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Incidence, severity, and external causes of pediatric brain injury
Insights
In 1981, San Diego County saw 185 pediatric brain injuries per 100,000 children, with falls, recreation, and car crashes as leading causes. Six out of 100 injured children died from their injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Epidemiology of Traumatic Brain Injury
Background:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) represent a significant public health concern in pediatric populations.
- Understanding the incidence, causes, and outcomes of pediatric TBI is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and causes of fatal and non-fatal brain injuries in children up to 15 years old in San Diego County.
- To analyze the case-fatality ratio and characteristics of pediatric brain injury cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of emergency room and hospital records, coroners' reports, death certificates, and extended-care records for 1981.
- Data collection focused on children up to 15 years old residing in San Diego County.
Main Results:
- An annual brain injury rate of 185 per 100,000 children was observed (235 for boys, 132 for girls).
- Leading causes included falls (35%), recreational activities (29%), and motor vehicle crashes (24%).
- The case-fatality ratio was 6 deaths per 100 injured children; 88% of hospitalized children had mild TBI, and 44% had no loss of consciousness.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric brain injuries are a substantial issue, with falls and recreational activities being primary causes.
- The study highlights the need for targeted prevention efforts focusing on common injury scenarios.
- Transportation methods for injured children, including private non-emergency vehicles, warrant further consideration in emergency response protocols.
Abstract:
The number of fatal brain injuries and hospital admissions for brain injuries in children up to 15 years old in San Diego County, California, were ascertained from emergency room and hospital records, coroners' reports, death certificates, and nursing home and extended-care records for 1981. The annual brain-injury rate per 100 000 children was 185 (235 for boys and 132 for girls). The major causes of pediatric brain injury were falls (35%), recreational activities (29%), and motor vehicle crashes (24%). The case-fatality ratio was six deaths per 100 injured children. Of those children admitted to a hospital alive, 88% had a mild brain injury and 44% had no evidence of loss of consciousness. Two thirds of children with mild brain injuries and one third of those with serious brain injuries were transported to a hospital in private nonemergency vehicles.