Clinical Report: Trends in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Incidence in Denmark

Overview

This nationwide registry study analyzed pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) incidence in Denmark from 1985 to 2018, revealing detailed epidemiological trends across three decades. The study highlights variations in incidence rates by age, sex, and time period, providing updated data crucial for prevention and clinical management.

Background

Pediatric TBI is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with most cases classified as mild. Incidence rates vary widely globally and within Nordic countries, with falls and traffic accidents as predominant injury mechanisms. Previous Danish data on pediatric TBI incidence are outdated, limited to hospital survivors, and lack nationwide coverage. Updated, comprehensive incidence estimates are essential for targeting prevention and optimizing healthcare resource allocation.

Data Highlights

Incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 person-years, stratified by sex and age groups, across 5-year periods (except 2015–2018).

Key Findings

• The study included all live-born children in Denmark from 1977 to 2018, with follow-up until age 15, death, emigration, or end of 2018.
• Incidence rates of pediatric TBI were calculated using mandatory national registry data, ensuring comprehensive capture of hospital contacts.
• TBI severity classification was based on ICD diagnostic codes combined with hospital admission duration to approximate clinical severity in absence of Glasgow Coma Scale data.
• Falls were identified as the most common injury mechanism, consistent with Nordic and global patterns.
• Incidence rates varied by age group and sex, with data stratified accordingly to identify high-risk populations.
• The study updated prior Danish incidence estimates, which were limited to hospital survivors and older data sets.

Clinical Implications

Updated nationwide incidence data enable clinicians and public health officials to identify pediatric populations at higher risk for TBI and tailor prevention strategies accordingly. The classification approach combining diagnostic codes and admission duration may aid in epidemiological surveillance where clinical severity data are unavailable. These findings support resource allocation for acute care and rehabilitation services in Denmark.

Conclusion

This comprehensive nationwide registry analysis provides updated and detailed epidemiological insights into pediatric TBI incidence in Denmark over three decades. The data support targeted prevention efforts and inform clinical management strategies to reduce the burden of pediatric TBI.

References

1. Danish National Patient Register and Civil Registration System Data -- 1985-2018
2. Global and Nordic Pediatric TBI Epidemiology References [3,5,6,8,9,14,16,19,24]
3. STROBE Guidelines -- Reporting Observational Studies [27]