Outcome of adolescent trauma admitted to an adult surgical intensive care unit versus a pediatric intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND

Institutional protocol designates the adult trauma service as the primary manager of all adolescent traumas (age 14-18 years) unless admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) occurs. In the PICU, primary care becomes the responsibility of the pediatric intensivist, with trauma service as a consultant. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in the management of adolescent trauma between the pediatric intensivist in the PICU, and the adult trauma team in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU).

METHODS

From January 1993 to January 1998, the medical records of all adolescent trauma patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) management were reviewed. Depending on bed availability, patients younger than 16 were admitted to the PICU, and those 16 or older to the SICU. Demographic data obtained were age, sex, race, mechanism of injury, length of stay (LOS), ICU length of stay, days on mechanical ventilation, intubation, tracheotomy, intracranial pressure monitor, and Swan-Ganz catheter placement. Home discharge, rehabilitation placement, and death were recorded. Morbidity was measured using Injury Severity Score methodology, Pediatric Trauma Score, and Pediatric Risk of Mortality.

RESULTS

One hundred nine completed records were reviewed (SICU, n = 58; PICU, n = 51). There was no statistical difference in sex, race, mechanism of injury, ICU LOS, tracheotomy, and intracranial pressure monitor placements. There was no difference in morbidity, as measured by Injury Severity Score, Pediatric Trauma Score, and Pediatric Risk of Mortality score or in outcome measurements (death, rehabilitation placement). SICU patients were older (SICU, 16.9 +/- 1.0 years; PICU, 15.4 +/- 1.0 years; p < or = 0.1 Mann-Whitney U test), more likely to be intubated (SICU, n = 42; PICU, n = 24; p < or = 0.05 Fisher's exact test), more likely to have pulmonary artery catheter placement (SICU, n = 7; PICU, n = 0), and had longer LOS (SICU, 12.2 +/- 10.6; PICU, 9.8 +/- 14.1; p < or = 0.03 Mann-Whitney U test).

CONCLUSION

Adolescent trauma patients admitted to the PICU were less likely to be intubated or have a Swan-Ganz catheter placed. They had decreased LOS and days of mechanical ventilation. There was no difference in outcome measurements.