Trends in incidence of pediatric injury hospitalizations in Pennsylvania

Objectives. This study analyzed short-term trends in pediatric injury hospitalizations. Methods. We used a population-based retrospective cohort design to study all children 15 years or younger who were admitted to all acute care hospitals in Pennsylvania with traumatic injuries between 1991 and 1995. Results. Injuries accounted for 9% of all acute hospitalizations for children. Between 1991 and 1995, admissions of children with minor injuries decreased by 29% (P<.001). However, admissions for children with moderate (P=.69) or serious (P=.41) injuries did not change. Conclusions. Significant declines in pediatric admissions for minor injuries were noted and may reflect both real reductions in injury incidence and changes in admission practices over the period of the study.