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Epidemiology of major paediatric trauma
P O'Toole1, O Callender, B O'Hare
1Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin. pojotoole@yahoo.com
Insights
Major trauma in children is a significant concern in Ireland, with road traffic accidents and thermal injuries being leading causes. The study highlights the need for a national paediatric trauma register and a dedicated trauma center.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Trauma Care
- Public Health & Injury Prevention
Background:
- Injury is the leading cause of death for children aged 1-14 in Europe.
- Ireland lacks a national trauma register for pediatric major trauma data.
- Over 800,000 individuals under 14 reside in Ireland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively collect data on pediatric major trauma admissions.
- To identify trends and characteristics of pediatric trauma cases.
- To advocate for improved trauma care infrastructure in Ireland.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection on 153 pediatric major trauma patients.
- Analysis of patient demographics, injury mechanisms, and hospital stay.
- Review of patient transport and restraint usage.
Main Results:
- 153 patients (99 males, 54 females) were analyzed.
- Road traffic accidents (69) and thermal injuries (49) were primary causes.
- 68% of vehicle occupants were unrestrained or improperly restrained.
- 14 deaths occurred among the study cohort.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of pediatric trauma cases involve preventable factors like improper restraint use.
- There is a critical need for a national pediatric trauma register in Ireland.
- Establishment of a Level 1 pediatric trauma center is essential for optimal care.
Abstract:
In Europe injury is the leading cause of death in those aged between 1 and 14 years. In Ireland over 800,000 people are aged less than 14 years. There is currently no national trauma register to collect data on the morbidity and mortality associated with major trauma in the paediatric population in Ireland. We prospectively collected data on 153 patients admitted to our hospital with major trauma. There were 99 males and 54 females. The majority of patients were transported by ambulance (n= 138). Road traffic accidents (n=69) and thermal injuries (n=49) represented the majority of admissions. 68% (n=47) of the vehicle occupants in this study were either unrestrained or incorrectly restrained. Most patients (n=133) had an in patient stay of <50 days, with only 4 patients staying >100 days. 14 patients died. A paediatric trauma register as well as a level 1 paediatric trauma centre are required in Ireland.
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