Trauma in Children

There are specific body systems affected in trauma. But what about trauma in general? Do we treat it exactly the same as we would in adults?

• Tranexamic Acid
  There is a statement here from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. They acknowledge the lack of trial data, and suggest a pragmatic dosage of 15mg/kg loading dose (max 1g) over 10minutes, followed by 2mg/kg per hour.
• FAST Scan
  This study suggests we shouldn't use FAST in children with abdominal trauma. This one says it has low sensitivity but high specificity. This one agrees. This blog makes it even more complicated - fluid in the pelvis can be normal in children!
• Urinary catheters
  Inserting a catheter in a child is the same principal as in adults. There is a guide to paediatric catheter sizing here. Hopefully the paediatricians will help if a catheter is needed.
  
  
• Courses
  There is a Children's Advanced Trauma Course. It seems to be run solely in Sheffield.

Please leave comments about what you think are important differences between paediatric and adult trauma.