A 5-year prospective study on chest trauma in children

ABSTRACT

Chest trauma is an important cause of mortality in children worldwide. In this study we present our experience with childhood chest trauma within a five years period. This was a 5-year prospective study of consecutive patients with chest trauma. Data entered into a pre-planned proforma included demographic information, type of injury, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, type of treatment given, outcome of management and duration of hospital stay. There were 36 children aged between 2 and 16 years (mean age of= 10.5 ± 6.2 years). There were 24 males and 12 females (mf 21). Twenty seven (75%) of the 36 patients had blunt trauma while nine (25%) had penetrating chest injury. Road traffic accident was responsible for chest trauma in 26 (72.2%) children, but 6 (16.7%) other children were victims of civil unrest while 4 (11.1%) fell from heights. Haemo-pneumothorax was common in 10 (27.8%) patients. Twenty five out of the 36(69.4%) patients had associated injuries, 10 (40%) were head injuries, followed closely by abdominal injury in 8 (32%). Chest trauma in children is common in our environment. Majority of the children suffered blunt trauma following road traffic accidents. Prompt recognition and treatment of affected children is needful for a successful outcome: