Throwing out the "grade" book: management of isolated spleen and liver injury based on hemodynamic status

Purpose: Current organizational guidelines for the management of isolated spleen and liver injuries are based on injury grade. We propose that management based on hemodynamic status is safe in children and results in decreased length of stay (LOS) and resource use compared to current grade-based guidelines. Methods: Patients with spleen or liver injuries for a 5-year period were identified using our institutional trauma registry. All patients were managed using a pathway based on hemodynamic status. Charts were reviewed for demographics, mechanism, hematrocrit values, transfusion requirement, imaging, injury grade, LOS, and outcome. Exclusion criteria included penetrating mechanism, associated injuries altering LOS or ambulation status, combined spleen/liver injury, initial operative management or death. Statistical comparison was performed using Student's t test; P < .05 is significant. Results: One hundred one patients (50 spleen, 51 liver) meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Average actual LOS for all patients was 1.9 days vs 3.2 projected days based on American Pediatric Surgical Association guidelines (P <.0001). Actual vs projected LOS for grades III to V was 2.5 vs 4.3 days (P <.0001). All patients returned to full activity without complication. Conclusions: Isolated blunt spleen and liver injuries, regardless of grade, can be safely managed using a pathway based on hemodynamic status, resulting in decreased LOS and resource use compared to current guidelines. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.