An Analysis of Injury Patterns of Blunt Abdominal Trauma in Pediatric Population

Abstract

Background: Blunt abdominal trauma is a common cause for presentation of children to the Emergency Department. Because of their peculiar body habitus and relatively immature musculoskeletal system children are more prone to sustain injuries to intra-abdominal organs after blunt abdominal trauma. This retrospective study is done to determine the epidemiological parameters of blunt trauma abdomen in pediatric population. Methods: The present retrospective study was carried out in 89 blunt abdominal trauma patients of both sexes aged up to 15 years, over a period of 3 years. The parameters such as age group, sex, mode of trauma, type of injury, and the overall morbidity as well as mortality were assessed. Results: Total 89 blunt abdominal trauma patients were enrolled in the study. The majority of the patients were aged between 6-12 years (48.31%)] with male predominant (66.29%). The mean age of presentation was 6.8 years. Conclusions: The present study gives an idea about the epidemiology of pediatric trauma. Liver and Spleen was the most commonly injured organ. Road traffic accidents and fall from height were the most common mechanisms of injuries. The majority of pediatric injuries are preventable and pediatric epidemiological trends differ from those in adults.