Paediatric Road Traffic Injuries in Emergency Department in Malaysia: The Prevalence and Outcome

Abstract

Background: Paediatric road traffic injuries have become an alarming health issue seen globally as well as in Malaysia.  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, patterns of injuries, outcomes and factors associated with the outcomes of road traffic injuries among paediatric age group who attended a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.

Methodology: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted amongst paediatrics age group whose involved in road traffic injury in 2021. Information attained were patients’ demographics, injury profiles, assessment in emergency department, and outcomes. Every patient will be scored according to three trauma scores: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Paediatric Trauma Score (PTS), and Revised Trauma Score (RTS).

Results: A total of 240 paediatric patients were studied. Prevalence of 2.35 road traffic injuries per 100 inpatient paediatric patients was seen. Motorbike riders were most affected with 50%. Head injury was the most common injury seen (31%). There was a significant association of pain score and Injury Severity Score (ISS) with hospital admission. There was a significant association of Paediatric Trauma Score (PTS) and lower limb injury with surgical intervention. The mortality rate for paediatrics road traffic injuries was 1.3% (3 out of 240).

Conclusion: Incorporation of trauma scores such as ISS and PTS can be used as the prognostic tools in admission and intervention aspect of paediatric road traffic injuries.