Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Pediatric Thoracic Trauma: A Multi-Institutional Trial

Launched by SUTTER HEALTH · Aug 26, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how well a special type of ultrasound, called Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS), can help doctors quickly and accurately diagnose chest injuries in children who have experienced trauma. The study will involve children aged 0 to 21 years old who arrive at participating pediatric emergency departments with suspected chest injuries, such as lung damage or broken ribs. The researchers want to see if POCUS can be as effective as traditional imaging methods like chest X-rays and CT scans in identifying these injuries.

To participate in the trial, children must meet specific criteria, such as being 0 to 21 years old and showing signs of a chest injury. However, children with certain heart or lung conditions, those who have objects in their lungs that cannot be safely removed, or those in law enforcement custody won’t be eligible. Participants will undergo the POCUS test, and the results will be compared to other imaging tests to see how accurate POCUS is. This study aims to improve the way chest injuries are diagnosed in children, potentially allowing for faster and more effective treatment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Eligible subjects will be children 0 to 21 years of age presenting to the participating PEDs meeting trauma activation criteria and with suspected thoracic injury.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Congenital or acquired cardiopulmonary or osteogenic conditions rendering POCUS ineffective, foreign body/ barrier to lung ultrasound of which removal is contraindicated, subjects under law-enforcement custody, and subjects deemed unsuitable by treating clinicians.