Audit of pediatric trauma in a secondary care urban public hospital

Objective: To study the demographic profile and outcomes of pediatric trauma victims. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed at a secondary care centre in urban India over 15 months. Permission from the local ethics body was obtained prior to the commencement of the study. Children under the age of 12 years admitted with trauma to the General Surgical department were included. Demographic data, history of events leading to trauma, clinical findings and treatment were recorded. Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Pediatric Quality of Life Index (PQLI) were used to assess the outcomes. Results: A total of 178 patients were included in the study. Preschool age group (3-5 years) (45%) was the most commonly affected. Majority of traumas occurred at home (75%). These homes were informal slum houses where children stayed in lofts. Fall from height (49%) due to fall from lofts (44%) was observed to be the most common mode of injury at home. Majority of patients had minor trauma with PTS (9-12) presenting with head injury (88%). However, only 35% had positive radiologic findings. There was a significant difference in PQLI of all patients and in FIM of preschool age group patients, irrespective of severity of trauma before admission and at one month of follow up. Conclusion: Child’s home was found as the most common site of trauma. Physical, psychosocial and cognitive impairment were seen in all pediatric trauma patients and functional impairment was seen mainly in preschool age. Majority of pediatric injuries are preventable.