A Pediatric Level III Trauma Center Experience With Dog Bite Injuries

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Traumatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Dog bite injuries are a significant cause of emergency department visits for children.
• Injuries range from minor wounds to severe lacerations and avulsions, with potential for fatalities.
• Understanding injury patterns and vaccination needs in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the characteristics of dog bite injuries in children presenting to a pediatric emergency department.
• To analyze the location of injuries and the need for vaccinations (tetanus, rabies) in this cohort.
• To evaluate the management and disposition of pediatric dog bite victims.

Main Methods:

• A 6-year retrospective study of 152 children treated for dog bites.
• Data extracted from medical records using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes and trauma databases.
• Variables included age, sex, injury type, location, need for antibiotics, immunization status, and disposition.

Main Results:

• The median age of injured children was 52 months.
• Seventy-five percent of injuries occurred above the neck, predominantly on facial structures.
• Twenty-four percent of children required tetanus or rabies vaccination; 15.1% required operating room management.

Conclusions:

• Dog bite injuries in children often involve the face and necessitate prompt medical evaluation.
• Assessing vaccination status for tetanus and rabies is essential in the comprehensive care of pediatric dog bite victims.
• Pediatric emergency departments with surgical infrastructure are vital for managing severe dog bite injuries.