Incidence of hospitalization for abusive head trauma in Chiba City, Japan

Abstract

Backgrounds This study aimed to examine the incidence of abusive head trauma (AHT) admissions by calculating admission rates of AHT cases among infants <12 months old in a population‐based sample in Chiba city, Chiba prefecture, Japan. Methods We retrospectively examined medical records of infants admitted to all pediatric secondary and tertiary hospitals in Chiba city between 2011 and 2015. We collected 13 AHT cases, as assessed by hospital‐based multidisciplinary child protection teams. One experienced pediatric radiologist and two pediatricians evaluated the case histories and computed tomography images of cases to evaluate them clinically as “strongly” or “moderately” suspected AHT. Results The overall incidence per 100 000 person‐years was 34.5 cases (95% confidence interval (CI): 18.4–59.1), of which 13.3 (95% CI: 4.3–31.0), were strongly suspected to be AHT and 21.3 (95% CI: 9.2–41.9) were moderately suspected. There were no statistical differences in computed tomography findings between severe and moderately suspected AHT. Conclusions The incidence of hospitalization of infants with AHT was similar to that reported in population‐based studies in other countries.

Balancing Public & Economic Health in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Analysis

“…The study suggests that after the early stage, variability in daily case numbers was better explained by factors such as local public health response, such as social isolation and hygiene. This finding is consistent with the results of the study by Yamaoka and Oe [72] on the effect of the Go to Travel campaign on spreading COVID-19. Yamaoka and Oe compared the number of deaths during the 41 days of the campaign period with the number of deaths 41 days after the campaign period and found that there was no statistical change in the number of deaths due to COVID-19.…”

“…Yamaoka and Oe compared the number of deaths during the 41 days of the campaign period with the number of deaths 41 days after the campaign period and found that there was no statistical change in the number of deaths due to COVID-19. They suggest that the campaign "could not be said to have spread the spread of COVID-19" [72]. With increased vaccination rates, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and consistent and correct hygiene practices such as hand washing and social distance measures, the Go to Travel campaign can generate considerable revenue without exacerbating the spread of COVID-19.…”