Retrospective evaluation of children under five years of age with head injuries: Single center experience
Mehmet Kilic1, Atakan Besnek2, Halil Aslan1
1Department of Child Health and Diseases, Şanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Şanlıurfa, Turkey.
Insights
Pediatric head trauma varies significantly by age, with younger children experiencing different injury mechanisms. Understanding these age-related differences is key to improving management and outcomes for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Neuroscience
- Child Development
Background:
- Head trauma is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly impacts pediatric health outcomes.
- Understanding age-related trauma mechanisms is crucial for pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze clinical and radiological findings in pediatric head trauma patients aged 0-5.
- Examine the relationship between skull/brain development and age-specific trauma mechanisms.
- Provide insights for tailored management strategies for young children with head trauma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1216 patients aged 5 years and younger.
- Data collected from January 2016 to January 2022 at Şanliurfa Education and Research Hospital.
- Evaluation of symptoms, physical examination, trauma mechanisms, and CT findings by age group.
Main Results:
- 62.9% of patients were male (n=765), 37.1% were female (n=451).
- Significant differences in scalp hematoma incidence observed between the 0-1 and 1-2 age groups.
- Distinct variations in head trauma presentations across different pediatric age groups were noted.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric head trauma presentations differ significantly by age group.
- Age-specific trauma mechanisms and injury types require tailored prevention and treatment.
- Age-specific management approaches are essential for improving outcomes in pediatric head trauma patients.
Background And Purpose:
Head trauma is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in childhood and can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). In our study, we present a retrospective analysis of the clinical and radiological findings of patients presenting with head trauma in 0-5 age range, examining the relationship between pediatric skull and brain development and age-related changes in trauma mechanisms. The study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics and injury mechanisms in young children with head trauma, providing insights for improved management strategies tailored to this vulnerable population.
Methods:
The study assessed patients who presented to Şanliurfa Education and Research Hospital between January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2022. The clinical and radiological data of 1216 patients aged 5 years and younger who were admitted due to head trauma were analyzed. Symptoms, physical examination findings, trauma mechanisms, and CT findings were evaluated for each age group.
Results:
Among the included 1216 patients 62.9% (n=765) were male and 37.1% (n=451) were female. The incidence of scalp hematoma showed a significant difference in the 0-1 and 1-2 age groups (p.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study reveal distinct differences in head trauma presentations among the various age groups, indicating that younger children experience different trauma mechanisms and types of injuries compared to older children. Recognizing these differences is crucial for tailoring prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions, allowing for more effective management of head trauma in pediatric patients. This study emphasizes the significance of analyzing head trauma in rapidly developing age groups. The observed variations in trauma mechanisms and clinical findings necessitate age-specific approaches in patient management, which can ultimately enhance treatment outcomes for young patients suffering from head trauma.
