Aim:To assess the various epidemiological parameters that influence the causation of trauma as well as the consequent morbidity and mortality in the pediatric age group.Materials and Methods:A prospective study of 791 patients of less than 12 years age, was carried out over a period of 1 year (August 2009 to July 2010), and pediatric trauma trends, with regards to the following parameters were assessed: Age group, sex, mode of trauma, type of injury, place where the trauma occurred and the overall mortality as well as mortality.Results:Overall trauma was most common in the school-going age group (6-12 years), with male children outnumbering females in the ratio of 1.9:1. It was observed that orthopedic injuries were the most frequent (37.8%) type of injuries, whereas fall from height (39.4%), road traffic accident (27.8%) and burns (15.2%) were the next most common modes of trauma. Home was found out to be the place where maximum trauma occurred (51.8%). Maximum injuries happened unintentionally (98.4%). Overall mortality was found out to be 6.4% (n = 51).Conclusions:By knowing the epidemiology of pediatric trauma, we conclude that majority of pediatric injuries are preventable and pediatric epidemiological trends differ from those in adults. Therefore, preventive strategies should be made in pediatric patients on the basis of these epidemiological trends.

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Aim:Report of our experience with topical feracrylum citrate to minimize hemorrhage-related complications in pediatric hypospadiac patients.Materials and Methods:One hundred and fifty consecutive pediatric hypospadiac patients over 3 years (75 in study group and 75 controls - random allocation) were studied. One hundred milliliter of 1% feracrylum citrate solution was used in study cases and equivalent normal saline in controls. The parameters assessed were frequency of cauterizations, intraoperative blood loss, wound edema and postoperative complications.Results:Average number of cauterizations was 1.55 per patient in study group and 5.7 per patient among controls. Among cases, average number of blood soaked gauge pieces was 3.56 per patient, correlating with average intraoperative blood loss of 17.8 ml. In controls, average blood soaked gauge pieces were 6.2 per patient corresponding to an average blood loss of 31 ml. Postoperative hematoma was seen in 8% cases compared with 18% controls. Wound edema appeared in 13.3% cases and 47% controls. Postoperative complications were higher among controls.Conclusions:Feracrylum is an effective and safe topical hemostatic agent to minimize significantly diffuse capillary oozing and surface bleeding. It reduced the frequency of cauterization and tissue damage, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hematoma, wound edema and postoperative complications.

Feracrylum is more efficient and safer topical haemostatic agent than adrenaline. It reduced the frequency of cauterisation and tissue damage, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications.