Temporal trends in patient characteristics, injury mechanisms and outcomes in pediatric trauma admissions between 2010 and 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries are a leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality among children. Trauma registries are fundamental to assess priorities for the prevention, control, minimization, and/or elimination of injury in children.

METHODS: We used a pediatric trauma register to identify temporal trends in pediatric trauma admissions between 2010 and 2017. Factors associated with independent temporal trends were identified using ordinal logistic regression modeling.

RESULTS: A total of 4,934 patients were included. Mean age was 8.8 years. Falls and traffic injuries were the most common mechanism of injury (65%). Boys were more often injured (63.4%; P < .05). Increase in private health insurance (31.5% vs 45.2%, p < .01) and helicopter transport (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.58-2.30). Increase in admissions for drownings (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.10-2.02) and animal bites (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.46-2.71). Improvement in outcomes were observed with shorter, ≤1 day length of stay (LOS) (AOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.06-1.33), lower complications (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.33-0.66), and greater admissions without an intensive care unit (ICU) stay (AOR = 1.6 95% CI = 1.36-1.88).

CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that pediatric trauma registries are an essential part to pediatric trauma care. Modifiable risk factors in children admitted to the trauma center were identified. Further analysis of data in the registries maybe used for future education and prevention efforts.