A prospective study of 47 consecutive children with suspected blunt abdominal trauma
was undertaken. Hepatic injuries were documented in 12 patients by laparotomy and / or
abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scan. Children with hepatic injuries had
statistically significant elevations in serum transaminase levels (Asparlate
aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) and alanine aminotransfera.se (ALT or SGPT) on
admission. More over all children with liver injuries had admission AST more than 280
IU/L and ALT mor thatn 140 IU/L. Only those children with such high levels of AST and
ALT are at significant risk for hepatic injury . We recommend the consideration of high
AST and ALT levels in a haemodynamically stable child with blunt abdominal injury as
an indication for obtaining CT scan whenever feasible even when the clinical evaluation
is relatively reassuring. |
