Predicting False-Negative FAST Exams in Pediatric Abdominal Trauma

In this retrospective cohort study, no clinical characteristic was significantly associated with a false-negative FAST result.

Being able to predict false-negative results of focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) exams in children with blunt abdominal trauma would be helpful. In this retrospective cohort study at a level 2 pediatric trauma center, researchers analyzed 141 pediatric patients (age <18 years) with blunt abdominal trauma who received a FAST exam and also had pathologic free fluid identified on computed tomography (CT) scan, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, laparotomy, or autopsy.

Of these patients, 52 had positive and 89 had negative FAST exams. Overall, there were no significant clinical predictors of a false-negative FAST result. There was a higher incidence of pelvic and spine fractures and severe head injuries in patients with false-nega…

Reviewing Author

Carolyn K. Holland, MD, MEd, FACEP, FAAP

Disclosures

EquityGeneral Electric

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Program Committee Chief Resident Forum Subcommittee Chair); American College of Emergency Physicians (Education Committee member)

Carolyn K. Holland, MD, MEd, FACEP, FAAP

Disclosures

EquityGeneral Electric

Predicting False-Negative FAST Exams in Pediatric Abdominal Trauma

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Reviewing Author