TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2009//
TI  - Long-term health condition in major pediatric trauma: a pilot study
JO  - Journal of pediatric surgery
A1  - Janssens, Loes
A1  - Gorter, Jan Willem
A1  - Ketelaar, Marjolijn
A1  - Kramer, William L. M.
A1  - Holtslag, Herman R.
SP  - 1591
EP  - 1600
VL  - 44
IS  - 8
N2  - PURPOSE: Major trauma is the leading cause of death in children of developed countries. However, little is known about its long-term health consequences in survivors. Our aim was to describe the health condition in children at long-term after major trauma. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of severely injured children (Injury Severity Score > or =16, age <16) admitted to a Dutch level I trauma center in 1999 to 2000 (N = 40). About 7 years after trauma (median, 7.3; range, 6.3-8.2 years), survivors' health condition was assessed with the following: guides to the evaluation of permanent impairment of the American Medical Association (AMA-guides), Glasgow Outcome Scales (GOS/GOSE), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). RESULTS: Of 40 children, 28 were followed up. Most (n = 16; 57%) had no impairments (AMA guides); minor to severe impairments were found in 12 of the respondents. About 80% (n = 22) had good recovery (GOS 5 and GOSE 7/8); the remaining had moderately disability (GOS 4 or GOSE 5/6). The mean scores on the VABS and the frequency of behavioral problems on the CBCL (24%) and the SDQ (20%) were comparable to healthy peers. CONCLUSIONS: This long-term follow-up study after major trauma revealed that most children had a health condition comparable to healthy peers; about 40% of the respondents was physically impaired or restricted in daily activities. Our experiences with different measures may be helpful to apply age-appropriate outcome measures for the clinical follow-up of children after major trauma and to design future longitudinal studies.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0022-3468
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2009.02.054
ID  - ref1
ER  -