Pediatric gunshot wounds--powder and nonpowder weapons

A retrospective chart review of 102 consecutive cases of gunshot wound injuries in children was conducted. Victims were identified by emergency department log review and computer search for inpatient discharge diagnoses. Results are compared with other studies. Nonpowder weapons are found to be involved in a preponderance of cases. In 66% of the cases in which the weapon was known, a nonpowder weapon was used. Length of hospital stay, operations performed, and outcome were compared for the handgun and nonpowder weapon groups. Nonpowder weapons were found to have inflicted major injury in as many patients as did handguns. Methodologic problems of studying gunshot wounds in children are discussed. It is suggested that injury prevention strategies address nonpowder weapons as well as handguns.