Comparative analysis of traumatic esophageal injury in pediatric and adult populations.

PURPOSE

Distribution and outcomes of traumatic injury of the esophagus (TIE) in pediatric versus adult populations are unknown. Our study sought to perform a descriptive analysis of TIE in children and adults.

METHODS

We reviewed the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) for the years 2010-2015. Demographics, characteristics, and outcomes of pediatric (age < 16 years) and adult TIE patients were described and compared.

RESULTS

Among 526,850 pediatric and 3,838,895 adult trauma patients, 90 pediatric (0.02%) and 1,411 (0.04%) adult TIE patients were identified. Demographics and esophageal injury severity did not differ. Children were more likely to sustain blunt trauma (63% versus 37%), with the most common mechanism being transportation-related accidents, were less-severely injured (median ISS 14 versus 22), and had fewer associated injuries (79% versus 95%) and complications (30% versus 51%) (all p < 0.001). Children had shorter hospitalizations (median 5 versus 10 days) and were more likely to be discharged home (84% versus 64%) (both p = 0.01). In-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between children and adults (10% versus 19%, p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION

TIE in the pediatric population has unique characteristics compared to adults: it is more likely to be a result of blunt trauma, has lower injury burden, and has more favorable clinical outcomes.