Journal of pediatric surgery
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Trauma is the leading killer of children and adolescents between 1 and 21 years of age. Alcohol-impaired driving represents the single greatest cause of mortality and morbidity of children over the age of 6. We retrospectively reviewed 878 consecutive adolescent (age range, 16 to 20 years) trauma admissions for blood alcohol concentration (BAC). ⋯ There were no significant differences in TRISS predicted survival, actual survival, nor mean length of stay. We conclude that (1) alcohol is a significant contributor to injury during adolescence, and (2) adolescent drinkers differ from adult drinkers in their habits, demographics, and socioeconomic status. These socioeconomic differences have implications for the access to and cost-effectiveness of interventions.
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This study was undertaken to assess the significance of thoracic trauma as a marker of morbidity and mortality in children. During a 34-month period, 2,086 children younger than 15 years old were consecutively admitted to a Level I pediatric trauma center with blunt or penetrating trauma. For each child we prospectively recorded Trauma Score (TS), Injury Severity Score, (ISS), medical, and etiologic data. ⋯ Injuries to the heart or great vessels had the highest mortality rate (75%), followed by hemothorax (53%), lung laceration (43%), and rib fracture (42%). Mortality for children with isolated chest injury was 5%, compared with rates of 20% for abdominal and chest trauma, 35% for head and chest trauma, and 39% for trauma to the head, chest, and abdomen. Less than 5% of the admissions to a pediatric trauma center incurred thoracic injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)