Acute stress disorder in the paediatric surgical children and adolescents injured during the Wenchuan earthquake in China

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and symptoms of acute stress disorder (ASD) in the paediatric surgical children and adolescents injured during the Wenchuan earthquake in China. One hundred eighteen children and adolescent inpatients were surveyed by the ASD scale (ASDS) within 1 month of the earthquake. Using the validated ASDS score above cut‐off threshold levels, the incidence of ASD in this sample was 54.3 per cent. The morbidity of ASD were 56.1, 24.6 and 19.3 per cent in the child, in the early adolescent and in the middle adolescent, respectively. There was no significant difference among the three age groups about the severity of ASD symptom. The proportions of ASD positive were 44.0 per cent in boys and 63.6 per cent in girls that showed significant difference. The exposure risk factors were being buried in the earthquake, injury of parent, injury of relatives, amputation and operation. These results indicated that ASD was widely prevalent among the children and adolescents wounded in the earthquake, which needed an effective psychosocial intervention. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

CHILDREN OR YOUNG ADULTS? A POPULATION‐BASED STUDY ON ADOLESCENT HEAD INJURY

BACKGROUND: The aim was to study the epidemiology of significant adolescent head injury in a statewide population. METHODS: A retrospective review of all significant adolescent (12-19 years old) head injuries over a period of 3 years was undertaken and compared with those of children (0-11 years old) and young adults (20-29 years old). RESULTS: The incidence of significant adolescent head injury was 19.2 per 100,000 adolescents per year. This compared to the incidence in children of 12.9 per 100,000 and in young adult of 14.7 per 100,000. Of all significant adolescent head injuries, 63.9% are managed at adult trauma centres. Demographics, pathology, neurosurgical management, length of intensive care unit stay, ventilated hours and length of hospital stay were similar to those of young adults and significantly different from those of children. Prehospital predictors of mortality were similar across all groups. Adolescent discharge destinations were similar to those of young adults and significantly different from those of children. CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasizes the incidence of and mortality from adolescent head injury. The pattern of adolescent head injury is different from that of children and supports current practice of treatment of a majority of adolescents in adult trauma centres. These differences have implications on planning for injury prevention and trauma management.     

High rates of acute stress disorder impact quality-of-life outcomes in injured adolescents: mechanism and gender predict acute stress disorder risk

BACKGROUND: Injury is the leading cause of death and functional disability in adolescent children. Little is known about quality of life and psychological outcomes after trauma in adolescents. The Trauma Recovery Project in Adolescents is a prospective epidemiologic study designed to examine multiple outcomes after major trauma in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years, including quality of life (QoL) and psychological sequelae such as acute stress disorder (ASD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The specific objectives of the present report are to examine ASD rates and the association of ASD with QoL outcomes in injured adolescents. METHODS: Between April 26, 1999, and November 13, 2002, 401 eligible trauma patients aged 12 to 19 years triaged to five participating trauma center hospitals in a regionalized trauma system were enrolled in the study. The admission criteria for patients were as follows: (1) age 12 to 19 years and (2) injury diagnoses excluding severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury. QoL after trauma was measured using the Quality of Well-being (QWB) scale, a sensitive and well-validated functional index (range, 0 = death to 1.000 = optimum functioning). ASD (before discharge) was diagnosed with the Impact of Events Scale-Revised. Scores of 24+ were used to diagnose ASD. Patient outcomes were assessed at discharge and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after discharge. RESULTS: ASD before discharge was diagnosed in 40% of adolescent trauma survivors. ASD status was associated with large QoL deficits during follow-up, as follows: 3-month, ASD-positive QWB score = 0.667 vs. ASD-negative QWB score = 0.710, p < 0.01; 6-month, ASD-positive QWB score = 0.704 vs. ASD-negative QWB score = 0.742, p < 0.001; 12-month: ASD-positive QWB score = 0.718 vs. ASD-negative QWB score = 0.757, p < 0.01; 24-month, ASD-positive QWB score = 0.725 vs. ASD-negative QWB score = 0.769, p < 0.01. Female sex and violent mechanism predicted ASD risk (47% female vs. 36% male; odds ratio, 1.6; p < 0.05; violence 54% vs. 38%; odds ratio, 1.9; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent trauma survivors have high rates of ASD. ASD severely impacts QoL outcomes and is associated with female sex and mechanism of injury in adolescents. Early recognition and treatment of ASD in seriously injured adolescents will improve QoL outcomes.     

Assessment of psychological functioning in adolescent earthquake victims in Colombia using the MMPI-A

The earthquake that hit Armenia, Colombia, on January 25, 1999, dramatically impacted the lives of thousands of people, including children and adolescents. This study used the Hispanic MMPI-A to clinically assess for ongoing psychopathology in a group of 59 adolescent earthquake victims. Their scores on the basic, content, and supplementary scales of the instrument were compared to those of a control group of 62 Colombian adolescents with similar socioeconomic, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. The results showed no clinically significant elevations for the earthquake victims indicating that the disaster had not resulted in diagnosable psychopathology. When compared to controls, earthquake victims showed significant elevations on D, Pt, and Sc indicating that they were mildly affected (but within the normal range) by the earthquake. The results are discussed in the context of cultural factors and the contemporary disaster and resiliency literature.     

Leucocyte counts in the diagnosis and prognosis of acute appendicitis in children

Preoperative total and differential leucocyte counts were made in 225 children with acute appendicitis, 50 children with a normal appendix and 100 children with acute abdominal pain which resolved without any therapy. When adjusted to age, neutrophilia in 96 per cent, 30 per cent and 32 per cent and leucocytosis in 41.8 per cent, 4 per cent and 3 per cent was noted in the respective groups, the levels being significantly higher in the acute appendicitis group than in the other two groups. Among children with appendicitis, infections were observed in 62.8 per cent of the group with leucocytosis and in 13.7 per cent of the group with a normal leucocyte count; the difference is statistically significant. It is suggested that in acute appendicitis neutrophilia supports the diagnosis and leucocytosis indicates the prognosis. The rate of infection increases as the total leucocyte count rises above the upper normal limit. The difference of opinions on the significance of leucocyte counts in acute appendicitis is discussed.     

Arthroscopy of the knee in children

Diagnostic arthroscopy was performed in 174 consecutive patients under the age of 18 years. Eight arthroscopies were bilateral. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed in only three of 17 knees in children under aged 14 years and in 44 per cent of the knees in older children. The most commonly disproved diagnoses were torn meniscus and chondromalacia patella. Arthroscopy seldom changed the diagnosis in cases of osteochondritis dissecans. In 38 per cent of the knees, arthroscopy revealed no surgical treatable abnormality, and unnecessary arthrotomy was avoided. Arthroscopy in acute hemarthrosis revealed that ligamentous tears are rather common in children; in nine of 25 knees a partial or complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament was demonstrated at arthroscopy. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed in eight knees in cases of hemarthrosis. There was no significant difference between the hemarthrosis group and the remaining group as regards a disproved clinical diagnosis. We conclude that arthrotomy should always be preceded by diagnostic arthroscopy in children and adolescents if the clinical diagnosis leaves any doubt.     

Arthroscopy of the knee in children

Diagnostic arthroscopy was performed in 174 consecutive patients under the age of 18 years. Eight arthroscopies were bilateral. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed in only three of 17 knees in children under aged 14 years and in 44 per cent of the knees in older children. The most commonly disproved diagnoses were torn meniscus and chondromalacia patella. Arthroscopy seldom changed the diagnosis in cases of osteochondritis dissecans. In 38 per cent of the knees, arthroscopy revealed no surgical treatable abnormality, and unnecessary arthrotomy was avoided.

Arthroscopy in acute hemarthrosis revealed that ligamentous tears are rather common in children; in nine of 25 knees a partial or complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament was demonstrated at arthrosocopy. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed in eight knees in cases of hemarthrosis. There was no significant difference between the hemarthrosis group and the remaining group as regards a disproved clinical diagnosis. We conclude that arthrotomy should always be preceded by diagnostic arthroscopy in children and adolescents if the clinical diagnosis leaves any doubt.     

Firearm-related injuries and deaths among children and adolescents in Cape Town--1992-1996.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological profile of firearm-related injuries among children and adolescents in Cape Town during recent years in order to further understand the epidemic of firearm violence as a public health problem in South Africa. DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted of hospital, medico-legal laboratory (mortuary) and police data. SETTING: Metropolitan Cape Town, 1 January 1992-31 December 1996. STUDY POPULATION: All children and adolescents (under 19 years of age) with firearm injuries living in the Cape Town metropole during the study period. RESULTS: During the study period at least 1,736 children and adolescents were victims of firearm-related incidents; of these, 322 died (19%). The incidence of firearm injuries among this group almost tripled from 20.2/100,000 in 1992 to 58.1/100,000 in 1996. The firearm mortality rate also almost tripled during the period under review from 3.8/100,000 in 1992 to 10.3/100,000 in 1996. Approximately 60% of victims were coloured males, with 86% between 13 and 18 years of age. Twenty-one per cent of all victims aged over 12 years who died were intoxicated. Other characteristics of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the incidents are presented. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the escalating epidemic of firearm-related injuries and deaths among children and adolescents in Cape Town. In addition, the study indicates the need for an integrated injury and death reporting system. Further research is needed to understand firearm-related injuries among children and adolescents in South Africa, and to develop policies and programmes for prevention that are effective in this setting.     

Perioperative respiratory compliance in children undergoing repair of atrial septal defects

Children with atrial septal defects (ASD) have less respiratory compliance (Crs) than normal cohorts. There could be implications for anaesthetic management if these children also have decreased compliance during anaesthesia. To examine the changes in Crs before, during and following surgical correction of the atrial defect, Crs was measured in 29 infants and children, 15 undergoing correction of secundum type atrial septal defects, and a group of 14 children of similar weight undergoing non-thoracic surgery. During sedation, Crs was measured using the single breath technique (SBT) and during anaesthesia, both before and after the surgical procedure, an inflation technique was applied to determine Crs. To investigate the aetiology of the difference in Crs, the pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp:Qs) was determined using echocardiography during sedation in the ASD patients. During sedation, Crs in the ASD group was 52.7 +/- 19.5% less than in the control group. The slope of the line of regression of Crs vs height for the ASD group was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of the control group during sedation. However, during anaesthesia, Crs in the ASD group was not significantly different from the control group either before or after surgery. The per cent decrease in Crs during sedation in the children with ASD, in comparison with the control group, did not correlate with the Qp:Qs ratio of the ASD group (r2 = 0.012,NS). We conclude that, in spite of lower Crs during sedation, infants and children with ASD do not have lower Crs during anaesthesia and cardiopulmonary bypass than normal controls undergoing non-thoracic surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

青少年腰椎间盘突出症

为了解青少年腰椎间盘突出症的病因、临床表现及治疗与成人腰椎间盘突出症的区别，总结了３１例２０岁以下青少年手术后远期随访结果。随访平均８年，优良率９３％。作者认为，外伤是造成青少年腰椎间盘突出症的主要原因。临床上较少出现感觉、运动及腱反射异常等神经根损害的表现。治疗上不应过份强调保守治疗，手术治疗可获得满意疗效。     

Gastrointestinal tract perforation in children due to blunt abdominal trauma.

Over a 14-year period 587 children under 13 years of age were admitted with blunt injury to the abdomen. Twenty-nine (4.9 per cent) of these were found to have bowel rupture. Evidence of peritonitis was present at initial evaluation in 11 children (38 per cent). Radiological evidence of perforation (pneumoperitoneum) was present in only five of 27 (19 per cent) with a further six of 27 (22 per cent) showing dilated loops of bowel or fluid levels. Thus 59 per cent of radiographs were not diagnostic. The mean time from admission to laparotomy was 17 h. Proximal bowel perforation was common and perforation at multiple sites occurred in five patients; 59 per cent had a concomitant injury which resulted in two deaths (from head injury). Initial clinical and radiological evidence of bowel perforation can be misleading and reliance on such indicators may result in significant diagnostic delay. Frequently repeated clinical examination is advocated; progression of abdominal signs should alert the clinician to proceed to laparotomy.     

Dangerous toys

Background: Motorcycles are sources of significant injury for children. There is limited data describing New Zealand's experience. The study's aim was to quantify the burden of motorcycle trauma presenting to Starship Children's Hospital by assessing the annual admission rates, severity and pattern of injuries, and patient mortality, and to compare injury patterns of those riding all‐terrain vehicles (ATV) and two‐wheeled motorbikes (MB). Methods: Retrospective chart review of all motorcycle trauma admissions to Starship Children's Hospital between November 1999 and December 2008. Patients were identified using the Starship Trauma Registry. Results: One hundred forty‐six admissions (123 MBs, 23 ATVs). Admissions have increased threefold in 9 years. Mean age was 10.5 years (range 2–14 years). ATV riders were significantly younger than MB riders (median 9 and 12 years, P = 0.001). Eighty‐five per cent of patients were male and New Zealand European. There were two deaths in the study. Median length of stay was 2 days (1–80 days); 7.4% required intensive care admission. The median injury severity score (ISS) was 4 (1–35). Twenty‐six per cent of ATV riders had an ISS >12, and 8.9% of MB riders had and ISS >12, P = 0.03. Eighty‐five per cent of patients with an ISS >12 were under 12 years. Sixty per cent of patients required an operative procedure. No difference in pattern of injuries between in ATVs and motorbikes. Conclusions: Motorcycle trauma admissions are increasing. ATV riders are more severely injured and younger than MB riders. Children <12 years are more likely to be severely injured in comparison to those >12 years.     

Increasing utilization of laparoscopic gastric banding in the adolescent: data from academic medical centers, 2002-2009

Bariatric surgery in the adolescent continues to be a controversial topic. This study compared the utilization and perioperative outcomes of adolescent bariatric surgery performed at academic centers from 2002 to 2006 versus 2007 to 2009. We obtained data from the University HealthSystem Consortium for all adolescent patients (ages 12-18 years) who underwent bariatric surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity between 2002 and 2009. Outcomes including type of procedure, characteristics, length of stay, 30-day readmission, morbidity, and in-hospital mortality were compared between the two time periods. From 2007 to 2009, 340 adolescents underwent bariatric surgery at 63 academic hospitals. The mean number of adolescent bariatric procedures performed/year increased from 61.8 in 2002 to 2006 to 113.3 procedures/year in 2007 to 2009. There was an increase in utilization of laparoscopic gastric banding from 29 per cent to 50 per cent with a decrease in utilization of gastric bypass from 62 per cent to 48 per cent, respectively. For 2007 to 2009, the overall morbidity was 2.9 per cent with a 30-day readmission of 1.5 per cent and an in-hospital mortality of 0 per cent. Within the context of academic medical centers, adolescent bariatric surgery is associated with low morbidity and no mortality. Compared with 2002 to 2006, there has been an increase in the number of adolescent bariatric operations with increase in utilization of the laparoscopic gastric banding.     

Loss to follow‐up among children and adolescents growing up with HIV infection: age really matters

Introduction : Globally, increasing numbers of HIV‐infected children are reaching adolescence due to antiretroviral therapy (ART). We investigated rates of loss‐to‐follow‐up (LTFU) from HIV care services among children as they transition from childhood through adolescence. Methods : Individuals aged 5–19 years initiated on ART in a public‐sector HIV clinic in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, between 2005 and 2009 were included in a retrospective cohort study. Participants were categorized into narrow age‐bands namely: 5–9 (children), 10–14 (young adolescents) and 15–19 (older adolescents). The effect of age at ART initiation, current age (using a time‐updated Lexis expansion) and transitioning from one age group to the next on LTFU was estimated using Poisson regression. Results : Of 2273 participants, 1013, 875 and 385 initiated ART aged 5–9, 10–14 and 15–19 years, respectively. Unlike those starting ART as children, individuals starting ART as young adolescents had higher LTFU rates after moving to the older adolescent age‐band (Adjusted rate ratio (ARR) 1.54; 95% CI: 0.94–2.55) and similarly, older adolescents had higher LTFU rates after transitioning to being young adults (ARR 1.79; 95% CI: 1.05–3.07). In older adolescents, the LTFU rate among those who started ART in that age‐band was higher compared to the rate among those starting ART at a younger age (ARR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.77). This however did not hold true for other age‐groups. Conclusions : Adolescents had higher rates of LTFU compared to other age‐groups, with older adolescents at particularly high risk in all analyses. Age‐updated analyses that examine movement across narrow age‐bands are paramount in understanding how developmental heterogeneity in children affects HIV outcomes.     

The outcome of renal transplantation in children with posterior urethral valves

The effect of vesical dysfunction on the survival and function of renal transplants was evaluated by a retrospective study in which 18 children with posterior urethral valves and 18 children with vesicoureteral reflux were randomly matched with 36 children used as controls. There was no statistically significant difference in patient survival among the 3 groups. Five years after transplantation 50 per cent of the grafts in children with posterior urethral valves were functioning, while 73 and 75 per cent, respectively, of the grafts were functioning in children with vesicoureteral reflux and in the control group. Renal function during the 5 years was significantly better in children in the control group and in those with vesicoureteral reflux than in children with posterior urethral valves. We believe that the presence of an abnormal bladder may alter graft survival and adversely affect the function of the transplanted kidney.     

Alcohol and the adolescent trauma population

Trauma is the leading killer of children and adolescents between 1 and 21 years of age. Alcohol-impaired driving represents the single greatest cause of mortality and morbidity of children over the age of 6. We retrospectively reviewed 878 consecutive adolescent (age range, 16 to 20 years) trauma admissions for blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Four hundred sixty-seven patients had BAC drawn, 258 were BAC-negative (group I), 209 (48%) were BAC-positive (group II). The adolescent drinkers were then compared with a group of 748 adult drinkers (group III). Groups I and II differ in sex, age, time of day of the accident, Injury Severity Score, Glasgow Coma Score, and Revised Trauma Score, whereas group II and III differ by type of accident, type of injury, socioeconomic factors (bad debt), time of day of the injury, and BAC. There were no significant differences in TRISS predicted survival, actual survival, nor mean length of stay. We conclude that (1) alcohol is a significant contributor to injury during adolescence, and (2) adolescent drinkers differ from adult drinkers in their habits, demographics, and socioeconomic status. These socioeconomic differences have implications for the access to and cost-effectiveness of interventions.     

Decompressive craniectomy in trauma patients with severe brain injury

Decompressive craniectomy in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is controversial. We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on all patients requiring surgery for TBI from 1995 through 2001 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Patients were separated into two groups: Group A, craniectomy, and Group B, craniotomy. We had 120 patients; 24 (20%) had craniectomy and 96 (80%) had craniotomy. There were no significant differences in demographics or Injury Severity Scores. The craniectomy group had significantly more TBI as evidenced by more frequently collapsed basilar cisterns on CT scan (P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in actuarial survival between the groups: 52.8 per cent in the craniectomy group and 79.2 per cent in the craniotomy group (P = 0.08). Calculated mortality for craniectomy was 37.5 per cent versus 18.8 per cent for craniotomy (P = NS). We found four preoperative findings to be significant predictors of mortality: 1) Glasgow Coma Scale score, 2) Injury Severity Score, 3) Simplified Acute Physiology Score, and 4) Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II. The type of surgery was not found to be a significant predictor of death even when adjusted for severity of injury. Craniectomy may be helpful for patients with TBI associated with preoperative CT scan evidence of basilar cistern collapse. This is evidenced by similar survival rates between the two groups despite clinical evidence of greater TBI among craniectomy patients.     

A prospective, population-based, follow-up study of mild traumatic brain injury in children

OBJECTIVE: Outline the annual incidence of mild traumatic brain injury in children, aged 0-17 years, using the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine classification and record the presence of new symptoms up to six months after injury. SETTINGS AND METHODS: The study population comprised all the children in the age group of 0-17 years (a total of 40,984) in an administrative district in south-western Sweden. All the individuals registered in the Brain Injury Register, during the periods 1 January to 30 June 1999 and 1 April to 30 September 2000, fulfilling the inclusion criteria defined by American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, were included. New symptoms occurring three to six months after the injury were recorded using a mailed 21-item questionnaire. RESULTS: 192 children fulfilled the criteria, yielding an annual incidence of 468/100,000 (95% CI 402-535/100,000). Boys accounted for 57 per cent and fall injuries accounted for 61 per cent of the external causes. New symptoms were reported by 24 per cent of those who answered the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the annual incidence of mild traumatic brain injury in children was almost as high as that among adults in the same area and population.     

The last 10 years in a burn centre in Ankara, Turkey: an analysis of 5264 cases

This is a retrospective study analysing 5264 patients treated in the burn centre at Gülhane Military Medical Academy from 1 January 1986 to 31 December 1995. Our burn centre is not only the firs, but one of the best established and supported in Turkey. Our present study has the largest patient group of other previously published studies from Turkey. Of the total patients studied, 4464 patients had minor burns and were treated on an outpatient basis and 800 patients had moderate to major burns. Although our centre is in a military area in Ankara, only 1047 (20 per cent) patients were military personnel and the military-related burn causes comprised only 6 per cent of the total. The remaining 4217 (80 per cent of the total patients) were civilians. Flame injuries were also more frequent in military patients than civilians. Minor burns were most common in the age group 0–10 years old (40 per cent) and moderate to major burns in the age group 21–30 years (54 per cent). Scalds were the main cause of paediatric burns. Male patients were dominant. The overall mortality among inpatients was 18.2 per cent and mean total body surface area (TBSA) was 57.6 per cent in patients who died. 134 patients demonstrated inhalation injury and 82 per cent of these patients died. The epidemiological pattern of our patients is similar to that in other studies from developed countries, although some ethnic causative factors could be found. Our study indicates that emergency measures should be taken to prevent flame injuries at military barracks and industrial workplaces and scalding accidents to children at home and throughout the country.     

Burn injuries in the Dong Bei area of China: a study of 12,606 cases.

This survey analyses data from nine Chinese burn units with respect to age, causes, severity of burn injury, and survival or death of patients admitted to hospital during the past 10 years (from January 1980 to December 1989). Of 12,606 burned patients treated, 3391 were children (26.9 per cent) and over half the children (52.3 per cent) were up to 4 years old. Almost 60 per cent of the 12,606 patients treated were in the young adult group (15-44 years), and 86.9 per cent of 12,606 patients sustained thermal injuries mainly from fire flames followed by scald injuries (40.7 per cent). About 93 per cent of the patients had burns covering less than 50 per cent of the body surface area. The overall mortality rate was 1.24 per cent. The LD50 for the 12,112 patients less than 60 years old was a burned surface area exceeding 80 per cent of the total body surface area.