TY - JOUR PY - 2020// TI - Human and economic costs of pediatric firearm injury JO - Journal of pediatric surgery A1 - Quiroz, Hallie J. A1 - Casey, Liann C. A1 - Parreco, Joshua P. A1 - Willobee, Brent A. A1 - Rattan, Rishi A1 - Lasko, David S. A1 - Perez, Eduardo A. A1 - Sola, Juan E. A1 - Thorson, Chad M. SP - ePub EP - ePub VL - ePub IS - ePub N2 - PURPOSE: Pediatric firearm injury is a national crisis that inflicts significant trauma. No studies have captured risk factors for readmissions after firearm injury, including cost analysis.

METHODS: Nationwide Readmissions Database (2010-2014) was queried for patients <18 years admitted after acute firearm injury. Outcomes included mortality, length of stay, hospital costs, and readmission rates (30-day and 1-year). Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors, significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: There were 13,596 children admitted for firearm injury. Mortality rate was 6% (n = 797). Self-inflicted injury was the most lethal (37%, n = 218) followed by unintentional (5%, n = 186), and assault (4%, n = 340), all p < 0.01. Readmission rates at 30 days and 1-year were 6% (12% to different hospital) and 12% (19% to different hospital), respectively. Medicaid patients were more frequently readmitted to the index hospital, whereas self-pay and/or high income were readmitted to a different hospital. The total hospitalizations cost was over $382 million, with $5.4 million due to readmission to a different hospital.

CONCLUSION: While guns cause significant morbidity, disability, and premature mortality in children, they also have a substantial economic impact. This study quantifies the previously unreported national burden of readmission costs and discontinuity of care for this preventable public health crisis. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0022-3468 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.01.045 ID - ref1 ER -