Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Children Admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Following a Severe Inflicted Injury: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study of Clinical Factors Associated with the Maltreatment of Children

Background: Child maltreatment is a widespread problem around the world, with an increasing amount of victims both at home and abroad. However, this issue often fails to be properly recognized, and promptly identifying maltreatment remains a challenge. In our study, we observe the clinical factors associated with child maltreatment at a tertiary care children’s hospital. Methods: We recruited 60 patients from January 2011 to May 2017 who were suspected victims of child abuse or neglect and were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Patient characteristics, including age, gender, chronic comorbid conditions, immunization schedules, severity of disease, and length of PICU stay, and one-year outcome were recorded and analyzed. Results: Of the 60 patients enrolled in this study, the median age when the suspected maltreatment event occurred was 9 months old. Our study revealed a higher incidence of underlying disease, new onset seizures, and missed vaccinations in the abused group. The length of hospital stay is 17.5 days and 5 days in the abused group and the neglected group, respectively (P<0.001). The abused group tend to have poor one-year outcome significantly Conclusion: Abusive events not only result in harm to children but also because longer hospital stays that become financial burdens in health care. By better understanding the importance of early intervention against abuse, we can take action to save these children and prevent tragedies