| Popis: |
Background: Despite the high volume of admissions to the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital (PRTH), the highest level trauma facility on the Island and the Caribbean, there is no evidence of recent trends related to pediatric trauma. In this study, we aim to describe and compare the epidemiology of pediatric trauma population in Puerto Rico according to age groups. Methods: An IRB-approved cross-sectional study of 853 pediatric admissions to the PRTH from January 2015 through June 2019. Comparison between age groups (children/adolescent vs. youth) was done using trends of proportions, chi-square for trends, and Pearson’s chi-square. Multivariate analysis of factors associated with the youth population was also performed. Results: The majority of patients were male (n=644, 75.5%). When stratified by age groups, motor vehicle accidents (MVA) were the prevalent mechanism of injury for all age categories but for subjects 15, was higher in the age group 15-21 years old (40.8%). In trends analysis, the occurrence of trauma was considerably higher among young adults (>15-21 years). Conclusion: Pediatric and young adults patients were more likely to be male and suffer from a MVA. In addition, among factors associated with injuries among the youth population were penetrating injuries, major trauma, a longer length of stay, and ICU stay. Understanding the specific characteristics of the pediatric population we treat can help guide the treatment and help elucidate their needs in order to improve their outcomes. |
