{"title":"Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injuries in Natural Disasters, a Call for Better Preparedness: A Systematic Literature Review.","authors":"Alex S Aguirre, Kenny Rojas, Alcy R Torres","doi":"10.1177/08830738251323430","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionPediatric traumatic brain injuries arising from natural disasters pose a significant long-term risk, particularly in the vulnerable population of children in high-stress situations. We aimed to gain insights into this matter to increase its understanding and potentially address health disparities with evidence.MethodsWe searched the 5 databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify publications discussing traumatic brain injuries in children in the context of natural disasters. Of 32,785 records, only 9 met criteria for inclusion. We extracted and analyzed clinical data relevant to our topic.ResultsTraumatic brain injuries are one of the most prevalent injuries found in this pediatric population accountable for the major risk factor for morbidity and fatalities, followed by orthopedic injuries and infected wounds. Males and females were affected equally, with a mean age around 9.8 years. Mortality rates varied but were lower than 16%, contingent on the severity of the disaster and the level of preparedness of the affected area.ConclusionsHead injuries are one of the most prevalent pediatric injuries in disasters. However, there is limited evidence-based information regarding best strategies and care for children experiencing traumatic brain injuries in this context. This study suggests the need of a concerted effort to strengthen preparedness for natural disasters to ultimately foster a safer world for the children.</p>","PeriodicalId":15319,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child Neurology","volume":" ","pages":"8830738251323430"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0000,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Child Neurology","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08830738251323430","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"CLINICAL NEUROLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
IntroductionPediatric traumatic brain injuries arising from natural disasters pose a significant long-term risk, particularly in the vulnerable population of children in high-stress situations. We aimed to gain insights into this matter to increase its understanding and potentially address health disparities with evidence.MethodsWe searched the 5 databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to identify publications discussing traumatic brain injuries in children in the context of natural disasters. Of 32,785 records, only 9 met criteria for inclusion. We extracted and analyzed clinical data relevant to our topic.ResultsTraumatic brain injuries are one of the most prevalent injuries found in this pediatric population accountable for the major risk factor for morbidity and fatalities, followed by orthopedic injuries and infected wounds. Males and females were affected equally, with a mean age around 9.8 years. Mortality rates varied but were lower than 16%, contingent on the severity of the disaster and the level of preparedness of the affected area.ConclusionsHead injuries are one of the most prevalent pediatric injuries in disasters. However, there is limited evidence-based information regarding best strategies and care for children experiencing traumatic brain injuries in this context. This study suggests the need of a concerted effort to strengthen preparedness for natural disasters to ultimately foster a safer world for the children.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Child Neurology (JCN) embraces peer-reviewed clinical and investigative studies from a wide-variety of neuroscience disciplines. Focusing on the needs of neurologic patients from birth to age 18 years, JCN covers topics ranging from assessment of new and changing therapies and procedures; diagnosis, evaluation, and management of neurologic, neuropsychiatric, and neurodevelopmental disorders; and pathophysiology of central nervous system diseases.