Pediatric Firearm Injuries: Do Database Analyses Tell the Whole Story?

Abstract

Firearm injuries cause significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population and a large economic burden to our health care system. Recent events have increased awareness in the public and in turn for those in the medical field. Many local and national studies have evaluated various aspects of firearm-related injuries across the United States in an effort to identify an intervention that may assist with prevention or management of firearm-related injuries or death in this vulnerable population. In the 1990s, there was a significant decrease in pediatric firearm-related injuries and mortality. The reason for this decline remains unknown with many theories including improved laws, increased awareness, and increased prevention efforts. However, this trend did not continue into the 21st century, and firearms remain one of the leading causes of death in the pediatric population.