Pediatric Head Injuries Occur During the Play Childhood Period of 3-6 Years: A Sample from the South of Türkiye

Aim: Pediatric head traumas (HT) are of significant concern due to their potential for high mortality rates, which are influenced by the clinical progression of traumatic brain injury (TBI). HT poses a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality across all pediatric age groups, underscoring the importance of effective clinical management and follow-up procedures. The current study aims to evaluate the epidemiology, causes, and clinical outcomes of head injuries during childhood play between the ages of 3 and 6. Material and Method: Focused on pediatric patients aged 3-6 years who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) for HT, and required consultation from a neurosurgeon. Data collected included patients’ demographics, trauma etiology, cranial examination findings, laboratory results upon admission, cranial computed tomography findings, classification of TBI, treatment administered, and clinical progression. Results: The median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were found to be significantly lower in the group with intraparenchymal injury compared to the group without intraparenchymal injury (p=0.008). The group with intraparenchymal injury exhibited a higher than expected occurrence of moderate TBI (p=0.012). Females exhibited significantly lower mean rank scores for age compared to males (p=0.032). Patients hospitalized for HT had significantly lower GCS scores than those discharged (p=0.001). There is a higher prevalence of moderate TBI than expected in the group of hospitalized patients (p=0.008). The mortality rate among hospitalized patients was 5.6%, with lower GCS scores and hyperglycemia upon admission significantly associated with fatalities (p=0.015, p=0.045). Conclusion: Identification and management of moderate TBI are imperative in children presenting to the ED with HT during early childhood play. Children with intraparenchymal injury should be hospitalized. Additionally, hyperglycemia in pediatric HT patients may signify high-energy trauma.