retrospective medicolegal study of unintentional childhood trauma in Assiut university hospital, Egypt, during the period 2004-2008

ABSTRACT

Children are prone to injury. This may be related to their inquisitive instinct in exploring and learning new skills. The young minds are often bewildered by the novelty and excitement in games and other recreative activities that they easily expose themselves to risks of injuries. Likewise the increase in traffic accident involving children is drawing much concern among parents, teachers and health workers. The purpose of this study is to define the incidence and pattern of traumatic injuries among children. The basis of this information will be helpful in the planning and implementation of health services and preventative measures. Case notes and charts of patients aged 18 years and less admitted to trauma unit of Assiut University Hospital between January 2004 and December 2008 were reviewed. Data analyzed included age, gender, mechanism of injury, type of injury, management and outcome. Of the total patients' admission, pediatric patients accounted for 40.4% of all trauma admission. Motor vehicle injuries accounted for approximately 30% of all pediatric traumas. There were children, 72.7% males, 27.3 females, and a male to female ratio is 2.71. The comments cause of trauma was falls followed by motor car accident. Fracture of limbs was the comments injury sustained [66% of the injury]. Death occurred in 22% of all pediatric trauma admission. Most of deaths occurred due to falls. 60.5% of trauma admission required surgery. The major role played by falls and road traffic accidents in children trauma is hereby highlighted and a call is made for community involvement in the prevention of such accidents. Also advocacy for strict enforcement of pedestrian rights and good housing policies in urban settings should be put in place