European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [et al] = Zeitschrift für Kinderchirurgie
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We present our experience with a management of seat-belt syndrome in three children and draw particular attention to the severity of two-point fixation seat-belt injuries after a motor vehicle accident with 5 passengers whose vehicle was struck head-on by an oncoming vehicle. The parents were sitting in front, Adeline had a 2-point lap seat-belt, the 2 other children had 3-point seat-belts. The parents both had humerus fractures. ⋯ Operative findings included a transverse tear of the left rectus abdominus muscle, an incomplete transection of the stomach and perforation of the ileum. The injuries were ultimately fatal. Given associated abdominal pain, skin erosions at the site of seatbelt contact, spinal fracture, and rectal muscle disruption apparent on emergency laparotomy, early diagnosis is important for better prognosis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Intercostal nerve block with Bupivacaine for post-thoracotomy pain relief in children.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of Intercostal Nerve Block (ICB) with Bupivacaine (BUP) to produce satisfactory analgesia after thoracotomy in children. We studied 20 children aged between 5 and 12 years, scheduled for thoracotomy under general anaesthesia. The children were randomly divided into two groups. ⋯ The mean duration of postoperative analgesia produced was longer in the BUP group (p < 0.001). None of the children in BUP group suffered from BUP toxicity, while in the control group a high incidence of vomiting and nausea was noticed (p < 0.005). It is concluded that ICB with BUP produces satisfactory and safe analgesia for the early postoperative period after thoracotomy in children.
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To determine hormone concentrations (ACTH, cortisol, beta-endorphin) in children before and after surgery, to assess the correlation between any hormonal changes and to study the influence exercised on them by the severity of surgical stress and the elective/emergency nature of the surgery. ⋯ Postoperative hormonal response among children of school age is characterised by increases in ACTH, cortisol and beta-endorphin one hour after surgery, and by high concentrations of beta-endorphin 24 hours after surgery. Cortisol is an index of surgical stress. Emergency surgery is associated with significant increases in ACTH and cortisol.
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Burns are considered to be among the most painful types of trauma. Especially the pain of children is often unsatisfactorily treated. This study investigates the assessment and documentation of pain by physicians and nurses in children suffering from burns. ⋯ Pain documentation was not considered relevant for further therapy by 48% of the physicians. More than half of all participants believed that an improvement of the pain therapy performed in their hospital was necessary. Standardized documentation, an algorithm for the application of analgesics, and more training in pain management were desired by many staff members.
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To develop the first Spanish Pediatric Trauma Registry to collect and evaluate infomation concerning aspects of injuries in our pediatric population. ⋯ The goals of this Registry are to establish the epidemiology of our injured pediatric population, to review patient care, to develop prevention programs and to compare results with other centers so that potential deficiencies can be corrected.