Damage-control resuscitation in pediatric trauma: What you need to know

Abstract

Damage-control resuscitation (DCR) consists of rapid control of bleeding, avoidance of hemodilution, acidosis, and hypothermia; early empiric balanced transfusions with red blood cells, plasma and platelets, or whole blood when available, and the use of intravenous or mechanical hemostatic adjuncts when indicated. The principles used in pediatric and adult trauma patients are quite similar. There are very important recognized physiologic differences in children with traumatic hemorrhagic shock that warrant slight variations in DCR. In pediatric trauma patients, early physiologic signs of shock may be different from adults and the early recognition of this is critical to enable prompt resuscitation and utilization of damage control principles. This review details the current principles of pediatric DCR based on the best available literature, expert consensus recommendations, and also describes a practical guide for implementation of DCR strategies for pediatric trauma patients.