The incidence of childhood traumatic brain injury in Tartu and Tartu County in Estonia

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health problem in childhood. Estonia and other Baltic states have the highest trauma-related mortality in the European Union. There are no data on the incidence and causes of TBI for children in Estonia. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence, structure and main causes of TBI in Tartu and Tartu County.

Methods: The study was carried out at Tartu University Hospital, between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2005. For inclusion in the study the following criteria had to be fulfilled: age 0-14 years, documented brain trauma and neurological symptoms and residency in Tartu or Tartu County. Over the study period the inclusion criteria were fulfilled in 478 cases [272 boys (57%) and 206 girls (43%)].

Results: The incidence of TBI in childhood in Tartu and Tartu County was 369:100,000 (405:100,000 for boys, 330:100,000 for girls). The incidence was highest among children from 0 to 4 years of age - 566:100,000. The main cause of TBI in all age groups was falling - 63.6%. According to severity, 82% of the cases were mild and 18% were moderate and severe.

Conclusions: There is an urgent need for governmental prevention programs for TBI in children in Estonia.