Children at risk A prospective cohort study of acute stress development and patterns in pediatric trauma patients

Infographic · Jan 2026 · 1 min read

In brief

This prospective study of 603 pediatric trauma patients found that 76% showed acute stress symptoms at discharge, though most resolved within one month. Younger age and female sex were independently associated with positive acute stress scores, supporting early screening and targeted intervention for at-risk children after injury.

76% of pediatric trauma patients show acute stress symptoms at discharge, but 83% resolve by one month without intervention
Younger age and female sex independently predict positive acute stress scores after pediatric trauma injury
Early screening at discharge identifies high-risk patients who may benefit from targeted mental health intervention
17% of symptomatic children remain positive for acute stress at one month, indicating need for continued monitoring
Routine acute stress screening in pediatric trauma enables early diagnosis and intervention to restore baseline function

Written by the GCMD Library team from the infographic.

The infographic uses a teal, light blue, and yellow color scheme with illustrated icons including an ambulance, medical team, and a child. Data is presented in hierarchical sections with large yellow numbers for the cohort size, bullet points for findings, and a yellow conclusion banner at the bottom. Icons and illustrations support each section visually.

Marissa Ray, Allison Bailey, Elizabeth Lendrum, Emily Vore, Susan Beiting, Megan Reichert, Suzanne Moody, Emily Rheaume, Richard A Falcone, Meera Kotagal

Background: Children are at significant risk for acute stress after injury which can impair a child's return to prior level of function. Early diagnosis is key to early intervention and reduced impact. This study evaluates factors associated with development and persistence of acute stress symptoms in children after injury.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted of children 7-17 years admitted to a level 1 pediatric trauma center (2020-2024). Patients underwent acute stress screening at discharge and were categorized as asymptomatic (score 0), symptomatic (score 1-5), or positive (score 6+). Symptomatic and positive patients received a follow-up survey one month after discharge. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate factors associated with positive score at discharge and one month.

Results: A total of 603 patients were screened at discharge; 143 were asymptomatic and 460 were symptomatic or positive. Younger age, female sex, Black race, assault as intent of injury and greater neighborhood deprivation level were associated with positive score, on multivariable analysis only age and sex were associated with positive score. A total of 460 patients (76.3 %) had a score of ≥1 at discharge and were eligible for a follow-up call. The follow-up screening was completed by 237 patients (51.5 %). A total of 40 (16.8 %) were positive at one month and 197 (83.1 %) scored negative.

Conclusions: Most children who have symptoms of acute stress at discharge had symptom resolution at one month, however some patients remain positive or develop worsening symptoms. These findings can guide upfront interventions to address acute stress after injury.

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