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Published on: January 20, 2023
Outcome of pediatric head injury patients admitted as unknown at a level-i apex trauma centre
Haradhan Deb Nath1, Vivek Tandon2, Ashok Kumar Mahapatra3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, India.
Insights
Managing unidentified pediatric head injury patients presents challenges. This study found that timely, proper care leads to better outcomes for these young patients, even when their identity is initially unknown.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Neurocritical Care
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Unidentified pediatric patients with head injuries pose significant management challenges.
- Effective management strategies are crucial for optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the outcomes of pediatric patients with head injuries whose identities were unknown at admission.
- To identify factors influencing the management and recovery of unidentified pediatric trauma cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12 consecutive pediatric patients (<20 years) admitted to a level-I trauma center with unknown identities.
- Data collection included injury cause, clinical presentation, imaging findings, treatment (surgical vs. conservative), and patient disposition.
Main Results:
- All 12 patients were male, with road traffic accidents being the most common cause (67%).
- Cerebral contusion was noted in 33% of patients; 50% required surgery.
- Outcomes included one death (8%), good recovery in 16%, and moderate disability in 33%. Identity was ascertained in 67% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Unidentified pediatric head injury patients can achieve better outcomes with timely and appropriate medical care.
- Early identification and intervention are key to improving the prognosis and rehabilitation of these patients.
Objective:
Patients with head injury who are not identified at admission are a challenge to manage and in this backdrop we decided to analyze our data of such pediatric patients for their outcome.
Materials And Methods:
It was a retrospective study conducted at the level-I trauma center. A total of 12 consecutive pediatric (<20 years) age group patients whose identities were not known at the time of admission were included in the study.
Results:
All 12 patients were male. The road traffic accident was the most common cause of injury (8, 67%). Mean age of the patients were 16.75 ± 4.45 years. Computerized tomography (CT) scan showed cerebral contusion in four (33%) patients. Six (50%) patients needed surgery and others were treated conservatively. During the course of hospital treatment, one (8%) patient died, two (16%) had good recovery, and four (33%) were moderately disabled. Among the 12 patients identity, eight (67%) could be ascertained. Seven (58%) patients were sent home with their relatives, one (8%) was referred to a district hospital and three (25%) remained as unknown and were referred to destitute home for rehabilitation.
Conclusion:
Unidentified patients of pediatric age group have better outcome if proper care is provided in time.
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