Non-orthopaedic paediatric trauma in a regional hospital.
BACKGROUND
In the Republic of Ireland there are no paediatric surgeons outside Dublin. Most paediatric trauma is managed in general hospitals by general or orthopaedic surgeons.


OBJECTIVE
In this study we audited our experience with paediatric trauma in a regional setting.


METHODS
We carried out a retrospective review of all non-orthopaedic paediatric trauma patients admitted to our institution over a two-year period.The method of injury, management and outcome were recorded and the TRISS (revised trauma injury severity score) method was used to calculate the probability of survival.


RESULTS
One hundred and fifty four paediatric patients were admitted following trauma. Falls, RTAs and burns were the commonest reasons for admission. Twenty nine of these patients (19%) required surgical procedures. There were no unexpected deaths.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of paediatric trauma admissions were for minor injuries. A number of seriously injured children were successfully treated with no unexpected deaths.
Shabbir
J
J
Dept of Vascular Surgery, Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick.
Shah
M A
MA
Nissar
A
A
Clarke-Moloney
M
M
Kavanagh
E G
EG
Drumm
J
J
Grace
P A
PA
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D002423:Cause of Death; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012041:Regional Medical Programs / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015996:Survival Rate; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy