Evaluation of lab tests and correlation with hospital stay, transfusion and ICU care in paediatric trauma patients

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was evaluation of lab tests and their correlation with hospital stay, transfusion and ICU care in pediatric trauma patients. Analytical study. Department of pediatric surgery at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahwaz, Iran from 2002 to 2006. All pediatric trauma patients, under 15 years of age admitted to the department during the study period were included. Their file record was put on a specially designed proforma noting age, gender, lab tests like complete blood count, serum electrolytes, urea, blood sugar, urine analysis etc. The data collected was analyzed by X[2] test via SPSS. A total of 86 patients were admitted during the study period. Among these 53 were boys. Abnormal tests were white blood cell / hemoglobin [68.6%, 23%] Na[+]/ K[+]/BS [7%, 15.1%, 60.5] and U/A 31.4%. Most of patients did not require blood transfusion, ICU care and surgery. The results for lab tests in trauma were similar to the results of studies in other countries. Leucocytes and hyperglycemia are important findings. Other laboratory results like anemia, hematuria and change of Na[+] and K[+] levels are of little value in the management of injured children