs in the late 1980s. Analysis was based on 14,234 cases from SPARCS and 17,098 cases from NPTR. Data were grouped by principal anatomic diagnosis (ICD-9-CM N-code) and injury severity score (ISS), for each of which incidence and mortality were calculated, both individually and collectively, then compared item by item for sources of variance.

Does patient age or intestinal pathology influence the bacteria found in cases of necrotizing enterocolitis?

To evaluate the relationship between bacterial colonization in neonatal peritonitis and patient age or intestinal pathology, we retrospectively reviewed peritoneal culture results from 96 infants having surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis. Microorganisms recovered mirrored those usually found as fecal flora within the neonatal intensive care unit. These reflect, in turn, the abnormal colonization intrinsic to care in the intensive care nursery.

Error in fluid and calorie calculation in the surgical neonate.

Nutritional management has become an integral part of the care of the surgical neonate. In most teaching institutions, this is the responsibility of the resident staff with varying degrees of supervision. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of this management.

The effect of initial operative repair on the recovery of intestinal function in gastroschisis.

Recent reports concerning the treatment of gastroschisis suggest that primary closure results in more rapid return of gastrointestinal function, a shortened hospitalization, diminished perinatal complications, and improved long-term survival. A 4-year retrospective review of infants treated for gastroschisis at the University of Florida yielded 30 infants requiring repair of this abdominal wall defect. The series included 19 males and 11 females, and the average abdominal wall defect measured 4 cm in its greatest dimension.