Factors predictive for computed tomography use and abnormality in paediatric head injuries in Australia and New
Catherine L Wilson1, Stephen Jc Hearps2, Emma J Tavender1,3
1Emergency Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Patient age, injury severity, and Glasgow Coma Score predict head CT scans in children. Younger children were more likely to have abnormal scans, guiding clinical decisions for pediatric head injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Radiology
- Neurotrauma
Background:
- Head injuries are common in children presenting to emergency departments.
- Computed tomography of the brain (CTB) is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating pediatric head trauma.
- Understanding factors influencing CTB use is crucial for appropriate resource allocation and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patient-level factors associated with the use of CTB in children with head injuries.
- To determine predictors for abnormal CTB findings in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from 31 emergency departments (EDs) in Australia and New Zealand.
- Data included 3072 children with head injuries, examining factors related to CTB ordering and abnormality.
Main Results:
- Of 3072 children, 212 (6.9%) underwent CTB, with 66 (31%) showing abnormalities.
- Increasing age, severe injury mechanisms, and lower Glasgow Coma Scores predicted CTB use.
- Younger age was associated with abnormal CTB findings.
Conclusions:
- Patient-level factors influencing CTB use in pediatric head injuries align with international findings.
- Age, injury severity, and neurological status are key determinants for CTB utilization in children.
Objectives:
To investigate patient-level factors predictive for computed tomography of the brain (CTB) use and abnormality in head injured children in Australia and New Zealand.
Methods:
Retrospective data from tertiary, urban/suburban and regional/rural EDs including factors predictive for CTB use and abnormality.
Results:
Of 3072 children at 31 EDs, 212 (6.9%) had a CTB scan, of which 66 (31%) were abnormal. Increasing age, serious mechanisms of injury and decreasing Glasgow Coma Score were predictive for ordering CTB. Decreasing age was predictive for CTB abnormalities. Other factors were not.
Conclusion:
Patient-level drivers of CTB use in children in Australia and New Zealand are consistent with international data.
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