Pediatric motor vehicle crashes injuries: A systematic review for forensic evaluation.

Children involved in car crashes can experience either direct trauma or inertial injuries resulting from interactions with external objects, such as other vehicles, or with the restraint system. Furthermore, improper use of restraint systems can lead to additional severe injuries. Recent reports from international institutions underscored the persistent prevalence of inadequate restraint systems utilization and this widespread issue increases children's vulnerability and risk of injuries.The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature on injuries sustained in children involved in road accidents describing and analyzing elements useful for forensic assessment.The literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from January 1970 to March 2023. Eligible studies have investigated issues of interest to forensic medicine about traffic accidents involving pediatric passengers. A total of 69 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were categorized and analyzed according to the anatomical regions of the body affected (head, neck, thoraco-abdominal, and limb injuries), and the assessment of lesions in reconstruction of the accident was examined and discussed.The review highlights that in motor vehicle accidents involving children, the forensic evaluation of both the cause of death and accident dynamics needs to consider several factors, such as the child's age, the type of restraint system employed, and the specific passenger seat occupied. Considering the complexity of the factors that can be involved in this road accident, it is crucial that there is a comprehensive exchange of information between the judge and the medical expert.

Enhancing pre-school teachers' competence in managing pediatric injuries in Pemba Island, Zanzibar.

BACKGROUND: Safe and healthy learning environment in pre-schools has received increased attention in promoting the well-being of pre-school children. However, pediatric injuries have remained one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality around the globe. Empowering pre-school teachers with first aid competencies have been identified as being of potential strategy against pediatric health burdens of problem. This study tested the effect of established pediatric first aid training on pre-school teachers' knowledge, attitude, and intention to practice first aid management to pre-school children in Zanzibar.  METHODS: Uncontrolled quasi-experimental design with a quantitative research approach was conducted in Teachers' Resource Centers among 120 preschool teachers at Pemba Island, Zanzibar. First aid training was facilitated based on the prescribed guidelines and standards of materials adapted from the American Academy of Pediatrics and implemented. The intervention was preceded by a baseline assessment using structured questionnaires adopted from previous studies that served as the main data collection tool. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 32 years ± 6.2 with 84.2% of the sample being females. Given the training, post-test findings demonstrated a significant increase (p < 0.01) in participants' first aid management scores with mean differences of M = 15.08 ± 5.34 (Knowledge), M = 26.99 ± 6.587 (Attitude), and (M = 4.76 ± 0.648 (Intentional practice). CONCLUSION: The established pediatric first aid training can enhance the spectrum of managing pediatric injuries among preschool teachers in Zanzibar. Ongoing public health services opportunities should be structured within teachers' continuous learning against pediatric injuries in Zanzibar-Tanzania.

Management of Seymour Fractures in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Seymour fractures are injuries with a potentially high risk of infection and osteomyelitis. The optimal management of this pediatric open fracture is unknown. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the best evidence for these fractures and determine their optional management based on primary clinical studies. METHODS: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. A comprehensive search strategy was applied to the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, and gray literature databases (from May 1966 to April 15, 2020). Studies describing patients under the age of 18 years with Seymour fractures were included. Treatment was grouped based on debridement and antibiotic status as well as the timing of these interventions. The primary outcome was infection. The secondary outcomes included malunion, physeal disturbance, and nail dystrophy. RESULTS: The searches helped identify 56 records, of which 10 nonrandomized studies met our inclusion criteria, comprising 352 patients and 355 fractures. Early (<48 hours) debridement was associated with significantly less risk of infection (risk ratio [RR] = 0.28 [95% CI, 0.12-0.64]) and malunion (RR = 0.25 [95% CI, 0.07-0.99]). Prophylactic (<24 hours) antibiotics significantly reduced the risk of infection (RR = 0.21 [95% CI, 0.10-0.43]). In addition, prophylactic antibiotics and debridement were associated with a 70% reduction in the risk of infection (RR = 0.30 [95% CI, 0.11-0.83]). Over one-third of patients with delayed presentation (median 8.5 days) were infected at presentation. CONCLUSIONS: The high-risk nature of Seymour fractures may be mitigated by prompt recognition and early, basic interventions, which can usually be performed in any setting. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Pediatric trauma patients in Swedish ambulance services -a retrospective observational study of assessments, interventions, and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric trauma patients constitute a significant portion of the trauma population treated by Swedish Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and trauma remains a notable cause of death among Swedish children. Previous research has identified potential challenges in prehospital assessments and interventions for pediatric patients. In Sweden, there is limited information available regarding pediatric trauma patients in the EMS. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of pediatric trauma patients within the Swedish EMS and describe the prehospital assessments, interventions, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted in a region of Southwestern Sweden. A random sample from ambulance and hospital records from the year 2019 was selected. Inclusion criteria were children aged 0-16 years who were involved in trauma and assessed by EMS clinicians. RESULTS: A total of 440 children were included in the study, representing 8.4% of the overall trauma cases. The median age was 9 years (IQR 3-12), and 60.5% were male. The leading causes of injury were low (34.8%) and high energy falls (21%), followed by traffic accidents. The children were assessed as severely injured in 4.5% of cases. A quarter of the children remained at the scene after assessment. Complete vital signs were assessed in 29.3% of children, and 81.8% of children were assessed according to the ABCDE structure. The most common intervention performed by prehospital professionals was the administration of medication. The mortality rate was 0.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric trauma cases accounted for 8.4% of the overall trauma population with a variations in injury mechanisms and types. Vital sign assessments were incomplete for a significant proportion of children. The adherence to the ABCDE structure, however, was higher. The children remained at the scene after assessment requires further investigation for patient safety.

Pediatric injury attendances in different population groups in Israel before, during, and after COVID-19 lockdowns: a descriptive study, 2018-2022.

BACKGROUND: Lockdowns and quarantines during the COVID-19 pandemic influenced healthcare services' usage patterns such as emergency department (ED) attendance. During the pandemic, Israel issued three lockdowns (March-May 2020, September-October 2020, and December 2020-February 2021) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Little is known about the impact of these lockdowns on ED attendance for injuries in the diverse population of Northern Israel. METHODS: We described patterns of ED attendance before, during, and after COVID-19 lockdowns. We extracted data from medical records of all northern Israeli children aged 0-17 years old who attended Ziv Medical Center (ZMC) emergency department (ED) due to injury, between 01/01/2018 and 10/02/2022. We compared the volume and characteristics of ED attendance during lockdown periods to the same time periods in the 2 years before the pandemic and 1 year after the lockdowns, using chi-square tests. RESULTS: Seven thousand six hundred nineteen northern children attended ZMC ED during the time periods of the study for injuries and were analyzed. Mean attendance numbers during lockdowns decreased compared to previous years, with an increase in injuries proportion (67.8% (1502/2216) vs. 52.7% (2038/3868) p < 0.001). The proportion of 0-4-year-olds attending for injuries during the lockdown increased compared to pre-pandemic (39.68% vs. 30.7%, p < 0.0001). Minority population attendance decreased (27.47% vs. 30.71% p = 0.02). Hospitalization rates increased (13.21% vs. 10.65% p = 0.01). Post-lockdown periods saw a return to the pre-pandemic age and ethnicity distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to previous years, the volume of injuries was lower during lockdowns for all ages, with a relative increase in the proportion of injuries among younger children attending the ED. A lower proportion of attendance from minority groups suggests different health-seeking behavior patterns during emergencies compared to the general population. Understanding these differences will help better plan for future emergencies.

Stationary bike injuries prompting emergency department presentation in pediatric patients: an epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVES: Potential harms of stationary bike injuries in pediatric patients have been highlighted in the literature, but prior work is limited to case series and without population-level analysis. The purpose of this study is to examine the epidemiology of pediatric stationary bike injuries occurring in the US over the last decade using a national database. METHODS: Injuries resulting from stationary bike use in pediatric patients from 2012 to 2021 were identified using coding from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and case narratives were examined. National annual estimates of injury frequency/incidence were calculated using weighting and survey package in R. Univariate analyses were used to compare injuries among groups. RESULTS: We identified 525 stationary bike injuries representing an estimated total of 15,509 injuries in the population. Pediatric patients sustained an average of 1,551 injuries annually, with an estimated yearly increase of 288 injuries (p < 0.01) after 2019. While males sustained more injuries, there were age-dependent differences in frequency of injuries between sexes (p < 0.01). The upper extremity was the most commonly injured body region overall, but children 5 and under sustained more injuries to the head/neck. The most common overall injury type was lacerations, while fractures predominated in the 6 to 11-year-old age group. Fifty-six percent of injuries were sustained not while riding the bike, most notably among children under 12. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the impact of stationary bike injury in the pediatric population is not insignificant, and most injuries are related to improper play rather than traditional exercise use. Gender and age-related patterns differed in regard to the type and mechanism of injury sustained. Children 5 and under sustain a disproportionate amount of injuries to the head, neck, and upper extremity. As stationary bikes grow in popularity, preventative measures should be considered to reduce injuries to young children.

Pediatric Mandible Fractures.

The management of pediatric facial fractures requires several considerations by the treating surgeon. Pediatric facial fractures occur less commonly than in adults. Among fracture patterns in children, studies have repeatedly demonstrated that mandible fractures are the most common facial fracture particularly the condyle. Most fractures in children are amenable to nonsurgical or closed treatment; however, certain indications exist for open treatment. The literature describing epidemiology, treatment trends, and long-term outcomes are limited in comparison with adult populations. The purpose of the article is to review the etiology, workup, and management of mandible fractures in children.

Correlation of Fall Height, Fracture Severity and Clinical Outcome in Pediatric Supracondylar Fractures-A Retrospective Analysis with an Observation Period of 20 Years.

The most common cause leading to supracondylar humerus fractures in children is falling onto an outstretched arm. A correlation between fall height and fracture severity may be assumed but has not yet been described. The aim of this study was to show that fracture severity increases with fall height. Furthermore, the correlation between fracture severity and outcome was examined. A total of 971 children with supracondylar humerus fractures between January 2000 and December 2019 were included in this study. The correlations between fall height and fracture severity and between fracture severity and outcome were assessed. Increasing fall height correlates with fracture severity (p < 0.001; r = 0.24). Furthermore, the incidence of complications increases with fracture severity and a correlation was present accordingly (p < 0.001; r = 0.28). A total of 30 (3.1%) patients showed limitations in range of motion and/or persistent neurologic deficits at the latest follow-up. Type I fractures rarely lead to subsequent limitations. The correlation between increasing fall height and fracture severity was significant. Furthermore, children with type III and IV supracondylar fractures are more likely to develop complications or restrictions in movement than children with type I and II fractures. Hence, the initial fall height may be an indirect indicator of a more or less favorable outcome.

Unintentional Drownings in Pediatric Populations: Injury Prevention in the Post-COVID-19 Era.

Unintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of death in Americans. A large proportion of these deaths are attributable to accidental drownings and falls, both of which oftentimes take place in or around swimming pools and swimming pool-related apparatuses such as diving boards. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has reported drowning incidents as the most common injury-related cause of death in children ages one to four years. Although the AAFP has outlined steps to take to prevent drownings, there has not been a current large-scale study illustrating the effectiveness of these strategies with regard to their effect on the prevalence of swimming pool drowning cases in the last 10 years. Thus, we aim to utilize the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database to uncover these rates, which can ultimately help aid in the reevaluation of current recommended guidelines.

Road Traffic Accidents, Climbing Frames, or Trampolines: What Harms Children in the 2020s?

Background In the modern Western world, activities and the daily routine of children have changed over time. Detailed analyses of the mechanisms of injuries and current fracture patterns in children are rare. The aim of the study was to elicit and investigate the most dangerous leisure and sporting activities leading to fractures in children today. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study focusing on children that were treated in a level-one trauma center in Germany between 2015 and 2020. All children who were 14 years of age or younger and suffered a traumatic injury treated in our emergency department were included in this study. From the database, mechanisms of injury, type of injury, age, and gender were analyzed. Results The study included 12508 patients, including 7302 males and 5206 females. Among the 10 most common mechanisms of injury were collisions (8.6%), falls (7.7%), injuries while playing (6.1%) or while running or walking (5.9%), soccer (5.9%), bicycle accidents (3.8%), and trampoline falls (3.4%). Road traffic accidents involving passengers or pedestrians caused 3.3% of the injuries but were the most common cause of death. The most common mechanisms of injury causing a fracture were falls, playing soccer, and bicycle accidents. Sorting the mechanisms of injury by the percentage that caused a fracture, the most dangerous activities were falling from heights above 2 meters, skiing and snowboarding, climbing and bouldering, skateboarding, and horseback riding. In the five-year study period, four out of six children died due to road traffic accidents. Conclusion Injured children must be provided with the best quality of care 24/7 in orthopedic trauma departments and have to be kept as a focus in the training of orthopedic trauma surgeons. Road traffic accidents are still the main cause of death in children, but they are overall less common. Falls and sports activities are the most likely to cause a fracture.

Epidemiology of paediatric lower extremity fractures in a tertiary care center in Switzerland.

PURPOSE: About 20% of all fractures in children occur at the lower extremity. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology and injury pattern of lower extremity fractures within the pediatric population consulting a tertiary referral hospital in Switzerland. METHODS: Study population included all patients up to 16 years presenting with a lower extremity fracture over a period of one year. Recorded data were age, gender, side, season of the year, mechanism, type of fracture and applied treatment. RESULTS: Fractures of the lower extremity represent 23% of all fractures with a mean age of 9 years and 6 months. The tibia, with 94 fractures (38%), represents the most frequently injured bone. Peak incidence is seen in winter and 24% of tibia shaft fractures were due to board sports. Overall, 82% of fractures were treated by cast with or without closed reduction, and only 18% requested surgery. CONCLUSION: Board sports seems to be a leading cause of tibial shaft fracture in our region. Nevertheless, only 18% of fractures had recourse to an orthopedic surgeon, hence the importance of the teaching quality of pediatric residents for conservative fracture treatment.

A cohort of pediatric injury patients from a hospital-based trauma registry in Northern Tanzania.

Introduction: Pediatric injuries in low- and middle-income countries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Implementing hospital-based trauma registries can reduce the knowledge gap in both hospital care and patient outcomes and lead to quality improvement initiatives. The goal of this study was to create a pediatric trauma registry to provide insight into the epidemiology, outcomes, and factors associated with poor outcomes in injured children. Methods: This was a prospective observational study in which a pediatric trauma registry was implemented at a large zonal referral hospital in Northern Tanzania. Data included demographics, hospital-based care, and outcomes including morbidity and mortality. Data were input into REDCap© and analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-squared tests in SAS(Version 9.4)©. Results: 365 patients were enrolled in the registry from November 2020 to October 2021. The majority were males (n=240, 65.8%). Most were children 0-5 years (41.7%, n=152), 34.5% (n=126) were 6-11 years, and 23.8% (n=87) were 12-17 years. The leading causes of pediatric injuries were falls (n=137, 37.5%) and road traffic injuries (n=125, 34.5%). The mortality rate was 8.2% (n=30). Of the in-hospital deaths, 43.3% were children with burn injuries who also had a higher odds of mortality than children with other injuries (OR 8.72, p<0.001). The factors associated with in-hospital mortality and morbidity were vital sign abnormalities, burn severity, abnormal Glasgow Coma Score, and ICU admission. Conclusion: The mortality rate of injured children in our cohort was high, especially in children with burn injuries. In order to reduce morbidity and mortality, interventions should be prioritized that focus on pediatric injured patients that present with abnormal vital signs, altered mental status, and severe burns. These findings highlight the need for health system capacity building to improve outcomes of pediatric injury patients in Northern Tanzania.

Effect of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Pediatric Patients' Admissions to the Emergency Department in an Italian Orthopedic Trauma Hub.

BACKGROUND: The rapid diffusion of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Northern Italy led the Italian government to dictate a national lockdown from 12 March 2020 to 5 May 2020. The aim of this observational cohort study is to analyze the differences in the number of pediatric patients' admission to the Emergency Room (ER) and in the type and causes of injury. METHODS: The pediatric population during the pandemic was compared to a similar group of patients admitted to the ER in 2019. Sex, age, triage color-code at admission, cause of trauma and presence of symptoms related to COVID-19 infection, discharge diagnosis and discharge modes were investigated. RESULTS: The lockdown period led to a reduction of 87.0% in ER admissions with a particular decrease in patients older than 12 years old. Moreover, a trend towards more severe codes and an increase in home-related injuries were observed during the pandemic, whereas the diagnosis of fracture was less frequent in the pre-pandemic group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in the ER attendances was reported during the lockdown. A shift in the cause and type of injury was observed; only the most serious traumas sought medical care with a higher percentage of severe triage codes and fractures.

Pediatric Sports Injuries.

With increasing pediatric participation in organized sport and the early specialization of children in single sports, the number of injuries seen in the pediatric and adolescent athletic population continues to increase. Children experience acute traumatic injuries during practice and competition as well as chronic overuse injuries secondary to the repetitive stress on their developing bodies. The unique nature of the pediatric patient often requires a different diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment approach to sports injuries compared with their adult counterparts.

Profile of Pediatric Trauma among the Patients Attending Emergency Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric trauma is emerging as an epidemic worldwide; the epidemiology of pediatric trauma is different in different parts of the world. There are very few studies describing the pediatric trauma in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess the type, mechanism, and extent of trauma among pediatric trauma patients and its association with clinical outcome. METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the department of emergency medicine and trauma at a tertiary care hospital in South India from September 2015 to March 2017. All children aged <12 years with a history of injuries irrespective of the cause for attending our trauma center were included in the study. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: Of the 911 children enrolled, 63.9% sustained injuries at home. The leading modes of injury were fall at level ground (26.9%), road traffic accidents (RTAs) (25.5%), and fall from height (16.8%). Majority of RTA victims were two-wheeler pillion riders (40.5%) and pedestrians (31.9%). Nearly 49% of children had head and maxillofacial injuries. Polytrauma was found in 3.6% of children. Based on the Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS), 72.6% of children had mild trauma and 6.1% severe trauma. Totally, 18.9% of children required inpatient management, 7.5% surgical intervention, and 1.8% expired. CONCLUSIONS: Most of injuries in children occurred at home. This was followed by injuries on road. The leading cause of polytrauma was RTA. RTA victims were more likely to have severe injuries and poor outcome. They were more likely to require inpatient management compared to those who fell from height or fell at level ground. Glasgow Coma Scale and PTS may be used reliably to assess the severity of injuries sustained by children.

Sport Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Throwing Athletes: A Narrative Review.

A significant number of adolescent athletes throughout the world participate in various throwing-dominant sports, including but not limited to baseball, cricket, handball, softball, track and field throwing events, and water polo. Due to the unique stresses placed on the throwing arm and entire body in these sports, a robust volume of literature has highlighted concerns about sport specialization in these athletes and an associated increased risk of injury, particularly to the dominant shoulder and elbow, with sport specialization. This review will highlight the evidence-based literature for this athletic niche, focusing on risk factors for injury, national and international organizations' recommendations for limiting overuse injuries, principles of conditioning and rehabilitative programs, and potential future areas of research to curb the growing incidence of throwing-related injuries among adolescent throwing athletes.

Economic Conditions May Contribute to Increased Violence toward Children: A Nationwide Population-Based Analysis of Pediatric Injuries in Taiwanese Emergency Departments.

Childhood injuries are unfortunately common. Analysis procedures may assist professionals who work with children with developing preventive measures for protecting children's wellness. This study explores the causes of pediatric injuries presenting to an emergency department in Taiwan. This nationwide, population-based study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan (NHIRD). Patients aged <18 years were identified from approximately one million individuals listed in the NHIRD. We followed up with these patients for nine years and analyzed the causes of injuries requiring presentation to an emergency department. Variables of interest were age, sex, injury mechanisms, and temporal trends. A total of 274,028 children were identified in our study. Between 2001 and 2009, the leading causes of pediatric injuries treated in emergency departments were motor vehicle injuries, falls, and homicide. The overall incidence of injuries declined over the course of the study because of reductions in motor vehicle accidents and falls. The incidence of homicide increased during the study period, particularly between 2007 and 2009. A moderately inverse correlation between homicide rate and economic growth was observed (correlation coefficient: -0.613, p = 0.041). There was a general decline in pediatric injuries between 2001 and 2009. Public policy changes, including motorcycle helmet laws and increases in alcohol taxes, may have contributed to this decline. Unfortunately, the incidence of homicide increased over the course of the study. Ongoing financial crises may have contributed to this increase. Multidisciplinary efforts are required to reduce homicide and reinforce the importance of measures that protect children against violence.

Overuse Physeal Injuries in Youth Athletes.

CONTEXT: Despite rising awareness of the risks associated with sports participation, overuse injuries continue to increase in youth athlete populations. Physeal injuries are one type of overuse injury exclusive to pediatric populations that are often sustained during athletic practice or competition. Overuse physeal injuries are, in theory, preventable; however, little consensus has been reached surrounding the risk factors, prevention, and treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review summarizes the best available evidence concerning overuse physeal injuries in youth and adolescent athletes. It can be used to develop prevention and treatment programs specific to this population. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost) were explored using the keyword physeal injuries from January 1950 through May 2015 to identify 24 studies. STUDY SELECTION: Original research studies of athletic populations with mechanisms of injury related to sport were chosen. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. DATA EXTRACTION: Data were extracted as available from 24 eligible studies. Study quality was rated using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine (OCEBM) guidelines. RESULTS: Risk factors for injury include periods of accelerated growth, chronological age, body size, training volume, and previous injury. Injury prevention strategies currently emphasize participation limitations and sport-specific training programs in skeletally immature athletes. The most effective treatment after an overuse physeal injury was an extended period of active rest and joint immobilization when necessary. CONCLUSION: Overuse physeal injuries are multifactorial in nature. Muscular imbalances after accelerated growth periods predispose young athletes to overuse injuries. Modifiable risk factors such as flexibility, strength, and training volume should be regularly monitored to prevent these injuries.

Perfil de pacientes pediátricos de um centro de trauma no Brasil: um estudo transversa / Profile of pediatric patients from a trauma center in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Objetivos: Descrever a epidemiologia dos pacientes pediátricos internados em um centro de trauma em Minas Gerais, Brasil; caracterizar os dados desde admissão hospitalar até a propedêutica. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo retrospectivo cuja coleta de dados aconteceu entre outubro de 2017 e março de 2018 no Hospital João XXIII. Foram incluídas crianças menores de 14 anos que foram classificadas como vítimas de trauma de "muito urgência" ou "emergência" pelo protocolo de Manchester. Foi realizada análise descritiva, que incluiu as seguintes variáveis: idade, sexo, mecanismo de trauma, especialidade médica do provedor de primeira avaliação, necessidade de procedimentos cirúrgicos, propedêutica e óbito. Resultados: A média de idade dos pacientes foi 6,9 anos. O principal mecanismo de trauma identificado foi a lesão por queda mecânica (104; 37,9%). O traumatismo cranioencefálico foi o tipo de trauma mais frequente observado, acometendo 174 (65,4% dos pacientes). No total, 44 (16,1%) crianças foram operadas. Cinco crianças (1,8%) morreram durante o período desta avaliação epidemiológica. Conclusão: O mecanismo de trauma pediátrico mais frequente foi a queda mecânica, a lesão mais comum foi o traumatismo cranioencefálico, as crianças do sexo masculino foram mais afetadas do que as do sexo feminino. A avaliação focada com ultrassonografia no trauma demonstrou ser um exame seguro para triagem de lesão traumática. Este estudo revelou informações importantes para futuras atualizações em protocolos de trauma pediátrico.

Purpose: To describe the epidemiology of pediatric patients admitted to a trauma center in Minas Gerais, Brazil, as well as to characterize the care received since; characterize the data from hospital admission to the propaedeutics. Methods: This is a retrospective study whose data collection took place between October 2017 and March 2018 at Hospital João XXIII. Data were collected in all children under 14 years of age who were classified as victims of trauma of "very urgent" or "emergency" according to the Manchester protocol. Descriptive analysis was performed, including the following variables: age, gender, trauma mechanism, medical specialty of the first assessment provider, need for surgical procedures, propaedeutics and death. Results: The mean age of patients was 6.9 years. The main trauma mechanism identified was mechanical fall injury (104; 37.9%). Head trauma was the most frequent type of trauma observed, affecting 174 (65.4% of patients). In total, 44 (16.1%) children were operated. Five children (1.8%) died during the period of this epidemiological assessment. Conclusion: The most frequent pediatric trauma mechanism was mechanical fall, the most common injury was traumatic brain injury, male children were more affected than females. And the physician who performed the first assessment most frequently was general surgeons. The focused evaluation with ultrasonography in trauma proved to be a safe exam for the screening of traumatic injuries. This study revealed important information to inform future updates on pediatric trauma primary assessment protocols.