Research Information System
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY, vol.8, no.6, pp.322-325, 1998 (SCI-Expanded)
The records of 174 children sustaining blunt spleen and liver injuries in a 16-year period were analyzed retrospectively to determine blood transfusion requirements in surgically versus conservatively managed patients. The whole study group consisted of 97 spleen, 70 liver, and 7 combined spleen and liver injuries respectively. Seventy-eight patients were managed conservatively while 96 children had undergone various operative procedures. The hematocrit (Hct) values, transfused blood volumes (ml/kg), and length of hospital stay were compared between the non-operative and operative treatment groups. Although the initial Hct values were found to be similar in non-operative versus operative groups (26.7 % +/- 2.7 % vs. 24.8 % +/- 3.5 %), transfused blood volumes were significantly higher in the surgically treated group respectively (20.9 ml/kg vs. 39.5 ml/kg) (p < 0.05). Similarly, mean length of hospital stay was longer in the surgical groups. Associated injuries were seen in 105 (60.3%) patients distributed randomly among two study groups. Twelve patients in the series died of other system/organ involvement. There were no deaths in isolated spleen and/or liver injuries.