Examining the incidence of acute stress in pediatric trauma patients

Abstract

ObjectivePediatric patients can be significantly impacted emotionally by exposure to acute trauma which may negatively impact long-term functioning and lead to an increase in overall distress. This study reports on the incidence of acute stress disorder among pediatric trauma patients in a hospital setting in the southeastern region of the USA.MethodsPediatric patient mental health assessments were conducted using the Childhood Stress Disorders Checklist- Short Form (CSDC-SF) as part of a new integrated behavioral health standard of care within the Trauma Services Division of a level 1 pediatric hospital. Mental health consultations occurred at bedside on inpatient hospital admission into trauma services, or at the outpatient hospital clinic after discharge for injuries treated in the emergency department.ResultsAssociations among type of trauma, child age, and sex were explored in a sample of 617 children (58.9% male) aged 2–18 years (Mage=10.27). The sample was primarily ethnic minorities (56.1% black/African-American, 5% Hispanic/Latinx). Fifteen per cent or more of trauma reports were for burns (26%), motor vehicle accident (22.7%), and recreational sports or leisure activity-related injury (17.5%). Sixty-four per cent of children scored ≥1 on the CSDC-SF, indicating symptoms consistent with acute stress disorder. Higher scores were associated with female sex, age, and injury type.Level of evidenceLevel IV study provides evidence of the link between traumatic injury and mental health symptoms in a pediatric population. Findings highlight the critical need for mental health screening and provision of integrated mental health counseling services at time of acute pediatric trauma.

Age-Related Patterns of Traumatic Facial Fractures in the Appalachian Tri-state Area: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

“…The prevalence of these conditions rises with advancing age, predisposing older individuals to traumatic facial injuries [3][4][5][6]. Conversely, younger demographics are more susceptible to sports-related injuries, assaults, and motor vehicle collisions (MCVs), reflecting the diverse mechanisms underlying facial trauma across age cohorts [7].…”

“…Importantly, age significantly influences the outcomes of facial fractures. Older patients often necessitate prolonged hospital stays compared to their younger counterparts, reflecting the complexity of managing injuries in this population and the potential for age-related comorbidities to complicate recovery [5][6][7].…”

“…Importantly, age significantly influences the outcomes of facial fractures. Older patients often necessitate prolonged hospital stays compared to their younger counterparts, reflecting the complexity of managing injuries in this population and the potential for age-related comorbidities to complicate recovery [ 5 - 7 ]. Studies have shown that the aging population, due to frailty and higher comorbidity rates, often requires more intensive and prolonged medical interventions following trauma, with worse outcomes [ 8 ].…”