Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the epidemiologic and clinic profiles of domestic accidents in children

Abstract

Background: Domestic accident (DA) is any harmful accidental event that occurs suddenly in the home or its immediate surroundings. Our study aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in the epidemiological and clinical profiles of DAs in children and their management. Materials and Methods: This was a mixed descriptive study, comparing DAs occurring during the COVID-19 lockdown and the same period of the previous year. We exhaustively included all children aged from 0 to 15 years admitted for DAs. Results: The incidence of DAs remains above 50% in both groups. The average age was 7 years and boys were more affected. Before the COVID-19 lockdown, the most common mechanism encountered was accidents on the public highway 20.75%, while during the lockdown, it was represented by falls from a high place with a height of 2 m or more. During the lockdown, 33.86% of patients consulted after more than 24 h of the trauma. Supracondylar fractures and burns remained the most frequent. In all cases, the cumulative frequency of fractures decreased during the lockdown. The COVID-19 lockdown had no impact on patient's management. Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown has negatively increased the consultation delay. However, it has considerably reduced the incidence of fractures.

The Effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on emergency service home service calls due to home accidents in children aged 0-6 in Sakarya, Türkiye?

“…This study 3 , after examining the reasons for hospital admission it is seen that falls (-31%), burns (-17%), insect stings (-86%), foreign body aspiration (-17%) and other types of accidents (-20%) (e.g., electric shock, foreign body stinging) are reduced in children. In their study with children aged 0-15 in North Africa, they reported that falls were 20.75% and burn accidents were 10.24% more common 18 . Since this study had a retrospective study design, there were limitations in obtaining some information about the reasons for the increase in home accidents in children (for example, family characteristics, working conditions of parents, seasonal differences, or who takes care of the child).…”

“…This study revealed a decrease in pediatric emergency department admissions for children “below 0–12 months/1 year” and 5 years (25%), while the admissions of the two age groups increased overall (20%). Benmassaoud et al (2020) In the studies they conducted with children in the 0–15 age group in North Africa, no significant difference was found in the incidence of accidents by age group 18 . These results might be attributable to the 2 years old groups, which both consist of toddlers who are in the act of exploring their households, having accidents more often.…”

“…Chaiyachati et al (2020) emphasize that the number of foreign body aspirations was especially high in 2020 compared to previous years 16 . Benmassaoud et al (2020) In their study with children aged 0–15 in North Africa, they reported that falls were 20.75% and burn accidents were 10.24% more common 18 . Since this study had a retrospective study design, there were limitations in obtaining some information about the reasons for the increase in home accidents in children (for example, family characteristics, working conditions of parents, seasonal differences, or who takes care of the child).…”

Pediatric Ankle Fractures: Successful Remodeling and Restoration Through Comprehensive Diagnosis and Conservative Management in a Diverse Context

“…In this case, the fractures involved a comminuted displaced talus fracture, calcaneus fracture, and diaphyseal fractures of both the tibia and the fibula. The utilization of trauma guidelines and additional imaging through axial CT scans played a crucial role in achieving a precise diagnosis [ 5 , 8 , 15 , 17 ]. Given the potential for severe injuries and considering the age of the patient, a swift and accurate diagnosis was essential for initiating timely and appropriate management.…”

“…Domestic scenarios, traditionally perceived as lower-risk environments, can unexpectedly harbor complex fractures, particularly when involving toddlers and young children [ 7 ]. Their exploratory nature and interaction with the household environment may contribute to unique injury patterns [ 8 , 9 ].…”