Renal Trauma in Pediatric Patients Transferred to Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

PURPOSE:Patients with traumatic kidney injuries often require transfer to tertiary trauma centers. The purpose of our study is to describe the outcomes of pediatric patients who were transferred from an outside hospital versus those presenting initially to our level 1 pediatric trauma center.METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients 0-18 years-olds seen at our level 1 pediatric trauma center following acute renal trauma after external trauma of any AAST grade and any mechanism of injury. Data collected included clinical complications, number of follow-up visits, long-term sequelae, and imaging techniques used. Statistical analyses using Fisher’s Exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed. RESULTS:26 transferred and 9 non-transferred patients met inclusion criteria. There were no statistically significant differences in repeat imaging, immediate complications, follow-up visits, or long-term adverse outcomes for transferred vs. non-transferred patients. When comparing patients who transferred <50 miles versus >=50 miles, there was a non-significant increase in immediate complications in the >=50 miles group. CONCLUSIONS: Transferred patients receive similar radiation exposure and may not be at increased risk for immediate or long-term complications. Future studies are needed to determine optimal criteria for transfer of renal trauma pediatric patients to level 1 trauma centers.