Citation

Patterson KN, Horvath KZ, Minneci PC, Thakkar R, Wurster LA, Noffsinger DL, Bourgeois T, Deans KJ. World J. Pediatr. Surg. 2022; 5(2): e000281.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/wjps-2021-000281

PMID

36474513

PMCID

PMC9716788

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dog bites are one of the leading causes of non-fatal emergency room visits in children. These injuries not only cause physical harm but can lead to long-term psychological stress. This study evaluated the current literature related to pediatric dog bite injuries to identify research gaps which should be prioritized to improve a major public health concern.

METHODS: We performed a keyword search of PubMed, Scopus, and OVID Medline databases (January 1980- March 2020) for all published studies focused on dog bite injuries in the pediatric population (≤18 years of age) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

RESULTS: Out of 1859 abstracts screened, 43 studies involving 86 880 patients were included. Twenty-nine studies were retrospective chart reviews characterizing the epidemiology of dog bites and their associated treatment outcomes; six were prospective cohort studies; two were cross-sectional studies; and six were experimental studies. Synthesized results demonstrate that children <9 years of age suffer the greatest burden of injuries, with children <6 years of age at higher risk of more severe injuries involving the head, neck, and face.

CONCLUSION: Studies analyzing the prevention or psychosocial consequences of dog bites injuries are needed.

Language: en

Keywords

pediatric; pediatrics; hospital; hospitals; child health; emergency service