Chest Injury in Children in Amman – Jordan

Abstract

This is a retrospective study of 42 children admitted for treatment of chest injuries during a 5-years period (1990 – 1995) at King Hussein Medical Center, Amman – Jordan. Types of injury, age group, and sex incidence were recorded. Thirty children (71.5%) suffered blunt chest trauma. Twenty-seven (64%) were boys while fifteen (36%) were girls. Mean age was 10 years (1-14 years). The majority were involved in vehicular-pedestrian and road traffic accidents. Twelve (28.5%) were victims of penetrating injuries. Five cases required thoracotomy, four cases required lapatotomy and thoracotomy and nine patients (21%) died. Routine use of third generation cephalosporins was effective, steroids were not used routinely. Epinephrine and bronchodilators nebulizers were used routinely specially post extubation. Chest injuries in children are increasing and is a cause of significant mortality. Chest injuries are common in our country, specially in school age group. Public awareness is mandatory to reduce the incidence of these injuries

Key Words: chest injuries, penetrating and blunt injury, children.

Mary Slessor Journal of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2004: 72-75