Audit of Pediatric ENT Injuries

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Trauma Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) injuries present a significant health concern in children, potentially leading to disfigurement and functional impairment.
• Understanding the patterns and mechanisms of these injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the specific patterns and underlying causes of ENT injuries among children in Ilorin, Nigeria.
• To provide data that can inform healthcare planning and interventions for pediatric ENT trauma in African regions.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted over five years (2005-2009) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
• Data collected included patient demographics, injury mechanisms, presenting symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and complications for pediatric patients (≤15 years) with ENT trauma.

Main Results:

• A total of 271 children were studied, with males constituting 62.0%. The 6-10 year age group represented the largest cohort (35.8%).
• Foreign body insertion/ingestion (29.5%), falls (24.4%), and Road Traffic Injuries (RTI) (15.5%) were the primary causes of ENT trauma.
• Ear injuries were most prevalent (48.7%), followed by nasal (43.2%) and throat injuries (8.1%). Bleeding was the most common symptom.

Conclusions:

• Foreign body related injuries and falls are the most frequent causes of pediatric ENT trauma in the studied region.
• ENT injuries can result in long-term disabilities such as anosmia, facial palsy, and cosmetic deformities, impacting a child's psychological well-being.
• Close monitoring by caregivers is essential to prevent these avoidable injuries, which contribute to childhood morbidity and mortality.