Presentation, Evaluation, and Outcomes of Infants Under 3 Months With Skull Fractures.

BACKGROUND

Head injuries in infants are common but challenging to assess due to minor mechanisms potentially causing significant injury, nonspecific symptoms, and the risk of nonaccidental trauma (NAT).

STUDY

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluates clinical presentations, assessments, and outcomes in infants with skull fractures, with and without intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a tertiary care children's hospital, identifying 291 infants (mean age: 6 weeks) with skull fractures via computed tomography imaging and ICD9/ICD10 codes.

RESULTS

Most infants (80%, n = 232) had reported falls, and 83% (n = 240) presented with scalp hematomas. Glasgow Coma Scores were 14 to 15 in 81% (n = 234), while 1.5% (n = 5) scored below 8. ICH was present in 55% (n = 161), with subdural hemorrhage being the most common (53%, n = 86). Vomiting occurred in 8% (n = 23), with loss of consciousness rare (2%, n = 7). Provider-documented normal behavior (84%, n = 244) and parent-reported normal behavior (53%, n = 155) showed relative risks of 1.32 and 1.21 for ICH, respectively. Fracture type (75% nondisplaced/nondepressed, 21% displaced/depressed) did not predict ICH (p = 0.20). Critical care admission was required for 61% (n = 178), and 4% (n = 12) underwent surgery. Child welfare assessments were conducted in 64% (n = 186), more frequently in ICH cases (65%, n = 120 vs. 35%, n = 66; p < 0.001). Skeletal surveys (21%, n = 62) were abnormal in 24% (n = 15).

CONCLUSION

Infants under 3 months with skull fractures often present with minor injury mechanisms and subtle symptoms, yet over half have ICH, and nearly a quarter require evaluations for NAT. Clinicians should exercise caution when assessing head injuries in this age group.