Prevalence and Outcomes of High versus Low Ratio Plasma to Red Blood Cell Resuscitation in a Multi-Institutional Cohort of Severely Injured Children.

BACKGROUND: The benefit of targeting high ratio fresh frozen plasma (FFP):red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in pediatric trauma resuscitation is unclear as existing studies are limited to patients who retrospectively met criteria for massive transfusion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of high ratio FFP:RBC transfusion and the association with outcomes in children presenting in shock. METHODS: A post-hoc analysis of a 24-institution prospective observational study (4/2018-9/2019) of injured children <18 years with elevated age-adjusted shock index was performed. Patients transfused within 24 hours were stratified into cohorts of low (<1:2) or high (>1:2) ratio FFP:RBC. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square were used to compare characteristics and mortality. Competing risks analysis was used to compare extended (≥75th percentile) ventilator, intensive care, and hospital days while accounting for early deaths. RESULTS: Of 135 children with median (IQR) age 10 (5,14) years and weight 40 (20,64) kg, 85 (63%) received low ratio transfusion and 50 (37%) high ratio despite similar activation of institutional massive transfusion protocols (MTP; low-38%, high-46%, p = .34). Most patients sustained blunt injuries (70%). Median injury severity score was greater in high ratio patients (low-25, high-33, p = .01); however, hospital mortality was similar (low-24%, high-20%, p = .65) as was the risk of extended ventilator, ICU, and hospital days (all p > .05). CONCLUSION: Despite increased injury severity, patients who received a high ratio of FFP:RBC had comparable rates of mortality. These data suggest high ratio FFP:RBC resuscitation is not associated with worst outcomes in children who present in shock. MTP activation was not associated with receipt of high ratio transfusion, suggesting variability in MTP between centers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective cohort study, Level II.

Spare the Needle, Discharge the Child: Trending Post-Op Labs After Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration in Pediatric Patients Is Not Helpful.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) utility in management of choledocholithiasis may decrease length of stay and patient cost, but postoperative management remains widely debated. We examined periprocedural LFTs for patients undergoing LCBDE and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) speculating for trend existence after successful LCBDE. We hypothesized that postoperative LCBDE LFTs would not downtrend even after successful ductal clearance. We identified 99 patients under 18 who underwent ERCP or LCBDE with at least one pre- and post-procedural LFT. Periprocedural LFTs between groups were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. The 22 ERCP patients demonstrated a significant downtrend across Tbili (P < .001), AST (P = .001), ALT (P = .002), and ALP (P < .001). The 27 LCBDE patients demonstrated a significant downtrend in Tbili (P = .002) only, while AST (P > .05), ALT (P > .05), and ALP (P > .05) were nonsignificant. Lack of consistent downtrend in the LCBDE group raises doubt regarding the utility of postoperative LFTs for post-procedural management.

Raising the Bar: Multimodal Analgesia with Transdermal Lidocaine for Nuss Repair of Pectus Excavatum Decreases Length of Stay and Opioid Use.

INTRO: Pain management for minimally invasive (Nuss) repair of pectus excavatum (PE) is challenging, particularly as the judicious use of opioids has become a patient safety priority. Multi-modal pain management protocols are increasingly used, but there is limited experience using transdermal lidocaine patches (TLP) in this patient population. METHODS: Pediatric anesthesiologists and surgeons in a children's hospital within a hospital designed a multi-modal perioperative pain management protocol for patients undergoing Nuss repair of PE (IRB00068901). The protocol included use of TLP in addition to other adjuncts such as methadone, gabapentin, and NSAIDS. Following initiation of the protocol charts were reviewed retrospectively, comparing outcomes before and after implementation of the protocol. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients underwent a Nuss procedure between 2013 and 2022, 15 prior to initiation of the protocol and 34 after. Patient demographics and operative length were similar between the two groups. Average length of stay decreased from 4.7 to 3.3 days and reported opioid use at the time of the first outpatient post-op visit dropped from 60% to 24% (p < 0.05). Morphine milligram equivalents (MME) usage was decreased following implementation during hospital admission, at discharge, and at first post-operative visit (464 vs. 169, 1288 vs. 218, and 214 vs. 56, respectfully, p < 0.05). There were no ED visits or readmissions <30 days related to post-operative pain. CONCLUSION: Post-operative opioid usage and hospital length of stay were decreased after initiation of the protocol. Transdermal lidocaine patches may be a helpful adjunct to minimize narcotic requirements after repair of pectus excavatum. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Water Beads-Exploratory Learning or Exploratory Laparotomy?

Small brightly colored water beads have become increasingly popular toys in the pediatric population, marketed specifically for sensory exploration and learning. Unfortunately, the water-absorbing polymer which gives these toys their ability to grow also serves as means of obstruction if ingested. We report a case of a pediatric patient presenting with small bowel obstruction following the ingestion of a water bead, which was diagnosed and treated swiftly without complication. With the increasing incidence of water bead ingestion, it is essential that the public be aware of the potential risks and the necessity of seeking medical attention if companies do not withdraw such dangerous products from the market.

Storage Practices, Devices, and Presence of Children Among Owners of Firearms: Informing Pediatric Firearm Safety.

BACKGROUND: Firearm injury is the leading cause of death in children and prevention is the most effective method to reduce severe morbidity and mortality. Injury prevention programs have used community firearm lock giveaway events to promote safe firearm storage practices. The locks are generally simple and inexpensive devices suitable for mass distribution but may not possess the owner-desired attributes for use in the home. Because data on owner preferences for firearm lock type is lacking, we conducted a community survey to inform firearm safety outreach efforts. METHODS: We performed an anonymous cross-sectional survey at a large community fair. We elicited responses regarding reasons for firearm ownership, current storage practices, and preferences for firearm storage devices. Participants were offered a choice of a free trigger lock or cable lock and education on its use. RESULTS: Two-hundred and sixty-seven of 394 (67.7%) respondents reported firearm ownership, with 64.8% reporting children in the home regularly. Most (60.7%) owned handguns and cited personal protection as the main reason for ownership (88.4%). The ability to store the firearm loaded and the need for rapid access were identified as the main storage considerations. Respondents preferred trigger locks over cable locks at a rate of almost 2:1. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of firearm owners had handguns for self-defense. Owners preferred simple locking mechanisms that allowed the firearm to remain loaded. The pragmatic pediatric injury prevention program will include firearm owners' preferences when considering which lock to purchase and distribute during firearm injury prevention programs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Epidemiological.

Crystalloid volume is associated with short-term morbidity in children with severe traumatic brain injury: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter trial post hoc analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined differences in clinical and resuscitation characteristics between injured children with and without severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) and aimed to identify resuscitation characteristics associated with improved outcomes following sTBI. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of a prospective observational study of injured children younger than 18 years (2018-2019) transported from the scene, with elevated shock index pediatric-adjusted on arrival and head Abbreviated Injury Scale score of ≥3. Timing and volume of resuscitation products were assessed using χ 2t test, Fisher's exact t test, Kruskal-Wallis, and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: There were 142 patients with sTBI and 547 with non-sTBI injuries. Severe traumatic brain injury patients had lower initial hemoglobin (11.3 vs. 12.4, p < 0.001), greater initial international normalized ratio (1.4 vs. 1.1, p < 0.001), greater Injury Severity Score (25 vs. 5, p < 0.001), greater rates of ventilator (59% vs. 11%, p < 0.001) and intensive care unit (ICU) requirement (79% vs. 27%, p < 0.001), and more inpatient complications (18% vs. 3.3%, p < 0.001). Severe traumatic brain injury patients received more prehospital crystalloid (25% vs. 15%, p = 0.008), ≥1 crystalloid boluses (52% vs. 24%, p < 0.001), and blood transfusion (44% vs. 12%, p < 0.001) than non-sTBI patients. Among sTBI patients, receipt of ≥1 crystalloid bolus (n = 75) was associated with greater ICU need (92% vs. 64%, p < 0.001), longer median ICU (6 vs. 4 days, p = 0.027) and hospital stay (9 vs. 4 days, p < 0.001), and more in-hospital complications (31% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.003) than those who received <1 bolus (n = 67). These findings persisted after adjustment for Injury Severity Score (odds ratio, 3.4-4.4; all p < 0.010). CONCLUSION: Pediatric trauma patients with sTBI received more crystalloid than those without sTBI despite having a greater international normalized ratio at presentation and more frequently requiring blood products. Excessive crystalloid may be associated with worsened outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, seen among pediatric sTBI patients who received ≥1 crystalloid bolus. Further attention to a crystalloid sparing, early transfusion approach to resuscitation of children with sTBI is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.

Making common duct exploration common-balloon sphincteroplasty as an adjunct to transcystic laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) at the time of cholecystectomy has well-established benefits for managing pediatric choledocholithiasis. However, providers increasingly favor ERCP pre-or-post laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ERCP+LC) due to perceived complexity of LCBDE. We refined a stepwise method employing wire-ready balloon dilation of the Sphincter of Oddi. This study compares outcomes of balloon sphincteroplasty (LCBDE+BSP) with standard transcystic LCBDE (LCBDE-STD) and ERCP+LC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who underwent LCBDE-STD and LCBDE+BSP since 2018. A report of consecutive choledocholithiasis patients prior to 2018 yielded an ERCP+LC cohort. Age, operative time, complications, and length of stay (LOS) were compared across all groups. Success rate and fluoroscopy time were compared between LCBDE groups. RESULTS: 44 patients were identified (14:LCBDE-STD; 15:LCBDE+BSP; 15:ERCP+LC) . There was no difference in patient age or BMI. Operative time was longer in the LCBDE+BSP group (p =< 0.05). ERCP+LC demonstrated increased LOS (4.36 ± 2.78 vs 1.31 ± 0.93; p =< 0.05) and complications compared to LCBDE groups including three stent placements and one stent migration. LCBDE+BSP had a higher success rate than LCBDE-STD (100% vs 78%; p = 0.06). The three patients who failed LCBDE-STD required postoperative ERCP. Average fluoroscopy time was not significantly impacted by addition of sphincteroplasty. CONCLUSION: Incorporating LCBDE into standard management of pediatric choledocholithiasis reduces LOS and avoids additional invasive procedures regardless of the specific technique employed. This stepwise approach to wire-ready cholangiography with balloon sphincteroplasty is a viable method for LCBDE that utilizes techniques familiar to pediatric surgeons and provides definitive management under a single anesthetic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Advanced Automatic Crash Notification Algorithm for Children.

BACKGROUND: Advanced automatic crash notification (AACN) can improve triage decision-making by using vehicle telemetry to alert first responders of a motor vehicle crash and estimate an occupant's likelihood of injury. The objective was to develop an AACN algorithm to predict the risk that a pediatric occupant is seriously injured and requires treatment at a Level I or II trauma center. METHODS: Based on 3 injury facets (severity; time sensitivity; predictability), a list of Target Injuries associated with a child's need for Level I/II trauma center treatment was determined. Multivariable logistic regression of motor vehicle crash occupants was performed creating the pediatric-specific AACN algorithm to predict risk of sustaining a Target Injury. Algorithm inputs included: delta-v, rollover quarter-turns, belt status, multiple impacts, airbag deployment, and age. The algorithm was optimized to achieve under-triage ≤5% and over-triage ≤50%. Societal benefits were assessed by comparing correctly triaged motor vehicle crash occupants using the AACN algorithm against real-world decisions. RESULTS: The pediatric AACN algorithm achieved 25% to 49% over-triage across crash modes, and under-triage rates of 2% for far-side, 3% for frontal and near-side, 8% for rear, and 14% for rollover crashes. Applied to real-world motor vehicle crashes, improvements of 59% in under-triage and 45% in over-triage are estimated: more appropriate triage of 32,320 pediatric occupants annually. CONCLUSIONS: This AACN algorithm accounts for pediatric developmental stage and will aid emergency personnel in correctly triaging pediatric occupants after a motor vehicle crash. Once incorporated into the trauma triage network, it will increase triage efficiency and improve patient outcomes.

Critical COVID-19 Complicating Recovery From Surgical Repair of Congenital Heart Disease.

This case highlights the need for accurate and rapid testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and also underscores the need for caregivers to remain vigilant for coronavirus disease 2019 in the postoperative setting despite negative preoperative testing.

Use of Pharmacologic Prophylaxis Against Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Injured Children.

Despite a practice management guideline and risk prediction model for venous thromboembolism (VTE), pediatric-specific evidence on pharmacologic prophylaxis is lacking. In a retrospective study, we characterized receipt of prophylaxis and explored its effectiveness in hospitalized injured patients below 18 years old using data from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program. Concordance of receipt of prophylaxis with guideline and predicted risk of VTE was estimated using κ statistic. Effectiveness was explored using cohorts matched based on the risk prediction model. A total of 11,165 (6.2%) of 180,932 patients received prophylaxis. Those who received prophylaxis were more commonly post-pubertal and more severely injured. Receipt of prophylaxis was fairly concordant with the guideline (κ=0.32) and predicted risk of VTE (κ=0.29). Receipt of prophylaxis was associated with higher rates of VTE likely due to confounding by indication. Low molecular weight heparin seemed more effective against VTE than unfractionated heparin (incidence rate ratio: 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.36, 0.75), but less effective when received ≥72 hours after admission to the hospital. We showed that hospitalized injured children did not commonly receive prophylaxis. We also showed that prophylaxis may be effective in hospitalized injured children, but it needs to be proven definitively in a randomized clinical trial.

Risks of venous thrombosis and bleeding in critically ill adolescents after trauma or major surgery.

BACKGROUND: The risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding in critically ill adolescents based on interventions received and anatomic site of trauma or major surgery may identify a cohort eligible for enrollment in a trial of pharmacologic prophylaxis. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study using the Virtual Pediatric Systems database included adolescents admitted to pediatric intensive care units after trauma or major surgery between 2013 and 2017. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted risks of VTE and bleeding with central venous catheterization (CVC), mechanical ventilation (MV) and anatomic site of trauma or major surgery. The adjusted risks were used to identify the cohort eligible for enrollment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: VTE developed in 212 (0.8%) of 27,647 adolescents. The adjusted risk of VTE was >2% with CVC and 2 or more of MV and trauma or major surgery to the brain or abdomen. Excluding those with bleeds present on admission or at high risk of bleeding, 375 (1.4%) adolescents would be eligible for enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: VTE is generally uncommon in adolescents after trauma or major surgery. The small proportion of adolescents who are at high risk of VTE and at low risk of bleeding impacts the feasibility of a trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Study Level II.

Evaluation of an evidence-based guideline to reduce CT use in the assessment of blunt pediatric abdominal trauma.

PURPOSE: About half of pediatric blunt trauma patients undergo an abdominopelvic computed tomographic (CT) scan, while few of these require intervention for an intraabdominal injury. We evaluated the effectiveness of an evidence-based guideline for blunt abdominal trauma at a Level I pediatric trauma center. METHODS: Pediatric blunt trauma patients (n = 998) age 0-15 years who presented from the injury scene were evaluated over a 10 year period. After five years, we implemented our guideline in which the decision for CT was standardized based on mental status, abdominal examination, and laboratory results (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, hemoglobin, urinalysis). RESULTS: There were no differences in age, GCS, SIPA or ISS scores between the patients before or after guideline implementation. Nearly half of the patients (48.3%) underwent CT scan before guideline implementation compared to 36.7% after (p < 0.0002). There was no difference in ISS (p = 0.44) between CT scanned patients in either group. No statistical differences were found in rate of intervention (p = 0.20), length of stay (p = 0.65), or readmission rate (0.2%) before versus after guideline implementation. There were no missed injuries. CONCLUSION: Implementation of an evidence-based clinical guideline for pediatric patients with blunt abdominal trauma decreases the rate of CT utilization while accurately identifying significant injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Balloon sphincteroplasty in pediatric laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.

The management of choledocholithiasis in children and teenagers is often a two-procedure process with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and either pre- or post-operative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The addition of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) during LC can provide definitive treatment for choledocholithiasis during a single anesthetic event. In an effort to minimize sedation and radiation exposure from fluoroscopy, we have employed dilating balloons via a transcystic approach to stretch the sphincter of Oddi with subsequent ductal flushing. We describe the technique of balloon sphincteroplasty as a straightforward adjunct within the pediatric surgeon's skill set to manage choledocholithiasis during LC and our clinical experience.

Bronchial Blocker Entrapment in a 7-Month-Old Infant: A Case Report.

We present the case of a 7-month-old infant undergoing thoracotomy and left lower lobe lobectomy who experienced a significant complication related to lung isolation with a bronchial blocker. Despite good isolation and seemingly appropriate positioning, the bronchial blocker became entrapped within the staple line at the bronchial stump. Fortunately, the surgeon was able to free the blocker. Going forward, we recommend clinicians be vigilant in positioning the blocker just distal to the carina in all cases and, further, consider retracting the blocker into the trachea before surgical intervention on the airway to avoid inadvertent entrapment of the device.

Timing and volume of crystalloid and blood products in pediatric trauma: An Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between timing and volume of crystalloid before blood products and mortality, hypothesizing that earlier transfusion and decreased crystalloid before transfusion would be associated with improved outcomes. METHODS: A multi-institutional prospective observational study of pediatric trauma patients younger than 18 years, transported from the scene of injury with elevated age-adjusted shock index on arrival, was performed from April 2018 to September 2019. Volume and timing of prehospital, emergency department, and initial admission resuscitation were assessed including calculation of 20 ± 10 mL/kg crystalloid boluses overall and before transfusion. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models identified factors associated with mortality and extended intensive care, ventilator, and hospital days. RESULTS: In 712 children at 24 trauma centers, mean age was 7.6 years, median (interquartile range) Injury Severity Score was 9 (2-20), and in-hospital mortality was 5.3% (n = 38). There were 311 patients(43.7%) who received at least one crystalloid bolus and 149 (20.9%) who received blood including 65 (9.6%) with massive transfusion activation. Half (53.3%) of patients who received greater than one crystalloid bolus required transfusion. Patients who received blood first (n = 41) had shorter median time to transfusion (19.8 vs. 78.0 minutes, p = 0.005) and less total fluid volume (50.4 vs. 86.6 mL/kg, p = 0.033) than those who received crystalloid first despite similar Injury Severity Score (median, 22 vs. 27, p = 0.40). On multivariable analysis, there was no association with mortality (p = 0.51); however, each crystalloid bolus after the first was incrementally associated with increased odds of extended ventilator, intensive care unit, and hospital days (all p < 0.05). Longer time to transfusion was associated with extended ventilator duration (odds ratio, 1.11; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Resuscitation with greater than one crystalloid bolus was associated with increased need for transfusion and worse outcomes including extended duration of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization in this prospective study. These data support a crystalloid-sparing, early transfusion approach for resuscitation of injured children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level IV.

Firearm Injuries and Children: Position Statement of the American Pediatric Surgical Association.

Firearm injuries are the second most common cause of death in children who come to a trauma center, and pediatric surgeons provide crucial care for these patients. The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) is committed to comprehensive pediatric trauma readiness, including firearm injury prevention. The APSA supports a public health approach to firearm injury, and it supports availability of quality mental health services. The APSA endorses policies for universal background checks, restrictions on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, strong child access protection laws, and a minimum purchase age of 21 years. The APSA opposes efforts to keep physicians from counseling children and families about firearms. The APSA promotes research to address this problem, including increased federal research support and research into the second victim phenomenon. The ASPA supports school safety and readiness, including bleeding control training. Although it may be daunting to try to reduce firearm deaths in children, the United States has seen success in reducing motor vehicle deaths through a multidimensional approach: prevention, design, policy, behavior, and trauma care. The ASPA believes that a similar public health approach can succeed in saving children from death and injury from firearms. The ASPA is committed to building partnerships to accomplish this.

"A-OK": Chest Radiograph during Primary Survey Facilitates Faster, More Accurate Endotracheal Tube Position in Injured Children.

The Advanced Trauma Life Support algorithm recommends bedside confirmatory techniques to confirm correct endotracheal tube (ETT) depth, a critical component in the care of pediatric trauma patients. We hypothesized that bedside confirmatory techniques are inaccurate and that early chest X-ray (CXR) would overcome such inaccuracies, allowing for faster intervention of malpositioned ETTs. An "A-OK" algorithm of immediate CXR following intubation in injured children aged <16 years was implemented. Eligible patients the years before and after implementation were identified. The accuracy of bedside confirmatory techniques (use of length-based depths and auscultation of breath sounds) was assessed. Post-"A-OK" patients were compared with pre-"A-OK" controls regarding the speed of malpositioned ETT repositioning. Twenty-eight post-"A-OK" cases and 23 pre-"A-OK" controls were identified. The groups did not differ in baseline characteristics. Bedside confirmatory techniques were accurate in only 61 per cent (length-based depth) and 58 per cent (auscultation of breath sounds) of patients. Time to ETT repositioning was significantly longer in pre-"A-OK" controls than in post-"A-OK" cases (35.2 ± 15.9 minutes vs 21.1 ± 11.8 minutes, P = 0.03). Bedside confirmatory techniques to determine ETT positioning are inaccurate in children. Inclusion of CXR in the primary survey is safe and allows for more rapid repositioning of malpositioned ETTs.

Firearm injuries and children: Position statement of the American Pediatric Surgical Association.

Firearm injuries are the second most common cause of death in children who come to a trauma center, and pediatric surgeons provide crucial care for these patients. The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) is committed to comprehensive pediatric trauma readiness, including firearm injury prevention. APSA supports a public health approach to firearm injury, and it supports availability of quality mental health services. APSA endorses policies for universal background checks, restrictions on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, strong child access protection laws, and a minimum purchase age of 21 years. APSA opposes efforts to keep physicians from counseling children and families about firearms. APSA promotes research to address this problem, including increased federal research support and research into the second victim phenomenon. APSA supports school safety and readiness, including bleeding control training. While it may be daunting to try to reduce firearm deaths in children, the U.S. has seen success in reducing motor vehicle deaths through a multidimensional approach - prevention, design, policy, behavior, trauma care. APSA believes that a similar public health approach can succeed to save children from death and injury from firearms. APSA is committed to building partnerships to accomplish this. TYPE OF STUDY: APSA Position Statement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, Expert Opinion.

Child abuse and the pediatric surgeon: A position statement from the Trauma Committee, the Board of Governors and the Membership of the American Pediatric Surgical Association.

BACKGROUND: The pediatric surgeon is in a unique position to assess, stabilize, and manage a victim of child physical abuse (formerly nonaccidental trauma [NAT]) in the setting of a formal trauma system. METHODS: The American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) endorses the concept of child physical abuse as a traumatic disease that justifies the resource utilization of a trauma system to appropriately evaluate and manage this patient population including evaluation by pediatric surgeons. RESULTS: APSA recommends the implementation of a standardized tool to screen for child physical abuse at all state designated trauma or ACS verified trauma and children's surgery hospitals. APSA encourages the admission of a suspected child abuse patient to a surgical trauma service because of the potential for polytrauma and increased severity of injury and to provide reliable coordination of services. Nevertheless, APSA recognizes the need for pediatric surgeons to participate in a multidisciplinary team including child abuse pediatricians, social work, and Child Protective Services (CPS) to coordinate the screening, evaluation, and management of patients with suspected child physical abuse. Finally, APSA recognizes that if a pediatric surgeon suspects abuse, a report to CPS for further investigation is mandated by law. CONCLUSION: APSA supports data accrual on abuse screening and diagnosis into a trauma registry, the NTDB and the Pediatric ACS TQIP® for benchmarking purposes and quality improvement.