AI Article Synopsis
- This pilot study investigated whether routine digital rectal examinations (DRE) are helpful for identifying severe injuries in pediatric trauma patients.
- Researchers analyzed a sample of 135 patients aged 0-18 with spinal or trunk trauma, finding that only 8 had injuries identifiable through DRE.
- The study concluded that performing DREs may not enhance the detection of serious injuries during secondary examinations in these patients.
Article Abstract
This pilot study examined the utility of a routinely performed digital rectal examination (DRE) in pediatric trauma patients. A prospective convenience sample of patients 0 to 18 years of age presenting to the pediatric emergency department of an urban level I trauma center with a history of trauma to the spine or trunk was enrolled. An abnormal DRE was defined by the presence of gross or occult blood, decreased sphincter tone, compromised integrity of the rectal vault, or a high riding prostate. We defined DRE-identifiable injuries as spinal injury, pelvic fracture, rectal or other lower intestinal injury, and urethral injury. One hundred thirty-five patients were studied; 8 patients had DRE-identifiable injuries. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of the physical examination with and without the DRE were equivalent. Routine performance of the digital rectal examination may not improve the identification of serious injury during the secondary survey in pediatric trauma patients.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2006.10.002 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!