Dog bite injuries in children: a preliminary survey

摘要: Dog bite injuries in children are a preventable health problem. To characterize this type of injury, we have undertaken to define demographic criteria and patterns injury inflicted by dogs our pediatric population. A retrospective chart review was conducted patients with dog admitted Level I trauma center from January 1986 through June 1998. Patient demographics, canine characteristics, hospital patient data were collected analyzed using the Excel program appropriate statistical methodology. There 67 records reviewed. Thirty-eight (57%) male, 29 (43%) female. 43 (64%) white children, 22 (33%) African-American 2 (3%) Hispanic children. The average age 6.2 +/- 4.2 years, an weight 23.3 13.7 kg. More than half attacks occurred afternoon 55 per cent these documented as "unprovoked" attacks. Thirty-one (46%) involved family pets, 30 (45%) known attacked child. head neck greater injuries. Pit bulls caused 25 Large responsible for 88 Forty-four (66%) required operative intervention. Twenty-eight had multiple anatomical areas injured. 44 procedures involving neck, 21 extremities, 6 other body. All 5 years under requiring admission occur more male Caucasian African American majority affected. suffered most devastating not provoked. two-thirds neck. We conclude that effective prevention strategies must stress careful supervision young or neighbor's dog, scenario may easily lead complacency set stage severe injury.