Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study is to review patient characteristics, injury patterns, and outcomes of trauma cases admitted to pediatric intensive care in Children’s Health Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.MethodsRoutinely recorded data collected prospectively from the Children’s Health Queensland Trauma Service registry from November 2008 to October 2015 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics of trauma cases in children under 16 years of age are described, and their association with age and mortality analyzed.ResultsThere were 542 cases of pediatric trauma identified and 66.4% were male. The overall mortality since January 2012 was 11.1%. The median injury severity score (ISS) was 11 (IQR = 9–22), 48.2% (n = 261) had an ISS > 12 and 41.7% (n = 226) patients had an ISS > 15. The most common injury patterns were isolated head injury (29.7%; n = 161) and multiple trauma (31.2%; n = 169). In 28.4% of cases (n = 154) surgery was required. The home was reported to be the most common place of injury (37.6%; n = 204). Children aged 0–4 years were least likely to survive their injury (15.3% mortality) compared with the 5–9 (5.6% mortality) and 10–15 (9.0% mortality) age groups. Higher mortality was associated with more severe injuries, abdomen/spine/thorax injuries, inflicted injuries, drowning and hanging.ConclusionThis description of major pediatric trauma cases admitted to pediatric intensive care in Children’s Health Queensland, Australia, will inform future pediatric major trauma service requirements as it identifies injury patterns and profiles, injury severity, management and mortality across different age groups.
Highlights
Trauma is a major public health problem worldwide across all age groups [1]
Higher mortality was associated with more severe injuries, abdomen/spine/thorax injuries, inflicted injuries, drowning and hanging
Children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit following major trauma intensive care unit; QAS, Queensland Ambulance Service; QTS, Queensland Trauma Service
Summary
Trauma is a major public health problem worldwide across all age groups [1]. Pediatric trauma is the leading cause of death and disability in children and adolescents [2, 3]. Child or adolescent creates special considerations with specific injury patterns, diagnosis and management due to the age-dependent anatomy, physiology and cognitive variability in children [4]. Despite improvements in trauma care, a significant proportion of children live with long-term disability following major pediatric trauma [7]. The aim of this study is to review patient characteristics, injury patterns, and outcomes of trauma cases admitted to pediatric intensive care in Children’s Health Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
