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Substance abuse in adolescent trauma
J M Loiselle1, M D Baker, J M Templeton
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|October 1, 1993
Summary
A significant percentage of adolescents admitted for acute trauma test positive for alcohol or drug use. Toxicology screens are recommended for these patients, particularly those with intentional injuries.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Adolescent Health
- Toxicology Screening
Background:
- Adolescent trauma is a significant public health concern.
- The prevalence of substance use in trauma patients is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in adolescents experiencing acute trauma.
- To compare substance use rates between trauma patients and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, age-matched controlled study conducted over 20 months.
- Involved urban pediatric emergency department patients (13-19 years) admitted for trauma.
- Included an age-matched control group of asthmatic patients.
Main Results:
- 34% (22 of 65) of trauma patients tested positive for alcohol or drugs.
- Substance use was significantly higher in trauma patients compared to controls (P < .001).
- Intentional injuries showed a higher rate of positive toxicology screens (21 of 71) than unintentional injuries (1 of 63).
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of adolescents hospitalized for trauma have positive toxicology screens.
- Routine toxicology screening is advised for adolescents with significant trauma, especially with intentional mechanisms.
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