[Damage control resuscitation in pediatric severe trauma].

INTRODUCTION: Trauma is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. It has the first place in mortality in our country without considering perinatal pathologies and congenital malformations. An important percentage of early and late deaths secondary to this cau se, as well as its sequelae, could be prevented with optimal and timely resuscitation.

OBJECTIVE: To review the applicability of damage control resuscitation (DCR) in severe pediatric trauma, with emphasis on medical management.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed, the Cochrane Library and the Google academic database were used. Search terms (MeSH) were: trauma, polytrauma, resuscitation, damage-control, fluids, permissive hypotension, coagulopathy, massive transfusion and children.

RESULTS: The concept of DCR can be applied to severe pediatric trauma, taking into account their anatomical and physiological characteristics. The principle is based on the management of the lethal triad (coagulopathy, acidosis and hypothermia) associated with damage control surgery. Limitation of crystalloids, permissive hypotension and hemostatic resuscitation are reviewed in the initial treatment of severe pediatric trauma.

CONCLUSION: Future studies should establish the true role of permissive hypotension, the optimal relationship between blood products and the best strategy to predict the activation of massive transfusion protocols and their impact on children with severe trauma.