Epidemiology and pattern of injury of pediatric trauma patients in level l trauma centre of Northern India

Introduction: Uttar Pradesh ranks first in India as far as trauma deaths are concerned with 40% of victims under 18 years of age. In spite of such high mortality and morbidity no national portal for trauma registry data exists. This study was conducted to evaluate the profile of injured pediatric patients, to provide baseline knowledge for further research, management and development of pediatric injury prevention programmes. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the only Level 1Trauma Centre of the most populous state of India. Children aged less than 18 years of age admitted to the trauma centre were analysed for mechanism, type and severity of injury, the mode of management and outcome. Result: In a 2 year period 916 children were admitted and their data analysed. Most were boys (73%) and the most common age group was 12-18 years. Half of injuries were caused by road traffic accidents, and blunt injuries were commonest. Blunt abdominal trauma then head injury were the commonest areas injured; 20% of children had lifethreatening injuries. Nearly half (47%) had moderate to severe trauma according to the Pediatric Trauma Score. 507 patients (55.4%) were managed conservatively and 409 children (44.6%) required surgery; 657 (71%) were successfully discharged and 39 children (4.25%) unfortunately died. Conclusion: This study identifies the need for dedicated trauma registries, training of trauma team according to standard operating procedures, the development of paramedical teams for in-the-field management of patients and development of injury prevention programmes according to both age and gender.