Paediatric Blunt Torso Trauma Injury mechanisms, patterns and outcomes among children requiring hospitalisation at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2016, Vol 16, Issue 2
Abstract
Objectives: Trauma is the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality in paediatric/adolescent populations worldwide. Tis study aimed to describe trauma mechanisms, patterns and outcomes among children with blunt torso trauma admitted to the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) in Muscat, Oman. Methods: Tis retrospective single-centre study involved all children ≤12 years old with blunt torso trauma admitted for paediatric surgical care at SQUH between January 2009 and December 2013. Medical records were analysed to collect demographic and clinical data. Results: A total of 70 children were admitted with blunt torso trauma during the study period, including 39 (55.7%) male patients. Te mean age was 5.19 ± 2.66 years. Of the cohort, 35 children (50.0%) received their injuries after having been hit by cars as pedestrians, while 19 (27.1%) were injured by falls, 12 (17.1%) during car accidents as passengers and four (5.7%) by falling heavy objects. According to computed tomography scans, thoracic injuries were most common (65.7%), followed by abdominal injuries (42.9%). Te most commonly involved solid organs were the liver (15.7%) and spleen (11.4%). Te majority of the patients were managed conservatively (92.9%) with a good outcome (74.3%). Te mortality rate was 7.1%. Most deaths were due to multisystem involvement. Conclusion: Among children with blunt torso trauma admitted to SQUH, the main mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accidents. As a result, parental education and enforcement of infant car seat/child seat belt laws are recommended. Conservative management was the most successful approach.
Authors and Affiliations
Khalid M. Bhatti| Departments of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Kadhim M. Taqi| Departments of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Ahmed Z. S. Al-Harthy| Departments of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Rana S. Hamid| Departments of Radiology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Zainab N. Al-Balushi| Departments of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Dilip K. Sankhla| Departments of Radiology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Hani A. Al-Qadhi| Departments of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP14668
- DOI -
- Views 322
- Downloads 13
Health Professions Education in Oman A contemporary perspective
Localised Skin Hyperpigmentation as a Presenting Symptom of Vitamin B12 Defciency Complicating Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Vitamin B 12 defciency is common in developing countries and should be suspected in patients with unexplained anaemia or neurological symptoms. Dermatological manifestations associated with this defciency include skin...
Successful Resuscitation of an Extremely Low Birth Weight Premature Infant in Delma Island Community Hospital, United Arab Emirates
Because of their physical size and physiological immaturity, resuscitation of extremely very low birth weight premature infants is a big dilemma for neonatologists in any hospital. Te resuscitation may present an addit...
Comparative Diffculties with Non-Scientifc General Vocabulary and Scientifc/Medical Terminology in English as a Second Language (ESL) Medical Students
Objectives: Medical education requires student comprehension of both technical (scientifc/ medical) and non-technical (general) vocabulary. Our experience with “English as a second language†(ESL) Arab students sug...
Hepatic or Cystic Artery Pseudoaneurysms Following a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Literature review of aetiopathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis and management
Pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) of the hepatic and/or cystic artery are a rare complication following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Generally, PSA cases present with haemobilia several weeks following the procedure. Tran...