Abstract | 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.
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Authors | J Brent Roaten, David A Partrick, Trevor L Nydam, Denis D Bensard, Richard J Hendrickson, Andrew P Sirotnak, Frederick M Karrer |
Journal | Journal of pediatric surgery
(J Pediatr Surg)
Vol. 41
Issue 12
Pg. 2013-5
(Dec 2006)
ISSN: 1531-5037 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 17161194
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Child
- Child Abuse
(statistics & numerical data)
- Child, Preschool
- Colorado
- Female
- Humans
- Infant
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Trauma Centers
(statistics & numerical data)
- Wounds and Injuries
(epidemiology, mortality)
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