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Epidemiology of traumatic head injury in Korean children
Hahn Bom Kim1, Do Kyun Kim, Young Ho Kwak
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
This study analyzed traumatic head injuries (THI) in Korean children, finding most were mild and occurred at home due to collisions. Pediatric THI epidemiology is influenced by sex, location, and injury type.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Traumatic head injury (THI) is a significant concern in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the epidemiology of THI is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiology of traumatic head injury (THI) in Korean children.
- To analyze the characteristics, mechanisms, and outcomes of pediatric THI.
Main Methods:
- A prospective trauma survey was conducted across five Korean teaching hospitals.
- Data from 2,856 children with THI visiting emergency departments (EDs) between June 2008 and May 2009 were analyzed.
- Injury severity was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
Main Results:
- The average age of affected children was 5.6 years, with 55.5% aged 0-4 years.
- Males were more commonly affected (2.3:1 ratio).
- Most injuries were mild (99.1% by GCS), occurred at home (51.3%), and resulted from collisions (43.2%).
- Outcomes included 93.9% discharged home, 4.7% hospitalized, and 1.3% requiring surgery.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric THI in Korea predominantly affects young children and males.
- Home environment and collision mechanisms are primary contributors to THI.
- Severity, location, and injury mechanism significantly impact pediatric THI outcomes.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to elucidate the epidemiology of traumatic head injury (THI) among Korean children. A prospective, in-depth trauma survey was conducted in five teaching hospitals. Data from all of the children who attended the emergency department (ED) were analyzed. From June 2008 to May 2009, 2,856 children with THI visited the 5 EDs. The average age of the subjects was 5.6 (SD ± 4.9) yr old, and 1,585 (55.5%) were 0-4 yr old. The male-to-female ratio was 2.3 to 1 (1,979 vs 877). Consciousness levels of the subjects were classified according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and 99.1%, 0.6%, and 0.4% were determined as mild, moderate, or severe injury, respectively, according to the GCS categorization. Most injuries occurred at home (51.3%), and the most common mechanism of injury was collision (43.2%). With regard to outcome, 2,682 (93.9%) patients were sent home, and 35 (1.2%) were transferred to another hospital. A total of 133 (4.7%) patients were hospitalized, and 38 (1.3%) underwent surgery. The incidence and characteristics of pediatric THI in Korea are affected by sex, location and injury mechanism.
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