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The Role of Obesity in Motor Vehicle Injuries and Fatalities in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review

Zana Alattar1, Shelby Hoebee1, Eyal Ron1

  • 1University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA.

Journal of Intensive Care Medicine
|March 9, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Obesity in children may not be protective against motor vehicle accident injuries, with conflicting data on extremity injuries. Further research is needed to clarify risks for thoracic and head/face/neck injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Traumatology
  • Obesity Research
  • Motor Vehicle Accident Injury Prevention

Background:

  • Obesity prevalence has increased significantly in pediatric populations.
  • Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) remain a leading cause of injury and mortality in children.
  • Existing literature on obesity as a risk factor for pediatric MVA injuries is limited and outdated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and update the literature on obesity as a risk factor for injuries and mortality in pediatric motor vehicle accidents.
  • To evaluate the current evidence regarding the association between pediatric obesity and MVA-related trauma.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
  • Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly applied to select relevant studies.
  • Analysis focused on three selected articles examining obesity's impact on pediatric MVA injuries and mortality.

Main Results:

  • Conflicting findings exist regarding extremity injuries; one study showed decreased odds in overweight children (OR=0.6), while others indicated increased odds in obese children (OR=2.54 to 6.06).
  • Obesity was associated with increased thoracic injuries (ages 2-13) and head/face/neck injuries (ages 2-5) but decreased head injury risk (ages 14-17).
  • No studies reported on mortality outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Data on obesity and pediatric MVA extremity injuries are sparse and contradictory.
  • Obesity is not protective and may increase the risk for thoracic and head/face/neck injuries in specific pediatric age groups.
  • Further research is essential due to the limited and conflicting nature of current evidence.
Abstract

Keywords:
motor vehicle accidentsobesitypediatricstrauma

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