To assess functional outcomes at hospital discharge among children and adolescents who sustained penetrating TBI during armed conflict in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the significance of these outcomes in the context of ongoing violence.
Key Findings:
321 patients aged 18 years or younger (45% of total 719 patients) sustained penetrating TBI, with a median age of 13.0 years and 72% male.
Injury mechanisms included shrapnel (91%) and gunshot wounds (9%).
Favorable outcomes observed in 49% of pediatric patients; 30% died.
83% of patients with mild TBI had favorable outcomes compared to lower rates in moderate (53%), severe (26%), and intubated (21%) groups.
Interpretation:
There is substantial morbidity and mortality among children with penetrating TBI in conflict zones, underscoring the urgent need for improved medical resources and adherence to humanitarian laws to protect vulnerable populations.
Limitations:
Absence of long-term functional outcome data limits understanding of recovery trajectories.
Lack of information on prehospital fatalities may underestimate the true impact of TBI.
Incomplete data on preintubation GCS and other physiological parameters affects the assessment of injury severity.
No preconflict incidence data available restricts the ability to contextualize findings.
Conclusion:
This study provides critical insights into pediatric penetrating TBI in conflict settings, emphasizing the urgent need for better resources and protection for children in these environments.
by Mohammed Asfa, Joakim Stray Andreassen, Abdul Basit Khan, Geir Stray Andreassen, Mohammed A. K. Matar, Alaa A. A. Alaqad, Ihab Z. D. Nassar, Moath A. J. Albhnasawi, Øyvind Olav Salvesen, Sasha Gulati, Nidal Abuhadrous
