Objective: In this study it was aimed to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of pediatric trauma patients requiring follow-up in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and to contribute the data in this field by assessing the outcomes and prognostic factors.

Methods: This retrospective, observational study was carried out in the 12- bed medical PICU. We reviewed the clinical records of all trauma patients.

Results: A total of 99 patients (61 males and 38 females) were enrolled in this study. Eight patients died and the mortality rate was found as 8%. In univariate logistic regression analysis, presence of brain edema was associated to 12 folds increase in the mortality [Odds ratio (OR): 12; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.23-64.48]. Presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was associated to 15 folds increase in the mortality (OR: 15; 95% CI: 2.75-81.58). Pediatric trauma score (PTS)<8 was associated to 1.17 folds increase in the mortality (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.05-1.31). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis presence of brain edema was associated to 6,492 folds increase in the mortality (OR: 6,492; 95% CI: 1.078-39.06) and presence of SAH was associated to 8.68 folds increase in the mortality (OR: 8.68; 95% CI: 1.451-51.933).

Conclusion: The Glasgow coma scale score, PTS score and presence of SAH and brain edema are the factors effective on mortality in PICU.

Keywords: Trauma, child, PICU