Is obesity a protective factor in pediatric trauma? A retrospective review in a tertiary trauma centre over the decade. [Poster presentation]

Abstract

<p><b>Aim of the study: </b>The obesity paradox has been demonstrated in adult trauma population, but there is conflicting result in children. The study aims to investigate the effect of childhood obesity on the outcomes after sustaining trauma.</p><p><b>Method: </b>All patients aged below 18 years who attended a tertiary trauma centre from January 2010 to March 2022 due to impact trauma were included. The obese group was defined by having a body weight greater than 95^th percentile for age, while the rest was included in the non-obese group. Baseline characteristics and outcomes including injury severity scores (ISS), injury patterns, complications, mortality and length of stay (LOS) were compared between the two groups. Subgroup analyses were performed on different causes of injury and age groups. Severe injury was defined by an ISS greater than 15.</p><p><b>Results: </b>148 were included in the analysis, 23 in the obese group and 123 in the non-obese group. The two groups were similar in baseline characteristics, injury causes and outcomes. Obese group had longer LOS (4 days vs 2 days, p= 0.022). In subgroup analysis, obese group had fewer thoracic injuries in those sustaining RTA injuries (34.4% vs 0%, p=0.04), and higher proportion of severe injuries in young children less than 10 years old (28.6% vs 9%, p=0.034).</p><p><b>Conclusion: </b>Childhood obesity appears not to be a protective factor in children sustaining trauma, and may be a risk factor in young children for more severe injuries. Careful evaluation of obese children sustaining trauma is warranted to prevent injuries being overlooked.</p>