Advantages of early intervention with arterial embolization for intra-abdominal solid organ injuries in children

PURPOSE Active bleeding due to abdominal trauma is an important cause of mortality in childhood. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the advantages of early percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization (PTAE) procedures in children with intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to blunt trauma. METHODS Children with blunt abdominal trauma were retrospectively included. Two groups were identified for inclusion: patients with early embolization (EE group, n= 10) and patients with late embolization (LE group, n= 11). Both groups were investigated retrospectively and statistically analyzed with regard to lengths of stay in the intensive care unit and in the hospital, first enteral feeding after trauma, blood transfusion requirements, and cost. RESULTS The duration of stay in the intensive care unit was greater in the LE group than in the EE group (4 days vs. 2 days, respectively). The duration of hospital stay was greater in the LE group than in the EE group (14 days vs. 6 days, respectively). Blood transfusion requirements (15 cc/kg of RBC packs) were greater in the LE group than in the EE group (3 vs. 1, respectively). The total hospital cost was higher in the LE group than in the EE group (4502 USD vs. 1371.5 USD, respectively). The time before starting enteral feeding after first admission was higher in the LE group than in the EE group (4 days vs. 1 day, respectively). CONCLUSION Early embolization with PTAE results in shorter intensive care and hospitalization stays, earlier enteral feeding, and lower hospital costs for pediatric patients with intra-abdominal hemorrhage due to blunt trauma.