Citation

Harris VA, Rochette LM, Smith GA. Pediatrics 2011; 128(3): 455-462.

Affiliation

Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; and.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

10.1542/peds.2010-2687

PMID

21859909

Abstract

Objective: To examine the epidemiological features of pediatric injuries related to falls from windows. Methods: By using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, emergency department (ED) data for pediatric injury cases associated with window falls in 1990-2008 were reviewed. Results: An estimated 98 415 children (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82 416-114 419) were treated in US hospital EDs for window fall-related injuries during the 19-year study period (average: 5180 patients per year [95% CI: 4828-5531]). The mean age of children was 5.1 years, and boys accounted for 58.1% of cases. One-fourth (25.4%) of the patients required admission to the hospital. The annual injury rate decreased significantly during the study period because of a decrease in the annual injury rate among 0- to 4-year-old children. Children 0 to 4 years of age were more likely to sustain head injuries (injury proportion ratio [IPR]: 3.22 [95% CI: 2.65-3.91]) and to be hospitalized or to die (IPR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.38-1.97]) compared with children 5 to 17 years of age. Children who landed on hard surfaces were more likely to sustain head injuries (IPR: 2.05 [95% CI: 1.53-2.74]) and to be hospitalized or to die (IPR: 2.23 [95% CI: 1.57-3.17]) compared with children who landed on cushioning surfaces. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate window fall-related injuries treated in US hospital EDs by using a nationally representative sample. These injuries are an important pediatric public health problem, and increased prevention efforts are needed, including development and evaluation of innovative prevention programs.

Keywords: Window falls

Language: en