J Trauma
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Pediatric forearm fractures result in substantial morbidity and costs. Despite the success of public health efforts in the prevention of other injuries, the incidence of pediatric forearm fractures is increasing. Our objective is to characterize the epidemiology of forearm fractures in Washington, DC, children evaluated in an urban pediatric emergency department (ED). ⋯ Falls from monkey bars and minor trauma are implicated in the majority of childhood forearm fractures. The prevention strategies should target playground safety. Further research is needed to evaluate factors, including obesity and bone health, which may contribute to forearm fracture risk associated with minor trauma.
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Although explosion injuries caused by terror attacks or in war are evaluated in many studies, limited information about civil explosion injuries can be found in the literature. ⋯ The mortality from gas explosion-related burns correlated significantly with burned TBSA, ABSI score, accompanying inhalation injuries, and lung contusions. Despite comparable ABSI scores, the mortality from gas explosion-related burns was significantly higher than the mortality for all burn victims.
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Civilian gunshot injuries to the head are relatively rare in the irenical European Union, and studies of treatment and outcomes are seldom for this region in the current literature. ⋯ Glasgow Coma Score at admission and the status of pupils and hemodynamic situation seem to be the most significant predictors of outcome in penetrating craniocerebral gunshot wounds. Computed tomography scans, bi- or multilobar injury, and intraventricular hemorrhage were correlated with poor outcome. Patients with a GCS score >8, normal pupil reaction, and single lobe of brain injury may benefit from early aggressive management.