Clinical pattern of pediatric traumatic brain injury and evaluation of the pecarn head trauma rule at Kenyatta National Hospital.
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Date
2020Author
Ng’ang’a, Hudson K
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Introduction
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity in children.
Pediatric TBI may significantly differ from adult TBI in both pathophysiology and management.
As a result of this variations, results derived from adult population studies cannot be applied to
the pediatric population. Therefore, there is a definite need for more research studies to be
designed for this unique population.
From my review of literature, there has been no research done within the last 10 years that
specifically looks at the clinical pattern of pediatric TBI in Kenya. This study intends to
investigate the pattern of pediatric TBI in patients admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital with
an attempt at defining the demographics involved, their characteristics and management with the
aim of generating information that will guide the development of strategies that will help in
preventing and managing pediatric TBI in our setup. Using the data obtained, we will also
evaluate the PECARN head trauma rule in the Kenyan pediatric population as seen at KNH.
Broad Objective
To determine the clinical pattern of pediatric traumatic brain injury and to evaluate the PECARN
head trauma rule in mild TBI at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Methodology
A prospective descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on a total of 101 children who
were seen in the Kenyatta National Hospital accident and emergency unit and diagnosed with
TBI over a six-month period between August 2019 and January 2020. Cases of pediatric
traumatic brain injury that met the inclusion criteria within the time frame specified were
selected for study. SPSS statistical package was utilized for analysis. Frequencies, means and
proportions were calculated. To compare variables student t-test and Chi-square test were
undertaken. Statistical significance was taken at the level.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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