Pediatric Cardiac Trauma Is Associated with High In-Hospital Mortality

Cardiac injury is associated with 40% mortality, and firearms are the most common cause of fatal cardiac injuries.

Relatively little is known about the causes and outcomes of cardiac trauma in children. Using the National Trauma Data Bank (2002–2006), investigators examined records for 626 patients younger than 18 years with traumatic cardiac injury (0.03% of patients in the data bank).

Most children with cardiac injury were boys (75%) and adolescents (73%). Cardiac contusion accounted for 59% of injuries and cardiac lacerations for 39%. Most injuries in adolescents occurred outside the home (in the street setting) while most injuries in younger children occurred in the home. The most common causes of cardiac injury were motor vehicle accidents (47%), followed by firearm accidents (22%). The most common mechanism of injury was blunt (65%). Only 23% of in…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)