ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We sought to analyze the use of angioembolization (AE) after pediatric splenic injuries at adult and pediatric trauma centers (ATCs/PTCs). METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank (2010-2015) was queried for patients (<18 years) who experienced blunt splenic trauma. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of AE with splenectomy. Propensity score matching was used to explore the relationship between trauma center designation and AE utilization. RESULTS: 14,027 encounters met inclusion criteria. 514 (3.7%) patients underwent AE. When compared to PTCs, patients were older, had a higher ISS, and more often presented in shock at ATCs (p<0.001 for all). Regression models demonstrated no difference in mortality between cohorts. Odds of splenectomy were lower for patients undergoing AE (OR 0.16 [CI: 0.08-0.31]), however this effect was mostly driven by utilization at ATCs. Using a 1:1 propensity score matching model, patients treated at ATCs were 4 times more likely to undergo AE and 7 times more likely to require a splenectomy compared to PTCs (p<0.001). Over 6 years, PTCs performed only 27 splenectomies and 23 AEs (1.1% and 0.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: AE was associated with improved splenic salvage at ATCs in select patients but appeared overutilized when compared to outcomes at PTCs. PTCs accomplished a higher splenic salvage rate with a lower AE utilization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III - Retrospective cohort study.
