[Epidemiologic study of injuries in infants]

Abstract

Eight hundred fifty-four injuries to children under 2 years of age were analysed. Injuries were more frequent in the second year than in younger infants. No major male predominance was observed. Most injuries were related to home accidents and mainly to mechanical trauma. Burns and poisonings were less frequent but their percentage was higher during the second year. Most lesions were benign, except in case of fall from a height (window falls, falls from baby furniture). Medical cost was rather high due to a 17% rate of hospital admissions and a 4 days average length of stay. Two fatal cases were registered. Sequelae appeared to be rare. Child abuse was seldom suspected and reason for that remains unclear. The study of accidents mechanism leads to think that teaching young children the control of hazardous situations should play a large part in prevention.