Characteristics of head injuries in children at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Jeddah: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION

Head injuries in children are a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. However, detailed data on the characteristics of pediatric head injuries across different regions of Saudi Arabia remain limited. In this study, conducted at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital (KASCH) in Jeddah, we aimed to identify the distinctive patterns of head injuries in children.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 308 pediatric patients aged <14 years who presented to KASCH between 2016 and 2023. Patients were categorized into three age groups (<1, 1-6, and >6-14 years). Data on demographics, injury types and causes, clinical presentation, imaging modalities, disabilities, Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale scores, ophthalmologic findings, and hematological profiles were extracted from the BESTCare system. Comparisons across age groups were performed for injury mechanisms, types, and clinical presentation, and associations between injury type and length of hospital stay were evaluated.

RESULTS

Most patients were male (67.9%), with a mean age of 4.07 ± 3.9 years. Among patients aged <1 year, falls (76.3%), subgaleal hematoma (27.7%), and head swelling (43.5%) were the most common. In those aged 1-6 years, falls (63.8%), lacerations (74.7%), and bleeding (75%) predominated. In patients aged >6-14 years, motor vehicle accidents (42.7%), subgaleal hematoma (24.1%), and bleeding (22.8%) were the most frequent. Lacerations and concussions were associated with shorter hospital stays, whereas other injury types were associated with longer stays.

DISCUSSION: Age-stratified differences in injury characteristics underscore the importance of age-specific approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and management of pediatric head injuries.