Blood loss evaluation in children under the age of 11 with femoral shaft fractures patients with isolated versus multiple injuries

BACKGROUND: Blood loss from non-cavitary hemorrhages is a significant source of hypovolemic shock in trauma patients. It has been reported that pediatric femoral fractures do not cause excess blood loss if there is no additional injury or trauma. The purpose of this study was to define the magnitude of blood loss resulting from pediatric femoral fractures and the factors influencing the loss. METHODS: Twenty children under the age of 11 with femoral shaft fractures were included in this study. The patients' data were collected prospectively for 2 years. Hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit levels, emergency room records, and clinical findings were evaluated and additional injuries were considered. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The patients with additional trauma showed significant decreases in both hemoglobin concentrations and hematocrit levels, comparison with the patients who had only isolated femoral fractures. If there is an obvious decrease in hematocrit and/or hemoglobin concentration in a child with a femoral fracture, the possibility of additional injuries should be investigated.