The unborn fetus: The unrecognized victim of trauma during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is the leading cause of non-obstetric death in pregnancy. While maternal management is defined, few studies have examined the effects on the fetus. METHODS: Following IRB approval, all pregnant females (2010-2017) at a level-1 trauma center were retrospectively reviewed. Maternal and fetal demographics, interventions, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 188 pregnancies in 5654 females. Maternal demographics were 26 ±â€¯7 years old, gestational age at trauma 21 ±â€¯12 weeks, 81% blunt mechanism, and maternal mortality 6%. Forty-one (22%) fetuses were immediately affected by the trauma including 20 (11%) born alive, 12 (7%) fetal demise, and 9 (5%) stillbirths. Of those that initially survived (n = 20), 5 (25%) expired during neonatal hospitalization. Two mothers returned immediately after trauma discharge with stillbirths for an overall infant mortality of 14% (n = 26). There were 84 patients with complete data to delivery including the 41 born at trauma and 43 born on a subsequent hospitalization. Those born at the time of trauma had significantly more delivery/neonatal complications and worse outcomes. Overall trauma burden to the fetus (preterm delivery, stillbirth, delivery/neonatal complication, or long-term disability) was 66% (56/84). CONCLUSIONS: Trauma during pregnancy has significant immediate mortality and delayed effects on the unborn fetus. This study has uncovered a previously hidden burden and mortality of trauma during pregnancy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Outcomes of Pediatric Pelvic Fractures: A Level I Trauma Center's 20-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric pelvic fractures are rare. The contribution of pelvic fracture pattern, risk factors for associated injuries, and mortality are poorly defined in this population. METHODS: Patients aged 0-17 with pelvic fractures at a level I trauma center over a 20-y period were reviewed. Fracture patterns were classified according to the Young-Burgess classification when applicable. Fractures were analyzed for location, pubic symphysis or sacroiliac widening, and contrast extravasation. RESULTS: There were 163 pelvic fractures in 8758 admissions (incidence 2%). The most common associated injures were extremity fractures (60%, n = 98), abdominal solid organ (55%, n = 89), and chest (48%, n = 78), with the majority (61%, n = 99) sustaining injuries to multiple organs. Unstable fractures were associated with injures to the thorax (70% versus 40%), heart (15% versus 2%), and spleen (40% versus 18%), all P < 0.05. Nonpelvic operative interventions were required in 45% (n = 73) and were more common in unstable fractures (36% versus 19%), contrast extravasation (63% versus 26%), sacroiliac widening (36% versus 20%), and sacral fractures (39% versus 13%), all P < 0.05. Mortality was 13% and higher in males versus females (18% versus 5%), contrast extravasation (50% versus 3%), or sacroiliac/pubic symphysis widening (13% versus 2%) (all P < 0.05). Male gender (OR 6.03), brain injury (OR 6.18), spine injury (OR 5.06), and cardiac injury (OR 35.0) were independently associated with mortality (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric pelvic fractures are rare but critical injuries associated with significant morbidity and need for interventions. Increasing fracture severity corresponds to injuries to other body systems and increased mortality.