Evaluation Of Pediatric Emergency Presentations Managed Under A Mandatory Reporting Framework: A Retrospective Analysis Of 1,198 Cases

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the demographic characteristics, etiologies, temporal patterns, and emergency department outcomes of pediatric forensic cases presenting to a tertiary emergency department. Material and Methods: Medical records of patients under 18 years managed under mandatory reporting from January 1 to December 31, 2024, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics, admission causes, timing, seasonal distribution, and outcomes were analyzed. Multivariable regression identified characteristics that distinguished trauma from poisoning presentations. Results: A total of 1,198 cases were included, with a median age of 11.9 years (IQR: 5.2–15.8) and 63.3% male. Trauma accounted for 78.8% of cases, followed by poisoning (18.1%). Trauma was more common in males and in summer, whereas poisoning was more frequent in females and peaked in winter. Suicide attempts accounted for 31.8% of poisoning cases, predominantly among adolescents. Multiple drug ingestion was the leading cause of suicidal poisoning, whereas accidental poisonings mainly resulted from food-related toxins and corrosive agents. In multivariable analysis, male sex (aOR 3.60, 95% CI 2.61–4.98), presentation within two hours (aOR 3.05, 95% CI 2.14–4.34), and season (p < 0.001) were independently associated with trauma; age and arrival mode were not. Conclusion: Pediatric cases show distinct patterns by age, sex, and season, informing departmental planning and preventive strategies.

Keywords

• Child
• Emergency Service
• Poisoning
• Suicide
• Wounds and Injuries

Supporting Institution

None.

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Aydın Adnan Menderes University Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee (Protocol No: 2025/95, Decision No: 19; March 20, 2025). Informed consent was waived due to the study's retrospective design.

Thanks

None.

Evaluation Of Pediatric Emergency Presentations Managed Under A Mandatory Reporting Framework: A Retrospective Analysis Of 1,198 Cases

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışma, üçüncü basamak bir acil servise başvuran pediatrik adli olguların demografik özelliklerini, etiyolojilerini, zamansal örüntülerini ve acil servis sonuçlarını değerlendirdi. Gereç ve Yöntem: 1 Ocak–31 Aralık 2024 tarihleri arasında zorunlu bildirim kapsamında yönetilen 18 yaş altındaki hastaların tıbbi kayıtları retrospektif olarak incelendi. Demografik özellikler, başvuru nedenleri, zamanlama, mevsimsel dağılım ve sonuçlar analiz edildi. Çok değişkenli regresyon analizi, travma başvurularını zehirlenme başvurularından ayırt eden özellikleri belirledi. Bulgular: Toplam 1.198 olgu dahil edildi; ortanca yaş 11,9 yıl (ÇAA: 5,2–15,8) olup olguların %63,3'ü erkekti. Travma olguların %78,8'ini, zehirlenme ise %18,1'ini oluşturdu. Travma erkeklerde ve yaz aylarında daha sık görülürken, zehirlenme kadınlarda daha sıktı ve kış aylarında zirve yaptı. İntihar girişimleri zehirlenme olgularının %31,8'ini oluşturdu ve ağırlıklı olarak adölesanlarda görüldü. Çoklu ilaç alımı intihar amaçlı zehirlenmelerin önde gelen nedeni iken, kazara zehirlenmeler başlıca gıda kaynaklı toksinler ve korozif maddelerden kaynaklandı. Çok değişkenli analizde erkek cinsiyet (aOR 3,60, %95 GA 2,61–4,98), ilk iki saat içinde başvuru (aOR 3,05, %95 GA 2,14–4,34) ve mevsim (p < 0,001) travma ile bağımsız olarak ilişkiliydi; yaş ve başvuru şekli ilişkili değildi. Sonuç: Pediatrik olgular yaş, cinsiyet ve mevsime göre farklı örüntüler göstermekte olup, bu durum bölüm planlaması ve önleyici stratejiler için bilgi sağlamaktadır.

Keywords

• Çocuk
• Acil Servis
• Zehirlenme
• İntihar
• Yaralar ve Yaralanmalar

Supporting Institution

Yoktur.

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma Aydın Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Girişimsel Olmayan Klinik Araştırmalar Etik Kurulu tarafından onaylanmıştır (Protokol No: 2025/95, Karar No: 19; 20 Mart 2025). Çalışmanın retrospektif tasarımı nedeniyle bilgilendirilmiş onam gerekliliği etik kurul tarafından kaldırılmıştır.

Thanks

Yoktur.

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