Introduction: (Unique Factors to Pediatric Trauma)

Trauma is the leading cause of death in children. The last several years have seen significant improvements in the care of the traumatically injured pediatric patient in part due to research efforts focused on pediatric trauma. These efforts are paramount as children differ from adults in many ways including size and proportion, as well as in their physiologic response to injury. The provider caring for a traumatically injured pediatric patient must be aware of these key differences such as: management of the pediatric airway, the risk for hypothhermia, pliable rib cage and significant pulmonary contusion in the absence of rib fractures. Some critical points in adult management have significantly contributed to pediatric trauma management, including balanced resuscitation strategies, early use of blood products, prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism, and more recently, use of whole blood instead of component therapy. Similarly, some pediatric trauma strategies have changed the way adult patients are managed including non-operative management of solid organ injury. These issues have illustrated the need for trauma capabilities that are dedicated to the management of the injured child. This textbook strives to provide a clinically focused management strategy that is a rapid reference for those individuals who care for these injured children. This chapter will touch on research efforts and organizations that have improved quality outcomes for pediatric trauma patients not discussed elsewhere in this text.