TY - JOUR PY - 2006// TI - The impact of pediatric trauma in the Amish community JO - Journal of pediatrics A1 - Thomas, Nicholas J. A1 - Ceneviva, Gary D. A1 - Vitale, Melissa A. A1 - Shaffer, Michele L. A1 - Rzucidlo, Susan SP - 359 EP - 365 VL - 148 IS - 3 N2 - OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiology of trauma in Amish children and to determine differences in treatment and outcome related to injury mechanism. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective review, data were collected on all Amish children with trauma requiring hospital admission. Demographic, interventional, and outcome data were collected. Categorical outcomes were compared by using chi-square, logistic regression, or Fisher exact test; continuous outcomes were compared with analysis of variance. RESULTS: A total of 135 trauma admissions were studied. There was a significant difference of proportion of injury by month (P < .01). The most common mechanisms of injury were falls (39%), buggy versus motor vehicle accidents (MVA; 16%), and animal injuries (14%). A total of 41% of patients required operative procedures, and 50% of subjects required intensive care. Animal injuries and buggy versus MVA were significantly associated with a requirement for surgery, increased length of stay, and increased severity (all P < .01). The overall mortality rate was 3%. There were significant associations between mechanism of injury and outcome scores (P < .05) and hospital charges (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The spectrum of traumatic injuries is unique among Amish children. These injuries contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality and impose a large monetary burden on the Amish community. Education may decrease the incidence of these events.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0022-3476 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2005.10.036 ID - ref1 ER -