Head Injury in Paediatric Population

Abstract

Objective: To study the presentation and outcome of head injury in paediatric patients managed in Children Hospital & The institute of Child Health, Multan.

Study Design: Retrospective Descriptive Study.

Place & Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Deptt. of Paed. Surgery, CH&ICH, Multan, during a period of five years from Jan 2006 to Dec 2010.

Patients and Methods: A total of 1150 paediatric patients with head injury were managed in this unit. Data  was collected on  the  basis of  history, clinical  examination, base  line investigations,  radiological  findings  including  CT  scan,  diagnosis  and  management. Patients were divided into three groups  according to the  severity of  injury  based upon Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Final analysis and comparison with literature was done.

Results:  Seventy percent patients were male and 30% female. The age ranged from 1 week to 12 years. Commonest cause was history of fall from height found in 68% cases, followed by road traffic accident 25% and  other causes 7%. 70 patients had associated injuries, 5 patients  were already  mentally  handicapped. In 75% cases mild head injury with  GCS  14 -15  was  present.  35  patients  required  neurosurgical  intervention.  15 patients required  treatment for post traumatic seizures. 3  developed brain abscess. 15 patients died in  the emergency ward  without any surgical intervention within  2 days of admission and 2 died post operatively.

Conclusion:   Head  injury  remained a  serious  problem in  paediatric  age  group with significant morbidity & mortality. Recognizing the pattern of head trauma in children help us to  identify  high  risk groups  and  environment,  which  will  then  help  us  to  design appropriate preventive measures.