Pediatric Trauma Deaths and Head Injuries
Author Information
Author(s): Søreide Kjetil, Krüger Andreas J, Ellingsen Christian L, Tjosevik Kjell E
Primary Institution: Stavanger University Hospital
Hypothesis
The study aims to analyze the causes, severity, and seasonal aspects of fatal pediatric trauma.
Conclusion
Fatal pediatric trauma occurs most frequently in boys during spring and summer, associated with severe head injuries and low probability of survival.
Supporting Evidence
- 70% of pediatric trauma deaths were males.
- Most fatalities occurred during spring (53%) or summertime (25%).
- Blunt trauma, primarily from road traffic accidents, was the leading cause of death.
Takeaway
Most kids who die from injuries are boys, and it happens a lot in spring and summer, especially from head injuries.
Methodology
Review of all consecutive autopsies for pediatric fatal trauma during a 10-year period.
Potential Biases
Some children with fatal trauma might have been missed when they became organ donors.
Limitations
The study excluded drowning, hangings, poisonings, and deaths caused by asphyxia without anatomic injuries.
Participant Demographics
70% of the victims were males, with a median age of 13 years (range 2–17).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.16
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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