Water polo-related injuries among adolescents and young adults treated at emergency departments.

OBJECTIVES: Water polo is a physically demanding contact sport involving swimming, overhead throwing, and wrestling/defending that can result in acute injuries. The objective of this study was to characterize water polo-related injuries among adolescents and young adults treated at United States (US) emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Cases were water polo-related injuries among patients age 13-25 years reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) during 2000-2019. The distribution of the national injury estimates was determined for selected variables. RESULTS: A total of 418 water polo-related injuries among patients age 13-25 years treated at US EDs during 2000-2019 were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 15,426 injuries. The patient was age 13-18 years in 73.5% of the injuries, 19-22 years in 20.5%, and 23-25 years in 6.0%; 62.1% of the patients were male and 37.9% female. The injury occurred at a place of recreation or sports in 63.4% of the injuries and a school in 21.4%. The most common diagnoses were a laceration (19.4%), strain or sprain (17.8%), contusion or abrasion (17.6%), or fracture (13.0%). The affected body part was 53.6% head and neck, 31.1% upper extremity, 8.0% trunk, 6.5% lower extremity, and 0.7% other/unknown. The patient was treated, released, or transferred in 98.3% of the injuries. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients were adolescents and male. Most of the injuries occurred at a place of recreation or sports or school. The most commonly reported injuries were laceration and strain or sprain and most often affected the head and neck.

Pediatric Lamp Oil Injuries Treated in US Emergency Departments.

OBJECTIVE: Ingestion and aspiration of lamp oil may result in serious adverse effects and even death. The objective of this study was to describe pediatric lamp oil-related injuries treated at US emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Cases were lamp oil-related injuries among patients aged 0 to 5 years reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System during 2001-2018. The distribution of the number of cases and national estimate were determined for selected variables. RESULTS: A total of 317 pediatric lamp oil-related injuries treated at US EDs during 2001-2018 were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 9501 injuries (95% confidence interval, 6937-12,065). The national estimate declined from 1599 in 2001 to 59 in 2014 before increasing once more to 596 in 2017. The patients were 5.4% aged less than 1 year; 62.2%, 1 year; 23.0%, 2 years; 6.6%, 3 years; 2.2%, 4 years; and 0.6%, 5 years; 68.6% of the patients were boys and 31.4% were girls. Ingestions accounted for 91.9% of the injuries, and 82.1% occurred at home. The disposition of the patient was treated or examined and released (68.2%), treated and transferred to another hospital (13.2%), treated and admitted for hospitalization (14.4%), held for observation (4.2%), and not recorded (0.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Although the estimated number of lamp oil-related injuries declined during 2000-2014, it increased during 2015-2017. Most of the patients were aged 1 to 2 years and boys. The majority of the injuries occurred by ingestion and at home. Most of the patients were treated or evaluated and released from the ED.

Characteristics of pepper spray-related injuries reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System during 2000-2020.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to pepper spray may result in adverse dermal, ocular, and inhalation effects. Furthermore, pepper spray, including the more potent bear spray, was used by both law enforcement and protesters in 2020 in the protests related to racial justice and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The objective of this study was to characterize pepper spray-related injuries treated at United States (US) emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, a database of consumer product-related injuries collected from approximately 100 US hospital EDs. Pepper spray-related injuries reported during 2000-2020 were identified by reviewing all records that included the letter groups "pep" or "bear" in the Narrative field and "spray" in the Narrative field or Product code 1619 in the Product_1, Product_2, or Product_3 fields. RESULTS: A total of 1112 pepper spray-related injuries were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 34,582 pepper spray-related injuries, of which 43.4% were reported during 2014-2020. Of the estimated exposures, the age distribution was 14.5% 0-5 years, 18.5% 6-12 years, 18.2% 13-19 years, 19.6% 20-29 years, 11.8% 30-39 years, 9.1% 40-49 years, and 8.3% 50 years or older; 55.9% of the patients were male. The exposure route was 52.0% ocular, 25.7% dermal, 13.6% inhalation, 2.9% ingestion/oral, and 14.1% unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pepper spray-related injuries tended to be older children and young adults, and the majority of patients were male. The route of exposure of most of the injuries was ocular.

Penis Ring Injuries Treated at Emergency Departments.

The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of penis ring-related injuries in the US. During 2000-2019, 162 penis ring-related injuries (for a national estimate of 6,344 such injuries) were treated at US emergency departments (EDs). Of the estimated injuries, 32.3% occurred during 2000-2011 and 67.7% during 2012-2015. The patients were 49.8% age 30-49 years. The most common types of injuries were ring stuck on the penis or scrotum (75.3%), edema (29.9%), pain (18.7%), and contusion or abrasion (7.6%). In 81.9% of the estimated injuries, the patient was treated or examined at the ED and then released.

Mechanical bull-riding injuries treated at United States emergency departments.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical bull-riding has become a popular form of entertainment in the United States (US) over the last few decades. While mechanical bull-riding may result in injuries, the literature on such injuries is limited. This study characterized mechanical bull-riding injuries treated at US emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Cases were mechanical bull-riding injuries reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) during 2000-2020. The distribution of the national injury estimates was determined for selected variables. RESULTS: A total of 801 mechanical bull-riding injuries treated at a sample of US EDs during 2000-2020 was identified, resulting in a national estimate of 27,903 such injuries (95% confidence interval 21,915- 33,891). The patient age distribution was 11.0% 0-5 years, 13.2% 13-19 years, 39.7% 20-29 years, 23.2% 30-39 years, and 12.9% 40 years or older. The patient fell or was thrown from the mechanical bull in 61.6% of the estimated injuries. The most common types of injuries were strains or sprains (31.1%), fractures (23.6%), and contusions or abrasions (14.5%). In 45.8% of the patients, the injury affected the upper extremity. The patient was treated or examined at the ED and then released in 96.3% of cases. CONCLUSION: The highest proportion of mechanical bull-riding injuries involved patients age 20-29 years. The majority of injuries involved the patient falling or being thrown from the mechanical bull. The most frequently reported diagnosis among mechanical bull-riding injuries was sprain or strain followed by fracture and contusion or abrasion.

Beach and patio umbrella injuries treated at emergency departments.

INTRODUCTION: Beach and patio umbrellas may cause injury. There is limited published information on injuries due to beach and patio umbrellas. This study sought to describe beach and patio umbrella injuries reported to United States emergency departments (EDs). METHOD: An analysis was performed of beach and patio umbrella injuries using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System during 2000-2019. RESULTS: An estimated 5,512 beach umbrella injuries and 7,379 patio umbrella injuries were identified. The patient was age 40 years or older in 62.1% of the beach umbrella and 65.1% of the patio umbrella injuries. The patient was female in 68.0% of the beach umbrella and 66.9% of the patio umbrella injuries. Wind was reported involved in 50.6% of the beach umbrella and 27.5% of the patio umbrella injuries. The most frequently reported injuries with beach and patio umbrella injuries, respectively, were laceration (44.0% vs 33.0%), contusions or abrasions (19.8% vs 19.0%), and internal organ injury (16.6% vs 17.0%) and most often affected the head/neck (60.2% vs 44.0%) and upper extremity (16.3% vs 30.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with beach and patio umbrella injuries treated at EDs were age 40 years or older and most patients were female. For both types of umbrella injury, the most frequently reported injury was laceration followed by contusions or abrasions and internal organ injury, and the body part with the highest proportion of injuries was the head/neck followed by the upper extremity. Practical Applications: Persons should use sturdier models of beach or patio umbrella, use a rocking motion to dig into the sand and secure the beach umbrella with a metal anchor and screws, add weight to the bottom of the umbrella, and tilt the umbrella into the wind. Policy-makers should educate the public about the potential dangers of beach and patio umbrellas.

Vibrator and Dildo Injuries Treated at Emergency Departments.

The purpose of this study was to examine vibrator and dildo injuries in the US. During 2000-2019, a national estimate of 18,547 vibrator and 6,468 dildo injuries were treated at US emergency departments; 35.4% of the vibrator and 35.9% of the dildo injuries occurred during 2016-2019. Males accounted for 52.0% of the vibrator and 79.7% of the dido injuries. The device could not be removed from the rectum in 71.3% of the vibrator and 83.6% of the dildo injuries. The patient was treated or examined and released in 70.2% of the vibrator and 48.1% of the dildo injuries.

Rodeo-Related Injuries Among Adolescents Treated at Emergency Departments.

BACKGROUND: Rodeo is an extreme sport involving powerful forces created by large animals. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize rodeo-related injuries among adolescents treated at United States emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Cases were rodeo-related injuries among patients ages 13-19 years reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System during 2000-2019. The distribution of the national injury estimates was determined for selected variables. RESULTS: A total of 408 adolescent rodeo-related injuries were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 17,363 injuries. Bulls were involved in 58.4% of the injuries and horses in 28.8%. The patients were 84.7% male and 15.3% female. The most frequently reported mechanisms of injury were: fell or thrown from an animal (41.4%), stepped on by an animal (22.4%), other contact with an animal (7.4%), contact with infrastructure (6.6%), and kicked by an animal (5.9%). The most common diagnoses were contusion or abrasion (29.5%), fracture (22.8%), strain or sprain (15.0%), laceration (8.1%), and concussion (8.0%). The affected body part was 26.9% head and neck, 25.9% upper extremity, 24.6% lower extremity, and 21.6% trunk. CONCLUSION: Most of the injuries involved bulls. The majority of patients were male. Most of the injuries resulted from falling or being thrown by an animal or stepped on by an animal. The most frequently reported injuries were contusion or abrasion, fracture, strain or sprain, laceration, and concussion. The injuries most often affected the head and neck followed by the upper extremity and lower extremity.

Nitrous oxide misuse reported to two United States data systems during 2000-2019.

Background: Nitrous oxide may be misused due to its euphoric, dissociative, and hallucinogenic effects. Nitrous oxide misuse has been reported to be increasing.Objective: The objective of this study is to describe nitrous oxide misuse reported to two United States (US) data systems.Methods: Cases were nitrous oxide misuse during 2000-2019 reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which collects data on consumer product-related injuries treated in US emergency departments (EDs), and the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), which collects reports of adverse events involving drugs and other biologic products. The distribution of cases was determined for selected variables.Results: Of the 26 NEISS cases, the mean annual number of cases was 0.5 (range 0-2) during 2000-2013 and 3.2 (range 1-5) during 2014-2019. The patients were 92.3% age 13-39 years and 76.9% male. The patient was treated or examined and released from the ED in 84.6% of the cases. Of the 128 FAERS cases, the mean annual number of cases was 0.4 (range 0-2) during 2000-2013 and 20.3 (range 10-34) during 2014-2019. The patients were 90.2%% age 13-39 years and 77.3% male. A serious classification was assigned to 97.7% of the cases.Conclusions: Nitrous oxide misuse reported to NEISS and FAERS both increased during 2000-2019, particularly after 2013. The majority of patients were age 13-39 years and male. Most NEISS patients were treated or examined and released from the ED.

Hurricane Shutter-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments.

OBJECTIVES: Injuries may occur when putting up and taking down hurricane (storm) shutters. This study described hurricane shutter-related injuries managed at emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Hurricane shutter-related injuries were identified through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a database of consumer product-related injuries collected from the EDs of approximately 100 United States hospitals. RESULTS: There were 329 hurricane shutter-related injuries during 2001-2017. Thirty-six injuries were reported during October 2005 (Hurricane Wilma), 30 during August 2008 (Tropical Storm Fay), and 103 during September 2017 (Hurricane Irma). Patients were 20 years or older in 90.6% of the cases; 76.3% of the patients were male. The most frequently reported injuries were laceration (48.9%), sprain or strain (15.2%), and fracture (9.4%). Lower extremities (34.0%) were the most commonly affected body part followed by upper extremities (29.5%) and head or neck (17.0%). The patient was treated or examined at the ED and released in 86.6% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of the hurricane shutter-related injuries appeared to occur in association with hurricanes and tropical storms. The most frequently reported injuries were laceration followed by sprain or strain and fracture. The majority of patients were treated or examined at the ED and released.

Characteristics of ocular nail glue exposures reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System during 2000-2019.

INTRODUCTION: Nail glue often consists of a mixture of alcohol, cyanoacrylate, or photo-bonded methacrylate. Ocular exposures to nail glue may result in potentially serious clinical effects, and patients may be treated at healthcare facilities. The objective of this study was to characterize ocular nail glue exposures treated at United States emergency departments. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, a database of consumer product-related injuries collected from approximately 100 United States hospital emergency departments. Ocular nail glue exposures reported during 2000-2019 were identified by reviewing all records with product code 0909 (Adhesives) and with "nail" and "glue" or "nail" and "adhesive" in the Narrative field. RESULTS: A total of 498 ocular nail glue exposures were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 18,402 exposures. Of the estimated exposures, the age distribution was 14.1% 0-5 years, 15.1% 6-12 years, 14.3% 13-19 years, and 56.6% 20 years or older; 87.5% of the patients were female. The nail glue was mistaken for eye drops in 20.8% of the cases, splashed into the eye in 15.0% cases, and rubbed into the eye in 3.3% cases. The most commonly reported clinical effects were 41.8% foreign body, 33.8% corneal abrasion, and 11.0% conjunctivitis. CONCLUSION: The most common circumstance leading to ocular nail glue exposures treated at United States emergency departments involved nail glue being mistaken for eye drops. The most frequently reported clinical effects were the presence of a foreign body, corneal abrasion, and conjunctivitis.

Helium inhalation injuries managed at emergency departments.

INTRODUCTION: Helium is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless inert gas. Inhaling helium can temporarily result in a high-pitched, squeaky voice. Individuals also may inhale helium to become intoxicated or commit suicide. The objective of this study was to characterize helium inhalations managed at emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a database of consumer product-related injuries collected from the EDs of approximately 100 United States hospitals. Helium inhalation-related injuries reported during 2000-2019 were identified by reviewing the record narratives for the term "helium." The distribution of the national estimate was determined for selected variables. RESULTS: A total of 89 helium inhalation-related injuries were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 2,186 injuries. The estimated number of injuries was 99 during 2000-2004, 305 during 2005-2009, 864 during 2010-2014, and 918 during 2015-2019. The age distribution was 75 (3.4%) 0-5 years, 1,427 (65.3%) 6-12 years, 586 (26.8%) 13-19 years, and 98 (4.5%) 20 years or older; 1446 (66.1%) of the patients were male. The most commonly reported symptoms or injuries were 1500 (68.6%) syncope, 615 (28.1%) non-concussion head injury, 299 (13.7%) dizziness/lightheaded, 267 (12.2%) contusion/abrasion, and 236 (10.8%) concussion. The patient was treated or evaluated and released in 2149 (98.3%) estimated injuries. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with helium inhalation-related injuries treated at United States EDs were age 6-12 years and male. Most of the patients experienced either syncope or dizziness/lightheadedness and were released from the ED.

Cricket-related injuries treated in United States emergency departments.

BACKGROUND: Cricket is a popular spectator sport played all over the globe, including in the United States (US). However, most of the literature on cricket-related injuries is from outside the US. This study described cricket-related injuries treated at US emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Cases were cricket-related injuries reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) during 2000-2019. Cases were identified by reviewing the record narrative for the term "crick." The distribution of the number of cases and national estimate were determined for selected variables. RESULTS: A total of 485 cricket-related injuries treated at US EDs during 2000-2019 were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 13,729 injuries (95% confidence interval 10,324-17,135). The patients were 68.5% age 20-39 years, 97.5% male, and 68.6% non-white. The most common types of injuries were lacerations (24.0%), strains or sprains (21.4%), fractures (19.6%), and contusions or abrasions (13.2%). The most frequently affected body parts were the upper extremity (43.9%) and head or neck (29.9%). The patient was treated or examined at the ED and then released in 97.5% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Cricket-related injuries treated at US EDs tended to involve patients who were adults, particularly age 20-39 years, male, and non-white. The majority of patients were treated or examined at the ED and then released.

Dog leash-related injuries treated at emergency departments.

BACKGROUND: Although dog ownership may provide health benefits, interactions with dogs and their leashes can result in injuries. The intent of this study was to describe dog leash-related injuries treated at United States (US) emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: Cases were dog leash-related injuries during 2001-2018 reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), from which national estimates of dog leash-related injuries treated at US EDs were calculated. The distribution of the cases and estimated number of dog leash-related injuries was determined for selected variables, such as the circumstances of the injury, patient demographics, and diagnosis. RESULTS: A dog leash was involved in 8189 injuries, resulting in a national estimate of 356,746 injuries and an estimated rate of 63.4 injuries per 1,000,000 population. Of these injuries, 193,483 resulted from a pull, 136,767 from a trip/tangle, and 26,496 from other or unknown circumstances. The total injury rate per 1,000,000 population increased from 25.4 in 2001 to 105.5 in 2018. Adults accounted for 314,712 (88.2%) of the patients; 260,328 (73.0%) of the patients were female. The injury occurred at home in 133,549 (37.4%) cases. The most common injuries were 95,677 (26.8%) fracture, 92,644 (26.0%) strain or sprain, and 62,980 (17.7%) contusions or abrasions. CONCLUSION: The most common type of dog leash-related injuries resulted from a pull followed by a trip/tangle. The number of dog leash-related injuries increased during the time period. The majority of the persons sustaining such injuries were adults and female. Over one-third of the injuries occurred at home.

Hallucinogenic mushroom misuse reported to Texas poison centers.

BACKGROUND: Hallucinogenic mushrooms are fungi that contain the substance psilocybin. When ingested, psilocybin can induce hallucinations, euphoria, and alterations in the perception of space and time. Ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms may result in adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe hallucinogenic mushroom misuse reported to poison centers. METHODS: Cases were exposures to hallucinogenic mushrooms reported to Texas poison centers during 2000-2018 where the exposure reason was Intentional - Misuse or Intentional - Abuse (combined into the term "misuse" in the study). The distribution of the cases was determined for various factors related to patient demographics, exposure circumstances, management, and outcome. RESULTS: Texas poison centers managed 486 hallucinogenic mushroom misuse exposures. Eighty-five percent of the patients were male; the mean age was 20.9 years (range 12-57 years). The exposure route was ingestion alone in 91% of the cases. Seventy-two percent of the exposures occurred at the patient's own residence. Seventy-one percent of the patients were already at or en route to a healthcare facility when the poison center was contacted, 22% were referred to a healthcare facility by the poison center, and 7% of the patients were managed on-site. The most frequent clinical effects were neurological (72%), cardiovascular (25%), and gastrointestinal (23%). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of hallucinogenic mushroom misuse exposures involved adolescents or young adults and were male. Most of the exposures tended to be managed at a healthcare facility. The most common clinical effects tended to be neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal in nature.

Melia Azedarach Ingestions Reported to Texas Poison Centers.

BACKGROUND: Melia azedarach, also known as the chinaberry tree, is native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia but has become an invasive species in the United States. M. azedarach contains limonoid tetranotriterpenes, found in highest concentrations in its berries. Ingestion has been reported to result in adverse clinical effects affecting the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurologic systems. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this investigation was to describe M. azedarach ingestions in Texas. METHODS: Cases were M. azedarach ingestions reported to Texas poison centers from 2000-2018. The distribution of cases was determined for various factors related to patient demographics, ingestion circumstances, management, and outcome. RESULTS: Of 990 total M. azedarach ingestions, 87.4% involved the berry. There was a seasonal pattern with 42.9% reported between March and May. The patients were male in 55.1% of cases; 86.6% of the patients were ≤5 years of age. Patients were managed outside of a health care facility in 89.9% of cases; 95.2% of the ingestions resulted in no or at most minor clinical effects. The most frequently reported clinical effects were gastrointestinal (8.9%) and neurologic (2.1%). The most common treatments were dilution (67.2%) and food/snack (16.8%). CONCLUSION: In this study that focused on M. azedarach ingestions reported to Texas poison centers, the ingestions tended to involve berries. Most of the patients were young children. The ingestions often occurred between March and May. The ingestions typically were managed outside of a health care facility and did not result in serious outcomes. The most common clinical effects were gastrointestinal and neurologic.

Computer and electronic duster spray inhalation (huffing) injuries managed at emergency departments.

Background: Computer and electronic duster sprays contain halogenated hydrocarbon gases. Intentional inhalation of computer and electronic duster sprays to induce intoxication, also known as huffing, may cause serious adverse effects and even death.Objectives: Describe computer and electronic duster spray inhalation-related injuries managed at United States (US) emergency departments (EDs).Methods: Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a database of consumer product-related injuries collected from the EDs of approximately 100 hospitals in the US. Cases were computer and electronic duster spray inhalation-related injuries included in NEISS during 2001-2017. The distribution by selected variables was determined for the resulting cases as well as a weighted estimate.Results: A total of 320 computer and electronic duster spray inhalation-related injuries were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 14,715 (95% confidence interval 11,120-18,311) such injuries. The annual estimated number of injuries remained low during 2001-2008 then increased during 2008-2017. Of the estimated injury patients, 3.2% were aged 6-12 years, 20.3% 13-19 years, and 76.5% 20-59 years; 65.4% of the patients were male. The disposition of the patient was 71.4% treated and examined and released, 6.9% treated and transferred, 11.6% treated and admitted or hospitalized, 0.7% held for observation, and 8.7% left without being seen.Conclusion: This study suggests that computer and electronic duster spray inhalation (huffing) may be an increasing issue of which hospital EDs and other clinicians should be aware. The pattern of injuries observed may be useful for targeting education, prevention and management activities.

Pickleball-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments.

BACKGROUND: Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines many of the elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is reported to be one of the faster growing sports in the United States and is popular among older adults. There is limited published information on pickleball-related injuries. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe pickleball-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments (EDs). METHODS: An analysis was performed of pickleball-related injuries using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission during 2001-2017. RESULTS: A total of 300 pickleball-related injuries were identified, resulting in a national estimate of 19,012 injuries. The annual estimated number of injuries increased during 2013-2017. Patients 50 years or older accounted for 90.9% of the patients; 50.4% were male. The injury occurred at a sports or recreational facility in 74.3% of the cases. The most common injuries were strain or sprain (28.7%) and fracture (27.7%). The affected body part was the lower extremity in 32.0% of the cases and upper extremity in 25.4%. The patient was treated or evaluated and released from the ED in 88.0% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Based on NEISS data, pickleball-related injuries have been increasing in recent years. Although pickleball-related injuries have many similarities with those associated with other racquet sports, there were various differences (e.g., increasing trend and older patient age) that may need to be considered for the prevention and management of injuries related to the sport.