Evaluation of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in infants with head trauma in the north-west of Iran

Introduction: This study explores the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and their associated outcomes in infants with head trauma treated at the pediatric emergency department (ED) in northwest, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on one hundred children under one year of age, presenting with head trauma at Imam Reza Hospital from 2016 to 2019. Data included demographic characteristics and clinical manifestations. Results: Out of all infants, 62% were male. Falling from heights emerged as the most common etiology, accounting for 70% of incidents. Surgical consultation was performed for 59% of patients, and 22% required endotracheal intubation. Urinary and gastric catheterization were performed in 26% and 15% of cases, respectively. Arterial blood gas (ABG) tests were measured in 18% of patients. Of all patients, 37% were treated as outpatients and 13% were admitted to ICU. Study findings showed a significant association between mortality and gender, ABG tests, X-rays, the utility of NG tube and urinary catheter use, intubation, and fluid therapy (P<0.05). Noteworthy, there was no significant correlation between the cause of injury and patient mortality (P>0.05). Conclusion: Male infants exhibited a higher prevalence of head trauma. The mortality rate was also higher among male infants. The main cause of injury was falls from height. The majority of skull fractures were associated with epidural and subdural hematomas and intraventricular hemorrhage. A large number of patients were discharged on the same day. Mortality rates were higher among patients needing invasive treatment compared to those discharged after observation.