Use of pneumatic antishock trousers in the management of pediatric pelvic hemorrhage

We applied pediatric pneumatic antishock trousers to five young patients who had severe pelvic fractures with evidence of significant retroperitoneal hemorrhage. The trousers were in place for 24 to 96 hours. Utilization of the trousers resulted in stabilization of vital signs and appeared to have decreased ongoing pelvic hemorrhage. No significant complications were noted. We describe a technique for long-term maintenance of pressure within the pneumatic antishock trousers.