The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) algorithm for pediatric intra-abdominal injury is a clinical decision-making tool used in the pediatric population, specifically for children who have experienced blunt abdominal trauma. The PECARN algorithm is designed to identify children at very low risk of clinically-important intra-abdominal injuries who do not require abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. The algorithm uses factors such as evidence of abdominal wall trauma or seat belt sign, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score less than 14, abdominal tenderness, and decreased breath sounds to stratify risk. The clinical utility of this calculator is to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure from CT scans in children while ensuring that significant injuries are not missed. The PECARN algorithm should not be used in children with obvious indications for immediate surgical intervention, or in those with prior abdominal surgery, pregnancy, or a known diagnosis of an intra-abdominal injury.
Reference
James F Holmes, Kathleen Lillis, David Monroe et al. Identifying children at very low risk of clinically important blunt abdominal injuries. Ann Emerg Med. 2013 Aug;62(2):107-116.e2.
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