A RETROSPECTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF NONACCIDENTAL HEAD INJURY IN CHILDREN IN SCOTLAND OVER A 15 YEAR PERIOD

A retrospective analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of non -accidental head injury (NAHI) in children in Scotland over the last f ifteen years from 1981 until March 1996 was performed. The information was provided by the Information and Statistics Division of the Scotti sh Health Service. The average incidence of NAHI calculated over this period was 0.04 cases per year per 1000 children under 5 years. Fifty- five per cent of all cases occurred in those children who were less th an a year old. 41% of cases were inflicted by a parent but in 47% the perpetrator could nor be identified. The mortality rate was found to b e 2%. Non-accidental head injury cases identified using the ICD-9 codi ng classification system gives a surprisingly low incidence. This numb er is probably an underestimate and the reasons for this are discussed . A prospective epidemiological analysis of NAHI in children in Scotla nd is being undertaken to determine the true incidence.