Childhood Head Injuries: Accidental or Inflicted?

Article Abstract:

Doctors should suspect child abuse when they see a child with hemorrhage or hematoma inside the skull or retinal hemorrhages. In a study of 287 children with a head injury, only 10% of those injured accidentally had hemorrhage or hematoma inside the skull, compared with one-third to half of the children injured intentionally. In over half of the children suspected of being abused, there was no other apparent cause of their injuries. Although many parents of abused children claimed the child fell, very few children who accidentally fell had hemorrhage or hematoma inside the skull or retinal hemorrhage.

Diagnosis, Child abuse, Head injuries

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Child Abuse and Unintentional Injuries: A 10-Year Retrospective

Article Abstract:

Child abuse continues to be a major source of childhood injury. In a study of medical records submitted to the National Pediatric Trauma Registry over a 10-year period, 10.6% of all trauma to children less than 5 years old was caused by child abuse. Abused children were more likely to have previous injuries than children injured accidentally. Retinal hemorrhages were practically non-existent in accidentally injured children but 28% of the abused children had them. Abused children were more likely to be severely injured and to use more health care services than accidentally injured children.

Health aspects, Abused children, Wounds and injuries

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Factors associated with the intent of firearm-related injuries in pediatric trauma patients

Article Abstract:

Firearm-related injuries in children may differ according to type of injury event and type of victim. Researchers reviewed records of 749 pediatric trauma patients seen in 68 hospitals for firearm-related injuries. A total of 292 (39%) injuries were unintentional and 457 (61%) were assaultive injuries. Unintentional firearm-related injuries were more common in the afternoon, after school hours, and at home. Assaultive injuries happened between 8 and 9 p.m. and on roads or public places. Schools and communities should develop programs to supervise children during these times.

Statistics, Elementary school students, Gunshot wounds, Latchkey children

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