Related Experiment Videos
Whiplash associated disorder in children attending the emergency department
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK. russellboyd@talk21.com
Insights
Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) affects nearly half of children in car crashes, with most experiencing mild symptoms. Recovery is generally favorable, with Grade 2 injuries lasting longer than Grade 1.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Traumatology
- Public Health
Background:
- Child passenger safety in motor vehicle accidents is a critical public health concern.
- Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) is a common injury, but its incidence and course in children are less understood.
- Understanding pediatric WAD is essential for effective diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, severity, and clinical trajectory of whiplash associated disorder (WAD) in children aged 4-16.
- To analyze WAD presentation and recovery patterns in pediatric passengers following motor vehicle accidents.
- To compare pediatric WAD outcomes with existing adult data.
Main Methods:
- Prospective surveillance of pediatric emergency department attendances after car crashes.
- Structured telephone interviews and clinical reviews using Quebec Task Force criteria.
- Follow-up assessments at 14, 28, and 56 days post-injury or until symptom resolution.
Main Results:
- 105 children were involved; 47% developed WAD symptoms, typically within 48 hours.
- 40 children had WAD Grade 1, and 9 had WAD Grade 2.
- Mean symptom duration was 8.8 days; Grade 2 symptoms persisted significantly longer than Grade 1.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of WAD in children in this study was higher than previously reported.
- Pediatric WAD demonstrated a more favorable clinical course compared to adult populations.
- Early identification and appropriate follow-up are crucial for managing pediatric WAD.
Aims:
To determine the incidence, severity, and clinical course of whiplash associated disorder (WAD) in children aged 4-16 years involved as passengers in car crashes.
Methods:
Prospective surveillance of all paediatric attendances to three English urban emergency departments after car crashes over an eight month period. An initial structured telephone interview at day 2 after the car crash was performed. This was followed by clinical review of symptomatic patients on day 5 after the crash using the Quebec Task Force criteria for outcome assessment, with subsequent clinical review at 14, 28, and 56 days or until earlier symptom resolution.
Results:
105 children were identified as having been involved in car crashes as passengers. Forty nine children (47%) experienced symptoms of a WAD. Twenty nine children developed symptoms within 24 hours with the remainder developing symptoms by 48 hours. Forty children experienced a WAD grade 1 and nine children suffered a WAD grade 2 injury. The mean duration of symptoms was 8.8 days (range 3-70, SD 10.7). WAD grade 2 symptoms lasted significantly longer than WAD grade 1 symptoms.
Conclusions:
The incidence of WAD in children in this series was higher than in other studies. The clinical course was more favourable than that reported for adults.