THE NEW EPIDEMIC IN CHILDREN - PENETRATING INJURIES

Objective: It is our hypothesis that there has been a dramatic increas e in penetrating injuries in children. The purpose of this study is to verify this ''new'' epidemic in children and to note some of its char acteristics. Methods: We performed a 7-year retrospective review of th e trauma registry at our urban pediatric (<16 years of age) trauma cen ter (UPTC). Results: The percentage of admissions due to penetrating i njuries at our UPTC has gradually risen over the past 7 years primaril y due to gunshot wounds. In 1992 and 1993, compared to 1987 and 1988, the incidence of penetrating injuries has increased from 20 to 36% hi all children and from 45 to 66% in the 12-to-15-year-old age group. Co nclusion: Injuries due to penetrating trauma have, indeed, increased t o epidemic proportions.