Pediatric Blunt Abdominal Trauma Clinical Prediction Model
United States2,800 participantsStarted 2014-07
Plain-language summary
The submitted proposal is designed to reduce morbidity and mortality to injured children. Significant variability in the initial trauma assessment exists among institutions. The proposed project is a prospective, observational, multi-institutional study of children following blunt abdominal trauma. The specific goals of the project are to: 1) Document history, physical exam findings, imaging, and laboratory values, which are available to physicians during the initial trauma resuscitation prior to a decision on whether to order an abdominal computed tomography (CT) to evaluate for potential intra-abdominal injury; and 2) Derive and validate a multi-variable clinical prediction rule based on data variables readily available during the pediatric trauma resuscitation to identify patients at low risk for intra-abdominal injury, in which unnecessary CT might safely be avoided. Information from this study could be used to develop a more standardized approach to the evaluation for intra-abdominal injury following blunt trauma in children. This information could lead to significant improvement in the early recognition of injury and to improved resource utilization.
Who can participate
Age range
15 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients presenting as a Trauma system activation with suspicion for blunt abdominal trauma. (Fall \>10 feet; Motor vehicle accident \>40mph, pedestrian struck by auto, Motor vehicle crash with ejection or death in vehicle or rollover, assault, bicycle accident, ATV accident).
* \<16 years of age
* The need to activate the trauma system is dictated by the Emergency Department physician
* Consults called to the department of surgery for suspicion of intraabdominal traumatic injury
Exclusion Criteria:
* 16 years of age or older
* Burn injury
* Hanging
* Drowning
* Penetrating injury
* CT A/P performed prior to arrival
* Presentation \>6 hours from time of injury
* Pregnancy
* Isolated head injury
* Fall \<10 feet with no concern for intraabdominal injury
* Isolated extremity injury
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.