Characteristics of injuries among infants who fall from bed

Abstract

IntroductionAccidental falls are the most common causes of injury among infants. Due to their limited ability to move independently, falling from bed or other types of furniture (such as sofas or armchairs) is considered the most common reason for such injury. However, little is known about the frequency and types of injury associated with this type of fall among infants. This study aimed to determine the incidence and characteristics of injury among infants presented at emergency departments (ED) after falling from bed or similar furniture. MethodsThe retrospective analysis of infants under one year old presenting at ED after falling from bed (or similar furniture) was performed over a four-year period (2016–2019). Patient demographics, incidence and patterns of injury, outcomes, and ED resources use were evaluated as part of the study. ResultsIn total, 1,439 infants were included in the study, of whom 782 (54.3%) were male and 657 (45.7%) female. The median age of the patients was 7 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 6–9 months). More than half the infants (n = 812, 56.4%) had minor injuries, such as abrasions, bruising, contusions, and lacerations. There were significant injuries for 135 (9.4%) infants. The most common fracture was skull fracture (n = 59, 4.1%), followed by proximal fracture of the upper extremities (n = 26, 1.8%). Six (0.4%) patients had radial head subluxation. Traumatic brain injury featured for 30 (2.1%) infants (intracranial hemorrhage/cerebral contusion). While the majority of patients (n = 1352, 94%) were discharged from ED, 86 (6%) infants were hospitalized, all due to head injuries. A neurosurgical intervention was performed with three (0.2% of all patients) of the hospitalized patients. ConclusionFalling from bed causes skull fractures, traumatic brain injury, and long bone fractures among infants. Therefore, campaigns should be organized to raise awareness of these risks among parents and caregivers of infants. In addition, the use of safety equipment (such as bed rails) and creating a safe environment can help prevent significant injuries.