Pediatric trauma at an Adult Trauma Center

Background: Accidental traumatic injury is the number 1 cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. In this study, we aim to prove that certain pediatric patients can be treated with good outcomes at an adult level 1 trauma center. Methods: Retrospective analysis using the Howard University Hospital trauma registry identified 71 patients treated at Howard University Hospital between the ages of 1 and 17 years old. Specific variables were identified and collected for each patient. Results: The majority of pediatric traumas treated at Howard University Hospital between June 2004 and May 2005 had high survival rates (93%). The patients who did not survive (7%) included 3 patients who were dead on arrival and 2 who died shortly after arrival to the hospital. Conclusions: Certain pediatric populations who present with minor and/or isolated injuries can be treated in an adult level 1 trauma center with similar outcomes to treatment in a pediatric level 1 trauma center.