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Avila A, Lao OB, Neville HL, Yorkgitis BK, Chang HL, Thatch K, Plumley D, Larson SD, Fitzwater JW, Markley M, Pedroso F, Fischer A, Armstrong LB, Petroze RT, Snyder CW. Social determinants of health in pediatric trauma: Associations with injury mechanisms and outcomes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Am J Surg 2024; 228:107-112. [PMID: 37661530 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relationships between social determinants of health and pediatric trauma mechanisms and outcomes are unclear in context of COVID-19. METHODS Children <16 years old injured between 2016 and 2021 from ten pediatric trauma centers in Florida were included. Patients were stratified by high vs. low Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Injury mechanisms studied were child abuse, ATV/golf carts, and firearms. Mechanism incidence trends and mortality were evaluated by interrupted time series and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Of 19,319 children, 68% and 32% had high and low SVI, respectively. Child abuse increased across SVI strata and did not change with COVID. ATV/golf cart injuries increased after COVID among children with low SVI. Firearm injuries increased after COVID among children with high SVI. Mortality was predicted by injury mechanism, but was not independently associated with SVI, race, or COVID. CONCLUSION Social vulnerability influences pediatric trauma mechanisms and COVID effects. Child abuse and firearm injuries should be targeted for prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azalia Avila
- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Memorial Health, Hollywood, FL, 1005 Joe DiMaggio Dr, Hollywood, FL, 33021, USA.
| | - Oliver B Lao
- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Memorial Health, Hollywood, FL, 1005 Joe DiMaggio Dr, Hollywood, FL, 33021, USA.
| | - Holly L Neville
- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Memorial Health, Hollywood, FL, 1005 Joe DiMaggio Dr, Hollywood, FL, 33021, USA.
| | - Brian K Yorkgitis
- University of Florida, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Department of Surgery, 655 8th St W, Jacksonville, FL, 32209, USA.
| | - Henry L Chang
- Tampa General Hospital - Children's Hospital, Tampa, FL, 1 Tampa General Cir, Tampa, FL, 33606, USA; Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, FL, 501 6th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA.
| | - Keith Thatch
- Tampa General Hospital - Children's Hospital, Tampa, FL, 1 Tampa General Cir, Tampa, FL, 33606, USA; Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, FL, 501 6th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA.
| | - Donald Plumley
- Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando Health, Orlando, FL, 92 W Miller St, Orlando, FL, 32806, USA.
| | - Shawn D Larson
- University of Florida, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Department of Surgery, 655 8th St W, Jacksonville, FL, 32209, USA.
| | - John W Fitzwater
- Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's Medical Center, Temple, TX, 1901 SW H K Dodgen Loop, Temple, TX, 76502, USA.
| | - Michele Markley
- Salah Foundation Children's Hospital, Broward Health, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 1600 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316, USA.
| | - Felipe Pedroso
- Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, 3100 SW 62nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33155, USA.
| | - Anne Fischer
- Palm Beach Children's Hospital, West Palm Beach, FL, 901 45th St, West Palm Beach, FL, 33407, USA.
| | - Lindsey B Armstrong
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, FL, 501 6th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA.
| | - Robin T Petroze
- University of Florida, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Department of Surgery, 655 8th St W, Jacksonville, FL, 32209, USA.
| | - Christopher W Snyder
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St Petersburg, FL, 501 6th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA.
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Scally GL, Sheets NW, Dubina E, Chawla-Kondal B, Plurad DS. Pediatric Trauma During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 3-year Retrospective Analysis. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024; 63:47-52. [PMID: 37715697 DOI: 10.1177/00099228231201250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the volume and types of trauma patients encountered. We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric trauma patients <17 years old presenting within a large US health care system from 2019 to 2021. Demographics, trauma volume, injury severity, mechanism of injury, and outcomes were compared. A total of 16 966 patients, from 88 hospitals over 18 states, were included in our analysis. Pediatric traumas decreased from 2019 to 2020 and 2021. The injury severity scores (ISSs) increased from 2019 to 2020 and 2019 to 2021. Compared with 2019, more gun-related traumas occurred in both 2020 and 2021, whereas motor vehicle collisions decreased. There were additional changes in bicycle, assault, auto versus pedestrian (AVP), playground, and sports injuries. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the volume, injury severity, and mechanism of injury of the pediatric trauma population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Scally
- General Surgery Residency Program, Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | - Emily Dubina
- Riverside Community Hospital, Riverside, CA, USA
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Arthur L, Schiro S, Tumin D, Nakayama D, Toschlog E, Greene E, Waddell M, Longshore S. Shelter in Place and an Alarming Increase in Penetrating Trauma in Children and Concerning Decrease in Child Abuse. Am Surg 2023; 89:5386-5390. [PMID: 36583224 DOI: 10.1177/00031348221148361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On March 14, 2020, schools across North Carolina (NC) closed in response to Covid-19, forcing completion of the school year at home. Most pediatric trauma occurs at home with a higher prevalence when children are out of school. We queried the state trauma database to assess if the 2020 "shelter in place" was associated with an increase in pediatric trauma statewide. METHODS The NC trauma database was queried for injuries in children (age < 18 yrs) from 13 March-1 August 2020, and the corresponding months of 2018 and 2019. The number and type of injuries were compared. We also queried the NC death certificate and child welfare databases. Data were analyzed by standard statistical methods using chi-squared or Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS Total pediatric trauma cases were lower during 2020 (71.6 per 100,000) compared to 2018 (92.4 per 100,000) and 2019 (80 per 100,000) (P < .001); however, average injury severity score (ISS) was higher (P = .001). A significant increase in firearm injuries were seen in 2020 (P = .016), with an increase in mortality (P = .08) and ISS (P = .013). The rate of child abuse trauma decreased in 2020 (P = .005) as did the number of child abuse and neglect reports (P < .001). There were also significant decreases in trauma due to sports, burns, falls, and motor vehicle accidents. CONCLUSION While overall pediatric trauma decreased during the Covid-19 pandemic, there was an alarming increase in penetrating injuries in children. Child abuse trauma and reports decreased, which is concerning for lower identification of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Arthur
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
- Vidant Center of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Sharon Schiro
- UNC Department of Surgery, North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- UNC Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina Hospitals at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dmitry Tumin
- Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Don Nakayama
- UNC Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina Hospitals at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Eric Toschlog
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
- Vidant Center of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Erika Greene
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
- Vidant Center of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Megan Waddell
- Department of Surgery, Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Shannon Longshore
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
- Vidant Center of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, NC, USA
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Failing GRL, Klamer BG, Gorham TJ, Groner JI. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Bicycle Injury. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085515. [PMID: 37107797 PMCID: PMC10139432 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Bicycling is a common childhood activity that is associated with significant injury risk. This study's aim was to assess pediatric bicycle injury epidemiology and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional evaluation of patients age < 18 years presenting with bicycle injury to a pediatric trauma center. A pre-pandemic period (1 March 2015-29 February 2020) was compared to the pandemic period (1 March 2020-28 February 2021). A total of 611 injury events for children < 18 years were included (471 pre-pandemic events and 140 pandemic events). The relative frequency of pandemic injuries was greater than pre-pandemic injuries (p < 0.001), resulting in a 48% increase in pandemic period injuries versus the pre-pandemic average (141 pandemic vs. 94.4/year pre-pandemic). Individuals of female sex represented a larger proportion of injuries in the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period (37% pandemic vs. 28% pre-pandemic, p = 0.035). Injuries were more common on weekends versus weekdays (p = 0.01). Time series analysis showed a summer seasonality trend. Localizing injury events to ZIP codes showed regional injury density patterns. During COVID-19, there was an increase in bicycle injury frequency and proportional shift toward more injuries involving individuals of female sex. Otherwise, injury patterns were largely unchanged. These results demonstrate the necessity of safety interventions tailored to community needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gates R. L. Failing
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Brett G. Klamer
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Biostatistics Resource at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Tyler J. Gorham
- IT Research & Innovation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Jonathan I. Groner
- Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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VanWormer JJ, Berg RL, Burke RR, Barnes KL, Weichelt BP. Regional surveillance of medically-attended farm-related injuries in children and adolescents. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1031618. [PMID: 36589945 PMCID: PMC9795044 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1031618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Due to numerous environmental hazards such as heavy machinery and large livestock, youth who live and work on farms are at high risk of injury, disability, and death. This study described a regional surveillance system for monitoring farm-related injuries in children and adolescents. As the risk of farm-related injuries are not exclusive to farm residents, trends in farm-related injuries over the previous 5 years were reported and compared between children/adolescents who did and did not live on farms in north-central Wisconsin. Methods A retrospective cohort of child and adolescent patients of the Marshfield Clinic Health System was assembled. Incident farm-related injuries, including from agricultural work or other activities in a farm environment, were extracted from medical records from 2017 through 2021. Generalized linear models were created to compare age- and sex-adjusted farm-related injury rates by year. Results There were 4,730 (5%) in-farm and 93,420 (95%) out-farm children and adolescents in the cohort. There were 65 incident farm-related injury cases in the in-farm group and 412 in the out-farm group. The annual incidence rate of farm-related injuries was higher in the in-farm group, but changes during the 5-year timeframe were not significant in either group. In the in-farm group, rates ranged from a high of 61.8 [95% confidence interval (CI): 38.3, 94.5] incident farm-related injuries per 10,000 children/adolescents in 2017 to a low of 28.2 (13.5, 51.9) injuries per 10,000 children/adolescents in 2018. In the out-farm group, rates ranged from 10.7 (8.3, 13.6) to 16.8 (13.7, 20.5) incident farm-related injuries per 10,000 children/adolescents per year between 2017 and 2021. The in-farm group had a higher proportion of injured males and heavy machinery injuries, while the out-farm group had more all-terrain vehicle injuries and pesticide poisonings. Conclusion Farm residency remains hazardous for children and adolescents, as injury rates were three times higher in the in-farm group and remained stable over 5 years. All-terrain vehicle injuries were high in both groups, and should be a priority in rural safety interventions. With additional adaptations to other states, this surveillance model could be scaled across other healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J. VanWormer
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States,*Correspondence: Jeffrey J. VanWormer
| | - Richard L. Berg
- Office of Research Support Services, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - Richard R. Burke
- National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - Kathrine L. Barnes
- National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - Bryan P. Weichelt
- National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
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