An Epidemiological Analysis of Pediatric Dog Bite Injuries Over a Decade. J Surg Res 2020 Feb;246:231-235
Date
10/14/2019Pubmed ID
31606513DOI
10.1016/j.jss.2019.09.013Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85072989969 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 19 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: An estimated 800,000 dog bites require medical attention every year. The purpose of this study is to review the characteristics of dog bite injuries in children and examine temporal trends.
METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database was used to identify pediatric patients with dog bite injuries over a 10-y period. Demographic data, primary payer, injury characteristics, length of hospitalization, and treatments were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC).
RESULTS: A total of 6308 patients were identified. Average age at time of injury was 6.4 ± 4.3 y. Children under age 5 y were the most affected subgroup (39.3% in 2000 versus 44.7% in 2009, P < 0.001). Most bites were to the head/neck and significantly increased from 53.9% in 2000 to 60.1% in 2009. Cellulitis complicated many injuries (33.7% in 2000 versus 44.8% in 2009, P < 0.001). Overall, 50% of patients underwent a procedure; 31% had an invasive surgical procedure; and 5.1% of patients required skin grafts or flaps.
CONCLUSIONS: Dog bites are a common cause of pediatric injuries and are a significant burden on families and the health care system. Evaluating the characteristics of these injuries can guide educational efforts.
Author List
Cook JA, Sasor SE, Soleimani T, Chu MW, Tholpady SSAuthor
Sarah E. Sasor MD Assistant Professor in the Plastic Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Age FactorsAnimals
Bites and Stings
Cellulitis
Child
Child, Preschool
Cost of Illness
Dogs
Female
Head
Humans
Injury Severity Score
Length of Stay
Male
Neck
Retrospective Studies
Skin Transplantation
Surgical Procedures, Operative
