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COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Alters Pediatric Injury Patterns in Emergency Departments

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A recent study published in the Pediatrics journal examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric injury-related visits to children's hospital emergency departments in the United States. The research, conducted by investigators at Ohio State University College of Medicine, analyzed data from the Pediatric Health Information System to identify injury-related emergency department visits at 41 children's hospitals during the pandemic period (March 15, 2020, to March 14, 2021) and a three-year comparator period (March 15, 2017-March 14, 2020). The study found that overall, emergency department injury-related visits decreased by 26.6% during the first year of the pandemic, with the largest decline observed in minor injuries. However, there was a relative increase in injuries with the highest severity, including firearms, pedal cyclists, and suffocation/asphyxiation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 26.6% decline in pediatric injury-related emergency department visits during the first year of the pandemic.
  • The largest decline was observed in minor injuries, with decreases of 41.7% in superficial injuries and 62.4% in sprains/strains during the early pandemic period.
  • There was a relative increase in injuries with the highest severity, including firearms (22.9% early, 42.8% middle, 37% late), pedal cyclists (60.4%, 24.9%, 32.2%), and suffocation/asphyxiation (21.4%, 20.2%, 28.4%).
  • Injuries due to suicide intent decreased by 16.2% early, 19.9% middle, and 21.8% late.
  • Mechanisms of injury with significant relative increases included other transportation (20.8%, 25.3%, 17.9%).
  • Injuries with the greatest relative declines included superficial injuries and sprains/strains.
  • The pandemic period saw a significant increase in injuries resulting in serious-critical injuries (15.9% early, 4.9% middle, 20.6% late).

Statistics:

  • 26.6% decrease in pediatric injury-related emergency department visits during the first year of the pandemic.
  • 41.7% decline in superficial injuries during the early pandemic period.
  • 62.4% reduction in sprains/strains during the early pandemic period.
  • 15.9% increase in injuries resulting in serious-critical injuries during the early pandemic period.
  • 42.8% relative increase in firearms-related injuries during the middle pandemic period.
  • 60.4% relative increase in pedal cyclists-related injuries during the early pandemic period.
  • 21.4% relative increase in suffocation/asphyxiation injuries during the early pandemic period.

Sources:

  • Injury-Related Pediatric Emergency Department Visits in the First Year of COVID-19. Pediatrics, 2022, 150(4).
  • NewsRx. Studies in the Area of COVID-19 Reported from Ohio State University College of Medicine (Injury-Related Pediatric Emergency Department Visits in the First Year of COVID-19). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. December 3, 2023; p 551.

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