An epidemiological study on pediatric trauma in tertiary care hospitals

Abstract

Aims and Objectives 1. To assess the frequency of inpatient care in cases of pediatric trauma. 2. To assess the sex distribution of pediatric trauma. 3. To assess the mechanisms of injury most often leading to significant pediatric trauma 4. To assess the mechanisms of injury most likely to cause trauma in each pediatric age group 5. To assess the frequency of emergency operative interventions in cases of pediatric trauma. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed at MGM Medical College and Hospital, Kamothe, using data gathered over the previous five years (January 2014- December 2018) regarding the age group, sex, and mode of injury. Results 1. Of 6810 pediatric admissions in the five year period, 1310 patients were admitted after suffering some form of trauma (19.2%). 2. The ratio of male to female patients was 2:1. 3. A fall from height was the most common mode of injury(43%), followed by accidental trauma from sharp/blunt objects(32%), Road Traffic accidents(11%), and 14% were from miscellaneous causes such as burns, animal bites etc. 4. Pediatric trauma was found to be most prevalent in the school going age group (6-16 years), with 54% of patients reporting in that age group. Conclusion: We conclude that most injuries in the pediatric age group are preventable, and the epidemiology of injury in the pediatric age group differs from that of adults. Therefore, preventive strategies should be designed around the epidemiology of pediatric trauma.