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J Pediatr Intensive Care 2017; 06(01): 052-059
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1584676
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pediatric Trauma Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Brief Review of the Current State and Recommendations for Management and a Way Forward

Andrew W. Kiragu
1   Department of Pediatrics, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
,
Stephen J. Dunlop
2   Department of Emergency Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
3   Division of Global Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
,
Benjamin W. Wachira
4   Accident and Emergency Department, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
,
Seno I. Saruni
5   Department of Surgery, Tenwek Hospital, Bomet, Kenya
,
Michael Mwachiro
5   Department of Surgery, Tenwek Hospital, Bomet, Kenya
,
Tina Slusher
1   Department of Pediatrics, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
6   Division of Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

07 November 2015

15 February 2016

Publication Date:
24 June 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Traumatic injuries are a significant cause of death and disability worldwide. The vast majority of these injuries occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Attention to protocolized care and adaptations to treatments based on availability of resources, regionalization of care, and the development of centers of excellence within each LMIC are crucial to improving outcomes and lowering trauma-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Given limitations in the availability of the resources necessary to provide the levels of care found in high-income countries, strategies to prevent trauma and make the best use of available resources when prevention fails, and thus achieve the best possible outcomes for injured and critically ill children, are vital. Overall, a commitment on the part of governments in LMICs to the provision of adequate health care services to their populations will improve the outcomes of injured children. This review details the evaluation and management of traumatic injuries in pediatric patients and gives some recommendations for improvements to trauma care in LMICs.

Keywords

low- and middle-income countries - trauma - pediatrics - prevention - trauma systems - emergency management
 

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