Outcomes and predictors of unplanned intensive care unit admission for pediatric trauma patients

Background

Unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admission (UIA) is associated with increased morbidity in adult trauma patients, however, is not well studied in pediatric trauma patients (PTPs). We sought to identify predictors of UIA, hypothesizing PTPs with UIA have increased odds of mortality.

Methods

The 2017–2019 Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database was queried for PTPs ≤16-years-old admitted to non-ICU level of care. Patients with UIA were compared to those without UIA. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictors of UIA.

Results

From 142,160 PTPs, 233 patients had UIA (<1 %). The UIA group had increased acute kidney injury (2.6 % vs 0 %, p < 0.001), length of stay (7 vs 2 days, p < 0.001), and mortality (1.3 % vs. 0.1 %, p < 0.001). Independent predictors of UIA included ureteral, esophageal, and brain injury (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion

UIA for PTPs is rare but associated with increased complications and death. Significant predictors of UIA include ureteral, esophageal and brain injury.