Trauma Injury, Severity, and Outcomes Among Pediatric American Indian/Alaska Natives in the North Central United States
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In brief
In brief
This retrospective study reveals significant disparities in pediatric trauma outcomes between American Indian/Alaska Native and non-AI/AN children at a North Central U.S. trauma center. AI/AN children experienced higher rates of penetrating and violent injuries, required more ICU care, had longer hospital stays, and were less likely to be discharged home, highlighting urgent need for targeted injury prevention interventions.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Background
There is a disproportionately higher trauma morbidity between American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non-AI/AN children.
Objective
To characterize and compare trauma in AI/AN and non-AI/AN children presenting to a Regional Pediatric Level II Trauma Center (Adult Level I Trauma Center).
Method
A retrospective observational study of all children <20 years presenting from 2012–2018. Descriptive data were analyzed along with T-tests to determine if demographic and clinical characteristics were different for AI/AN and non-AI/AN children.
Results
AI/AN children are more likely to be referred from outside hospitals [OR 5.61, 95% CI 3.79, 8.29], to have penetrating injuries [OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.88, 7.99] and have higher likelihood of both minor [OR 1.48, 95% Cl 1.06, 2.07] and major [OR 1.99, 95% Cl 1.37, 2.87] trauma activation on arrival. More AI/AN children suffer violent injuries [OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.90, 5.01], utilized Intensive Care Unit (ICU) [OR 1.54 95% CI 1.10, 2.14], had prolonged length of stay (LOS) [OR 1.52, 95% Cl 1.28, 1.80], and were less likely discharged home [OR 0.65, 95% Cl 0.44, 0.96].
Conclusions
AI/AN pediatric trauma patients suffer higher morbidity compared to non-AI/AN pediatric trauma patients. This study provides data which supports the need for future interventions to decrease the burden of injury noted among AI/AN children.
Study Type
Treatment
Study Type and Level of Evidence
Retrospective comparative study; Level III