Using abdominal ultrasound to improve diagnosis of injuries in children after trauma
A randomized controlled trial of abdominal ultrasound (FAST) in children with blunt torso trauma
This study is looking at whether using abdominal ultrasound can help doctors find injuries in kids who have had a hard bump to the belly, instead of using CT scans that can expose them to radiation, making it a safer option for children who might not have serious injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10901867 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of abdominal ultrasound, specifically the focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST), in diagnosing intra-abdominal injuries in children who have experienced blunt torso trauma. The study aims to reduce the reliance on abdominal CT scans, which, while accurate, expose children to harmful radiation. By using ultrasound, the researchers hope to provide a safer and more efficient diagnostic approach, focusing on children who are at lower risk for serious injuries. The trial will involve comparing outcomes between children evaluated with ultrasound versus those who undergo standard CT imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 who have sustained blunt torso trauma and are being evaluated for potential abdominal injuries.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have blunt torso trauma or those with clear indications for surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer diagnostic practices for children with abdominal injuries, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in adults have shown that using ultrasound can improve patient care in trauma settings, suggesting potential for success in pediatric applications.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holmes, James F. — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Holmes, James F.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.