H. Aziz1, P. Rhee1, V. Pandit1, M. Khalil1, R. S. Friese1, B. Joseph1 1University Of Arizona,Trauma/Surgery/Medicine,Tucson, AZ, USA
Introduction:
Alcohol misuse is an important source of preventable injuries in the adolescent population. While alcohol screening and brief interventions are required at American College of Surgeons-accredited trauma centers, there is no standard screening method. The aim of our study was assess the effect of alcohol and illicit drugs in pediatric trauma outcomes.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective analysis of the NTDB. Pediatric patients (≤ 20) who were tested for alcohol and/ or illicit drugs were included in the analysis. Outcome measures were difference in complications and mortality between the two groups.
Results:
A total of 31,923 pediatric trauma patients were tested for alcohol; 21% of whom tested positive for alcohol. Of the 17,053 patients tested for illicit drugs; 14 % were tested positive for illicit drug use. Propensity matched analysis revealed that pediatric patient with alcohol/illicit drugs use were more likely to have in hospital complications (21% vs. 16%; p-0.01) and a higher mortality rates (7% vs 3%; p-0.001) as compared to their counterparts.
Conclusion:
Alcohol and illicit drugs use and abuse are associated significant consequences in pediatric population. Our study highlights the increasing use of alcohol and illicit drugs in pediatric trauma patients. Strict screening criteria in pediatric trauma patients are warranted.
