Pediatric trauma at tertiary-level hospitals in the aftermath of the Bam, Iran Earthquake

Area of Science:

• Disaster Medicine
• Pediatric Traumatology
• Public Health

Background:

• The Bam Earthquake was a catastrophic natural disaster with significant impact on vulnerable populations.
• Children are particularly susceptible to physical and psychological trauma during major disasters.
• Understanding pediatric injury patterns is crucial for effective disaster response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the types and patterns of pediatric injuries following the Bam Earthquake.
• To document the surgical interventions required for injured children.
• To inform future disaster preparedness strategies for child welfare.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 119 pediatric patients (<16 years) admitted to three Tehran hospitals within one week post-earthquake.
• Categorization of injuries by body region: extremity, chest, abdomen, head, and spinal column.
• Documentation of surgical procedures performed, categorized by specialty.

Main Results:

• Extremity injuries were most prevalent (83 patients), with lower extremity trauma more common than upper extremity.
• Head and spinal column injuries affected 36 patients, while chest and abdomen injuries involved 17 patients.
• A total of 65 operations were performed, predominantly orthopedic (52), followed by general (8) and neurosurgical (5).

Conclusions:

• The Bam Earthquake resulted in a substantial burden of pediatric injuries, particularly affecting extremities.
• A significant proportion of injured children required surgical management, underscoring the severity of trauma.
• Findings emphasize the critical need for specialized pediatric care and resources in disaster response planning.