title: Intracranial Injuries from Dog Bites in Children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Infants are especially at risk for intracranial injuries from dog bites due to their small stature and thin skull. Only 21 case reports have been published in the literature. We aim to add knowledge and treatment recommendations based on a more substantial sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten pediatric patients with a penetrating skull injury as a result of a dog bite, treated at our institution between 1992 and 2010, were identified and analyzed descriptively. A literature review of the 21 case reports was also conducted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications from hemorrhage or infections. Based on our results, we recommend obtaining a head CT for all victims sustaining injuries to the head, early use of broad spectrum antibiotics, debridement and irrigation of tissue, and follow-up to identify late infectious complications.
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA.
authors.forename: Talora
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Steen
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ravin
authors.forename: Shelly
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Timmons
authors.forename: Amir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kershenovich
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy