The effect of quantifying pulmonary contusion extent on the treatment management of blunt chest trauma in children

Objective: Post-traumatic pulmonary contusion in children is often asymptomatic at diagnosis and has a good prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance extent post-traumatic contusions evaluate timing complications determine safe follow-up period with lung contusions. Methods: included pediatric patients who presented emergency department after blunt chest trauma had detected on computed tomography (CT) between January 2017 2020. Based percentage total capacity occupied thorax CT, were classified as grade 1: <19% (mild), 2: 19%-27% (moderate) 3: ≥28% (severe). relationship functional status; intensive care admission examined mean time complication development determined. Results: 17.8±8.6% (min-max, 5-100%) mild (grade 1) significantly associated spontaneous breathing (p=0.009). Contusion not atelectasis, pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax (p=0.719) or (p=0.176). detection (atelectasis, pneumothorax) X-ray 6.33±3.78 days (range, 2-9 days). Conclusion: results suggest that although no statistically complications, should be hospitalized for least 48 hours, then followed-up 1 week due possible children.