Traumatic brain injury in children in Moscow

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the main cause of unnatural death and disability in the child population, ranking first among all injuries requiring hospitalization. The lack of full and detailed medical and social statistics on the prevalence of TBI and its consequences impedes their reasonable assessment and reduces the possibility of prevention. The aim is to study and assess the current epidemiological situation of TBI in children in Moscow. Materials and methods. Comparative study of main trends in the incidence and mortality of TBI in children in Moscow in 2003–2018 with the average Russian indicators based on state statistical data. Results and conclusions. Megacities are a high risk area for TBI in children, therefore policies require additional prevention strategies. Limitations in the existing forms for state statistics impede an objective assessment and establishment of true levels of morbidity and mortality in children from TBI, as well as identification of its causes. Increased hospitalization rate of children with TBI in Moscow at high morbidity levels contributes to low mortality and lethality rates in children from this type of injury.