USA

Case Control

N=26,276

Population: TBI; Pediatric Trauma Center (n=3,737): Median Age=13yr; Gender: Male=2,571, Female=1,166. Adult Trauma Center (n=22,539): Median Age=17yr; Gender: Male=19,430, Female=3,109.

Intervention: Outcomes for pediatric patients with penetrating injuries who went to pediatric trauma centers versus adult trauma centers were compared.

Outcome Measure: In-hospital Mortality, Discharge Location.

1.      There was no significant difference in adjusted odds ratio for mortality between patients who went to pediatric trauma centers versus adult trauma centers

2.      Children age≤12 yr (p<0.001), those with gunshot wounds (p<0.001), and those who underwent emergency operations at pediatric trauma centers (p<0.004) were more likely to be discharged home.