@article{ref1,
title="An epidemiological analysis of pediatric dog bite injuries over a decade",
journal="Journal of surgical research",
year="2019",
author="Cook, Julia A. and Sasor, Sarah E. and Soleimani, Tahereh and Chu, Michael W. and Tholpady, Sunil S.",
volume="246",
number="",
pages="231-235",
abstract="BACKGROUND: An estimated 800,000 dog bites require medical attention every year. The purpose of this study is to review the characteristics of dog bite injuries in children and examine temporal trends. <br><br>METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database was used to identify pediatric patients with dog bite injuries over a 10-y period. Demographic data, primary payer, injury characteristics, length of hospitalization, and treatments were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC). <br><br>RESULTS: A total of 6308 patients were identified. Average age at time of injury was 6.4 ± 4.3 y. Children under age 5 y were the most affected subgroup (39.3% in 2000 versus 44.7% in 2009, P < 0.001). Most bites were to the head/neck and significantly increased from 53.9% in 2000 to 60.1% in 2009. Cellulitis complicated many injuries (33.7% in 2000 versus 44.8% in 2009, P < 0.001). Overall, 50% of patients underwent a procedure; 31% had an invasive surgical procedure; and 5.1% of patients required skin grafts or flaps. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Dog bites are a common cause of pediatric injuries and are a significant burden on families and the health care system. Evaluating the characteristics of these injuries can guide educational efforts.<br><br>Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-4804",
doi="10.1016/j.jss.2019.09.013",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2019.09.013"
}