Trends and Outcomes of Pediatric Vascular Injuries in the United States: An Analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank

Background: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, trauma is the leading cause of death in children aged >1 year in the United States (US). Although vascular injuries occur in only 0.6-1% of pediatric patients with trauma, they are a major mortality contributor. This study aims to examine epidemiology and outcomes after pediatric vascular injuries (PedVIs) in the US. Methods: The National Trauma Data Bank (2002-2012) was queried to identify children (0-16) with PedVIs. Patients were categorized based on their demographics, location, and mechanism and presenting trauma severity (injury severity score [ISS] and shock). Study was divided into two 5-year periods (P1: 2002-2006; P2: 2007-2012) to study the trends in pediatric vascular trauma presentation and outcomes (hospital death and extended length of stay [LOS > 8 days]) using adjusted analyses. Results: Analyses were performed on 3,408 cases; who were male (73.7%) and Caucasian (52.8%) with a mean age of 10.5 +/- 4.5 years. The Southern region of the US saw the highest increase in PedVIs (P2 versus P1: 38.3% vs. 25.0%, P < 0.05). Blunt injuries constituted most of these injuries (57%). Firearm (36.9%) and motor vehicle crash (MVC) (34%) were the most common lethal mechanisms of injury. Despite the significant decrease in MVC rates (P2 versus P1: 17.4% vs. 22.6%, P < 0.05), firearm rates were unchanged. Upper extremity injuries were the most common anatomically (34.9%). ISS and shock were significantly decreased during P2. Mortality occurred in 7.9% of patients, which significantly decreased (P2 versus P1: 6.3% vs. 10.9%, P < 0.001) without a significant change in LOS. Odds of mortality decreased by 32% during P2 (P = 0.08) and was independently associated with penetrating mechanism of injury (odds ratio [OR]: 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-3.19, P = 0.006), shock at presentation (OR: 5.48; 95% CI: 3.55-8.46, P < 0.001); ISS (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06-1.27, P < 0.001), and Glasgow Coma Score < 9 (OR: 11.21; 95% CI: 7.18-17.49, P < 0.001). Conclusions: We observed a significant decrease in the overall severity of injury and in-hospital mortality concurrent with the observation of a significant decrease in the rates of pediatric MVC vascular injuries. Public health policies directed toward firearm safety may further decrease PedVIs and mortality among this vulnerable population.