Abstracto

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on pediatric trauma injuries requiring surgery in Germany.

Mine-Lea Meyer-Yeginer, Michael Boettcher, Konrad Reinshagen, Kristofer Wintges*

Introduction: The lockdown caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has prompted drastic public health measures by governmental organizations which impacted especially daily life for children around the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of closure of schools and kindergarten as well as restriction of leisure activities on the epidemiology of pediatric trauma injuries. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study comparing all pediatric trauma admissions and surgical intervention in two level one pediatric trauma centre in Germany during the first lockdown in 2020 with the same pre-pandemic period in 2019. Results: During lockdown emergency consultations decreased by almost 30%. The rate of domestic (63% vs. 29%) and traffic accidents (8% vs. 12%) increased while injuries caused by sports, on playgrounds and in school and kindergarten decreased. The patients mean age was reduced (5.78 yrs vs. 4.55 yrs) with an increase in injuries especially in toddlers. Soft tissue injuries were more frequent (25% vs. 30%) than in pre-pandemic time. The number of patients requiring surgical interventions rose (40 vs. 62) in time of lockdown; especially soft tissue interventions and injuries caused by home accidents increased. Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 lockdown has resulted in an increase in domestic accidents, especially in toddlers. Injuries requiring surgical interventions were more common, which can probably be explained by changes in parental supervision, leisure activities and as a result of a loss of fundamental movement skills due to a lack of physical activity in preschool.