Nonaccidental Trauma Patients Research Articles

Investigation of the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation for pediatric drug-resistant epilepsies secondary to nonaccidental trauma.

Epilepsy following non-accidental trauma (NAT) occurs in 18% of pediatric patients. About 33% of patients with epilepsy develop drug-resistant epilepsy. For these patients, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a palliative treatment option. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of VNS among pediatric NAT-related epilepsy patients compared to those with non-NAT-related epilepsy. We performed an 11-year retrospective analysis of VNS implantations for drug-resistant epilepsy at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Patients were split into two groups: NAT vs. non-NAT. The primary outcome was the attainment of ≥ 50% seizure frequency reduction at 1-year post-VNS implantation. Fisher's exact tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare groups. Significance was assessed at the alpha = 0.05 level. This analysis included data from 370 pediatric VNS patients, of whom 9 had NAT-related epilepsy. NAT patients had a significantly younger age of epilepsy onset than non-NAT patients (0.3years vs. 3.3years). Otherwise, there were no statistically significant baseline differences between groups, including patient sex and quantity of antiseizure medications pre-VNS. Overall, 71% of NAT patients experienced ≥ 50% seizure frequency reduction compared to 48% of non-NAT patients (p = 0.269). VNS may allow a higher proportion of pediatric patients with NAT-related epilepsy to achieve ≥ 50% seizure frequency reduction compared to other epilepsy etiologies. While the results of this study were not statistically significant, the effect size was large. Our results underscore the need for larger, multi-center studies to validate the effectiveness of VNS for this patient population.

Impact of “Stay-at-Home” orders on non-accidental trauma: A multi-institutional study

BackgroundIt is unclear how Stay-at-Home Orders (SHO) of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the welfare of children and rates of non-accidental trauma (NAT). We hypothesized that NAT would initially decrease during the SHO as children did not have access to mandatory reporters, and then increase as physicians’ offices and schools reopened. MethodsA multicenter study evaluating patients <18 years with ICD-10 Diagnosis and/or External Cause of Injury codes meeting criteria for NAT. “Historical” controls from an averaged period of March-September 2016–2019 were compared to patients injured March-September 2020, after the implementation of SHO (“COVID” cohort). An interrupted time series analysis was utilized to evaluate the effects of SHO implementation. ResultsNine Level I pediatric trauma centers contributed 2064 patients meeting NAT criteria. During initial SHO, NAT rates dropped below what was expected based on historical trends; however, thereafter the rate increased above the expected. The COVID cohort experienced a significant increase in the proportion of NAT patients age ≥5 years, minority children, and least resourced as determined by social vulnerability index (SVI). ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic affected the presentation of children with NAT to the hospital. In times of public health crisis, maintaining systems of protection for children remain essential. Level of evidenceIII

Pediatric Trauma: What Hurts?

Pediatric trauma patients are injured during crucial developmental years and require subsequent absence from school and activities. The impact of these changes on pediatric trauma patients is not well studied. We sought to assess the functional and emotional impact of pediatric trauma. In addition, the inpatient experience was evaluated for performance improvement purposes. A prospective survey was conducted at our trauma center (February 2019 to May 2019) of admitted trauma patients (<18 years). Patients who died before admission and nonaccidental trauma patients were excluded. Patients completed an inpatient survey and another at 3 months postdischarge. Sixty patients were enrolled; 31 completed follow-up. Patients were 10 ± 5 years, 75% being male (n = 45), with an Injury Severity Score of 7 ± 6. A total of 13% were seen by behavioral medicine while inpatient; 18% of patients had preexisting anxiety. Preexisting functional limitations existed in 7% of the patients. At 3 months, 71% were back to preinjury academics, and 58% had returned to extracurriculars. At follow-up, 10% of patients felt withdrawn, and 32% felt emotional/distracted. Only 13% of patients were undergoing therapy compared with 7% preinjury. Patients communicated their best/worst experiences. Pediatric trauma patients experience significant functional and emotional limitations after trauma. This suggests that all pediatric trauma patients should be evaluated by behavioral medicine during their admission with postdischarge support services offered. Performance improvement opportunities were identified in areas of pain control and communication.

Pediatric Nonaccidental Trauma: Experience at a Level 1 Trauma Center.

Introduction Pediatric nonaccidental trauma (NAT) is difficult to diagnose. Several isolated injuries in NAT could happen in the setting of accidental trauma (AT), and having a high index of suspicion is important to correctly identify abuse. NAT has a significant mortality rate if the sentinel event is not adequately diagnosed, and the infant is not separated from the perpetrator. Level 1 pediatric trauma centers (PTC) see a significant number of NAT. We evaluated the injury patterns of NAT admissions at our level 1 PTC. Methods Retrospective analysis of all cases of NAT for children under the age of two admitted at an ACS level 1 pediatric trauma center between the years of 2016 and 2018. Charts were queried for demographic data, injury patterns, mortality, and disposition. Correlation between disposition status and injury patterns was performed. The Fisher Exact test and student t-test were used to study the significance of differences in categorical and continuous data, respectively. Results 32/91 (35%) trauma patients under the age of two years were diagnosed as NAT in the three-year study period. 21/32 (39%) male and 11/26 (42%) female admissions were confirmed NAT (p = NS). 20 were under 1 year of age, and 12 were aged between 1 and 2 years (p = NS). 13 (41%) were Caucasian, 6 (19%) were Hispanic/Latino, 11 (34%) were Black, and 2(6%) were of unknown ethnicity (p = NS). Facial, torso, lower extremity, retinal, and internal organ injury were significantly more common with NAT. Medicaid coverage was noted in 31/32 (97%) NAT patients. 20/32 (62.5%) patients were legally displaced as a result of the NAT. Conclusion 1/3rd of all admissions at a pediatric level 1 trauma center were identified as NAT. A high index of suspicion is necessary to not miss NAT, as injury patterns are variable. Nearly 1/3rd of all victims go back to the same environment where they sustained NAT increasing their susceptibility to future NAT.

Non-accidental trauma presenting with nasal septal hematoma or abscess

ObjectivesFailure to diagnose non-accidental trauma (NAT) leaves the victim at risk of further injury or even death. It is incumbent upon physicians and other health care personnel to identify trauma patterns that have a high likelihood of being caused by NAT. The objective of this study is to discuss the presentation of nasal septal hematoma (NSH) or nasal septal abscess (NSA) as a sign of NAT. MethodsThis is a retrospective case series of patients presenting with nasal septal hematoma or abscess between 2010 and 2019. The primary endpoint was the etiology of the injury. Secondary endpoints included demographics, concomitant injuries and treatments rendered. ResultsThere were 28 patients who presented with septal hematoma or abscess. The etiologies included 20 (71.4%) due to accidental trauma, four (13.8%) with NAT, one infectious, and three unknown. All four NAT patients were male and infants with an average age of 5.4 months (SD 4.6) significantly (p = 0.0069) younger than 10.3 years (SD 5.1) in the accidental trauma group. There was a delayed time to presentation for the NAT patients compared to other etiologies. Two of four NAT patients were initially thought to have a congenital midline nasal dermoid, yet surgical intervention revealed a hematoma. Further NAT evaluation noted concomitant injuries including rib fractures and intracranial injuries in 75% of the NAT patients. ConclusionsPresentation of a child with NSH/NSA prior to the onset of ambulation or with a delayed time to presentation should prompt suspicion and further workup for NAT.

Differences in Facial Fracture Patterns in Pediatric Nonaccidental Trauma.

The purpose of this study was to characterize differences in facial fracture injury patterns among pediatric patients at highest risk of abusive head trauma/nonaccidental trauma (age ≤ 5 years). Using the National Trauma Databank from 2007 to 2015, patients (age ≤ 5 years) suffering facial fractures were included. Demographics and injury characteristics were compared between those sustaining accidental versus nonaccidental trauma (NAT). Over 9 years 9741 patients were included with 193 patients (2.0%) suffering NAT. Nonaccidental trauma patients were younger (median [interquartile range]; 0 [0, 2] versus 3 [1, 4], P < 0.001), and more frequently were insured by Medicaid (76.7% versus 41.9%, P < 0.001). NAT patients were more likely to sustain mandible fractures (38.9% versus 21.1%, P < 0.001), but less likely to sustain maxilla (9.8% versus 18.3%, P = 0.003), or orbital fractures (31.1% versus 53.4%, P < 0.001). Nonaccidental trauma patients had fewer instances of multiple facial fracture sites (8.9% versus 22.6%, P < 0.001). Among those sustaining mandible fractures, NAT patients were more likely to sustain condylar fractures (75.8% versus 48.4%, P < 0.001), but less likely to sustain subcondylar fractures (0% versus 13.2%, P = 0.002), or angle fractures (1.6 versus 8.7%, P = 0.048). Differences exist in facial fracture patterns in accidental versus nonaccidental trauma within the pediatric population at highest risk for abusive head trauma. Specifically, NAT is associated with fractures of the mandibular condyle and involve fewer facial fracture sites. In the appropriate context, presence of these fractures/patterns should increase suspicion for NAT.

Characterizing injury severity in nonaccidental trauma: Does Injury Severity Score miss the mark?

Children suffering nonaccidental trauma (NAT) are at high risk of death. It is unclear whether markers of injury severity for trauma center/system benchmarking such as Injury Severity Score (ISS) adequately characterize this. Our objective was to evaluate mortality prediction of ISS in children with NAT compared with accidental trauma (AT). Pediatric patients younger than 16 years from the Pennsylvania state trauma registry 2000 to 2013 were included. Logistic regression predicted mortality from ISS for NAT and AT patients. Multilevel logistic regression determined the association between mortality and ISS while adjusting for age, vital signs, and injury pattern in NAT and AT patients. Similar models were performed for head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Sensitivity analysis examined impaired functional independence at discharge as an alternate outcome. Fifty thousand five hundred seventy-nine patients were included with 1,866 (3.7%) NAT patients. Nonaccidental trauma patients had a similar rate of mortality at an ISS of 13 as an ISS of 25 for AT patients. Nonaccidental trauma patients also have higher mortality for a given head AIS level (range, 1.2-fold to 5.9-fold higher). Injury Severity Score was a significantly greater predictor of mortality in AT patients (adjusted odds rations [AOR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.15; p < 0.01) than NAT patients (AOR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.07-1.12; p < 0.01) per 1-point ISS increase, while head injury was a significantly greater predictor of mortality in NAT patients (AOR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.54-8.32; p < 0.01) than AT patients (AOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.95-1.45; p = 0.12). Nonaccidental trauma patients had a higher rate of impaired functional independence at any given ISS or head AIS level than AT patients. Nonaccidental trauma patients have higher mortality and impaired function at a given ISS/head AIS than AT patients. Conventional ISS thresholds may underestimate risk and head injury is a more important predictor of mortality in the NAT population. These findings should be considered in system performance improvement and benchmarking efforts that rely on ISS for injury characterization. Epidemiologic study, level III.

The Utility of Head Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Apparent Life-Threatening Event.

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of empiric head computed tomography (CT) in apparent life threatening event (ALTE). This was a retrospective chart review of children younger than 12 months presenting to an urban pediatric hospital and its suburban satellite for an ALTE from October 2009 to December 2012. The ALTE cases were identified as having had a diagnosis of ALTE (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision 799.82) or as having had a constellation of studies performed consistent with our institutional protocol for ALTE evaluation. Exclusion criteria were known trauma and cases lacking an identifiable ALTE feature on review. There were 631 cases identified, of which 617 met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of those, 537 had a head CT performed. Five patients were identified with clinically important head CT findings: a case of congenital toxoplasmosis, a case of intraventricular hemorrhage, and 3 cases of nonaccidental trauma (NAT). One of the NAT patients had a bruise on his forehead; the other patients had no historical, physical examination, and other laboratory or radiologic findings to raise concern for significant finding on head CT. The rate of clinically significant findings and occult clinically significant findings was 5/537 (0.93%) (95% confidence interval, 0.30%-2.16%; number needed to treat = 108) and 4/537 (0.75%) (95% confidence interval, 0.20%-1.90%; number needed to treat = 135), respectively. The rate of clinically important head CT findings in ALTE evaluation was relatively rare, at 0.93%. Given the severe consequences of missing these cases, these data establish a role for empiric head CT in the evaluation of ALTE.

Improving Follow-up Skeletal Survey Compliance in Suspected Nonaccidental Trauma Patients: What's the FUSS About?

Introduction:Nonaccidental trauma (NAT) victims account for a significant percentage of our pediatric trauma population. The skeletal survey (SS) and follow-up skeletal survey (FUSS) are essential in the evaluation of selected NAT patients. We identified that our clinically indicated FUSS completion rate was suboptimal. We hypothesized that implementing an intervention of postdischarge follow-up in our pediatric surgery clinic would improve FUSS completion rates.Methods:A follow-up clinic for NAT patients was established in July 2013. A retrospective review was performed of all suspected NAT cases younger than 2 years old seen at Kentucky Children’s Hospital between November 2012 and February 2014. The study population was divided into pre (Group 1) and postintervention (Group 2). Bivariate analysis was performed.Results:Group 1 consisted of 50 patients (58% male; median age, 9 months). Forty-7 (94%) had an SS; fractures were identified in 37 (74%) patients. Only 20 patients (40%) had FUSS; of those, 4 had newly identified fractures. Group 2 consisted of 52 patients (54% male; median age, 7 months). All 52 children (100%) had an SS; fractures were identified in 35 (67%) patients. Forty-seven patients (90%) had FUSS. Of those, 6 had new radiographic findings. Thirty-five patients (67%) were seen in our clinic. This improvement in FUSS (40% versus 90%) was statistically significant, P < 0.001.Conclusion:The decision to follow NAT patients in our clinic had significantly increased our rates of FUSS completion. This additional clinic follow-up also provided more evidence for NAT evaluation.

Evaluation of spatiotemporal trends and predictive modeling of non-accidental trauma utilizing geographical information systems

BackgroundActs of violence can be considered random when viewed singularly, but are appreciable as patterns and clusters of an epidemic. Violence begets violence: it has been shown that people exposed to violence are more likely to harm themselves, their families, and members of the community. Our previous manuscript on this subject demonstrated distinct clusters of violent trauma, where each subtype appeared to have its own domain.MethodsThe location, date, time of day, and mechanism of injury of all non-accidental trauma patients from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013 were collected and analyzed. Kernel density analysis was used to identify areas of increased activity and these were compared by year. The areas identified were mapped by their latitude and longitude. The data for the year 2013 were used to determine the potential for the predictive value of the prior 5 years.ResultsDefinite trends can be observed in the temporal distribution of trauma, with a higher incidence of violent trauma occurring ...

A Multidisciplinary Child Protection Team Improves the Care of Nonaccidental Trauma Patients

We initiated a multidisciplinary Child Protection Team (CPT) as a subgroup of our pediatric multidisciplinary trauma peer review committee. Meetings are held monthly. Nonaccidental trauma (NAT) patients from the preceding month are reviewed. The meeting has two parts. During the open part, detectives and child protective services (CPS) workers are invited to discuss specific cases. The closed part focuses on improvement of specific processes and future outcomes. Attendance is recorded and minutes are kept. We sought to review accomplishments of this group. We retrospectively reviewed the minutes from our CPT meetings conducted between February 2014 and April 2015. We tracked attendance, cases reviewed, process improvement projects, and corrective action plans. Meeting attendance was very good-78 per cent. During the 15-month study period, we had 141 suspected NAT patients; 96 were reviewed at our meetings. CPS workers attended 53 per cent of the meetings; 13 investigations were discussed. We established a clinical practice guideline for the evaluation of NAT patients. We created a mechanism to improve compliance with follow-up skeletal surveys. Six corrective letters were sent to individuals notifying them of care concerns and opportunities for improvement. Equipment needs were identified, and we obtained a digital camera and speaker phone. We have conducted multiple educational sessions to increase awareness. Our CPT meeting has improved the care of our NAT patients and provided better communication between our hospital staff and CPS workers. We have improved inhospital processes for our NAT patients. We have provided educational opportunities to outside care providers.

A closer look at non-accidental trauma: Caregiver assault compared to non-caregiver assault

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of non-accidental trauma (NAT) patients compared to other trauma (OT) patients across the state of Florida. In addition, NAT and OT patients with a mechanism of injury of assault were further analyzed. MethodsA statewide database was reviewed from January 2010 to December 2014 for patients aged 0–18years who presented following trauma. Patients were sorted by admitting diagnosis into two groups: rule out NAT and all other diagnoses. Patients with a mechanism of assault were subanalyzed and outcomes were compared. ResultsThere were 46,557 patients included. NAT patients were younger, had more severe injuries and had a higher mortality rate compared to OT patients. Assault was the mechanism of injury in 95% of NAT patients. NAT assault patients were younger, required more intensive care unit (ICU) resources, and had a higher mortality rate compared to other assault patients. ConclusionNon-accidental trauma patients require more resources and have a higher mortality rate compared to accidental trauma patients, and these differences remain even when controlling for the mechanism of injury. Level of evidenceIII.

A Comparison of Accidental and Nonaccidental Trauma: It Is Worse Than You Think

BackgroundChild abuse, or nonaccidental trauma (NAT), is a major cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, and is often unrecognized. Our hypothesis was that injuries due to accidental trauma (AT) and NAT are significantly different in incidence, injury, severity, and outcome, and are often unrecognized. ObjectiveOur aim was to carry out an examination of the differences between pediatric injuries due to AT and NAT regarding incidence, demographics, injury severity, and outcomes. MethodsA 4-year retrospective review of the Trauma Registry at Children's Medical Center Dallas, a large Level I pediatric trauma center, comparing incidence, age, race, trauma activation, intensive care unit (ICU) need, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and mortality between AT and NAT patients was carried out. ResultsThere were 5948 admissions, 92.5% were AT and 7.5% were NAT victims. The NAT patients were younger (1.8 ± 3.3 years vs. 6.8 ± 4.2 years for AT patients; p < 0.01), more often required an ICU stay (NAT 36.5% vs. 13.8% for AT patients; p < 0.0001), and had a higher ISS 14.0 ± 9.7 vs. 7.5 ± 7.2; p < 0.0001). The mortality rate in NAT was 8.9% vs. 1.4% for AT (p < 0.001). Of the 40 NAT patients who ultimately died, 17.5% were not initially diagnosed as NAT. ConclusionsNAT victims differ significantly from the AT patients, with a greater severity of injury and a 6-fold higher mortality rate. Delayed recognition of NAT occurred in almost 20% of the cases. It is generally accepted that NAT is underestimated. Its increased mortality rate and severity of injury are also not well recognized compared to the typical pediatric trauma child.

Characteristics of Spinal Injuries Secondary to Nonaccidental Trauma

Nonaccidental trauma (NAT) is considered an uncommon cause of spine trauma in the pediatric population. Little has been published on such injuries and no large series is available in the literature. The purpose of this study is to describe the incidence and characteristics of spine trauma secondary to NAT. An IRB-approved retrospective review of all patients presenting to a single level 1 pediatric trauma center with a spinal injury between 2003 and 2011 was performed. Patients were identified using our institution's trauma registry. Medical records were reviewed to identify all spine injuries that occurred as a result of NAT. These cases were reviewed for details regarding injury mechanism, type and location of injury, associated injuries, and the treatment. Our institution's NAT database was also queried to identify the total number of patients formally determined to have sustained any injury as a result of NAT during the same period. NAT was the cause of 11/342 (3.2%) spine injuries diagnosed during the study period. A total of 726 cases of NAT were identified, with spine injury present in 1.5%. All patients with spine trauma secondary to NAT were under the age of 2 years with an average age of 7 months. Among patients below 2 years with spinal trauma, NAT was tied as the most common mechanism, resulting in 38% of injuries. Eight of the 11 patients' spine injuries were cervical and 7 of these injuries were in the atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial regions. Multilevel spine trauma was present in 64% of patients. Associated head and thoracic trauma was present in 73% and 36% of patients, respectively. Neurological injury was found in 54% of patients. The majority of injuries were treated nonoperatively and 1 patient required surgical management. NAT represents a very common yet often overlooked cause of spinal trauma in children under the age of 2 years. Because of its frequency in this age group, clinicians should consider including an assessment of the spine in all young NAT patients. Patients with spinal trauma sustained as a result of NAT must undergo a thorough evaluation for associated injuries remote to the spine, neurological deficit, and multilevel spine injury. NAT is a common mechanism of spinal injury in patients below 2 years of age.

The importance of surgeon involvement in the evaluation of non-accidental trauma patients

IntroductionNon-Accidental Trauma (NAT) is a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, causing 50% of trauma-related deaths at our institution. Our purpose was to evaluate the necessity of primary surgical evaluation and admission to the trauma service for children presenting with NAT. MethodsWe reviewed all NAT patients from 2007–2011. Injury types, demographic data, and hospitalization information were collected. Comparisons to accidental trauma (AT) patients were made using Wilcoxon rank sum and Student's t tests. ResultsWe identified 267 NAT patients presenting with 473 acute injuries. Injuries in NAT patients were more severe than in AT patients, and Injury Severity Scores, ICU admission rates, and mortality were all significantly (p<0.001) higher. The majority suffered from polytrauma. Multiple areas of injury were seen in patients with closed head injuries (72%), extremity fractures (51%), rib fractures (82%), and abdominal/thoracic trauma (80%). Despite these complex injury patterns, only 56% received surgical consults, resulting in potential delays in diagnosis, as 24% of abdominal CT scans were obtained >12hours after hospitalization. ConclusionGiven the high incidence of polytrauma in NAT patients, prompt surgical evaluation is necessary to determine the scope of injury. Admission to the trauma service and a thorough tertiary survey should be considered for all patients.

Nonaccidental trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients at a regional level 1 pediatric trauma center

Background Traumatic injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of nonaccidental trauma (NAT) and to compare the outcomes of accidental trauma (AT) patients with NAT patients at a large pediatric trauma center. Methods A retrospective chart review of 6186 trauma patients younger than 18 years evaluated during the period of 1996 to 2004. Results During the period of study, NAT accounted for 7.3% (n = 453) of trauma evaluations (n = 6186). Compared to AT, the NAT patient was younger, 12 vs 76 months ( P < .05); were more severely injured, injury severity score 18 vs 9 ( P < .05); and required both longer intensive care unit stay, 2 vs 1 day ( P < .05), and overall hospital stay, 6 vs 3 days ( P < .05). Craniotomy was required in 4.4% of NAT patients compared with 2.7 % of AT patients ( P < .05). Abdominal exploration was necessary in 3.5% of NAT patients compared to 1.6% of AT patients. The mortality rate for NAT was 9.7% compared to 2.2% for AT ( P < .05). Conclusions The surgeon caring for children must appreciate the high incidence of NAT with its increased morbidity and mortality relative to AT patients. A surgical evaluation should be performed promptly in NAT patients because of their frequent need for emergent intervention.

Visceral injuries in nonaccidental trauma: spectrum of injury and outcomes

Background Nonaccidental trauma (NAT) causes significant morbidity and mortality in children. The purpose of this study was to characterize visceral injuries associated with NAT and the management and outcomes of children with these injuries. Methods During a 7-year period, children admitted to our regional pediatric trauma center with a diagnosis of NAT were identified and their injuries characterized. Results NAT accounted for 7% (n = 265 of 3705) of all trauma admissions during the period of study. Visceral injuries were diagnosed in 9% (n = 24 of 265) of NAT patients. Compared with the remaining NAT population, children with visceral injuries were similar in age and sex but had higher injury severity scores (21 vs. 17, P < .05). There was a high coincidence of thoracic trauma and nonburn integumental injuries in abdominally injured NAT patients. Children with visceral injuries were more likely to undergo emergent operations (46% [11 of 24] vs. 5% [15 of 241], P < .0001) than those without. However, there was no difference in Intensive Care Unit stay, hospital stay, or overall mortality for children with visceral injuries compared with those without. Conclusions Visceral injuries are not uncommon in NAT, and these injuries often require emergent operative intervention. Thus, prompt evaluation and treatment by a surgeon remains a critical step in the management of children with NAT.