Firearm injuries in a pediatric population: African-American adolescents continue to carry the heavy burden

Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs to Reduce Firearm Injuries in Children: A Scoping Review

INTRODUCTION

Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) have shown promise in preventing reinjury and enhancing recovery from violent injuries, including those related to firearms. Historically, HVIPs have primarily focused on at-risk adolescents and young adults. The aim of this study is to perform a scoping review of HVIPs targeting children under the age of 18, describe the evidence supporting these programs, and deduce the potential impact of expanding HVIPs to younger children.

METHODS

A scoping review was performed utilizing PubMed database with search terms "violence intervention program" and pediatric, or children, or youth. Articles were screened for youth-inclusive violence programs, and the literature was analyzed for program descriptions, evidence supporting interventions, and barriers to evaluation.

RESULTS

36 studies (covering 23 programs) were identified that met criteria (including patients ≤18 years old), with only 4 programs including children under 10. Many HVIPs utilize brief hospital interventions with longitudinal wraparound outpatient services. Despite heterogeneity in programs and studied outcomes, many HVIPs demonstrated positive outcomes, such as reduction of risk factors, decreased reinjury, decreased violent behaviors, decreased criminal justice involvement, and positive attitude or behavioral changes. Only a few studies reported increased odds of enrollment and positive impact in younger patients specifically.

CONCLUSIONS

Children are an impressionable population in which HVIPs may have significant impact; however, there remains a gap in targeted programs. Given that firearm injuries are the leading cause of death in children and adolescents, priority should be given to piloting, implementing, and evaluating HVIPs among younger age groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Addressing pediatric surgical health inequities through quality improvement efforts

Concepts of healthcare quality and health equity should be inextricably linked but are often pursued separately. Quality improvement (QI) can serve as a powerful means to eliminate health inequities by adopting an equity-focused lens to diagnose and address baseline disparities among pediatric populations using targeted interventions. QI and pediatric surgery practitioners should integrate concepts of equity at every stage of formulating a QI project including conceptualization, planning, and execution. Early adaptation of an equity conscious perspective using QI methodology can prevent exacerbation of preexisting disparities while improving overall outcomes.

When public health crises collide: 5 years of pediatric firearm injury prevention opportunities

Objectives

Prior publications on pediatric firearm-related injuries have emphasized significant social disparities. The pandemic has heightened a variety of these societal stresses. We sought to evaluate how we must now adapt our injury prevention strategies.

Patients and methods

Firearm-related injuries in children 15 years old and under at five urban level 1 trauma centers between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, race/ethnicity, Injury Severity Score, situation, timing of injury around school/curfew, and mortality were evaluated. Medical examiner data identified additional deaths.

Results

There were 615 injuries identified including 67 from the medical examiner. Overall, 80.2% were male with median age of 14 years (range 0-15; IQR 12-15). Black children comprised 77.2% of injured children while only representing 36% of local schools. Community violence (intentional interpersonal or bystander) injuries were 67.2% of the cohort; 7.8% were negligent discharges; and 2.6% suicide. Median age for intentional interpersonal injuries was 14 years (IQR 14-15) compared with 12 years (IQR 6-14, p<0.001) for negligent discharges. Far more injuries were seen in the summer after the stay-at-home order (p<0.001). Community violence and negligent discharges increased in 2020 (p=0.004 and p=0.04, respectively). Annual suicides also increased linearly (p=0.006). 5.5% of injuries were during school; 56.7% after school or during non-school days; and 34.3% were after legal curfew. Mortality rate was 21.3%.

Conclusions

Pediatric firearm-related injuries have increased during the past 5 years. Prevention strategies have not been effective during this time interval. Prevention opportunities were identified specifically in the preteenage years to address interpersonal de-escalation training, safe handling/storage, and suicide mitigation. Efforts directed at those most vulnerable need to be reconsidered and examined for their utility and effectiveness.

Level of evidence

Level III; epidemiological study type.

An examination of factors contributing to the racial disparity and disproportionality of paediatric firearm-related homicide: a mixed-methods analysis using the national violent death reporting system (NVDRS)

Firearms are a leading cause of paediatric mortality in the United States. This study examines the contributing factors of racial disparity and disproportionality among paediatric firearm decedents aged 0-17 years.We used the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) to assess the individual and incident-level circumstances of paediatric firearm homicides from 2014 to 2018 in 17 US states.Among 1085 paediatric firearm homicides, non-Hispanic blacks (NHB) died at a rate three times greater than their proportion in the general population; they were nine times as likely to die by firearm homicide as non-Hispanic whites (NHW). NHW children were more often the victims of firearm homicide perpetrated by a parent/caregiver, and of homicide-suicides.Violence interruption programmes among NHB youth, and family-based interventions among NHW youth may be effective in preventing firearm homicide and homicide-suicide. Systematic investigations into firearm homicide perpetrators are necessary to better understand observed racial disparities.

Factors Associated With Firearm Injury Among Pediatric Members of a Large Integrated Healthcare System

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Few studies have tested multiple socio-ecological risk factors assocated with firearm injury among pediatric populations and distinguished self-inflicted from non-self-inflicted injury. To address this gap, the current study examined demographic, individual psychosocial, and neighborhood variables as risk factors for firearm injury among a large cohort of children and adolescents.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study. Data were obtained from the electronic health records of a large integrated healthcare system. The cohort included children <18 years with at least one clinical encounter between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2018. Poisson regression was used to examine demographic (age, gender, race and ethnicity, Medicaid status), psychosocial (depression, substance use disorder, medical comorbidities), and neighborhood education variables as potential risk factors for non-self-inflicted and self-inflicted firearm injuries.

RESULTS

For non-self-inflicted injury, the highest relative risk was found for children age 12-17 years old compared to 0-5 year olds (RR = 37.57); other risk factors included male gender, Black and Hispanic race and ethnicity (compared to White race), being a Medicaid recipient, lower neighborhood education, and substance use disorder diagnosis. For self-inflicted injury, only age 12-17 years old and male gender were associated with increased risk.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reinforce the established higher risk for firearm injury among adolescent males, highlight differences between self-inflicted and non-self-inflicted injuries, and the need to consider demographic, psychosocial, and neighborhood variables as risk factors to inform interventions aimed to reduce firearm injuries among children and adolescents.

Relationships Between Socioeconomic Deprivation and Pediatric Firearm-Related Injury at the Neighborhood Level

BACKGROUND

Disparities in pediatric injury are widely documented and partly driven by differential exposures to social determinants of health (SDH). Here, we examine associations between neighborhood-level SDH and pediatric firearm-related injury admissions as a step to defining specific targets for interventions to prevent injury.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of patients ≤16 years old admitted to our level 1 pediatric trauma center (2010-2019) after a firearm-related injury. We extracted patients' demographic characteristics and intent of injury. We geocoded home addresses to enable quantification of injury-related admissions at the neighborhood (census tract) level. Our population-level exposure variable was a socioeconomic deprivation index for each census tract.

RESULTS

Out of 15,686 injury-related admissions, 140 were for firearm-related injuries (median age 14 years [IQR 11,15]). Patients with firearm-related injuries were 75% male and 64% Black; 66% had public insurance. Nearly half (47%) of firearm-related injuries were a result of assault, 32% were unintentional, and 6% were self-inflicted; 9% died. At the neighborhood level, the distribution of firearm-related injuries significantly differed by deprivation quintile (p < .05). Children from the highest deprivation quintile experienced 25% of injuries of all types, 57% of firearm-related injuries, and 70% of all firearm-related injuries from assault. They had an overall risk of firearm-related injury 30-times that of children from the lowest deprivation quintile.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation is associated with more firearm-related injuries requiring hospitalization, at rates far higher than injury-related admissions overall. Addressing neighborhood-level social determinants of health may help prevent pediatric firearm-related injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological - Level III.

Comparing Firearm and Stabbing Injuries in the Pediatric Trauma Population Using Propensity Matching

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to compare differences in mortality and nonhome discharge in pediatric patients with firearm and stab injuries, while minimizing bias. Our secondary objective was to assess the influence of insurance on these same outcomes.

METHODS

Patients aged 0 to 17 years included in the National Trauma Data Bank (2007-2015) with firearm and stabbing injury were matched by propensity score. Logistic regression was used to assess associations of injury type and insurance with long-term care discharge and death.

RESULTS

The average age was 14.8 years, 19.2% were female, 48% were African American, 58.4% had an injury severity score ≤8, and assaults accounted for 73.1% of cases. Firearm injuries were associated with a higher risk of discharge to long-term care (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.07) compared with propensity-matched patients who were stabbed. Similarly, we found a higher risk of mortality in those with firearm injuries compared with stabbing injuries (aOR, 1.85). Regardless of mechanism, self-pay insurance status was associated with a higher risk of mortality (aOR, 2.41). When compared with stab wound patients with commercial insurance, self-pay firearm-injured patients were found to have an increased risk of mortality (aOR, 5.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric victims of firearm violence were more likely to die or need additional care outside the home than victims of other types of penetrating injury when accounting for confounding characteristics to minimize bias.

Pediatric firearm injury trends in the United States: A national trauma data bank (NTDB) analysis

AIM OF STUDY

Firearm injuries are the second leading cause of injury-related death in the USA in children less than 18. We compared overall and intent-specific firearm hospitalizations across age group and race to understand recent trends.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 20,083 children from the national trauma data bank involved in incidences of firearm discharges from 2013 to 2017 was divided by race, discharge intent, gun type, and four age groups: infants (ages 0-2), toddlers (3-6), children (7-12), and adolescents (13-18). Discharge intent and gun type were determined by ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM External Causes of Injury codes. Injury severity score (ISS), hospital discharge disposition, and length of stay (LOS) were used as predictors for morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

From 2013 to 2017, there were on an average 4016 firearm injuries reported to the NTDB (n = 20,083). 71% (n = 14,313) of the incidents were assaults. Victims who identified as African American and Caucasian made up 60% (n = 11,890) and 26% (n = 5162) of the total victims, respectively, and were predominantly male (86%, n = 17,202). Victims who identified as Caucasian made up 70% of suicides (n = 819), while African Americans made up 70% of assaults (n = 9733). 87% (n = 17,525) of the patient population were adolescents. The number of accidental firearm discharges compared to firearm assaults was greater for toddlers, while the opposite was true for infants, children, and adolescents. Average LOS by age group varied each year, though children had the highest total average LOS.  Average ISS was highest for infants and adolescents (11.5 and 10.4) and American Indians and Caucasians (10.1 and 11.1). Overall mortality rate was 6% (n = 1220) and had no significant differences between years. Mortality rate was highest for infants (7%, n = 25).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent males and African Americans were disproportionately affected by overall and assault-specific firearm discharges. Firearm injury prevention legislation is critical to prevent these injures.

Trends and Disparities in Inpatient Rehabilitation of Adolescents: The Effect of Demographics, Injury Characteristics, and Facility Type

BACKGROUND

Intensive rehabilitation of adolescents occurs in general and pediatric inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), but differences in admission and outcomes by facility type have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate factors related to admission to pediatric or adult IRFs among adolescents and compare the rehabilitation outcomes between facility types.

METHODS

Using a single-center retrospective cohort study design, demographic information, medical data, and rehabilitation outcomes were obtained by chart review of patients aged 15 to 18 years who received a rehabilitation medicine consultation at an urban level 1 trauma center between 2017 and 2019 (N = 96). Analysis was performed using R statistical software.

RESULTS

SCI was the second most common diagnosis (21% of patients) and accounted for 36% of inpatient rehabilitation admissions. SCI patients were more likely to undergo rehabilitation at the level 1 trauma versus pediatric facility (relative risk [RR] = 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-5.44) compared to traumatic brain injury patients. Admission to trauma versus pediatric IRF was also associated with Black compared to White race (RR = 2.5; CI = 1.12-5.56), violence compared to other etiologies of injury (RR = 2.0; CI = 1.10-3.77), and Medicaid compared to private insurance (RR = 2.15; CI = 1.01-4.59). Admission to pediatric IRF was associated with longer length of stay than admission to adult IRF when adjusted for diagnosis (30.86 ± 21.82 vs. 24.33 ± 18.17 days; p = .046), but Functional Independence Measures did not differ.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents with SCI and those experiencing systemic disadvantages, including racism and poverty, were more likely to be admitted to trauma compared to pediatric IRF.

Emergency Department Visits for Pediatric Firearm Injuries by Trauma Center Type

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to characterize pediatric visits to emergency departments (EDs) for firearm injuries and examine differences by trauma center type.

METHODS

Analyses included all patients younger than 19 years from the National Trauma Data Bank, years 2009 to 2014. Trauma centers were categorized as adult, mixed adult and pediatric, or pediatric based on certification level. Baseline characteristics were compared between subgroups using χ2 tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine risk of death.

RESULTS

Of 466,403 pediatric ED visits, 21,416 (4.6%) resulted from a firearm injury. Most firearm injuries were treated at an adult (64.9%) or mixed trauma center (29.1%) and involved patients that were male (87.1%), in the 15- to 18-year age group (83.2%), and black or African American (61.3%). Most visits were for injuries resulting from assault (78.1%), followed by unintentional (12.6%) and self-inflicted (4.7%) injuries, undetermined intent (3.7%), and legal intervention (0.8%). Patients visiting EDs for firearm injuries had more than 7 times the odds of dying compared with patients with other injuries (odds ratio, 7.30; 95% confidence interval, 6.82-7.72), and firearm injuries were responsible for more than a quarter (26.1%) of the total pediatric deaths in the National Trauma Data Bank (n = 2866). Assault-related injuries resulted in the most deaths (n = 2010; 70.1%), but the case fatality rate was highest for self-inflicted (n = 453; 44.6%).

CONCLUSION

We identified more than 20,000 firearm-related ED visits by pediatric patients from 2009 to 2014, averaging nearly 10 visits per day. Findings from this study can inform strategic planning in hospitals focused on preventing firearm injuries in children and adolescents.

Historic redlining, structural racism, and firearm violence: A structural equation modeling approach

Background:

Firearm homicides disproportionately affect Black communities. Redlining – discriminatory lending practices of the early 20^th century - are associated with current increased rates of firearm violence. Poverty and concentrated disadvantage are also associated with firearm violence. The interaction of these factors with racist redlining housing practices remains unclear.

Methods:

We used generalized structural equation modeling to characterize the mediators through which redlining practices of the 1930s led to present rates of firearm violence in Boston using a negative binomial model. Principle component analysis was used to create four distinct mediating variables representing census block socioeconomic and built environment information, while reducing dimensionality. We calculated the direct effect between harmful (Red and Yellow) vs beneficial (Green) designations and firearm incident rate, indirect effect between redlining designation and firearm incident rate through each mediating variable, and the total effect. The percentage mediation of each mediator was subsequently calculated.

Findings:

Red and Yellow areas of Boston were associated with an 11•1 (95% CI 5•5,22•4) and 11•4 (5•7,22•8) increased incident rate of shooting when compared to Green. In the pathway between Red designation and firearm incident rate, poverty and poor educational attainment mediated 20% of the interaction, share of rented housing mediated 8%, and Black share of the population 3%. In the pathway between Yellow designation and firearm incident rate, poverty and poor educational attainment mediated 16% of the association, and Black share of the population mediated 13%.

Interpretation:

Redlining practices of the 1930s potentially contribute to increased rates of firearm violence through changes to neighborhood environments, namely through preclusion from homeownership, poverty, poor educational attainment, and concentration (i.e. segregation) of Black communities. These downstream mediating factors serve as points for policy interventions to address urban firearm violence.

Funding:

Michael Poulson and Miriam Neufeld were supported by T32 Training Grants (HP10028, GM86308).

Epidemiology of Pediatric Open Globe Injury in the United States

PURPOSE

To use the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database to describe trends in demographics, types, and incidence of pediatric open globe injuries in the United States.

METHODS

A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted of 8,943 acute cases of pediatric open globe injury (age < 21 years) obtained from the NIS Database, between 2002 and 2014. Weighted analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software (IBM Corporation). Codes from the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification were used to identify pediatric open globe injury cases.

RESULTS

In the United States, 8,943 pediatric cases of acute open globe injuries were identified between 2002 and 2014. Males comprised 78% of the acute pediatric open globe injury cases. Penetrating open globe injuries without intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) were the most common type of injury (P < .001). The proportion of injuries that were penetrating open globe injuries decreased with age, whereas the proportion of IOFBs and globe ruptures increased. The proportion of open globe injuries with IOFB in boys was twice as high as in girls. The incidence of open globe injuries by age, race, and gender was highest in the 16 to 20 years age group, in Blacks and Native Americans, and in boys, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of open globe injuries in pediatric patients (age < 21 years) was estimated to be 7.93 per 1,000,000 individuals and varied by race, gender, and age. The proportion of different types of open globe injury varied significantly by age, race, and gender. The mean duration of hospital stay for open globe injury management was 2.2 days, and 17.5% of patients lacked medical insurance. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2021;58(4):232-239.].

Patterns of Pediatric Firearm-Related Ocular Trauma in the United States

Importance

Gun violence represents a substantial public health issue, and firearm-related injuries rank second among the causes of injury-related deaths in children aged 0 to 17 years in the United States. Ocular trauma from firearm-related injuries can lead to devastating vision loss, but little is known to date about the specific demographics and characteristics of such injuries in children.

Objective

To evaluate the epidemiologic pattern of pediatric firearm-related ocular injuries.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective analysis used deidentified data from the National Trauma Data Bank, the largest national registry of hospitalized trauma cases in the United States. The firearm-related ocular injuries (n = 1972) of pediatric patients (defined as those younger than 21 years) hospitalized between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2014, were analyzed. Statistical analyses were conducted from July 15, 2017, to June 15, 2019.

Exposure

Firearm-related ocular trauma.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Pediatric patients with firearm-related ocular injuries were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes and external causes of injury codes. Patient demographics (age, sex, and race/ethnicity), type of ocular injury, injury intent, geographic location, length of hospital admission, health insurance status, disposition at discharge, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score were collected.

Results

A total of 8715 firearm-related ocular injuries were identified. Of these injuries, 1972 (22.6%) occurred in pediatric patients, most of whom were male (1678 [85.1%]) and adolescents (1037 [52.6%]), with a mean (SD) age of 15.2 (5) years. Common locations of injury were home (761 [38.6%]) and street (490 [24.8%]). Mean (SD) hospital length of stay was 7.6 (12) days, ISS was 16 (13.1), and GCS score was 11 (5.1). The most common types of firearm-related ocular injuries were open wound of the eyeball (820 [41.6%]) and ocular adnexa (502 [25.5%]), orbital injuries or fractures (591 [30.0%]), and contusion of the eye or adnexa (417 [21.1%]). Patients aged 0 to 3 years had greater odds of unintentional injuries (odds ratio [OR], 4.41; 95% CI, 2.51-7.75; P < .001) and injuries occurring at home (OR, 5.39; 95% CI, 2.81-10.38; P < .001), and those aged 19 to 21 years had greater odds of assault injuries (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.77-2.66; P < .001) and injuries occurring on the street (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.3-1.98; P < .001). Black patients had the greatest odds of having injuries with assault intention (OR, 4.53; 95% CI, 3.68-5.59; P < .001), and white patients had the greatest likelihood for self-inflicted injury (OR, 7.1; 95% CI, 5.92-9.51; P < .001). Traumatic brain injury resulted mostly from self-inflicted trauma (OR, 5.99; 95% CI, 4.16-8.63; P < .001), as did visual pathway injuries (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.95-4.20; P < .001). The inpatient mortality rate was 12.2%.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that pediatric firearm-related ocular injuries from 2008 through 2014 were predominantly sight-threatening and associated with traumatic brain injury. If the possible risk factors, including sex, age, race/ethnicity, and injury intention, can be confirmed for 2015 through 2019, these findings may be useful in developing strategies to prevent pediatric firearm-related ocular injuries.

Comparison of cost and resource utilization between firearm injuries and motor vehicle collisions at pediatric hospitals

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Firearm injuries are converging with motor vehicle collisions (MVC) as the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Thus we examine differences in hospital cost and hospital resource utilization between motor vehicle and firearm injury.

METHODS

This retrospective, cross-sectional study compares hospital costs and resource utilization of motor vehicle and firearm-injured children aged 0 to 19 years of age over a 5-year time frame (January 1, 2013-December 31, 2017) in 35 freestanding children's hospitals that submitted data to the Pediatric Health Information System. The primary outcome was hospital-adjusted comparative cost per patient presentation. Generalized linear mixed models were used to quantify the relationship between the type of injury and each outcome, adjusting for patient characteristics and hospital.

RESULTS

There were 89,133 emergency department (ED) visits attributed to MVCs and 3,235 for firearm injury. Of the youths who presented for firearm injury, 49% were hospitalized versus 14% of youths presenting with MVC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 6.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.1 to 7.2). Youths with firearm injury were more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit (aOR = 6.7, 95% CI = 5.9 to 7.7) and had longer lengths of stays (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.9 to 2.6) compared to their MVC counterparts. Children admitted for firearm injury had more imaging and ED return visits, along with subsequent inpatient admission within 3 days (aOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.1 to 5.5) and 1 year (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 2.1 to 2.9). The mean relative per-patient costs were nearly fivefold higher for the firearm-injured group.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital costs and markers of resource utilization were higher for youths with firearm injury compared to MVC. High medical resource utilization is one of several important reasons to advocate for a comparable national focus and funding on firearm-related injury prevention.

Factors associated with pediatric firearm injury and enrollment in a violence intervention program

PURPOSE

To identify factors associated with firearm injury (FI) and willingness to enroll in a violence intervention program amongst pediatric victims of violence.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of victims of violence age 6-19 years presenting to a children's hospital emergency department from 2014 to 2017. Participants were interviewed by social workers prior to being offered enrollment in a violence intervention program. We used multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with FI and enrollment in the violence intervention program.

RESULTS

Four hundred seven patients were analyzed, 156 (38%) of which were victims of FI and 251 (62%) were victims of non-firearm-related physical assaults (PA). Multiple factors were associated with FI including older adolescent age, male sex, separated/divorced parents, losses in family/social network due to violence, being on probation, illicit substance use, gang affiliation, and lack of school enrollment. One hundred four patients (26%) enrolled in the violence intervention program. There was no difference in enrollment between FI and PA. However, older adolescent age, illicit substance use and probation were associated with significantly decreased odds of enrolling in the program.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple identifiable and potentially actionable risk factors exist amongst pediatric victims of acute FI. More specific targeting of at-risk groups may improve enrollment in violence interventions programs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

This is a prognostic study, investigating the natural history of pediatric firearm injuries, factors associated with firearm injuries as well as those associated with patient propensity to enroll in a violence intervention program. This study is observational in nature and utilizes patients with non-firearm-related physical assaults as a control group, making this study Level III evidence.

Penetrating Trauma in Baltimore: An Analysis of the Effect of a Rise in Localized Violence by Age Group

BACKGROUND

Incidence of firearm mortality in the United States is increasing. Baltimore, MD saw a substantial increase in violence in April 2015. We analyzed the effect of this localized surge in violence on the pediatric population.

METHODS

Using the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission database, initial hospital encounters for gunshot wound (GSW) or stab wound (SW) were identified. Baltimore Police Department victim-based crime data and homicide data on GSW and SW assault were used to capture those not seen at hospitals. Changes in incidence rate ratios from before/after April 2015 were analyzed using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

No change in mortality was seen in hospital-evaluated GSW patients. The pediatric population showed decreased incidence of SW (P < 0.001) and increase in GSW (P < 0.001) but no change in total penetrating trauma (tPT). The young adult population had decreased SW incidence (P < 0.001) without change in GSW or tPT. The pediatric populations saw no difference in SW/GSW deaths or homicide rate. However, in young adults, there were increased homicides (P < 0.001) and GSW deaths (P < 0.001) with unchanged SW deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

After a surge in violence, the shifted mechanism of penetrating trauma in the pediatric population did not increase mortality or tPT. By contrast, GSW incidence is increasing in young adults with more lethal injuries. Intervention could be aimed at gun control and targeted education/intervention in the at-risk younger age group.

Twenty-two Years of Pediatric Musculoskeletal Firearm Injuries: Adverse Outcomes for the Very Young

BACKGROUND

Firearm injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for children in the United States. The purpose of this study is to investigate the 22-year experience of pediatric firearm-related musculoskeletal injuries at a major pediatric level 1 hospital and to analyze the risk of adverse outcomes in children under 10 years of age.

METHODS

An institutional review board-approved, retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on pediatric firearm-related musculoskeletal injuries at our institution from 1995 to 2017. A total of 189 children aged 0 to 18 years were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision/10th Revision codes, focusing on musculoskeletal injuries by firearms. Exclusion criteria were primary treatment at an outside hospital, isolated nonmusculoskeletal injuries (eg, traumatic brain injury), and death before orthopaedic intervention. Two cohorts were included: age below 10 years and age 10 years and above. Primary outcome measure was a serious adverse outcome (death, growth disturbance, amputation, or impairment). Standard statistical analysis was used for demographic data, along with linear mixed models and multivariable logistic regression for adverse outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 189 children, 46 (24.3%) were below 10 years of age and 143 (75.7%) were 10 years and above. Fifty-two (27.5%) of the total group had an adverse outcome, with 19 (41.3%) aged below 10 years and 33 (23.1%) aged 10 years and above (P=0.016). Adverse outcomes were 3 deaths, 17 growth disturbances, 7 amputations, and 44 impairments. For those below 10 years of age, rural location (P=0.024), need for surgical treatment (P=0.041), femur injury (P=0.032), peripheral nerve injury (P=0.006), and number of surgeries (P=0.022) were associated with an adverse outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Over one fourth of survivors of musculoskeletal firearm injuries had an adverse outcome. Children 10 years and above represent the majority of firearm injuries in our population; however, when injured, those below 10 years are more likely to have an adverse outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

A national analysis of pediatric firearm violence and the effects of race and insurance status on risk of mortality

OBJECTIVES

To perform a national analysis of pediatric firearm violence (PFV), hypothesizing that black and uninsured patients would have higher risk of mortality.

METHODS

The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2014-2016) was queried for PFV patients ≤16 years-old. Multivariable logistic regression models on all patients and a subset excluding severe brain injuries were performed.

RESULTS

The PFV mortality rate was 11.2%. 66.5% of PFV patients were black (p < 0.001). Deceased patients were more likely to be uninsured (14.5% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001). Black race was an associated risk factor for mortality in patients without severe brain injury (OR 5.26, CI 1.00-27.47, p = 0.049) but not for the overall population (OR 1.32, CI 0.68-2.56, p = 0.39).

CONCLUSION

Nearly two-thirds of PFV patients were black. Contrary to previous studies, black and uninsured pediatric patients did not have an increased risk of mortality overall. However, in a subset of patients without severe brain injury, black race was associated with increased mortality risk.

SUMMARY

Between 2014 and 2016 the mortality rate for pediatric firearm violence (PFV) in children 16 years and younger was 11.2%. Although two-thirds of PFV patients were black, black race and lack of insurance were not risk factors of mortality for the overall population. Once patients with severe brain injury were excluded, black race and became associated with an increased risk of mortality.

Utilization of mental health services in pediatric patients surviving penetrating trauma resulting from interpersonal violence

BACKGROUND

Violent trauma has lasting psychological impacts. Our institution's Community Violence Response Team (CVRT) offers mental health services to trauma victims. We characterized implementation and determined factors associated with utilization by pediatric survivors of interpersonal violence-related penetrating trauma.

METHODS

Analysis included survivors (0-21 years) of violent penetrating injury at our institution (2011-2017). Injury and demographic data were collected. Nonparametric regression models determined factors associated with utilization.

RESULTS

There was initial rapid uptake of CVRT (2011-2013) after which it plateaued, serving >80% of eligible patients (2017). White race and higher injury severity were associated with receipt and duration of services. In post-hoc analysis, race was found to be associated with continued treatment but not with initial consultation.

CONCLUSION

Successful implementation required three years, aiding >80% of patients. CVRT is a blueprint to strengthen existing violence intervention programs. Efforts should be made to ensure that barriers to providing care, including those related to race, are overcome.

Pediatric Firearm Injuries and Fatalities: Do Racial Disparities Exist?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate racial disparities among White and Black pediatric firearm injury patients on a national level.

BACKGROUND

Pediatric firearm-related morbidity and mortality are rising in the United States. There is a paucity of data examining racial disparities in those patients.

METHODS

The Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2017) was queried for pediatric (age ≤17 years) patients admitted with firearm injuries. Patients were stratified by race: White and Black. Injury characteristics were assessed. Outcomes were mortality, hospital length of stay, and discharge disposition. Hierarchical regression models were performed to determine predictors of mortality and longer hospital stays.

RESULTS

A total of 3717 pediatric firearm injury patients were identified: Blacks (67.0%) and Whites (33.0%). The majority of patients were male (84.2%). The most common injury intent in both groups was assault (77.3% in Blacks vs in 45.4% Whites; P<0.001), followed by unintentional (21.1% vs 35.4%; P<0.001), and suicide (1.0% vs 14.0%; P<0.001). The highest fatality rate was in suicide injuries (62.6%). On univariate analysis, White children had higher mortality (17.5% vs 9.8%; P<0.001), longer hospital stay [3 (1-7) vs 2 (1-5) days; P = 0.021], and more psychiatric hospital admissions (1.3% vs 0.1%; P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, suicide intent was found to be an independent predictor of mortality (aOR 2.67; 95% CI 1.35-5.29) and longer hospital stay (β + 4.13; P<0.001), while White race was not.

CONCLUSION

Assault is the leading intent of injury in both Black and White children, but White children suffer more from suicide injuries that are associated with worse outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III Prognostic.

Examination of Racial Disparities in Adolescents Seen in the Emergency Department for Head, Neck, or Brain Injury

BACKGROUND

Given the frequency, severity, and attention of traumatic brain injury in children, benchmarking disparities and injury characteristics for adolescent patients is pivotal in understanding and enhancing both clinical care and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate racial disparities on mechanism of injury, clinical outcomes, and social-health factors among adolescents treated in the emergency department (ED) for a head, neck, or brain injury.

METHODS

This study is the result of a retrospective chart review of head-, neck-, and brain-injured adolescent patients (n = 2857) treated at three community hospital EDs and one stand-alone ED. Outcome measures included patient demographics (gender, race/ethnicity, age), Glasgow Coma Scale score, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, mechanism of injury, primary diagnosis, secondary diagnosis of a concussion, ventilation days, discharge disposition, and primary insurance.

RESULTS

There were racial differences in primary diagnosis, mechanism of injury, and insurance status. Results indicated that a higher proportion of white patients were diagnosed with a concussion compared with black patients (p < 0.001). Moreover, a higher proportion of white patients were seen in the ED for head, neck, or brain injury as a result of a sports or motor vehicle incident, whereas a leading mechanism among black patients was assault (p = 0.01). More white patients had private insurance, whereas more black patients had Medicaid (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The disparities in mechanisms for which black and white adolescent patients are seeking care at the ED for head, neck, or brain injury help to identify social-health risks of sustaining a head, neck, or brain injury. These racial disparities between black and white adolescents seen at the ED for head, neck, or brain injury suggest the need for further research to better understand the national representation of these disparities.

Evaluation of Injury Severity and Resource Utilization in Pediatric Firearm and Sharp Force Injuries

Importance

Pediatric firearm injuries are a serious and growing public health problem, constituting the second leading cause of death in children and adolescents in the United States. Firearm injuries have a high case fatality, but knowledge is limited to date regarding their injury severity and health care utilization burden compared with those of other penetrating injuries, especially among children with critical injury.

Objective

To describe and compare the resource utilization, injury severity, and short-term clinical outcomes associated with pediatric firearm injuries and other penetrating trauma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from the National Trauma Data Bank, an encounter-level registry of trauma data in the United States, from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2016. Encounters for firearm injury (n = 25 155) or cut or pierce injury (21 270) in children 17 years or younger were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted from July 15, 2018, to June 5, 2019.

Exposures

Firearm injury compared with cut or pierce injury encounters.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS), and Injury Severity Score (ISS).

Results

A total of 25 155 firearm injury encounters and 21 270 cut or pierce injury encounters were analyzed. Most firearm and cut or pierce injuries occurred among boys (21 573 [85.8%] and 15 864 [74.6%]) and adolescents aged 15 to 17 years (18 807 [74.8%] and 10 895 [51.2%]). A greater proportion of those with firearm injuries were African American children compared with those with cut or pierce injuries (15 019 [61.3%] vs 6397 [31.2%]). A greater proportion of those with firearm injuries compared with cut or pierce injuries were admitted to the ICU (7682 [30.5%] vs 2712 [12.8%]). Compared with cut or pierce injuries, firearm injuries were associated with a higher mean (SD) ISS (4.6 [6.8] vs 10.9 [12.7] points), longer mean (SD) hospital LOS (2.8 [4.1] vs 5.0 [8.4] days), and longer mean (SD) ICU LOS (3.1 [4.5] vs 5.1 [7.7] days). Firearm injuries accounted for 126 027 hospital days and 39 255 ICU days, whereas cut or pierce injuries accounted for 58 705 hospital days and 8353 ICU days. After adjustments for age, sex, year, and hospital, those with firearm injuries were more likely to require ICU admission (relative risk [RR], 2.3; 95% CI, 2.1-2.5; P < .001) and to have higher ISS scores (6.7 points higher for all injuries; 95% CI, 6.1-7.2) compared with those with cut or pierce injuries, even among critical injuries. Multinomial logistic regression demonstrated higher risk of prolonged hospital LOS (RR ratio, 4.11; 95% CI, 3.46-4.89; P < .001) and ICU LOS (RR ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.9-2.3) for firearm injuries compared with cut or pierce injuries.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that pediatric firearm injuries were associated with greater severity and health care utilization compared with penetrating trauma from other mechanisms, suggesting that the mechanism of injury is an important consideration in penetrating sharp force trauma in children and adolescents. Public health measures, legislative efforts, and safe storage practices are among the interventions needed to reduce pediatric firearm injuries.

A comparison of pediatric ocular injuries based on intention in patients admitted with trauma

Purpose

Pediatric ocular trauma is a major source of morbidity and blindness and the number of epidemiological studies is incommensurate with its significance. We sought to determine differences in epidemiologic patterns of pediatric ocular injuries based on intention.

Methods

A retrospective review of the National Trauma Data Bank (2008–2014) was performed and patients < 21 years old, admitted with trauma and ocular injury, were identified using ICD-9CM codes. Demographic data, types of injury and external circumstances including intention were tabulated and analyzed with students’ t and chi-squared tests and logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Fifty-eight thousand seven hundred sixty-five pediatric patients were admitted for trauma and ocular injuries. The mean(SD) age was 11.9(6.9) years. Most patients were male (68.7%) and White (59.1%). Unintentional injuries (76.3%) were mostly associated with falls (OR = 13.4, p < 0.001), assault (16.3%) with firearms (OR = 9.15, p < 0.001) and self-inflicted trauma (0.7%) also with firearms (OR = 44.66, p < 0.001). There was increasing mean(SD) age from unintentional, 12.9(6.6) years and assault 12.3(8.1) years to self-inflicted trauma, 17(3.4) years. The 0-3 year age group had highest odds of open adnexa wounds (OR = 30.45, p < 0.001) from unintentional trauma, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) (OR = 5.77, p < 0.001) and mortality (OR = 8.52, p < 0.001) from assault. The oldest 19-21 year group, had highest odds visual pathway injuries (OR = 8.34, p < 0.001) and TBI (OR = 1.54, p = 0.048) from self-inflicted trauma and mortality (OR = 2.08, p < 0.001) from unintentional trauma.

Conclusion

Sight-threatening injuries were mostly associated with unintentional trauma in the youngest group and self-inflicted trauma in the oldest group. Patterns emerged of associations between demographic groups, mechanisms, types of injury and associated TBI with intention of trauma.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12886-018-1024-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The urban injury severity score (UISS) better predicts mortality following penetrating gunshot wounds (GSW)

BACKGROUND

The Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the New ISS (NISS) underscore injury severity after GSW. This study assesses the Urban ISS (UISS), which incorporates all injuries.

METHODS

Complete trauma program registry (TPR) data and chart analyses were performed on 585 patients (pts) over 28 months. Factors analyzed included age, gender, ISS, NISS, UISS, time of admission, intent of injury, race, number GSW, weapon, and outcome.

RESULTS

The 585 patients could be categorized within three groups. The first group included 98 pts with low ISS (1-2), no organ injuries, and early discharge; the second group included 47 patients with severe shock who died during operation; the third group of 442 pts were admitted after operation. All injury scores correlated (p < 0.001) with assault, number GSW, death, and length-of-stay (LOS). Death and LOS correlated closely with assault and the resultant number of GSW, best seen with UISS compared to ISS or NISS. Race and admission time did not correlate with death or LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

UISS correlates better than ISS and NISS in victims of inner-city firearm injuries.

Firearm-associated Fractures in Children and Adolescents: Trends in the United States 2003-2012

BACKGROUND

Firearm-associated injuries are the second leading cause of death in children in the United States. Fractures are common comorbid injuries in young patients with firearm-associated injuries. The purpose of this study was to define the burden of firearm-associated fractures (FAFs) in children and adolescents in the United States.

METHODS

We analyzed the 2003-2012 Kids' Inpatient Database. Patients were grouped into 4 age groups: 0 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, and 15 to 20 years old. Sample observations with both an external cause of injury code indicating gunshot injury and a diagnosis code indicating orthopaedic fracture (extremity, pelvis, or spine) were identified as cases of FAF. Sex, age, race, cause of injury, and fracture-related operating room procedures were catalogued. Population-level incidence was calculated for each year studied.

RESULTS

From 2003 to 2012, the incidence of FAF in patients 20 years and below of age increased from 73 to 96 cases per 100,000 admissions (P=0.009). The 0 to 4 age group saw the largest increase in injury frequency (141%, P=0.08). There was a 4-fold increase in the rate of unintentional injury in this subgroup. The most common age group affected by FAFs was 15 to 20 year olds. Minorities and male individuals were disproportionately affected. Assault and unintentional causes were the most common reasons for injury.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of FAF in patients 20 years and below of age increased over the study period, with almost 1 case per 1000 admissions in 2012. The finding that certain subpopulations are disproportionately affected reflects the complex sociologic factors influencing gun violence in the United States.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Penetrating trauma in children on the United States-Mexico border: Hispanic ethnicity is not a risk factor

INTRODUCTION

The United States-Mexico border is perceived as dangerous by the media and current political leaders. Hispanic ethnicity, low socioeconomic status, male gender and adolescent age have previously been identified as risk factors for penetrating trauma (PT).

METHODS

A retrospective review of PT was performed in a border region. Children 0-17 years old, admitted to the region's only level I trauma center between 2001 and 2016 were included. Standardized morbidity ratio was used to compare observed to expected morbidity.

RESULTS

There were 417 PT admissions. 197 (47%) were non-accidental, 34 (8%) suicide attempts and 186 (45%) accidental. There were 12 homicides, 7 suicides and no accidental deaths. The region contains over 280,000 children, thus yielding a homicide rate of 0.26 per 100,000. The U.S. pediatric homicide rate was 2.6-4.0 over this period. Adolescents 13-17 years old accounted for 237 (57%) admissions, 152 (78%) of non-accidental admissions and 12 (63%) deaths. Most admissions (N = 321, 77%) and 15 of the deaths (79%) were males. Non-accidental injuries were more frequent in ZIP codes associated with low incomes. Hispanic patients accounted for 173 (88%) of non-accidental trauma. However, 40 (20%) non-accidental injuries occurred in Mexico and 157 (80%) injuries occurred in an 82% Hispanic region. Therefore, the standardized morbidity ratio for Hispanic ethnicity was 1.048 (CL 0.8-1.2, P = 0.6).

CONCLUSION

On the United States-Mexico border, the pediatric homicide rate was less than 1/10 the national average. Male adolescents are at risk for non-accidental PT. In a Hispanic majority population, Hispanic ethnicity was not a risk factor for PT. It is possible that economic disparity, rather than race/ethnicity, is a risk factor for PT.

Comparison of Outcomes for Pediatric Trauma at Different Types of Trauma Centers: The Unresolved Mystery

In Florida, injured children can receive emergent care at one of three types of state-approved trauma centers (TCs). A Level 1 combined adult/pediatric TC (L1, A + P), a Level 2 TC with an associated pediatric hospital (L2 + PH) or a pediatric TC at a pediatric hospital (PTH). This study aims to compare the mortality outcomes between Florida L1, A + Ps, to L2 + PHs, and PTHs. A retrospective review of dataset from the Agency for Health Care Administration compared outcomes from 2013 to 2016 at all three types of TCs. Outcomes were stratified by using the observed over expected mortality (O/E). Significance defined as P < 0.05. A total of 13,428 pediatric trauma patients were treated at all three TCs (L1, A + P, L 2 + PHs, or PTH). L1, A + Ps treated 6975 pediatric patients with 104 deaths [crude mortality rate (CMR) 1.49%, O/E = 0.96], L2 + PHs treated 4066 patients with 69 deaths (CMR 1.70%, O/E = 1.21), PTHs treated 2387 patients with 34 deaths (CMR 1.42%, O/E = 1.25). When O/E's at L1, A + Ps and L2 + PHs were compared, results were statistically significant (P = <0.03),but not at L1, A + P versus PTHs. This is the first study to reveal that Level 1 adult/pediatric TCs have lower mortality rates compared with Level 2 TCs with an associated pediatric hospital. Level 1,A + P TCs had similar outcomes to pediatric TCs at standalone pediatric hospitals.