Pediatric trauma over a decade: demographics, mechanisms of injury, and mortality at a major Danish trauma center-a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, the number of fatal accidents among children and adolescents has declined. Nevertheless, trauma remains a significant cause of death among children and adolescents in high-income countries, despite significant advancements in prevention and care. Pediatric trauma patients differ substantially from adults in terms of their physiology, anatomy, and daily activities; therefore, they show distinct injury patterns and require different care. The aim of this study was to investigate mortality from trauma in pediatric patients admitted by trauma team activation at the Aarhus University Hospital Trauma Center (AUH-TC) in a highly developed country with exceptionally low child mortality, where trauma is a leading cause of death in this age-group. By evaluating trends in demographics, mechanisms of injury, injury severity, and outcomes, this study aims to provide insights into trauma care and outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 1,037 pediatric patients (< 18 years old) consecutively admitted by trauma team activation from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2021. The pediatric patients accounted for 14% of the total trauma population, which consisted of 7307 patients in total. Data on demographics, Injury Severity Score (ISS), mechanism of injury, and 30-day mortality were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were reported.

RESULTS

Boys accounted for 58% of the patients (n = 595). Falls were the mechanism of injury in 47% (n = 308) of children under 13 years old, while traffic-related injuries accounted for 38% (n = 139) of adolescents aged 14-17 years. Severe injuries (ISS > 15) were associated with traffic accidents in 25% of cases. The number of traumas peaked on weekends (71%) and during the spring/summer (29%). The ISS was greater than 15 in 13% (n = 130) of the patients, and the overall 30-day mortality rate was 1.6% (n = 17).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found no significant change in pediatric trauma incidence at AUH-TC over a decade. In Denmark, the few children with an ISS above 15 are predominantly injured in traffic accidents, with risk increasing with age. There was a low incidence of patients with an ISS above 15, and mortality rates were lower than in similar studies. These findings on injury patterns and severity may aid in risk assessment, accident prevention, and hospital resource planning. Further research with extended follow-up is recommended to assess potential trends in trauma mechanisms over time.