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Infected Subgaleal Hematoma After Head Trauma in an Infant
Amer Salman1, Thaer S Abohamra1, Sania Shahid1
1Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, Dubai, ARE.
Insights
Minor head trauma in infants can lead to serious complications like infected subgaleal hematoma. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for recovery, even with initially mild symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Infectious Diseases in Children
Background:
- Head trauma is frequent in pediatric populations, with potential for severe outcomes.
- Subgaleal hematoma, a collection of blood in the subgaleal space, can arise from minor head injuries.
Observation:
- A five-month-old infant presented with delayed symptoms after minor head trauma, including irritability, scalp swelling, and fever.
- Clinical examination revealed irritability without neurological deficits, alongside elevated inflammatory markers.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation and laboratory results strongly suggested an infected subgaleal hematoma.
- The infant required hospitalization and a seven-day course of intravenous antibiotics.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of vigilant assessment for subgaleal hematoma in infants following head trauma, even if seemingly minor.
- Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic therapy are vital for successful management and preventing long-term sequelae.
Abstract:
Head trauma is common among infants and children, with most cases being minor. Head trauma may be associated with long-term disability and even death, depending on the severity and the extent of brain injury. Infants and children with apparently minor injuries may be affected by clinically significant traumatic brain injury. Subgaleal hematoma is the result of an accumulation of blood in the subgaleal space following a minor head trauma. Here, we report the case of a five-month-old male who appeared initially well after minor head trauma but later developed worsening of his symptoms, including irritability, increased scalp swelling, and fever. Clinically, he was irritable with no neurological deficit, and blood investigations showed very high inflammatory markers. The clinical picture was suggestive of an infected subgaleal hematoma, so he required admission and treatment with intravenous antibiotics for seven days. Upon discharge, the patient was clinically well and had a normal clinical examination. A follow-up appointment after one month revealed a normal neurological examination.
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