Citation

Kiragu AW, Dunlop SJ, Wachira BW, Saruni SI, Mwachiro M, Slusher T. J. Pediatr. Intensive Care 2017; 6(1): 52-59.

Affiliation

Division of Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-0036-1584676

PMID

31073425

PMCID

PMC6260264

Abstract

Traumatic injuries are a significant cause of death and disability worldwide. The vast majority of these injuries occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Attention to protocolized care and adaptations to treatments based on availability of resources, regionalization of care, and the development of centers of excellence within each LMIC are crucial to improving outcomes and lowering trauma-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Given limitations in the availability of the resources necessary to provide the levels of care found in high-income countries, strategies to prevent trauma and make the best use of available resources when prevention fails, and thus achieve the best possible outcomes for injured and critically ill children, are vital. Overall, a commitment on the part of governments in LMICs to the provision of adequate health care services to their populations will improve the outcomes of injured children. This review details the evaluation and management of traumatic injuries in pediatric patients and gives some recommendations for improvements to trauma care in LMICs.

Language: en

Keywords

emergency management; low- and middle-income countries; pediatrics; prevention; trauma; trauma systems