Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric trauma in Southern California

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Trauma Care
• Public Health Policy Impact
• Epidemiology of Injury

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic altered trauma epidemiology in adults, with increased penetrating trauma and reduced length of stay (LOS).
• Limited multicenter data exists on the impact of the pandemic on pediatric trauma patients.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for effective resource allocation in pediatric trauma centers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home (SAH) orders on pediatric trauma patients.
• To test the hypothesis of increased penetrating trauma and decreased LOS in children post-SAH orders.
• To provide multicenter data on pediatric trauma outcomes during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter retrospective analysis of pediatric trauma patients (≤17 years) across 11 California centers.
• Patients were categorized into control (pre-SAH) and post-SAH groups based on injury dates.
• Demographic data, injury characteristics, and outcomes including LOS, ICU LOS, ventilator days, and mortality were analyzed.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in penetrating trauma rates was observed between the post-SAH group and control/pre-SAH groups.
• A significantly shorter mean length of stay (LOS) was found in the post-SAH group compared to both control and pre-SAH groups.
• Intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, ventilator days, and mortality rates did not differ significantly across the groups.

Conclusions:

• Stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to an increase in penetrating trauma among pediatric patients.
• A significant reduction in length of stay (LOS) was observed in pediatric trauma patients following stay-at-home orders.
• These findings suggest a shift in injury patterns or healthcare utilization rather than an increase in severe penetrating injuries in pediatric trauma.