Clinical pattern of pediatric traumatic brain injury and evaluation of the pecarn head trauma rule at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Abstract

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.