What factors influence the hospitalization outcomes of pediatric patients suffering facial dog bite wounds?

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine which factors are associated with increased hospital charges and length of stay among pediatric patients who incurred dog bites to the face. Materials and methodsThe following 12-year retrospective study was conducted using the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID). We selected all cases of dog bites to the facial region. There were multiple heterogenous predictor variables. The primary outcome variables were hospital charges and length of stay. Linear regression was used to determine any variable that was independently associated with increased hospital charges and length of stay. ResultsOur final sample consisted of 4,395 subjects. Other subjects (i.e., Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) added +$ 3,744 (P < 0.01) in hospital charges. Fractures and vascular injuries added +$ 30,116 (P < 0.01) and +$ 106,331 (P < 0.01) in hospital charges respectively. Non-infected wounds added +$ 9,219 (P < 0.01) in hospital charges. Black subjects added +0.46 days (P < 0.05) to the length of stay. Fractures added +2.31 days (P < 0.01) to the length of stay while vascular injuries added +7.12 days (P < 0.01). Non-infected wounds added +0.45 days (P < 0.01) to the length of stay. ConclusionsFractures and vascular injuries significantly increased the hospital charges and prolonged the length of hospitalization. Black subjects were associated with prolonged hospitalization likely due to implicit bias. Other subjects were associated with increased hospital charges. Non-infected wounds were associated with significant increased hospital charges and prolonged hospitalization.