A CASE OF PEDIATRIC TRAUMATIC ASPHYXIA CAUSED BY A TRACTOR INJURY

Abstract

　　We report the case of a 5-year-old child with traumatic asphyxia after being trapped by a tractor. At the time of rescue, he had periorbital ecchymosis and ecchymoses over the upper thorax. On admission, his Glasgow Coma Scale score was 5 (E1V2M2). Tracheal intubation was performed immediately, followed by mechanical ventilation. Normothermia was maintained and glycerol was administered to prevent brain edema. Although the patient was unconsciousness for a day, he recovered with no evidence of cerebral injury. He experienced double vision for 10 days, but his clinical course was otherwise favorable. Loss of consciousness and neurological impairment including visual disturbance may occur in cases of traumatic asphyxia. Although patients usually recover consciousness, visual disturbance may persist. Treatment to avoid visual disturbance is as important as treatment for cerebral protection.