J. Green1, R. N. Damle1, G. Keefe3, J. Brady3, M. Hazeltine3, P. P. Nazarey2, M. P. Hirsh2, J. T. Aidlen2 1University Of Massachusetts Medical School,General Surgery,Worcester, MA, USA 2University Of Massachusetts Medical School,Pediatric Surgery,Worcester, MA, USA 3University Of Massachusetts Medical School,Medical School,Worcester, MA, USA
Introduction:
Non-Accidental Trauma (NAT) rates are higher when parents have unplanned pregnancy, poor prenatal care or feel a lack of community support. Young parents are likely to have limited resources, exposing them to significant stressors. We explored whether the incidence of positive skeletal survey and suspected NAT in pediatric patients correlates with maternal age.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective analysis of trauma patients (<18 years old) evaluated with skeletal surveys at our institution from 2005-2015. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Mother ≤ 25 and Mother >25 years old. Incidence of suspected NAT (defined by a child being removed from custody) was compared between groups. Statistical comparisons were performed using Chi-squared analysis or Student’s t-test where appropriate.
Results:
A total of 96 patients were identified for inclusion, 48 in each group. On average, children were younger in the younger mother’s group (21 months vs. 32 months, p < 0.001). There were no differences in race, gender, injury-severity-score or level of trauma activation between groups. A positive skeletal survey was found in 22% of all patients: 25% of those with younger mothers and 21% of those with mothers >25 (p=0.63). Most common injury locations were head (66%), upper extremities (28%) and lower extremities (19%), with no difference between groups. NAT was suspected in 58% of patients overall, with no difference between groups (65% vs 52%, p = 0.21)
Conclusion:
Following evaluation for traumatic injuries, incidence of positive skeletal survey and suspicion of NAT rates are comparable in pediatric trauma patients regardless of the mother’s age.