The optimal management of blunt aortic injury in the young

Background: Blunt aortic injury (BAI) is relatively uncommon in the pediatric population. The goal of this study was to examine the management of BAI in both children and adolescents, using a large national dataset. Methods: Patients (1–19 years of age) with BAI were identified from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database over 14-years. Patients were stratified by age group (children [ages 1–9] and adolescents [ages 10–19]) and compared. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of mortality in adolescents with BAI. Results: Adolescents undergoing TEVAR had similar morbidity (16.8 vs 12.6 ​%, p ​= ​0.057) and significantly reduced mortality (2.1 vs 14.4 ​%, p ​< ​0.0001) compared to those adolescents managed non-operatively. MLR identified use of TEVAR as the only modifiable risk factor significantly associated with reduced mortality (OR 0.138; 95%CI 0.059–0.324, p ​< ​0.0001). Conclusions: BAI leads to significant morbidity and mortality for both children and adolescents. For pediatric patients with BAI, children may be safely managed non-operatively, while an endovascular repair may improve outcomes for adolescents.