EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF POLYTRAUMATISM IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION

Abstract

"Polytrauma" is a term frequently used in the practice and literature of trauma specialties. This term refers to a series of multiple injuries at the level of several organs or systems, in contrast to isolated traumatic injuries, where a single injury is encountered [Marsden NJ, 2022].
Millions of patients with polytrauma require medical care, some of them suffering injuries that will lead to lifestyle changes with the limitation of multiple activities. Globally, road collision is the leading cause of traumatic death, followed by suicide and homicide [Marsden NJ, 2022].
"Golden hour" expression coined by Professor Richard Cowley, concludes that most deaths due to polytrauma occur in the first 60 minutes after injury [Marsden NJ, 2022].
Following the research carried out on deaths from traumatic causes, a trimodal distribution was highlighted from them: immediately, early and late. The first 2 represent 80% of all traumatic deaths, occurring in the first hours after the injury, either due to brain injuries or major exsanguination. On the other hand, late deaths occur within days to weeks of trauma, secondary to sepsis or multiple organ failure [Marsden NJ, 2022].