Clinical Analysis of Trauma Characteristics Among Preschool-Aged Children
10.17479/jacs.2020.10.2.37
- Author:
Dohoe KU
1
;
Ki Hoon KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Surgery, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Journal of Acute Care Surgery
2020;10(2):37-41
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to independently analyze pediatric trauma characteristics from a single institution in Korea to gain a better understanding of pediatric injury.
Methods:A retrospective review was conducted at a single, non-regional trauma center using data from 303 children (< 8 years) who presented at the emergency department (March 2010 to December 2018), to determine the frequency and details of admissions. Demographic variables [sex, age, mechanism of injury, regions of trauma on the body, score of the injury (abbreviated injury scale)] location where the trauma occurred, injury severity score, history of surgery, mortality, and cumulative length of hospital stay], were used to evaluate the severity of the trauma.
Results:The frequency of admissions was typically high for all seasons except winter. The most common mechanism of injury was due to falls; however, this was not the case for 1-, 2-, and 4-yearolds. The most common location where trauma occurred was at home for the age group 1-3 years, and outside the home for children aged 4 years or older. The most common area of injury was the extremities (65.7%). The median injury severity score was 4 (range, 4-4), and the median hospital stay was 4 days (range, 2-6). The overall mortality rate was 0.3%.
Conclusion:Although mortality from trauma is low among pediatric patients, we must continue to improve treatment outcomes. Hospitals lack sufficient resources for pediatric trauma specialists, however to improve patient outcome, it is necessary to recognize age-specific trauma characteristics.
