Analysis of Children Brought to the Emergency Department due to Gunshot Injuries: A 7-Year Retrospective Analysis

Background: Gunshot injuries (GSIs), a serious public health problem, can affect the pediatric age group and adults. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the injuries that occurred in children aged 0-16 years who were brought to the emergency department (ED) of Şehitkamil State hospital in Gaziantep, Turkey, due to GSIs. Methods: This descriptive-retrospective study was conducted in the ED of the child trauma center of Gaziantep. This study retrospectively reviewed the records of children aged 0 - 16 years admitted to the ED with GSIs from 01/01/2014 to 30/09/2020. Results: A total of 66 GSI cases were included in the study. The most common injury was in the abdominal region. Internal organ/vessel/bone injuries were detected in 59.1% of the cases (n = 39). Surgical treatment was applied to 60.6% of the cases (n = 40) within 7 days. The mortality rate was 12.1% (n = 8). The length of stay in the trauma unit was 4.34 ± 4.33 days. Conclusion: Most injuries are detected in the abdomen. GSI was more common in boys. The prognosis is worse in those with internal organ/vascular/bone injuries. These patients have higher mortality, longer hospital stay, and a higher rate of surgical operation.