Pediatric penetrating trauma: the epidemic continues

Abstract

Background: Pediatric penetrating injuries plague inner cities. Based on our clinical observations, we hypothesized that pediatric penetrating trauma (PPT) is increasing with the major increase occurring in communities with lower socioeconomic status.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the trauma databases between 2000 and 2009 of the three major trauma centers in Alameda and San Francisco counties. Patients with PPT aged 16 years or younger were included. Demographics, Injury Severity Score, probability of survival, and length of hospital stay were collected. Median family incomes (MFI) were obtained from US Census data.

Results: We identified 598 patients with PPT: 432 gunshot wounds (GSWs), 141 stabbings, and 25 other. The rate of PPT increased by 138% from 2000 to 2009 (p = 0.003). The mean (SEM) age of the patients was 13.8 (0.1) years, which did not change during the study period (p = 0.12). The incidence of single GSW to the head increased from 3% to 7% (p = 0.01) and carried a 63% mortality rate. Blacks and Hispanics sustained 82.5% of PPT. The MFI of PPT victims was $39,209. PPT was more prevalent in zip codes with an MFI below the Bay Area MFI of $68,954, (mean [SEM], 8.0 [1.5] victims per zip code below MFI vs. 1.9 [0.3] victims per zip code above MFI; p = < 0.001).

Conclusion: PPT in the Bay Area increased during the last decade, and the increased PPT was associated with lower MFIs. Black and Hispanic children experienced the greatest proportion of penetrating injuries and had the lowest MFIs. The prevalence of single GSW to the head is increasing, which may suggest a deliberate attempt to fatally injure these children.

Levels of evidence: Prognostic study, level II.